Today we’d like to introduce you to Curry Jones.
Hi Curry, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
First, thank you for the opportunity to share what has truly been a walk of faith and a lifelong passion to see our kids see their potential, believe in themselves despite the odds and reach their potential. The idea of Crossroads Academics was birthed in Seattle, Washington in 1998, where I sought to provide affordable SAT / ACT Prep classes to students enrolled in Seattle Public Schools. When I moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2001, I continued working to enhance the lives of youth by SAT / ACT Prep and help with school academic work. In 2006, when I moved to Dallas, Texas, Crossroads Academics moved from my dining room table to a physical location in Garland, Texas. In 2021 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I stepped out on faith to expand the business and Crossroads Academics purchased a Gideon Math and Reading franchise to expand services to kids in the Garland, Sachse, Wylie, Rowlett, Rockwall, and East Richardson area.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been an easy road; we faced some struggles opening up in middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used plexi-glass shields on the tables to give tutors and families comfort during this time. We also did temperature checks to make sure we did not create COVID-19 spreading events. As people emerged from masks, we experienced about an 80% growth in business which was amazing! We went from a staff of 4 when we opened to a staff of 10 within 11 months of opening.
The other challenge we faced was a delay in business loan funding through the bank. I started my business loan application process on June 20, 2020, and my loan was not approved until July 2021. I remember in December 2020 when my loan moved into underwriting, it was a long an arduous process. I signed my lease for the Gideon Math and Reading – Garland location in February 2021, and the build out of the center had started, but my loan was still in underwriting. In March 2021, I got the phone call that no new business owner ever wants to hear, “We can’t do your loan!” My heart dropped in my pants because I had expended both time and personal money. I prayed about it, said, “God’s got this!” I immediately called the bank President (caught him on the phone while he was filling up his car. LOL). I remember telling him the situation that was happening, the space build-out and telling him he was the only thing standing in front of the center opening. He then told, “I understand, and I know your center will do well. I will sign and approve your loan when I get back to the office.” I was in tears. It was affirmation that this was God’s will and plan!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Gideon Math and Reading – Garland is an after-school learning program that focuses on building strong foundational skills in math and reading comprehension for children, typically from pre-K through high school. For math, we start with number sense, counting, and basic operations. From there, we progress step-by-step into fractions, decimals, algebra, and higher-level problem-solving. At Gideon, we use a mastery-based approach, meaning students don’t move forward until they fully understand the current concept. For reading, we begin with phonics, sight words, and early literacy. From there, we transition into vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension. Our program emphasizes fluency and confidence with both fiction and nonfiction texts.
Students typically complete daily worksheets (short, incremental practice). with a focus on mastery and independent learning rather than rushing through levels. Our goal is to strengthen student’s fundamentals in math and reading, so they build confidence and develop skills that carry over into schoolwork. We help both struggling learners and advanced learners.
What sets Gideon Math and Reading-Garland apart from others is our student to teacher ratios. We keep our ratios at 1 tutor to 3 students so that we can be attentive to your child’s needs. We do not do contracts. I often tell parents we have to earn your business each month. It makes me proud to see students come back each week. During the summer, some of our families take a break to travel overseas, but they tell us, “Hold our seat, we will be back!” In addition, we offer support for higher level math such as Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. The STAAR testing enrichment that we do throughout the school year and in March, before the State of Texas exams, has contributed to a high passing rate in partnership with our local Garland ISD.
Lastly, we work to maintain a long-term relationship with families so we can see them go off to college. We simply try to make it a fun environment. My staff are amazing, and I try to have my positive energy be contagious.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The journey to business ownership was truly walk of faith. God truly deserves the credit. My wife and business partner Jacquelyn Jones has been amazing. She has been my rock through the entire journey. When I was tutoring at our dining room table, she encouraged me to step out on faith an open an office location.
Pricing:
- Young Learner (YL) Reading $170
- Young Learner (YL) Math – $170
- Independent Learner (IL) Math – $170
- Independent Learner (IL) Reading – $170
- Discount for Double Subjects and $60 Registration Fee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gideonmathandreading.com/garland/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GideonMRGarland
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curry-jones-69369014/
