Higher Standards Academy

Specialties

We are a premier test prep organization, known for its effective methods and fun, accessible instructors. Since its inception in 2001, we have helped our students achieve total SAT increases up to 720 points, and total ACT increases up to 10 points, propelling them to universities like Stanford, UCLA, Berkeley, Brown, UCSB, Santa Clara, MIT, Cal Poly, Chapman, U of Chicago, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Bennington, and Princeton. We specialize in holistic test prep– our classes and private instruction include academic review, SAT strategy, methods to control test anxiety, and ways to maintain motivation & focus under pressure. Refer a friend for a class and get a 10% discount. Not valid with any other offer.

History

Established in 2001.

Higher Standards Academy is the premier SAT training organization in Santa Cruz County. It was founded in 1998 in Miami, FL by Dr. Jeffrey Rothkopf, who created a curriculum that addresses the different learning styles of students and is filled with memorable techniques and strategies that have helped students gain impressive score increases. Our Santa Cruz branch opened in 2001, with Jerilyn Kass at the helm. Since then, we have grown steadily based on the glowing recommendations of our students and their parents. Higher Standards Academy offers both private and small group training for both the SAT and ACT, college essay editing, Math tutoring (for school classes) for all grade levels, and aptitude testing for best college major and career fit.

Meet the Business Owner

Jerilyn K.

Business Owner

Jerilyn Kass started Higher Standards Academy in 2001 and is considered an expert in the field of college test preparation. She brings an entrepreneurial spirit, vibrant personality, a thoughtful nature, and a wealth of information to all her students and their parents.

She also works with students on their college essays, helping them find their unique voice which sets them apart from others.

Jerilyn’s personal connection to teenagers stems from her own difficult years as a teen, when she was involved in an abusive relationship that she kept secret. It lasted throughout high school and beyond, and so she spent her teenage years acting like she had it all together while she was falling apart inside. Jerilyn’s experience has made her particularly sensitive to what is going on with teens under the surface, a quality that enables her to connect with students and draw out the best from them.