Our intake process begins with an enjoyable consultation and trial session. We will use this evaluative experience as a guide in shaping an informed understanding of each student’s background, academic work to date, and future goals. The trial session will also give you a very clear picture of our teachers and their teaching styles. Some of the topics we will want to address are:
 What stage of the college application process are you in currently? 
 What are your academic strengths and weaknesses? 
 Have you taken any major standardized tests? If so, what are your scores, and what are your goals for test preparation moving forward? 
 What are your preferred activities and interests? 
 Have you been involved in any academic enrichment programs that might strengthen an application? If not, are you open to that? 
 Have you already started thinking about the kind of college or university to which you might apply? 
These are just a few of the dimensions that will be addressed both in writing and during our intake meeting. Our goal is to put together a schedule and program that reflects a deep understanding of every family’s goals and needs once we get to know them.


We will make very specific recommendations to you depending on each student’s grade and specific goals. We will not attempt to sign you up for any programs you don’t need. Some of our students come in specifically for SAT or ACT preparation and test proctoring. Others will want our help writing college essays or building resumes. Some students need help remaining organized and on schedule with all of the many steps that must be taken in order to maintain their GPA or to submit complete and strong applications. Other students, however, may only need homework or subject-intensive help on a temporary basis. We are prepared and ready to help in all areas, and every student will work with us to establish a very clear idea of both immediate and ultimate goals.

Most of our students want help with test prep because it makes such a difference in their candidacy when applying to colleges. One of the most important benefits of test prep is that it helps students become confident and comfortable with the timing, length, and variety of approaches to the test. If students have a comprehensive familiarity with the test before they take it, they don’t have to spend time adjusting to the way the test is written on test day. Our teachers make sure students are aware of the countless tricks of test-taking, which allows for much less intimidation. Additionally, our instructors make certain that every student enrolled in our test preparation program experiences the far-reaching benefits of critical thinking. Even the highest-scoring students will benefit from our test preparation courses. We have gotten many kids from 790 to that perfect 800 on any given SAT section.

We are available and very responsive to emails and texts at all hours. We understand that questions arise when students are working on Academic Pathways homework or admissions-related items, and that tests and quizzes come up quickly and require last-minute study sessions. If you need to cancel, request, or change a scheduled session, you can always contact us after hours and we will gladly work with your schedule. Time and time again parents say our scheduling flexibility and efficient communication makes all the difference for them.

Academic Pathways instructors have collective decades of teaching experience. Just one example of our expertise: both our founder and our writing instructors have A) MFAs in Writing and/or MAs in Literature B) extensive publications and awards

All Academic Pathways services are provided either in 1:1 teacher-student pairings or in small groups with up to three students. Any 2:1 or 3:1 class will be taught with individualized, differentiated instruction, as every student is working on a personalized curriculum designed for their unique needs and interests. While most of our sessions are tailored specifically to every student, we do have group classes available if several friends want to study the same subject at the same time.

We know life happens. We ask that you let us know if you have to reschedule as soon as possible, ideally 24 hours in advance, but will not charge a fee if you’re only able to give same-day notice.

There is no cash value to the class packages you purchase.  All paid hours represent future sessions. We do not issue package extensions or refunds. You can, however, discontinue service at any time and transfer your paid classes to other siblings, family members, or friends so they can benefit from our programs.