KD college prep (Plano, Flower Mound, Frisco: home, school districts, camp)

[Privsch]

Anyone with experience with KD? Is one location better than other?
when to start enrolling kids?
Thanks!

[UnfairPark]

They provide pretty much similar service at all of their branches. However, do keep it in mind that they can’t perform miracles, 99% of their students don’t make National Merit Scholars or score >1500 on SAT. Most parents enroll their kids the summer between 8th and 9th grade. Some start in 7th grade hoping to crack Duke through TIP not knowing it doesn’t help with admission there. If you have a really tippy top student, save your money as they can make it with self prep. If you have an average excellent or mediocre student, it can help raise scores, for students who don’t understand basic math, it’s a waste too, hire a tutor instead.

[Privsch]

Thanks! So the peer group doesn't make a difference with location?

[Vagabond007]

I enrolled my two kids in KD over different periods. They went unwillingly to the initial camp but did not go afterwards. Complete waste of money for me. They practiced on their own and scored very well.

KD may help some students if they are excited about it. Khan Academy is much better to practice on your own for free using actual questions rather than made up ones.

So let the kids decide whether they are committed to using KD or not.

[Privsch]

Thanks Vagabond007. My kid is bright and capable. But does not have the discipline to consistently maintain a study schedule..

[Privsch]

Are there better alternatives to KD? He doesnot need much tutoring help but something on schedule

[UnfairPark]

As at KD, it’s mostly computer based exercises, like Kumon, peers doesn’t matter. Most KD branches are in good school districts any way so peers are similar, go by commute time.

There are online prep courses as well. I think KD can work but there are better and cheaper alternatives. Instead of wasting time driving to and from KD to sit on their computers, kids can do it at home and ask teachers for help with difficult parts. However, your experience may vary for each kid. So many kids basically hang out around KD and use strip mall as a social venue because their parents insist they must go.

[Privsch]

Thanks UnfairPark !

[skorea999888]

The locations offer just about the same programs and services, but the sizes of the locations definitely do vary...Plano is the largest/most established while Flower Mound recently opened I believe 2 years ago. The smaller campuses have less flexibility in class options, but definitely still flexible.

DM me for more details.

[FriscoTex]

The only computer portion at KD Prep is the vocabulary section. They do math and reading workshops (one hour per workshop) taught by an instructor. I would agree that all of the KD Prep locations offer the same workshops, so location does not matter. There are a lot of class options at the one in Frisco, and they are very flexible in their schedules.

Another bonus of KD Prep is that each year they give you a roadmap on your SAT/ACT/PSAT preparation, test schedule plan and the college application process. For those of you that have never done this before it is overwhelming the amount of information you need as well as how to create a successful plan.

Good luck, all 3 of my kids have attended KD Prep and I think its money well spent.