In the forty years of operation, a lot has changed in the world of education, the most notable being digital innovation, the rise of the personal computer, smartphones and now AI.
But what has not changed is the fundamental belief that to help children become stronger students, we first need to help them learn how to learn–a skill that requires no WiFi signal, digital device or technology at all.
Oxford Learning’s foundational philosophy has remained steadfast for over forty years: students already possess the key skills they need to become confident students with active minds capable of critical thinking; they just need help unlocking those skills with the right support.
In a world constantly focused on the newest technology, students still learn best with a pencil on paper, human-led, personal interaction. Oxford Learning’s four decades of operational success in Canada are due to its dedication to its tried-and-tested methods: students need foundational skills to learn best.
Recent industry recognition reflects that this philosophy resonates with parents and franchisees alike. In 2025, Elite Franchise ranked Oxford Learning as a top 10 Canadian franchise, securing first place in the Education Sector, with an Oxford Learning franchisee taking home the Outstanding Franchisee Achievement Award. Oxford Learning also secured the Canadian Franchise Association’s Franchisees’ Choice Designation for the 8th consecutive year, along with the Bronze Award of Excellence, adding this prestigious recognition to previous Gold and Silver awards.
These awards are not just a recognition of excellence in the franchising industry; they stand as a testament to Oxford Learning’s core pedagogy, which remains rooted in the importance of students’ cognitive abilities.
The power of pen and paper
While other education franchises promote using tablets, new apps, or online programs to learn, Oxford Learning students still use tried and true methods that help them build the cognitive skills they need to succeed. In a world filled with fast answers and instant results, asking students to pause and think on their own feels radically different. However, the reality is that having stronger cognitive and metacognitive skills helps students analyze and question what they read, which are skills they need to thrive in a world with instant information.
Ongoing research shows that offline learning–textbooks, pens, papers–leads to active learning. When students write with pen and paper, rather than screen and keyboard, they engage their brains in ways that are not present when logged on. Screens have links and notifications that distract. Offline, students can dig deeper, reflect, absorb, and process. That’s true learning, which leads to students building stronger neural connections and the skills to think critically about what learning is in a digital world.
Supporting learning, not replacing it
For digital natives, technology is part of life. But the message isn’t that AI and other tech should replace the way students learn—it’s that they can support it.
Recent MIT studies show that overreliance on AI reduces engagement and original thought. Students who leaned heavily on AI showed weaker thinking skills and less creativity. As long as students use technology to support—not substitute—their learning, it can help spark ideas and solve complex problems.
What sets Oxford Learning apart
Oxford Learning is distinct among tutoring franchises. Our model is rooted in cognitive development and metacognition—teaching students to think about their thinking. We guide problem-solving and offer feedback that supports growth, not just performance. In an age of shrinking attention spans and rising tech dependency, refocusing on offline thinking skills feels revolutionary.
Building a powerful connection for the future
For 40 years, Oxford Learning franchisees have helped students tune out the digital noise and focus on what matters most. No matter the year or tech trend, parents want a strong personal connection for their children—not a strong WiFi signal.
Building stronger cognitive skills requires no tech. Our 130+ Canadian locations have delivered on this promise for four decades. This approach continues to drive our system’s growth across Canada, with new milestones and continued expansion.
According to the Canadian Franchise Association, educational product and service franchises have grown 91% in five years and are expected to reach $20 billion in sales by 2032. It’s an exciting outlook, but growth alone doesn’t ensure quality.
At Oxford Learning, our future is rooted in a time-tested truth: all students can build strong cognitive skills for a better future—an approach that everyone can connect with.
This article is provided courtesy of Oxford Learning Centres Inc., Canada’s only supplemental education provider offering programs based on the science of cognitive development.
