AI In Education

School is back in session, and the emergence of AI in education is on the rise and rapidly advancing! AI powered resources in K-12 and higher education are already making an impact on teacher practice and student learning. AI is changing the landscape of education and AI Literacy is on the forefront of that change. “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth,” is an executive order that was signed by the President on April 23, 2025. The goal, “To ensure the United States remains a global leader in this technological revolution, providing our Nation’s youth with opportunities to cultivate the skills and understanding necessary to use and create the next generation of AI technology.” This executive order fosters the integration of AI Literacy in K-12 and higher education institutions across America. The US Department of Education further issued guidelines that outline, “How AI may be used across key educational functions, articulates principles for the responsible use of AI, and affirms that such uses are allowable under existing federal education programs, provided they align with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.”

Professional development and training will ensure that AI is used and taught with fidelity. The AFT, along with the United Federation of Teachers, recently partnered with Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic to create the National Academy for AI in Education. Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft, called the project, “A model for responsible AI integration” in schools. “This partnership will not only help teachers learn to use AI—it gives them a voice in shaping how we build it.” This initiative will envelop “AI literacy, ethics, classroom enhancements and workflow applications.”

Although some teachers remain uncertain, many are starting to embrace AI, while encouraging responsible use of generative AI. ‘We Need to Reimagine What We Can Do’ – How Teachers Are Adapting to AI. Teachers are concerned AI use in the classroom will promote cheating and curb student creativity. Incorporating ethical values in daily AI lessons will foster individual creativity and student ownership of their learning. National, state and local AI frameworks are currently being developed that will include guidelines for the ethical uses of AI in education.

Classrooms across the nation are filled with diverse learners and personalized learning can be achieved seamlessly through AI. Using AI tools in the classroom will enable teachers to spend more time connecting with their students and less time on administrative tasks. AI tools are data driven and track student progress to provide instant feedback. Teachers can quickly identify at-risk and high performing students, allowing them to customize their lessons according to personal learning goals.

The goal of AI in education is not to replace teachers but to enhance the curriculum and focus on student centered learning, where both teachers and students use AI as a tool to promote deeper learning. According to a recent article in Edtech, “Teachers shift from being information providers to facilitator guides—helping students navigate and critically engage with learning, appropriately using AI tools, and providing the emotional and human connection that often helps students thrive.” Soft skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, emotional intelligence, creativity and ethical reasoning are skills that AI can not teach. In this new age of AI, teachers play a critical role in student learning and social-emotional development.

As Artificial Intelligence is emerging in classrooms across America, Prep Academy Tutors is working on strategies to help your child assimilate to the AI framework. As schools navigate this new initiative, we remain steadfast in our core teaching values. We will continue to provide personalized lessons, guidance and foster the human connection that all students need to thrive and have a successful academic year!

Written by our staff author and teacher, Maryann Moriarty. Maryann has 17 years of teaching experience in New York City and was a contributing author at the Educator’s Room.

Back to School Tips: Start the School Year Right!

At Prep Academy Tutors, we are excited for the start of a new school year! Here are some tips to help students get back into an academic mindset and start off the school year right. Returning to school means replacing a relaxed, no-schedule summer routine with structured school-year routines that will mentally and physically support you for a productive year.

Prioritize Organization and Time Management:

Planning: Commit to keeping track of homework and commitments using a paper or digital planner. Ensure you include games, practices, rehearsals, and club meetings. A realistic view of what your day-to-day looks like is critical and will help students quickly determine if they have over-committed. Share your schedule with family or friends who can assist you in completing your tasks.

Study Zone: Set up a well-stocked, distraction-free workspace at home. Remember, you don’t always have to work in the same spot; sometimes variety is key! Homework at the kitchen table or in the teen room at the local library can invigorate your study routine.

Homework: Set a consistent time each day to start homework. This will make it easier to get down to work. Create your daily “homework launch” routine: Enter your study zone with a snack and drink, turn your phone to “do not disturb,” check your backpack, binders, Google Classroom, homework roster, and missing homework doc, and make your to-do list. Practice gauging how long it will take to complete the tasks on your list. Accurately estimating how long assignments take is a crucial executive functioning skill that students at all grade levels can practice. Break down large and long-term tasks into smaller, manageable steps and allocate time to each one daily.

Focus on Mental and Physical Health:

Healthy Habits: Students should establish a school-year routine that includes sufficient sleep, consistent morning routines, regular physical exercise, and a balanced diet. Healthy habits also involve prioritizing reading and limiting screen time. All students can cultivate a positive and hard-working mindset. Preparing to work hard this school year includes writing down your school-year SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bound) and establishing a study and homework routine. Students should incorporate healthy ways to relieve stress that don’t involve screen time.

Enhance Communication:

Talk to Your Teachers: This is key. Early in the school year, take the opportunity to get acquainted with your teachers and help them understand your learning style and needs. Take advantage of extra help time at least twice per week. Practice drafting emails to teachers that include a formal greeting, a polite request, a sign-off, and a detailed subject line. Establishing a relationship with your teachers becomes especially important for high school students who need letters of recommendation for college admissions.

Build your network: Connect with friends, join clubs or extracurricular activities, and build a strong support network to help you navigate the school year.

Extra Tips for High School Students:

Get to know your school guidance counselors: They will help you make an academic plan for high school, navigate your road to college admissions, and write you a recommendation letter. Work with your guidance counselor to plan for the years ahead. Plan when you will take Advanced Placement (AP) or Honors level courses to ensure a well-balanced course schedule.
Make an early standardized test preparation plan: SAT and ACT preparation is rigorous and requires committed practice and long-term planning to fit into your busy schedule. Even before starting formal test prep, you can work to improve vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and math skills.
Meet with your college admissions counselor: Touring college campuses and researching summer programs and majors can be fun and engaging, and can start early in high school to help you motivate and hone in on your interests. The role of your school guidance counselor and college admissions counselor becomes increasingly important as you near senior year and need support managing application deadlines and college essays.

Setting up productive school year routines has a big payoff in the coming months. Once the school year gets started, students can take time to revise their SMART goals. The start of each quarter is an ideal time to refine goals and recommit to productive habits. Prep Academy Tutors is an in-home academic tutoring company whose team of skilled, certified teachers provides customized academic support to students in Kindergarten through 12th grade in all subjects, plus executive functioning coaching, standardized test preparation, college essay writing, college admissions counseling, and foreign language tutoring.

Back-to-School Q&A with Prep Academy Tutors

On August 12, 2025, Vanessa O’Friel, Director of Prep Academy Tutors of Westchester, Fairfield, and the Hamptons, joined Robin Pastore on her award-winning radio show Happy and Healthy at Any Age, on 1490 WGCH. Vanessa guest-hosted the show and answered questions from listeners about important academic and back-to-school topics.

Good morning to our listeners in Fairfield and Westchester. My name is Vanessa O’Friel, and along with my partner, Sarah Loader, we operate Prep Academy Tutors, a local academic tutoring company that provides customized support for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Our certified teachers work in your home on your schedule to support your student in math, reading, executive functioning, foreign languages, standardized test preparation, and college admissions counseling.

One of the first questions I received from a parent was, “What if my student is struggling and getting low grades, but resists getting support from a tutor?”

This question comes up all the time. Kids can be embarrassed and feel like they’re the only one who doesn’t ‘get it’. We often recommend that these students work in a small group with a friend and a tutor. We also invest time in matching students like this with private tutoring from a great teacher who is both academically and personally suited. This teacher will establish a trusting and consistent working relationship. Once students see that they can complete the work with the extra support, they enjoy working with their tutors and look forward to meeting with them every week. A good relationship can lead to better grades and increased confidence.

Moving over to high school students, parents say the pressure of the college admissions process is the most stressful period of their lives, for students and parents. What tips can you offer for decreasing the anxiety that accompanies this process?

This is a topic that comes up all the time. To manage the admissions process effectively, students should have a clear action plan. Ideally, students and families work with a college admissions counselor throughout high school to create a long-term strategic plan that includes a cohesive list of extracurricular activities, internships, leadership positions, and summer programs. A great college counselor can help compile a balanced list of schools that combines reach, target, and likely schools, and effectively manage expectations. Parents should be involved in the process, and it’s essential to be open about geographic decisions, school size, financial considerations, and areas of study. The best way to reduce anxiety is to be prepared for what’s to come.

“Where is the best place for my child to study? Is it their bedroom, the library with other students, or by themselves with a tutor?”

The best place is where your student feels comfortable, has all the supplies they need, a good comfy chair, good lighting, and where they can work without being interrupted. A busy den or family room isn’t the best place. Plus, cell phones and devices should be silenced or turned off. Checking in on your student at regular intervals allows them to complete their work while letting them know that you are there to help. Our tutors can work with students in your home or meet at the library, an office space, or our study center in Bronxville.

Another parent asked, “How can I help my student be more organized? My kid’s backpack is a disaster!”

This is a great back-to-school question. Organization can be challenging since students need to toggle between computer work and written work, organize both physical and digital materials, and balance sports and activities. We have tutors who support students in one subject while also reviewing material and making a study schedule for the other subjects. These executive functioning teachers help create study guides, practice quizzes, and notes that make studying more efficient. They teach students to backwards plan for long-term projects and tests, and set up a system of binders, folders, and files to store work for review during exams later in the year. Additionally, they can teach students to record assignments and tasks in an online or paper calendar.

“Can you please share some tips on how rising seniors should approach writing their college essays?”

Yes. Prep Academy Tutors has numerous college essay writing coaches who can help students avoid common pitfalls and offer guidance on crafting a successful college essay. The essay is now more significant than ever, and it’s essential for students to seize this opportunity to make themselves stand out. You want to avoid common pitfalls, such as highly personal matters, overly controversial topics, or accounts of your academic and extracurricular activities. Additionally, some essays fall into categories that are often considered clichés, such as the confessional, the hero justification, or the lookback. With the assistance of a college essay writing coach, students will end up with a carefully revised essay that speaks to who they are and showcases their strengths.

Contact Vanessa O’Friel and Sarah Loader of Prep Academy Tutors with your back-to-school questions! (914) 303-7661 or visit www.prepacademytutors.com

The Benefits of Summer Learning 2025

Summer is here! These lazy days bring a sense of calm and a much-needed respite from the busy school year. For some, the break also brings a certain level of learning loss, referred to as the dreaded “summer slide.” Research varies on summer learning loss and whether the summer slide affects all students and to what degree. However, research consistently finds that summer days away from school are a golden opportunity for struggling students who need to catch up.

The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), in partnership with the US Department of Education, works to combat summer learning loss and promote continuous learning. The NSLA promotes an annual celebration called National Summer Learning Week. This year, National Summer Learning Week is July 14th to 18th, 2025. This celebration raises awareness and elevates the importance of summer learning. Each year, the NSLA highlights five summer learning themes with great activities and educational recommendations for each theme. The NSLA further provides many excellent community resources for authentic summer learning experiences. Learn more at summerlearning.org

Prep Academy Tutors is proud to celebrate National Summer Learning Week and promote authentic summer learning experiences for all our students. We encourage our students to use summer downtime to polish academic skills and prepare for next year, with a good balance of summer fun, too! Summer is an opportune time for low-pressure learning as these months fall outside the constraints of the school day and the jam-packed extracurricular schedule.

Here are the top benefits of summer learning for all ages:

Close learning gaps by practicing and reinforcing content from the previous year.
Get a head start for September through enrichment and previewing key topics for next year.
Practice and fine-tune essential executive functioning skills such as backward planning, note-taking, and organization.
Explore subject areas of interest and engage in project-based and outdoor learning.
Create some structure and add a routine to your summer plans.
Get one-on-one attention to boost individual skills, fill in learning gaps, and regain academic motivation and confidence.

Summer Learning for Elementary & Middle School Students:

Summer literacy:
- Specialized reading remediation with an Orton-Gillingham reading method teacher.
- One-on-one tutoring with a certified teacher or reading specialist to remediate, maintain, or enrich literacy skills.
- Small groups to promote summer reading and writing
Kindergarten readiness with a certified early childhood educator.
Summer language enrichment in French, Spanish, Latin, and Italian.
ISEE, SSAT and TACHS private school admissions exam preparation.
Algebra 1 preview for rising 8th and 9th grade students.
Math enrichment to remediate and prepare for next year’s math course.
Executive functioning: Hands-on practice and improvement of essential executive functioning skills to support a transition to the next grade or from elementary to middle to high school.

Summer Learning for High School Students:

Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students can complete summer assignments and preview topics for AP and other advanced classes, including high school math.
Rising juniors can (should!) prepare for and take the SAT or ACT. This is important for students preparing for the intensity of junior year. Summer SAT and ACT preparation is a game-changer!
Rising seniors must write their college essays.

Prep Academy Tutors can support all of these summer learning endeavors. For more information about summer learning, contact Vanessa O’Friel and Sarah Loader at (914) 303-7661.

TACHS Exam Preparation -Get Ahead This Summer!

Attention Rising 8th Grade Families:
If your child plans to apply to Catholic high schools in NYC, now is the time to prepare for the TACHS (Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools).

What is the TACHS Exam?

The TACHS is a standardized entrance exam required by Catholic high schools. It includes 200 multiple-choice questions across four areas:

Reading: Vocabulary and comprehension
Language: Grammar and punctuation
Math: Algebra, data, and problem-solving
Abilities: Logic, pattern recognition, and spatial reasoning

The TACHS exam has been administered fully online since 2020 and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Students who require extra time can receive accommodations, provided the appropriate documentation is submitted in advance. When taking the exam, students must list up to three high schools they are applying to, and the order in which they list these schools matters—each school will see how it was ranked. Because TACHS exams are never released to the public, it’s important to prepare using a variety of high-quality materials to ensure students are exposed to a wide range of question types and formats. These practice materials are typically created by educators and test prep companies who analyze the exam’s structure and content guidelines to develop questions that mirror the skills and topics assessed. As such, selecting reputable resources is key to effective preparation.

Important Dates

Aug 1, 2025 – TACHS Handbook available
Aug 25, 2025 – Registration opens
Oct 29, 2025 – Registration closes
Nov 7, 2025 – Exam for NYC Archdiocese
Nov 8, 2025 – School selection deadline
Jan 23, 2026 – Scores released online

Why Prep Over the Summer?

Summer is the ideal time to begin TACHS prep — and it can make all the difference. Without the distractions of school, homework, and extracurricular activities, students can focus more deeply, build a strong foundation, and start the school year ahead of the game.

Starting early allows time to:

Strengthen core reading, writing, and math skills
Build test-taking confidence in a low-stress setting
Develop consistent study habits before the fall rush
Identify and address learning gaps gradually

We recommend 2 hours per week (1 hour English, 1 hour Math) throughout the summer. Students who wait until the fall often need to double that time to catch up and face much more pressure.

Getting ahead now means less stress and better results later.

Study Tips

Start with a diagnostic test
Set a weekly routine
Use flashcards, drills, and practice tests
Get expert support from Prep Academy Tutors

Contact us to learn more about comprehensive TACHS preparation!

Written by Prep Academy’s TACHS test preparation specialist and teacher, Kristina Boyer.

Writing the College Essay

The college application process can be a daunting one for high school students. Towards the end of junior year and continuing throughout the beginning of senior year, students must tackle their college essays. The essay is now more significant than ever and, as a result, can often be a source of anxiety. Students are faced with several important questions: Which Common Application prompt should I select? What should I write about that will instantly capture the selection committee’s attention? How do I find ways to be creative and formal at the same time? How can I be innovative without sounding like I’m trying too hard? How do I steer clear of falling into essay traps? In addition to SAT scores, transcripts, and impressive resumes, the essay is an opportunity for students to really make themselves memorable. The college essay writing process does not need to be a stressful one. If students enter into it with the proper set of tools, it can actually be an enjoyable part of the application experience.

How to Approach the Essay

First, it is important to know which essay topics should be avoided. The list includes subjects such as highly personal matters, anything too controversial, or an account of academics and extracurricular activities. Additionally, essays can fall into categories that are thought of as cliches, such as the “confessional”, “the hero justification,” or “the look-back.” And, most importantly, an essay should never ever be a fabrication. Students should not feel that they have to invent a story to captivate their readers. Every student has a story to tell that is authentic, compelling, and insightful. The trick is to find what story that is. Doing that requires time, patience, and drafting. This is precisely why the college essay should not be put off to the last minute.

Before putting pen to paper, students might want to consider The Five Rs:

1) Is the topic an honest REFLECTION of myself?

2) Is it RELEVANT to my life?

3) What would the READABILITY experience be like?

4) Would I want to commit to a thorough REVISION process with this particular essay topic?

5) How would it sound if READ ALOUD?

Taking notes while working on a college essay is essential. Even if those notes are just phrases or keywords, keeping a record of ideas will become extremely important. You never want to forget something! One fragment might evolve into the final essay.

Students should also reach out to people who know them well. Those who know them best can be a great source of knowledge when it comes to selecting a topic. Those people can offer suggestions by reminding students of how interesting their lives have been. Students should not be afraid to ask questions about themselves. Confidence, courage, and conviction are necessary for writing a solid college essay. Trusted people in a student’s life can help them cultivate those skills.

Students should also remember to trust themselves. If they land on an essay topic that they might want to run with, they should listen to their own voices first before sharing too much of their work with others. While it is a must that college essays be read by various individuals already in a student’s life, hearing too many opinions too early on can be confusing. Once a student has a draft, even if it is not “fully cooked,” an essay coach can be an excellent resource. Why? An essay coach reads the work as a neutral outsider with the experience of reading and helping to write many college essays. The coach’s job is to help students navigate through the process and find the best version of the essay while ensuring that the student’s voice maintains its integrity.

How We Can Help

Prep Academy Tutors has experienced college essay writing coaches on hand for students who are seeking guidance with this part of the application process. They can expect individual attention, support, and encouragement. Students can anticipate focused brainstorming and drafting. With the assistance of a coach, they will wind up with a carefully revised essay that speaks to who they are and makes them shine. In-person and online sessions are now available. Prep Academy’s college essay writing coaches work alongside our college admissions advisor, Karen Rozanes. Contact us to learn more about comprehensive college essay writing and college admissions advising with Prep Academy Tutors.

Written by Prep Academy’s college essay writing instructor and teacher, Lydie K.

Benefits of Reading – Every Day!

Reading has been shown to have far reaching effects that can last a lifetime. Reading every day cultivates a rich vocabulary, enhances comprehension skills, and helps develop critical thinking skills. A recent article published in Healthline, further demonstrates the multitude of benefits that reading books has on both physical and mental health. These benefits include strengthening your brain, reducing stress and improving sleep.

As the school year winds down and after school activities are in full swing, at home reading proves to be difficult. The dreaded summer slide is beginning and school hasn’t even ended yet. The skills that are learned in school need to be practiced daily to achieve reading fluency and comprehension. So how can parents help students continue the learning while navigating a busy after school schedule in the last few weeks of school?

Reading doesn’t have to be done all at once. Read a few pages of a book together with your child as you wait for the bath to fill up, or while you wait for the carpool to arrive. You can also choose lots of different types of readings to keep things interesting. Reading can include comics, novels, science fiction and even newspapers. The New York Times for Kids is a monthly section that helps kids understand the world with exciting features on elections, dinosaurs, money and gaming.

Word games are a great way to build vocabulary. The NY Times offers a multitude of games that are not only fun to play but also promote critical thinking and vocabulary development. Word games like Wordle, Spelling Bee, and the famous NY Times crossword puzzle (mini version) have proven to be valuable teaching tools for vocabulary and cognitive development. Encouraging your child to play a quick word game each morning is a great way to boost vocabulary and promote critical thinking. Once they get hooked, they will probably even play it with their friends on the bus to their sporting events.

A person with a rich vocabulary is said to be one who is well-read and well-spoken. A well-developed vocabulary is needed to communicate effectively whether you are reading, writing, speaking or listening.

At Prep Academy Tutors, we encourage our students to continue learning even when the school day has ended. Our tutors are here to help build the rich vocabulary that is needed for successful communication!

Written by Prep Academy’s staff author and reading specialist, Maryann Moriarty.

ISEE Exam Preparation for Private School Admissions

What is the ISEE?

The ISEE is the Independent School Entrance Examination for private lower, middle and high school admissions. There are 4 ISEE levels: Primary, Lower, Middle, and Upper. A student’s test level is determined by the grade to which the student is applying for admission. Students applying for entrance into grades 2 to 4 take the Primary ISEE; students applying for grades 5 and 6 take the Lower level ISEE; students applying for 7th and 8th grade take the Middle level ISEE; and students seeking admission into grades 9 to 12 take the Upper level ISEE.

ISEE Preparation

The ISEE is a standardized test and, like other standardized tests (e.g., SAT or ACT), it is a skill that students can master with preparation and practice. The ISEE is often the first high-pressure standardized test a student will take, so a comprehensive preparation plan is critical.

Families should understand that the ISEE is a competitive test administered to students applying to elite private schools. It’s also a challenging test, especially for younger students taking an upper level exam. For example, the Upper Level ISEE is designed to challenge 11th grade students, yet 8th graders applying for 9th grade are required to take the same Upper Level test. That’s a steep curve, so preparation matters.

Test Prep Tips:

Start early: Ideally, students should begin preparing 10–12 weeks before their first test date.
Build stamina: The ISEE is 2 hours and 20–40 minutes long, depending on the level. Practice full-length tests under timed conditions to build endurance.
Master pacing: Students don’t need to get every question right, but they do need to work efficiently. Practicing with a timer is essential.
Focus on vocabulary: The Verbal Reasoning section often trips up students. Make flashcards, read widely, and review root words.
Use practice tests wisely: Take a full-length diagnostic test at the beginning and again every few weeks to track progress.

Insider Thought: Success on the ISEE often depends as much on test strategy as content mastery. Many students struggle not because they don’t know the material, but because they panic when the content feels unfamiliar. Knowing how to stay calm, skip and return to tricky questions, and eliminate wrong answers is crucial. Confidence is a learned skill in ISEE prep.

Also, the ISEE is only one part of the application. Strong ISEE scores help, but schools also consider essays, teacher recommendations, interviews, and transcripts. A slightly lower score doesn’t mean a closed door, especially if the rest of the application is strong.

ISEE Testing Seasons

Students may take the ISEE once per testing season, up to 3 times a school year. There is a fall, winter, and spring/summer ISEE season. Strategically, students can time their testing dates and prepare for a first test during the spring/summer (April–July) or fall (August –November) ISEE season, and retake (if necessary) in the winter (December–March) season.

ISEE Exam Preparation for Admission to Private School

Insider Tip: If your student is nervous, consider scheduling their first ISEE in the spring/summer. This allows for a lower-stakes attempt with time to prepare again for a fall or winter test, when application deadlines are approaching.

When registering for test dates, families should verify application deadlines with the school(s) their student is applying to and ensure that score reports are received on time.

FAQs & ISEE Scores

Test length: The Lower level ISEE is 2 hours and 20 minutes; the Middle and Upper ISEE are 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Test options: The ISEE is offered online and on paper, and can be taken in schools, ERB offices/centers, or at home.
Sections: There are four scored sections – Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and an unscored Essay.
Scoring: All questions are worth the same, and there is no penalty for wrong answers, so students should always guess rather than leave an answer blank.
Scaled Score: The raw score for each section is converted into a scaled score between 760 and 940.
Percentile Rank: Scores are normed against students in the same grade who have taken the test in the last three years.
Stanine Rank: Stanine ranks are another way performance is compared to other students. There are nine stanine sub-groups ranking 1 to 9 (lowest to highest).

Insider Reminder: The essay is not scored, but it is sent to schools. A well-written, clear, and thoughtful essay makes a great impression—so don’t skip practicing for it!

Written by Prep Academy’s ISEE test preparation specialist and teacher, Kristina Boyer.

Math Anxiety and Math Mindset

Numbers are everywhere and it’s important to know how to use them in our everyday lives. We see numbers as soon as we wake up in the morning. We notice the time and calculate how many minutes we have left to get ready and start the day. We buy breakfast, we get gas, we go to the salon and we calculate the tip. Math is intertwined in every aspect of our daily lives and knowledge of math concepts is essential for connecting to the world around us. So why do, “approximately 93% of adult Americans indicate that they experience some level of math anxiety?” According to the NIH, “Math anxiety is a widespread, worldwide problem affecting all age groups. It’s estimated that approximately 17% of the US-American population suffers from high levels of math anxiety.”

The Nation’s Report Card, released in January 2025 reported that nearly 40% of 4th graders reached proficient and advanced levels in math, but nearly a quarter did not reach the basic level. Eighth grade students did not show growth in math and stayed at the same level as 2022, which was an 8 point drop from previous scores, with 40% scoring below proficient. The struggle in math is real for US students but is math anxiety to blame?

Studies have shown that, “Early numeracy establishes a critical foundation for mathematical thinking and problem-solving.” Early numeracy often leads to enhanced math proficiency, academic achievement and stem readiness. Math concepts are first learned in infancy and as a child advances in their educational career, these concepts become more complex. Problem solving strategies are introduced and prior knowledge of concepts taught are integral for in depth understanding. As students advance to the next grade level, numbers which were once concrete develop into analytical reasoning. For some students this is when their anxiety emerges. A student who exhibits frustration and fear when trying to solve a math problem often suffers from math anxiety. These feelings can manifest into physiological reactions such as a rapid heartbeat and sweaty palms which can negatively impact academic performance.

Math anxiety stems from a lack of self confidence in one’s own ability to correctly solve a math problem. Somewhere in the early math years, students develop negative feelings toward math which may compound into lifelong math anxiety. Studies show that a child’s mathematical development can be directly related to parental math anxiety which can inhibit personal future growth. Students with math anxiety may change majors out of fear of failing and adults may even turn down amazing job opportunities. An article published in the American Psychological Association stated that, “Research suggests people with high math anxiety are less likely to finish graduate school or pursue STEM careers.” The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected an increase of 10.4% in STEM careers by 2033. A recent study of math achievement in the UK showed that math-related motivational and emotional factors in adolescence contribute to STEM career choice in emerging adulthood.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) can combat math anxiety. Instilling a growth mindset in early education promotes optimism, resilience and perseverance. Parents and teachers alike can encourage a growth mindset in math. A growth mindset in math helps students understand that significant learning often manifests in the struggle. Math involves problem solving and making a mistake is part of the learning process. Building a growth math mindset enhances logical reasoning skills and enables students to make personal connections to the ideas and methods of math. A simple shift in mindset, a change from, “I can’t do it” to “I can’t do it, yet!” The “Power of Yet” provides a learning curve for students and enables them to overcome math challenges with optimism, resilience and persistence. These are three critical life skills needed for academic and future career success.

At Prep Academy Tutors, we understand math anxiety and how it can inhibit academic performance. Our math tutors cultivate a growth math mindset, promoting optimism, resilience and persistence, as they help students overcome their fear of math.

Written by our staff author and teacher, Maryann Moriarty. Maryann has 17 years of teaching experience in New York City and was a contributing author at the Educator’s Room.

AP Exam Preparation

What are APs?

AP means advanced placement. AP classes are national standardized tests administered by the College Board (the same body responsible for the SAT). AP exams take place over 2 weeks in early May each year. AP exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5. AP classes are based on a standardized curriculum, in preparation for the AP exam. AP courses demonstrate RIGOR to college admissions officers and show that a student can meet the rigors of their high school if it offers AP-level courses. Some colleges will award students college credits for mastering AP course material and scoring a 4 or a 5 on the AP exams.

Digital AP Exams

In May 2025, 28 AP exams will go digital. The paper tests will be discontinued, and the exams will move to the Bluebook digital testing platform (the same platform used for the SAT). Some exams will be fully digital, while others will have a hybrid format. Fully digital exams will administer all multiple-choice and free-response questions on the Bluebook App. For hybrid exams, students will view the questions in Bluebook but write free responses by hand in paper booklets that are returned for scoring. Despite these changes, the structure and duration of the AP exams (number of sections, question types, and timing) remain unchanged.

The Bluebook App and tools are user-friendly and allow students to digitally highlight, annotate, and eliminate answer choices. There is also a built-in Desmos calculator, which allows for easy graphing and solving and is included on 12 AP exams, including AB & BC Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Environmental Science, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and Precalculus.

Tips for Preparing for AP Exams

Know your exam dates well in advance. Dates and times for the 2025 AP exams are listed on the College Board website.
Consult the AP Classroom on the College Board website for practice tests and questions.
Practice multiple-choice and typing free-response questions on your computer for full digital exams.
For hybrid exams, complete multiple-choice questions on your computer and read free-response questions in Bluebook while writing your answers on paper.
Practice using the built-in Bluebook Desmos calculator.
Keep up with your AP coursework so you don’t have to cram.
Create a study and review timeline for AP exams. Give yourself enough work-back time to keep up with your other coursework and obligations.
Work with a tutor who has experience teaching and tutoring the content of your AP exams!