NTC SmartClass: Flexible Homeschooling Designed for Real Filipino Families

Rethinking Education to Fit Real Life

What if school didn’t just fit into your child’s routine but also nurtured their personality, interests, and potential? What if learning helped them rediscover curiosity, the kind that sparks discovery and builds a lifelong love for knowledge?

For many Filipino families, traditional schooling has become a daily challenge. Long commutes, rigid schedules, and standardized methods can limit creativity, personal growth, and quality time with family. More parents today are searching for educational options that support both academic excellence and holistic development.

NTC SmartClass, a homeschooling program from the National Teachers College in collaboration with APEC Schools, offers a modern, student-centered alternative. This isn’t just a different format; it’s a smarter, more flexible way to learn.

Learning That Adapts to Every Lifestyle

Gabby, a Grade 8 student, appreciates the flexibility NTC SmartClass offers. “You can study however you like,” she says. For her, the freedom allows time for hobbies, friendships, and serving in her church’s music ministry. She adds, “It helps us explore different interests and stay active outside of school.”

For Rianne, a tenth-grader who frequently travels, NTC SmartClass provides more than just convenience. “It trains you for the future,” she shares. “We work independently but also get help from Subject Matter Experts.” This guidance keeps her engaged and allows her to dive deeper into subjects she’s passionate about, such as physics.

Despite time zone challenges, Rianne balances academics and personal life through a customized schedule. “I can adjust my routine to fit both,” she says, showing how the program supports well-being as much as learning.

Empowering the Whole Family to Thrive

Mommy Jackie and her husband, both remote workers in Pangasinan, struggled with the demands of traditional school schedules. “We needed a homeschooling partner that allowed flexibility,” she says. “What we found in NTC SmartClass is not just convenience—it gave our children a chance to take ownership of their learning.”

Her eldest son now actively pursues swimming and has even won local competitions. Her youngest has become a video editing enthusiast and assists Jackie with her virtual assistant work. With NTC SmartClass, her children are thriving both academically and personally.

“It’s amazing to see them not just learning but also truly living,” she adds.

A Learning Model That Puts Students First

The strength of NTC SmartClass lies in its student-centered philosophy. Mary Ann C. Barcelon, Instructional Design and Professional Development Manager at NTC, leads the team behind this vision. With over 15 years of experience and two children in Grades 2 and 3 enrolled in the program, she brings both professional and personal insight to her work.

“I want my kids to play, explore, and stay curious—without the pressure,” she says.

NTC SmartClass uses a learn-by-doing model. It emphasizes meaningful engagement, critical thinking, and practical application, rather than passive memorization.

“It’s not just about downloading information,” Mary Ann explains. “Students work with what they learn—asking questions, applying ideas, and connecting them to real life.”

Students have the autonomy to:

• Create their daily learning schedules
• Choose the order of their lessons
• Join live sessions that match their pace and interests

This structure builds responsibility and helps integrate learning into everyday routines.

The curriculum is designed for relevance. Younger students develop core skills through hands-on projects, while older learners explore real-world issues across subjects. Assessments focus on true understanding, not just grades.

Preparing Students for Life, Not Just Exams

NTC SmartClass is proof that education can be flexible, empowering, and deeply personal. It encourages curiosity, supports student agency, and aligns learning with real-life experiences.

As Mary Ann says, “Students learn to see the value in what they do—not just for school, but for life.”

This kind of education builds confident, independent learners who are ready for the challenges of a fast-changing world—right here in the Philippines and beyond.

For Filipino families, NTC SmartClass offers more than homeschooling. It offers a smarter way to live, learn, and grow—together.