Subjects
Reading
Elementary Reading
Reading is the gateway to all future education. Students must learn to read before they can read to learn! Reading is composed of two elements: decoding (turning letters into sounds, and sequences of sounds into words) and comprehension (gaining full meaning from the written word). Phonemic awareness and effortless sight word recognition are essential. Through "fun" activities we cover all areas comprehensively and successfully. Addressing reading speed and fluency are essential components. State of the art software and technology are employed to stimulate exciting growth. Students average a reading gain of at least one full year for each course of instruction (based on standardized test results).
Advanced Reading
Reading speed and fluency may not be enough to ensure success. Students must appreciate complex ideas, must predict probable outcomes, must recognize foreshadowing, and must comprehend content within the total context. Advanced vocabulary must be understood. Notetaking must be mastered, and outlines for summaries prepared. Literary response is an essential skill for the mature reader. Students and talented tutors work to analyze and discuss passages and chapters in depth. Our tutoring plans, based on testing and analysis, are individualized to meet each student's specific needs, and to meet desired objectives. Our advanced readers are equipped to succeed in accelerated programs at school.
Math
Elementary Math
Students must "get" math concepts before they can rely on math symbols. Too often, children don't really understand the meaning behind multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, negative numbers, percentages, etc. To really understand, many students must learn through 'hands-on' experiences, games, and carefully selected computer activities. We provide these essential foundation experiences, and the practice necessary to transfer this learning into successful use of symbols. Then a student is thoroughly prepared for real classroom success.
Middle / High School Math
In middle school, students form an important foundation for higher level math. It is essential that Pre-algebra and Algebra be fully understood so that students are successful when encountering the high school mathematical concepts that lie ahead. We ensure that students learn to manipulate and simplify algebraic functions, and we help them develop an understanding of algebra to explain real-life experiences. At the high school level, we build upon this foundation as we address both the Common Core curriculum of Integrated Math 1, 2, and 3 and the traditional curriculum of Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, and Pre-calculus. We guide our students to recognize what they know, to build upon this knowledge and to develop their potential.
Pre-Algebra topics include variables; order of operations; equations; inequalities; exponents; geometry; ratios, proportions & percents; coordinate graphing, graphing equations & inequalities; plane figure areas; volumes & surface area of bodies; square roots & radicals, Pythagoras, trig. ratios, probability & statistics.
Algebra topics include absolute value; FOIL (multiplying binomials); factoring; problems & problem solving; operations with algebraic fractions; negative exponents; scientific notation; linear equations; domain & range; linear & quadratic functions; solving systems of equations & quadratics; rational & irrational numbers.
Geometry topics include points, lines, segments, rays & angles; proofs; properties of parallel lines & plane figures; inequalities; Pythagoras; trig.; areas; geometric probability; solid figure surface area & volume; graphing equations.
Algebra 2 topics include solving systems of linear equations; inequalities; graphing; linear programming; relations; functions; domain& range; laws of exponents; radicals & solving radical equations; imaginary & complex numbers; solving quadratics, polynomials; analytic geometry; logarithmic functions; series; binomials; permutations; trig.; functions; matrices & determinants; circular & periodic functions.
Pre-calculus topics include periodic, trig., circular, parametric exponential & logarithmic functions; combined sinusoids; vectors; regression& correlation; probability permutations; combinations; matrix transformations; analytic geometry; polar coordinates; series; limits, & derivatives.
Writing
Effective Writing
Effective writing is essential as a lifelong communication skill. Students must describe orally before they can capture their ideas in writing. In the primary grades, children must master letter formation and be able to present their thoughts on paper with relative ease. They need to acquire a broad vocabulary before concise summaries can be recorded, and descriptive passages can be composed. Children need to produce a variety of passages - descriptive, expository, creative, persuasive etc. We create opportunities for planning, drafting, revising, proof-reading and finally producing the finished copy. Individual needs in mechanics (punctuation and capitalization), grammar, usage, and written expression are identified and strengthened.
We address the wide range of each school's expectations for writing, including paragraphs and multi-paragraph essays, common grammar errors and the complex topics included in the High School English curriculums. We serve students in regular classes, the accelerated public school programs (GATE classes including H.A., I.B. and Honors), and those attending the private middle schools and high schools. We assist students to engage in internet research in support of their writing projects.
Spelling is an integral part of successful writing. All students can improve their spelling skills, even those who are convinced that they will never conquer spelling. The latest techniques for teaching spelling are employed.
Some of our students have won writing contests, and have had their written pieces published in school magazines.