Great minds
don’t think alike.
That’s why we tutor.
Our approach to tutoring and test prep has proven effective for countless students, no matter how big the assignment or how daunting the test.
Test Preparation
Whether your goal is to improve your score, develop study skills, or build confidence in a specific subject, our personalized test prep programs prepare students for admissions tests and life beyond. Raising your scores not only makes you a more competitive candidate for admission, but also often qualifies you for merit-based scholarships and financial aid.
Private Tutoring or Small Group Class?
Students with highly specific score goals or unique learning needs often benefit from the personalized approach of 1-on-1 tutoring. Self-motivated students seeking a collaborative, peer-driven environment thrive in our small-group SAT classes and ACT classes.
Popular Test Prep Programs
Academic Tutoring
Our executive function coaching equips students to fulfill their academic potential by developing valuable study skills. A holistic approach leverages student goals, interests, and strengths to cultivate motivation and build a strategy aimed at long-term success.
Our 1-on-1 subject tutoring is both comprehensive and highly customizable. À la carte sessions help your student tackle specific course assignments, while longer programs can be designed to strengthen their overall understanding of a subject.
Semi-Private Academic Support
In addition to private coaching and tutoring, we offer customized, small-group classes for both general enrichment and specialized subjects, like AP Calculus and IB Chemistry. Reach out to learn more.
Popular Academic Tutoring Programs
North Avenue Education
Founded in 2013
North Avenue is a Portland-based tutoring company specializing in 1-on-1 test preparation, study skills coaching, and academic tutoring for middle school, high school, and college students. We believe every student can be prepared for a vibrant future.
A holistic approach to pedagogy guides our team of accomplished tutors and intuitive support staff to ensure an exceptional experience for every student. Our rigorous programs and proven methods empower students to take charge of their learning, cultivating curiosity and a yearning for knowledge that will last a lifetime.
What Our Students Say
Frequently Asked Questions
-
We believe that every interaction with our students is an opportunity to help them become better learners. Our holistic approach to private tutoring goes beyond simply raising a score. Students who build a broad foundation and cultivate a genuine enthusiasm for learning are more likely to stay curious and motivated throughout their academic journey.
To support our approach, we invest in the recruitment and development of some of the nation’s best tutors. What sets us apart from other 1-on-1 tutoring companies is the collaborative nature of our team. Our tutors engage regularly with one another to discuss teaching strategies and solutions to common challenges, and to gain a finer understanding of the ins and outs of the material. Additionally, our robust student support team works tirelessly in the background to ensure every family has continuous support.
At North Avenue Education, we understand not all students fit traditional learning models. Our tutors are trained in the most up-to-date, science-backed pedagogical methods for supporting students with common learning differences, like ADD or issues with executive function. We cultivate a comfortable and compassionate learning environment where students have room to experiment, explore their strengths, and achieve success.
-
Our office-based private tutoring programs allow for face-to-face collaboration, as well as a controlled, distraction-free environment. For test prep students, developing an ability to focus for a long period of time is key to testing success. In our offices, we curate a neutral setting that simulates the way the real test will look and feel.
Students who benefit from online tutoring are those with very busy schedules or who travel frequently. We also work with students living abroad or those who don’t live near one of our centers but wish to engage with a highly credentialed tutor. We are committed to ensuring our online platform recreates the in-person dynamic to the greatest extent possible. From practice test libraries to math annotation software, our tutors have a variety of tools at their disposal to deliver thorough and engaging virtual instruction.
No matter which setting best suits your student’s needs, they will benefit from our proven 1-on-1 tutoring programs and a tightly-connected network of accomplished tutors and dedicated staff.
-
All of our tutoring strives to impart the best educational experience possible, and our tutors are held to extremely high industry standards.
Our private tutoring rates are higher for services that require special training and mastery of demanding curricula, or that involve the pursuit of advanced degrees. The tutors who perform these services are some of the most skilled educators available and, accordingly, command a higher rate.
Read more about our pricing.
-
We do not offer score increase guarantees, nor do we track official scores or report on average gains. Each student’s journey looks very different – from where they start to how long they prepare to how committed they are to improving. What we do guarantee is that every student will get the best support possible, that we will be transparent throughout the process, and that we will be a reliable source of encouragement and information.
We will also be adaptive to whatever needs or challenges arrive. Students will work with their instructor to set reasonable goals, and for those ready to put in the work, significant gains are attainable.
-
We recommend students start their preparation no sooner than the summer before junior year, as most students are still developing core academic skills through the end of their sophomore year. If your student is a freshman or sophomore, we’d be happy to discuss a program that strengthens foundational skills. In some cases, students displaying exceptional academic maturity and strong performance in advanced coursework are ready earlier. If your student fits this profile, contact us to discuss their readiness and an SAT or ACT test prep program that suits their unique needs. The number of sessions a student needs to prepare for the SAT or ACT will vary. Most students will prep with us for four to eight months before their test. Book a consultation for your personalized recommendation.
-
Deciding which college entrance exam to take depends on a student’s academic strengths and study habits. The SAT rewards deep reflection and advanced problem solving, while the ACT rewards encyclopedic knowledge and quick recall. Generally, students who like math and science gravitate toward the ACT. Both tests are equally accepted by all colleges and universities, so students may choose the one they have the best chance of success on. There are some circumstances in which preparing for both tests is warranted, but for most students we recommend focusing on either the SAT or ACT. For more information, check out our fact sheet.
There is no substitute for establishing baseline scores and having a conversation with one of our advisors about which test your student should pursue. Contact us for a consultation or view our practice test calendar.
-
If you require testing accommodations, we have resources and information about all major entrance exams that we’d be glad to share. The applications and requirements are slightly different for every test, but the basic process is the same. You should expect to submit medical documentation around a learning disability that impacts performance on the academic tasks at hand, as well as demonstrate accommodations are being granted for regular school work.
Learn more about the SAT and ACT testing accommodations process by visiting the tests’ websites. Contact us for additional resources.