Frequently Asked Questions About Future Academy

Find clear answers to parents’ most important questions about our teaching team, small-group classes (maximum teacher-to-student ratio of 1:6), PSLE, IP, O Level, A Level and IBDP support, locations, online options, fees, and how to book lessons at Future Academy.

FAQ Hub

Answers to Common Tuition Questions

Browse the questions below to understand our teaching approach, class sizes, subjects and levels, locations and online options, getting started, fees, class management, and specific programmes. All answers are written for Singapore parents comparing tuition centres.

About Our Teachers & Teaching Approach

Future Academy’s teaching team is led by Mr Jason Lau (former Head of Department, Mathematics, Hwa Chong Institution) and Ms Yvonne Chen (former Raffles Girls’ School teacher). Our wider team includes NIE-trained educators and teachers with experience supporting IP and JC students. Classes are assigned based on availability, and all teachers follow the same lesson structure and standards.

  • Teaching team-led standards: Lessons are delivered by a teaching team led by Mr Jason Lau and Ms Yvonne Chen, with clear standards for explanation, practice, and feedback.
  • Clear lesson structure: Students get organised notes, step-by-step methods, and clear expectations for homework and revision.
  • Exam readiness: We teach concepts and answering strategies, so students can handle both tutorials and tougher exam-style questions.
  • Small groups with support: Small-group teaching (maximum teacher-to-student ratio of 1:6) allows targeted corrections and productive discussion.

Yes. We use a curated bank of practice questions and past papers to train students on common IP school question styles and exam expectations. Where relevant, we include questions from schools such as RGS, Hwa Chong, RI, NYGH, ACS(I), NJC, VJC, DHS, MGS and SJI.

Deep conceptual understanding comes first. We help students truly grasp why concepts work so they can tackle unfamiliar questions, adapt under exam pressure, and retain knowledge long term. On top of that, we systematically teach exam skills such as time management, question interpretation, recognising common pitfalls, and managing exam stress – but never as a shortcut replacement for genuine mastery.

You may indicate a preference, and we will accommodate where scheduling allows. However, we cannot guarantee a specific teacher for every class. Regardless of who teaches your child, lessons follow the same structure, materials, and teaching standards across our teaching team.

Fit matters. The first package already helps us see if teaching style matches your child. If concerns arise later, please speak with us early. Often, small adjustments solve the issue; if not, we will explore moving your child to another suitable class where possible.

We provide comprehensive lesson materials – concise notes, scaffolded practice questions, challenging application problems and school/exam papers where relevant. Students typically bring only their school textbook (if any), notebook, stationery and calculator. Additional reference books or Ten-Year Series are optional, not compulsory purchases from us.

Class Format & Learning Environment

Our signature format keeps a maximum teacher-to-student ratio of 1:6. This gives teachers space to diagnose misconceptions, give immediate feedback, and adjust explanations on the spot, while still preserving the benefits of peer discussion and collaborative learning. It also makes experienced teaching accessible at a fraction of one-to-one tuition cost.

  • Strict cap: We keep a maximum teacher-to-student ratio of 1:6. If a class grows, we add another teacher to maintain the ratio.
  • Active participation: Students are expected to solve questions, present working, and explain reasoning; passive listening is not an option.
  • Immediate feedback: Teachers circulate, check work in real time, and correct misconceptions on the spot.
  • Similar-ability grouping: Students are grouped by level so pacing is appropriate for everyone.
  • Continuous assessment: Teachers constantly monitor progress and adjust teaching or recommend extra support where needed.
  • Placement by ability: We assess students during enrolment and place them into classes with similar levels.
  • Differentiated practice: Everyone learns the same core concepts, but practice questions are adjusted in difficulty for different students.
  • Flexible attention: Teachers spend more time with students who need extra support while stretching advanced students with extension tasks.
  • Periodic regrouping: As students progress, we may adjust class composition to keep challenge levels appropriate.

We keep a maximum teacher-to-student ratio of 1:6. Many groups run with only 4–6 students per teacher; if a group grows larger, we add another teacher to maintain the ratio.

Subjects & Programmes Offered

We specialise in Mathematics and Sciences across all major levels:

  • PSLE (P5–P6): Mathematics, Science
  • O-Level (Sec 3–4): Additional Mathematics, Elementary Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Combined Science
  • IP (Sec 1–4): IP Mathematics, IP Physics, IP Chemistry, IP Biology, integrated IP Science
  • A-Level (JC1–JC2): H2 Mathematics, H2 Physics, H2 Chemistry, H2 Biology
  • IBDP (Years 1–2): Math AA/AI HL & SL, Physics HL/SL, Chemistry HL/SL, Biology HL/SL

We do not currently offer humanities or languages – our focus is purely on Mathematics and Sciences.

We teach students from all IP schools in Singapore. While our founders are from RGS and Hwa Chong, our programmes support students from RI, NYGH, ACS(I), NJC, VJC, DHS, MGS, SJI and other IP schools. We understand the curriculum variations across schools and adjust our materials and pacing accordingly.

  • Content depth: IP classes dig deeper conceptually and often cover advanced topics beyond the O-Level syllabus to prepare students for JC (A-Level track) or IBDP.
  • Pacing: IP curriculum is spread over 4 years with more flexibility for enrichment, while O-Level classes build towards a single national exam at Sec 4.
  • Focus: IP emphasises long-term analytical thinking and higher-order problem solving; O-Level tuition balances strong foundations with targeted exam techniques.

Yes. We run both support-level classes for students who need to rebuild foundations, and enrichment-level classes for students significantly ahead of school pace. During the assessment and placement process, we assess each student’s actual level (not just their school year) and recommend a group that keeps them challenged but not overwhelmed.

Specific Programmes (IBDP, PSLE, advanced topics)

  • IBDP Mathematics: Math AA HL/SL and Math AI HL/SL, including calculus, statistics, discrete maths, vectors and more.
  • IBDP Sciences: Physics, Chemistry and Biology HL/SL, covering the full syllabus.
  • IA support: Guidance on topic selection, methodology, data analysis and structuring the Internal Assessment (see IA question below for details).

We do not cover Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK) or CAS – these require different expertise.

  • What we cover: Choosing and refining topics, planning methodology/experiments, guiding data collection, teaching appropriate analysis and helping students structure their reports based on IBDP criteria.
  • How we deliver: IA support is integrated into regular IBDP classes with individual guidance, not a separate “done-for-you” service.
  • Academic honesty: We do not write IAs for students or over-edit their work; ownership must remain with the student to comply with IBDP rules.

Our Primary 4–6 programmes are PSLE-focused, not casual enrichment. We emphasise strong conceptual understanding plus heuristics for non-routine problem sums (e.g. model drawing, working backwards, finding patterns), and we train students to handle high-difficulty PSLE-style questions confidently.

Locations & Learning Modes

  • Bugis Centre: 175A Bencoolen Street #06-05, The Garage @ Bencoolen (Opposite Rochor MRT DT13).
  • Bukit Timah Centre: 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road #10-02, Bukit Timah Shopping Centre (next to Beauty World MRT DT5).
  • Braddell Centre: 381 Lor 1 Toa Payoh #01-12, OnePeople.sg (beside Braddell MRT NS18, Exit B).

All centres are fully air-conditioned with interactive whiteboards and a focused, conducive learning environment.

Yes. We run full online classes using the ClassIn platform with interactive whiteboards, screen sharing, breakout rooms and optional lesson recordings. Online classes follow the same maximum teacher-to-student ratio of 1:6 small-group format and syllabus as on-site lessons, so families can choose the mode that best fits their schedule and comfort level.

Hybrid learning allows your child to attend the same class either on-site or online, week by week. Students usually come in person, but can join via ClassIn if they are unwell, travelling, or facing a clash in schedule. This ensures continuity – students do not have to miss lessons or scramble for make-up slots.

Getting started & enrolment

  • Online form: Visit /book-lessons/ and submit the booking form.
  • WhatsApp (fastest): Message +65 8457 7888 with your child’s name, school, level, subjects, and preferred location/timing.
  • Phone: Call +65 6884 6566 to speak with our coordinators.

We usually confirm lesson slots within 24 hours. WhatsApp replies are often faster during business hours.

We do not offer free lessons. Most families start with a standard 4-lesson package (paid) so the student can settle in and our teaching team can confirm the right class and pacing.

  • Lessons run as normal small-group lessons (maximum teacher-to-student ratio of 1:6).
  • We rebuild foundations and teach clear answering approaches, based on the student’s gaps.
  • After the first package, we share clear next steps (continue, change level, or change subject).

This approach helps parents and students assess fit without pressure.

  • Welcome & introduction (about 10 minutes): Students are oriented to the class format and expectations.
  • Diagnostic teaching (about 20 minutes): Targeted questions help us gauge current understanding and identify gaps.
  • Core lesson (60+ minutes): Students experience our deep conceptual teaching and guided problem solving.
  • Individual feedback: The teacher shares strengths, weaknesses and recommended focus areas with the student.
  • Parent consultation: Parents receive honest feedback and placement recommendations after the lesson.

No, there is no obligation to continue after the first 4-lesson package. After the first package, you can continue, take time to decide, or stop. If you continue, we will recommend a suitable next step based on your child’s needs and schedule.

  • Confirm interest via WhatsApp, phone or email.
  • Class assignment: We finalise subject, timeslot, teacher and centre/online mode.
  • Enrollment form: You complete a simple form with student and parent details.
  • Payment setup: First month’s fees are paid via your chosen method.
  • Start lessons: You receive schedule details, material info and relevant WhatsApp group links.

Pricing & Payment

Fees vary by level (PSLE, O-Level, IP, A-Level, IBDP) and subject. For an accurate quotation for your child, please:

  • WhatsApp +65 8457 7888
  • Call +65 6884 6566
  • Visit our pricing page for current ranges

We are transparent about fees and inclusions – no hidden charges.

  • Second subject: 10% discount
  • Third subject: 15% discount
  • Sibling discounts: 10% for the second sibling, 15% for the third sibling on their package

Parents pay according to the payment advice they receive. Our preferred payment methods are:

  • PayNow (fastest and most convenient)
  • Bank transfer (DBS/POSB)
  • GIRO (monthly auto-debit)
  • Cash at our centres
  • Cheque payable to Future Academy

After payment is verified (which may take a few working days), parents receive an official receipt. Payment details and instructions are clearly provided in your payment advice.

Core notes, worksheets, curated questions and progress checks are all included in the monthly fee. Optional extras may include recommended reference books, Ten-Year Series and elective intensive holiday programmes, which are clearly communicated in advance.

Class Management & Progress Tracking

We operate on a month-by-month subscription. A one-month advance notice is required to discontinue so we can plan class sizes responsibly. For example, if you wish to end lessons after May, please notify us by the end of April.

Current month’s fees are non-refundable once the month has started, as teacher time and materials are already committed. With the standard one-month notice, you are not charged for subsequent months beyond the notice period.

If you inform us in advance (ideally at least 24 hours), we will try to arrange a make-up option – joining another suitable class, accessing an online recording (where available), or providing summary notes and homework. Make-ups are always subject to class capacity and timetable fit, and missed lessons are not refunded in cash.

  • Weekday afternoons/evenings: roughly 3.00 pm–9.00 pm
  • Weekends: morning and afternoon slots

We do our best to match your preferences, subject to availability and class fit. Popular slots may have waiting lists, but we will propose alternatives if needed.

Yes. Hybrid flexibility is included in your tuition fees. Your child can attend on-site one week and online the next at no additional cost. Simply inform us in advance (preferably at least 24 hours) so we can prepare the online access and ensure smooth lesson flow.

  • Lesson-by-lesson observation: Teachers watch how students solve problems, not just final answers.
  • Homework checks: Regular assignments highlight misconceptions early.
  • Topic tests: Periodic tests measure mastery of key topics.
  • School exam review: We analyse school exam papers to pinpoint specific weaknesses.
  • Reports & updates: Termly progress summaries and ongoing WhatsApp updates keep parents informed.
  • 1–2 months: Quicker wins for students who already have decent foundations – better confidence, fewer careless mistakes.
  • 3–6 months: More significant grade improvements as gaps are systematically closed.
  • 6–12 months: Deep transformation where students become independent learners with strong analytical habits.

Actual timelines depend on starting point, effort, homework consistency and school demands.

  • Periodic WhatsApp updates about general progress and exam readiness.
  • Termly written reports summarising mastery, strengths and key areas to work on.
  • Parent-teacher consultations by phone or in person, especially before major exams.
  • An open-door policy – parents can message or call us whenever they have concerns.

Additional Programmes & Support

Yes. During June, September and year-end holidays, we run optional intensive revision and head-start programmes. These are ideal for students preparing for major exams or needing to catch up quickly in specific topics. Holiday programmes are charged separately and clearly communicated in advance; they are not compulsory for regular students.

We do not regularly run separate H3 classes because demand is small and highly specialised. However, for exceptional students, we may arrange customised support for H3 topics, olympiad training or university-level extension topics, subject to teacher availability and the student’s commitment level.

Guarantees & Expectations

We do not guarantee grades or a specific grade improvement. Results depend on many factors, such as starting level, attendance, homework completion, school exam difficulty, and the student’s effort. What we do promise is consistent teaching standards, small-group attention, strong materials, and honest feedback on progress.

Still Have Questions?

Reach out and our team will respond quickly with personalised advice for your child’s situation.