Academic Approach

Specialties

We specialize in SAT, ACT, PSAT, SSAT, HSPT, MAP, Selective Enrollment, & ISEE test preparation and tutoring.

We begin our programs with complimentary diagnostic tests either in your home or in our offices. These tests help us understand your student’s needs and design the most effective tutoring solution.

Our expert tutors meet students at our offices, in your home, or over the phone and online. We are flexible, supportive mentors who guide students to their greatest test-​taking success.

We listen.

Before designing a program, we discuss your son’s or daughter’s unique needs and aspirations. The best results follow from a proper understanding of each student.

We assess.

We analyze your student’s official score reports or administer the relevant tests. These assessments are necessary in order to design a tutoring program that meets the exact learning needs of your student.

We customize.

Whether your child requires a few lessons or a more extended program, our expert directors meet with you to tailor an effective study plan that targets your specific goals, accommodates our busy schedule, and engages your child in the most personalized one-​on-​one teaching experience.

We teach.

Our experienced and knowledgeable tutors engage your child in highly customized, one-​on-​one teaching, guiding your son or daughter through a personalized program that focuses on the student’s specific test-​taking skills and strategy.

History

Established in 2001.

The idea for Academic Approach was born at Columbia University while our founder, Matthew, was tutoring New York City high school students for standardized tests. He noticed an evident gap between the level of readiness his students exhibited and the academic standards they would be expected to live up to on the college level.

It occurred to Matthew that the most meaningful way to offer test preparation was to create a model of skills-​based test preparation™, that is, a unique curriculum of instruction in vital college readiness skills that would bridge these two levels of education: high school curriculum and college curriculum.

Instead of merely teaching tips and tricks or strategies, Academic Approach would help students cultivate lasting college readiness skills that would significantly improve their academic performance on and beyond the test. This essential academic mission is referred to as as «Teaching Beyond the Test™».

Meet the Business Owner

Matthew P.

Business Owner

Matthew earned his Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy, and Ph.D. degrees in English Language and Literature at Columbia University, where he was honored with his selection as Writing Fellow in the English Competition Department.

Matthew’s goal is for Academic Approach to work closely with parents, teachers, and entire school systems to address gaps in the educational sequence that prevent both high scores on standardized tests and successful performance in the classroom. He believes that the number one correlating factor to test performance is grade point average. Simply put, effective test preparation means teaching the concepts, content, and skills necessary for success in the classroom.

Academic Approach is rethinking the role of test preparation within education. In order for any model of test preparation to be considered a credible form of education it must provide academic enrichment, support and enhance teachers’ efforts, and reach out to all students.