The National Teachers College (NTC) is making a bold move in the education sector with the launch of SmartClass, a fully online homeschooling program designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners. Introduced after its 2023 merger with APEC Schools, SmartClass combines nearly a century of academic expertise with advanced digital learning tools to offer a flexible, tech-driven alternative to traditional classroom education.
With education delivery models undergoing significant shifts, NTC sees SmartClass as both a response to growing demand for individualized learning and a forward-looking investment in the digital education space. The program emphasizes student-centered pacing, mastery of content, and digital autonomy – features that are becoming increasingly attractive to families seeking greater flexibility and relevance in their children’s education.
This approach is not only reshaping how students learn but also how education can be delivered at scale. By aligning its academic strength with APEC Schools’ digital infrastructure, NTC is setting the stage for a new model of remote learning that responds directly to challenges in accessibility, engagement, and quality.
SmartClass is tailored for students who thrive in a personalized, self-paced environment. Its emphasis on learner independence not only challenges traditional approaches but also opens opportunities for growth and innovation in both urban centers and underserved communities.
Parents of students enrolled in the program have observed notable improvements in engagement and motivation. One shared that her child is now more eager to explore topics such as 3D printing, modeling, and programming – interests that have emerged naturally through self-paced learning. Compared to previous homeschooling setups, SmartClass was credited with sparking deeper curiosity and active learning.
For many families, this level of personalization translates into higher engagement and improved learning outcomes. A parent noted that practical savings on transportation and meals have also allowed them to reallocate funds toward family enrichment activities, including travel.
Beyond convenience, the program is cultivating key competencies for the future. Parents have observed growth in their children’s independence, accountability, and digital fluency – qualities increasingly important in higher education and the workplace.
Cherille Siquete, a SmartClass parent, initially turned to the program due to her daughter’s challenges in the traditional school environment. A year later, she noticed significant development.
"It was really like a hand in a glove," Ms. Siquete shared. "It was a perfect fit for me and my child because the values are there, and it's so flexible that she can attend her classes or not, depending on her, so it's really the best choice for us."
"Their independence and accountability really go up," she added. "Because it is their responsibility to know and submit their projects; if they do not, there are consequences.”
With persistent gaps in the public school system and mounting concerns over access and equity, SmartClass offers a viable alternative for families seeking quality education beyond conventional classroom settings. The program also illustrates how a blended model of academic rigor and digital-first delivery can serve as a potential framework for broader educational transformation.
As more schools and institutions experiment with online and hybrid models, NTC SmartClass demonstrates what a fully realized digital pedagogy can look like when built around student needs. Its scalability, supported by the partnership between NTC and APEC Schools under iPeople Inc., positions it as a promising benchmark in the education-as-a-service (EaaS) space – where value, adaptability, and outcomes drive future growth.