Our difference?
We don’t teach tips and tricks.
We teach Functional Learning. 

Traditional test prep teaches tips and tricks for marginal score gains on tests students will never take again. We don’t do that.

We use the test prep process to teach Functional Learning™—three core literacies (Comprehension, Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving) that students use not just for tests, but for the rest of their academic and professional lives.

On average, our students achieve 2–3 times more improvement than those in traditional prep programs. More importantly, they become the kind of learners who can walk into any classroom, any challenge, and say: "I have a process for this".

The Three Critical Literacies

Comprehension

Identifying what you don't know before articulating what you do

Critical Thinking

Finding patterns to reduce complexity down to a few core ideas

Problem Solving

Processing pieces to uncover intermediary outcomes and prevent paralysis

Prep Programs

All tutors available to work remotely via videoconference.

ACT & SAT prep

Work 1-1 with the best instructors in the country developing skills and critical literacies that help students earn 6-8 pt score improvements on the ACT and 200-250 pt score improvements on the SAT.

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ISEE & SSAT prep

Work 1-1 with an instructor on a personalized program to ace private school entrance exams and develop skills that prepare students to succeed in even the most advanced high school courses.

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Program Overview

How Functional Learning™ Works

    Our Approach

    We teach students the three skills they need for college and beyond: Comprehension, Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving. In the process, they improve dramatically on standardized tests like the ACT and SAT — on average, 2–3x the industry average.

    More importantly, our students become more confident, independent, self-directed learners who can process complex information more efficiently and effectively for the rest of their lives.

    Program Cadence

    The typical program is two 90-minute sessions per week for 8–12 weeks. After that point, students usually drop down to one session per week and take more frequent mock exams.

    The program is designed specifically around your student’s needs — if they need fewer or more sessions, we personalize it for them.

    What Each Session Looks Like

    Every session targets one or more of the Three Literacies™. One session might focus on Comprehension — learning to accurately process what you’re reading and close gaps in understanding. The next might focus on Problem Solving — learning to find small, undeniable truths that reveal the next step, instead of trying to see the final answer all at once. Your student’s tutor adjusts the focus based on where they need the most growth.

    “Test scores are a lagging indicator of functional literacy. If your child can teach themselves how to solve a problem they’ve never seen before, no test can scare them.” — Dr. Johnny Duda