Professional Tutoring in Philadelphia
In-home and online. Certified teachers. All grades & subjects.
Who We Are
Transforming Lives, One Student at a Time
Alisa Snyder opened Prep Academy Tutors of Philadelphia after watching friends and family struggle to navigate the area’s public and private school systems.
A data-driven leader and lifelong learner, Alisa has a knack for understanding you and your child’s needs and pairing you with the tutor who will be the best fit for your family. Prep Academy Tutors goes beyond academics – it’s a supportive partnership dedicated to your child’s overall success.
In her spare time, Alisa enjoys exploring Forbidden Drive with her family, trying to replicate Zahav’s hummus in her own kitchen, and cheering for her beloved Eagles.

Alexander Z.
Subjects
ACT Prep, Algebra, Algebra I and II, Biology, Calculus, Geometry, Math, Physics, Pre-Algebra, Pre-Calculus, SAT Prep, Trigonometry
Grades
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Middle and High School
About
Alex graduated from the University of California Los Angeles with a Bachelors of Science in Bioengineering. He is currently studying at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a Masters in Bioengineering. Alex began his tutoring journey during his undergraduate years by tutoring students in upper division bioengineering courses. He also used his Mandarin skills to support many international students located in China looking to apply to US universities. After graduating from UCLA, he decided to take a few gap years to pursue his love for traveling abroad. More importantly, he began his professional tutoring career during these years as well. He worked one on one with many students ranging from high school all the way to college undergraduates, primarily helping them excel in their math and science classes. He also worked at the Princeton Review to tutor high school students on the SAT and ACT. Alex has developed a deep passion not only for supporting students academically but also for building a real relationship with students. He believes that this is the only way to understand them well enough to help push them to their fullest potential.

Alvaro D.
Subjects
Spanish Immersion
Grades
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Spanish Immersion
About
Alvaro Drake-Cortes is a certified facilitator, trainer, teacher and mentor who has worked with children, adolescents and adults in academic and professional settings in government and private sectors.
Alvaro has over 20 years of experience empowering clients to meet their goals and potential across a wide range of disciplines, using tailored and personalized instruction and guidance. With Prep Academy Tutors, he offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves in the Spanish language through lessons and workshops.
Alvaro has a Master of Education from Temple University and acquired his teaching certification in the state of Pennsylvania.

Amanda L.
Subjects
Elementary Education K-5, Math, Reading, Science, Special Education Qualifications, Writing
Grades
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Elementary School
About
Amanda L. is completing her Master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education in the Education Policy program. Before starting graduate school, Amanda was a special education teacher for 2nd and 3rd graders. She has experience working with students with learning disabilities and communication impairments. Amanda received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a dual certificate in elementary and special education.
Amanda recently moved to Philadelphia and is loving exploring the city. She especially loves Rittenhouse Square Park. She has always adored nature and loves hiking. She also enjoys reading, listening to music or podcasts, and yoga.
Amanda loves tutoring because it is a fulfilling way to continue making an impact beyond the classroom. As an experienced elementary teacher, Amanda is patient, supportive and committed to meeting each child where they are academically.

Angelica W.
Subjects
Math, Reading, Special Education, Writing
Grades
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Elementary School
About
Imagine a compassionate and engaged individual guiding you through coursework to better grades. Meet Angelica: Angelica’s career has centered around Education and English. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and excels in communication. Her specialty is writing and grammar. She has worked for her local school district and has tutored elementary and high school students. Although she has worked from pre-k to university peer level, elementary has been a mainstay in her career. Her success has entailed creative writing awards and being recognized for her journalism. Angelica has eight years of experience teaching and tutoring students in the public and charter school districts of Philadelphia. She is currently working in special education. She enjoys reading about cats making yarn fortresses.

Angelina S.
Subjects
College Essay Writing, Creative Writing, Religion, US History, World History
Grades
9, 10, 11, 12
High School
About
Angelina S. teaches world religions, history, and theology at a Philadelphia area prep school. She spent twenty years as an advertising creative director in the healthcare space before transitioning to teaching. She has a master’s degree in religious studies, focusing on the relationship between technology and religion. Angelina decided to pursue teaching because she found mentoring early career team members was what she loved most about her role as a creative director, and she wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. As a tutor, Angelina focuses on critical thinking and communications – essay writing, public speaking, and presentation building. She works with students to build their confidence and set clear goals for academic success, and she relies on relevant skills she’s acquired as a communications professional to help her students.
In addition to teaching, Angelina is a freelance writer and sings with the choir of the Philly Pops. She is a strong advocate for the humanities in education and finds inspiration from the rich arts and culture offerings in Philadelphia.

Chiara B.
Subjects
Chemistry, Math, Physics
Grades
9, 10, 11, 12
High School
About
Chiara B. is finishing her Master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania, in Materials Science and Engineering with a minor in Mathematics and a concentration in Energy and Sustainability. Passionate about sustainability, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, Chiara is eager to pursue a career in academia, focusing her research on energy storage solutions.
Beyond academics, Chiara has teaching and coaching experience, having coached sailing programs for students of all ages, including children with learning disabilities. She has also held leadership roles in her team, leading meetings and mentoring high school students in math and chemistry.
An accomplished athlete, Chiara is a dedicated member of the Penn Sailing Team, where she has held leadership positions, including team captain. She is also actively involved in the engineering honor society, leading tours for prospective students and engaging with the broader academic community.
Originally from Italy, Chiara moved to Miami at the age of 10 and speaks Italian, English, and Spanish fluently. A passionate world traveler, she loves exploring remote destinations and immersing herself in new cultures. She believes that fostering curiosity and connecting academic concepts to real-world applications is key to helping students build confidence and succeed.

Connor B.
Subjects
English, PSSA Test Prep
Grades
6, 7, 8
Middle School
About
Connor is a Middle School English Educator and has worked for the School District of Philadelphia since 2023. Connor is passionate about the reading and writing skills of all students and combining student need with interest. They believe in building a solid rapport with students, as it is foundational to create supportive learning environments that challenge and hold students accountable for their learning. Above all, they are dedicated to creating and adapting lessons that will push students out of their comfort zones, resulting in the growth of the whole student.

Deanna P.
Subjects
Elementary Education K-5, Executive Functioning, PSAT/SAT Test Prep, Reading Specialist
Grades
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Elementary School
About
With over 16 years of dedicated experience in education, Deanna has had the privilege of shaping young minds as an elementary classroom teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, professional development specialist, and private tutor.
Her journey in education began with a profound appreciation for the impact that targeted instruction can have on a child’s learning and self-esteem. This inspired her to pursue master’s degree in Elementary Reading and Literacy, where she discovered the transformative power of literacy in unlocking a student’s potential.
Throughout her career, she has witnessed firsthand the joy and instant gratification that comes from helping students thrive through explicit and systematic instruction in areas of need aligned to assessment data. Her style of teaching is meeting students where they are and taking them to where they need to be, while instilling the power of “yet” and a growth mindset. Instead of “I can’t do this,” it becomes “I can’t do this yet.”
Deanna’s passion for literacy and commitment to student success extend beyond the classroom walls, as she strives to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment for every child. She looks forward to partnering with you to ensure your child receives the personalized support they need to reach their full potential.

Dr. Andrea D.
Subjects
Biology, College Essay Writing, Executive Functioning, Writing
Grades
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Middle and High School
About
Dr. Andrea D. graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Psychology and Biology, and earned her PhD from Boston University. She is a Biological Anthropologist who studies wild orangutans, baboons, and other primates. When not studying primates, she teaches Writing and Anthropology at an Ivy League University. Her teaching experience includes Harvard, Princeton, and Boston University, and she served as the Resident Scientist for 8th graders in a Massachusetts public school. Having struggled with a reading disability herself, and now helping two stepsons with ADHD and other neurodivergences, Dr. D. knows how tough it can be to learn in the traditional classroom environment. As a tutor and professor, she uses multimedia, scaffolding, and other pedagogy to help every learner excel. If you or your child is struggling with executive functioning (study skills, planning, time management, etc.), she can help with strategies that she has practiced herself. Her previous experience in marketing and current experiences teaching Writing and writing her own research grants makes her an excellent choice to help with college entrance exams and essays. Dr. D. loves teaching, and helping students make connections and form an understanding of the materials. She always strives to make each learning experience a skill- and confidence-building moment so that the student leaves with more than a right answer.

Dr. Ashley M.
Subjects
Biology, SAT Prep
Grades
9, 10, 11, 12
High School
About
Ashley is an accomplished educator with a passion for teaching. With a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and experience as a professor, Ashley brings a deep understanding of complex scientific concepts to her tutoring sessions. Over the years, she has honed her ability to break down challenging subjects, making them accessible and engaging to students of all levels.
Ashley’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that learning should be enjoyable and enriching! She specializes in math and science subjects, providing support that extends through college-level courses. Her highly personalized approach fosters a supportive and confidence-building learning environment that encourages students to excel and embrace the joys of discovery.
Beyond the classroom, Ashley is an avid reader. She also cherishes spending quality time with her dog. Ashley is dedicated to nurturing growth, understanding, and a lifelong love for learning in all her students, whether inside or outside the classroom.

Dr. Brandy P.
Subjects
Algebra, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Geology, Geometry, Physics, Pre-Algebra
Grades
9, 10, 11, 12
High School
About
Dr. Brandy S. Pickens is a distinguished biochemist and dedicated educator with extensive experience in scientific research and environmental advocacy. Having earned a BA in Biochemistry from Oberlin College and a Ph.D. from Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Pickens is proficient in making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging to diverse audiences.
Dr. Pickens has dedicated over 15 years to biomedical research, specializing in biomedical research studies at institutions including the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. This background equips her with a robust understanding of the STEM disciplines, which she brings to the classroom to inspire and educate future scientists and STEM professionals.
Currently, Dr. Pickens serves as a Toxicologist at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, where she conducts technical analyses and reviews concerning the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. Her role at the EPA underscores her commitment to public health and safety, themes she emphasizes in her educational outreach.
Passionate about fostering a love for science and environmental stewardship among young people, Dr. Pickens actively engages with community groups and schools. She organizes and leads educational programs and STEM initiatives, aiming to instill a sense of enthusiasm for STEM disciplines, particularly environmental science, and stewardship in the younger generation.
Dr. Pickens is not only a scientist and advocate but also a mentor who strives to encourage students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in STEM and public service. Her commitment to education, combined with her expertise in biomedical sciences and environmental sustainability, makes her a great match for organizations dedicated to cultivating knowledgeable, responsible, and motivated students.

Dr. Hannah P.
Subjects
Chemistry, Earth Science, Math
Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Middle School and High School
About
Dr. Hannah P. has 9 years of post-secondary teaching experience as both a teaching assistant and adjunct professor at Drexel University. She has taught various chemistry courses including General Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, and Analytical Instrumentation Analysis.
Prior to completing her Ph.D in Analytical Chemistry, she obtained a Master’s degree in Secondary Education, during which she partook in multiple classroom observations and completed a semester of student teaching. Through the student teaching experience she was able to take on the full responsibilities of the classroom, teaching both Chemistry and Earth Science.
Her teaching philosophy is based on presenting material from three different approaches; visual, audio, and hands-on learning styles. Through the understanding that everyone learns differently, she finds it important that students discover how they learn and are able to apply that to every aspect of their education.

Dr. Howard C.
Subjects
Algebra, Algebra II, Arithmetic, Calculus, Geometry, Math, PSAT/SAT Test Prep, Physics, Pre Calculus, Pre-Algebra, Statistics, Trigonometry
Grades
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Middle and High School
About
Dr. Howard C. received his BS with Cum Laude, MS, and PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle. While he was attending UW, he worked as a teaching and research assistant at the University of Washington Graduate School. He spent a better part of his career as a research engineer in fingerprinting audio, image and video streams. He has received a total of three U.S. patents. After his retirement from industry, Dr. C. started tutoring students in all levels of math, physics, and statistics. It is his pleasure to help students to appreciate the mechanics behind learning these subjects. His students come from many prominent schools and school districts. To Dr. C., math is a passion. He always encourages students “to see” instead of “to memorize”. A picture is worth more than 1,000 words.

Dr. John J.
Subjects
Algebra, Calculus, Computer Science, Geometry, Physics, Trigonometry
Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Elementary, Middle and High School
About
John Jaros is a highly experienced mathematics teacher with an AS in Respiratory Therapy, a BA in Mathematics, an MS in Physics, and a PhD in Computer Science. His extensive teaching background includes helping students in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. If you are having difficulty with arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or calculus, he is confident that he can answer your questions, eliminate your confusion, and set you on the road to mathematics excellency. Dr. J. loves math because it is one of the few areas of knowledge that has both practical applications as well as theoretical investigations. In addition to enjoying teaching, Dr. J. is an avid computer programmer, a big admirer of his and his wife’s cat Copernicus, and an “exercise junky” on his home treadmill.

Dr. Lynda M.
Subjects
Direct Instruction, Elementary Education K-5, Executive Functioning, US History
Grades
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Elementary School
About
Dr. Lynda’s professional journey, from a long-term substitute in a public school to earning a doctoral degree in Education, is a testament to her dedication and persistence. She has worked with a comprehensive array of demographics regarding students, ranging from early intervention with the youngest students to working with adults striving to earn a GED. She has tutored undergraduate students and non-traditional learners. Each new experience builds a knowledge base and broadens understanding of students’ diverse academic encounters.
Currently, Dr. Lynda provides learning support to young students with developmental disabilities, notably those with intellectual challenges, autism, sensory challenges, and behavioral issues, as well as typical learners. She connects well with people across age cohorts and with students’ families. Her down-to-earth nature is immediately apparent. Her commitment has led her to delve into delivering early learning opportunities, such as language development, phonemes, literacy, phonics, numeracy, and social-emotional development. She uses fun, interactive, collaborative brain breaks, sensitivity, and the learners’ strengths to help them meet their needs.
Dr. Lynda is eager to participate in problem resolution with her students, using her calming therapist skills as needed. She encourages open discussion about academic difficulties in a compassionate, nonjudgmental manner, always remaining a steadfast safety net.

Dr. Philippa C.
Subjects
College Essay Writing, English, Executive Functioning, PSAT/SAT Test Prep
Grades
9, 10, 11, 12
High School
About
Dr. Philippa C. graduated from the University of Oxford with a BA in English Language and Literature, earned her MA in U.S. Literature from the University of Edinburgh, and received her PhD in English Language and Literature from Cornell University. She has taught at Cornell, Johns Hopkins, and, most recently, Rowan University. She also has over a decade of experience tutoring students aged 14 to adult in English, ELA, PSAT/SAT and AP English test prep, college essay writing, college admissions, and executive functioning.
She approaches tutoring holistically, tailoring her lessons to each student’s individual learning style, academic goals, struggles, and interests. She is deeply committed to inclusive teaching and has published academic research in this field. She is trained in trauma-informed pedagogy, has extensive experience working with neurodiverse students, and enjoys helping students to thrive intellectually and personally through close attention to executive functioning issues and strategies.
She loves teaching English. Not only does it benefit students academically, but it also introduces them to new worlds, ideas, and forms of self-expression. It can also be incredibly fun! In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Philadelphia, live music, and fostering shelter dogs until they are ready for their forever home.

Dr. S. Bolton
Subjects
Executive Functioning
Grades
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Executive Functioning
About
Dr. S. Bolton is a dedicated educator, executive functioning specialist, and leader in early childhood education with over 15 years of experience helping children build the foundational skills they need to thrive academically and personally. She holds advanced degrees in education and child development and began her career as a preschool teacher before transitioning into leadership roles shaping educational programs at a national and global level.
Dr. Bolton specializes in executive functioning coaching, helping students develop essential skills such as organization, time management, and self-regulation. She believes that every child can reach their full potential with the right support and strategies. Her approach is engaging, research-based, and tailored to each student’s needs, ensuring they build confidence and independence in their learning.
Beyond her work in executive functioning, Dr. Bolton has designed and led educational initiatives that improve literacy, cognitive development, and early childhood learning. She is passionate about equipping students with the tools they need for success, fostering a love of learning, and supporting families in navigating their child’s academic journey.
When she’s not coaching or consulting, Dr. Bolton enjoys exploring creative ways to support children’s development, speaking on early childhood education, and spending time with her two young children, who constantly inspire her work.

Dr. Stephen H
Subjects
Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, Physics, Pre Calculus, Trigonometry
High School
About
Dr. Stephen Hackler holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in Physics and Bachelors degrees from Rutgers University in Physics and Computer Science. They’ve worked as an instructor at Penn and Swarthmore and know what it takes to excel in the college classroom. They use thoughtful and compassionate teaching strategies to identify each student’s unique skills and specific needs and help them to improve both their performance and their understanding of challenging material. Stephen is attentive to the many stresses that students experience in todays highly competitive academic environment and is passionate about supporting the wellbeing of their students as they work to deepen their understanding and master challenging content.

Eva H.
Subjects
Algebra, Calculus, Computer Science, Geometry, Math, Pre-Algebra, Pre-Calculus
Grades
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Middle School and High School
About
Eva is a former high school math teacher who pivoted to software engineering. She is a proud graduate of Westtown School and Bryn Mawr College, where she earned her BA in mathematics. Eva lived in Houston, Texas after college teaching Algebra and Geometry while also working with private tutoring clients. During this time, Eva also obtained an MA in mathematics from the University of Houston with much of her coursework focused on math education.
She moved back to Philadelphia to complete a Masters program in computer science at the University of Pennsylvania. She then joined Comcast, eventually serving as a senior software engineer. While Eva enjoyed mentoring in that role, she misses working with students and is eager to bring her energy and expertise to helping clients achieve their goals. In her spare time, she stays up too late reading and always has several craft projects on the go, including making bespoke piñatas for her friends’ kids.

Ginneh D.
Subjects
Math, Reading, Social Studies, Writing
Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Elementary and Middle School
About
Ginneh is a dedicated educator with a passion for helping students grow into confident, skilled learners. A graduate of Bryn Mawr College and the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, she has also completed 30 additional education credits through the University of San Diego’s Extended Studies program. Over the past four years, Ginneh has taught 4th and 5th grade students in English Language Arts, Writing, and Social Studies, while also tutoring learners from 1st through 12th grade in both math and ELA. She specializes in writing and reading comprehension and thoroughly enjoys making learning fun by using a variety of strategies to help students truly understand what they’re learning. Her classroom results reflect her commitment—over 90% of her students have achieved proficiency on the PSSA. Ginneh believes strong foundational skills are the key to long-term academic success. When she’s not teaching, you can find her coaching middle school basketball or planning her next travel adventure— sometimes while also binge-watching a new show and pretending she’s not already three episodes past bedtime.

James O.
Subjects
College Essay Writing, English, Essay Writing, Executive Functioning, Math, PSAT/SAT Test Prep, Reading
Grades
University, 9, 10, 11, 12
Middle and High School
About
James earned a BS in World History from Temple University and has been working in education for the past 16 years. He values the connections he makes with students and enjoys helping students understand their learning profiles. His academic expertise is with ELA, essay writing, college essay writing, SAT prep specifically in Reading and Writing sections and executive functioning skills. He is remarkable at supporting students in learning to rely on their strengths. He also has a knack for product design, graphic design, and loves panda bears.

Joe M.
Subjects
College Essay Writing, English
Grades
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Middle and High School
About
Joseph (“Joe” to everyone except priests and nuns) Myers is a lifelong Philadelphia resident who graduated college with Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. Well, he is not THAT old, but due to completing undergraduate studies in 2001 from Saint Joseph’s University (The Hawk will never die!!!) and graduate work eight years later through Arcadia University, he has acquired a good amount of experience in the educational and publishing realms. His time within them has reaffirmed the belief that everyone exists as a teacher with abundant lessons to teach. He happens to consider himself fortunate to be a literal educator with unwavering devotion to reading, writing (Poetry rules!), and history. Music and pop culture are other topics where he can hold his own, and he likes to weave them into discussions so as to contextualize material. When these pursuits have had enough of his dedication to them and he is not in stitches from time with his wife and son, this left-hander frustrates foes on tennis courts and nerds out on chess.

John R.
Subjects
Biology, Business Writing, Chemistry, Physics
Grades
9, 10, 11, 12
High School
About
John Rogers began his teaching journey as a Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa in the 1990s. He then embarked on a 25-year career as a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry, while also teaching chemistry at Temple and Villanova. Now, he teaches in Temple University’s engineering department, and he has taught physics, biology and math at the high school level. Driven by his passion for inspiring young minds, John left the pharmaceutical field to start a company focused on science and robotics training for youth. In his spare time, John likes playing guitar and cooking exotic foods (a handy springboard for discussing thermodynamics). He is dedicated to helping students discover the wonders of the world through science.

Jonas H.
Subjects
Art History, History, Latin, Medieval History, US History, World History
Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Middle and High School
About
Upon graduating from college, Jonas H. began teaching at the St. Ann’s School in Brooklyn, and has taught in the humanities for over 20 years. While he has taught middle schoolers and adults in a variety of settings, Mr. Hamilton has mostly worked in private secondary schools, offering classes in World History, U.S. History, and other subjects. He earned his B.A. at Harvard College, and later, two Masters Degrees (Arts, Philosophy) from Columbia University. Mr. Hamilton remains an enthusiastic student and teacher of history, a challenging, beautiful, and constantly evolving discipline. In his spare time, Mr. Hamilton cooks, reads novels, plays chess, and folds paper, especially the beautiful models of Hideo Komatsu.

Julia R.
Subjects
English, German, History, SAT Prep
Grades
9, 10, 11, 12
High School
About
Julia spent five years teaching high school English in San Francisco Public Schools. She’s taught grade 9-12 as well as both AP English courses and worked as an AP Exam reader. As someone who loves to learn new things, Julia has earned an MA in German Literature from UC Berkeley, an MA in Teaching Reading from the University of San Francisco, and is currently a master’s student in the English Department at Villanova University. She also spent a year living in Germany on a Fulbright research grant to study political fairy tales.
Julia loves to help students to make connections between their lives and what they are learning in school. She is an experienced writing coach who specializes in supporting students to express their thinking with clarity, complexity, nuance, and style.

Justin E.
Subjects
College Essay Writing, Math, Science, US History, World History
Grades
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Middle and High School
About
Justin Echevarria is a devoted educator with over seven years of classroom teaching experience and three years of tutoring expertise, both in person and online. He received his Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Secondary Education from Buffalo State College in 2018 and is pursuing a Master of Arts in History at Eastern Washington University. His academic background reflects a deep commitment to education, which he brings into every lesson. He has taught and supported students from kindergarten through college in Social Studies and has also developed a strong record of success teaching English at every level and various subjects of Math through eighth grade. Justin’s students show noticeable improvement under his instruction, with many seeing an increase in their test scores and overall grades by at least two levels. Outside of the classroom, Justin brings his love for history into his hobbies. He enjoys playing video games like Assassin’s Creed for their historical settings, as well as reading both history books and science fiction novels. These interests show his belief that learning goes beyond the classroom, and he strives to share that excitement with every student he works with.

Kate R.
Subjects
Elementary Education 1-6, Special Education
Grades
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Elementary and Middle School
About
Kate is a certified teacher with her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and certifications in Special Education K-8 and Early Childhood PK-4. Along with her Bachelor’s degree, Kate recently obtained her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Kate has always had a love for supporting various learners inside and outside of the classroom.
She has worked in various settings, including preschools, mental health settings and alternative learning settings. Kate loves sports and the outdoors, she takes her passions and creates hands-on and engaging lessons geared to all learners.

Kathryn T.
Subjects
Spanish
Grades
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Elementary, Middle, and High School
About
Kathryn is a dynamic and empathetic Spanish teacher with extensive experience teaching and tutoring students from kindergarten through high school. Throughout her 32 years as a certified public school teacher in both CT and NJ, Kathryn has never met a student who couldn’t learn Spanish! Adept at breaking down complex language concepts into manageable chucks, Kathryn specializes in providing memorization and test-taking strategies to help eliminate frustration and facilitate academic success. Music and academic games are favorite teaching strategies which often elicit those magical “ah ha” moments on the faces of her students. As a lifelong Spanish learner herself – from a shy, beginning high school Spanish student to her years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras to recent travels in Spain and Mexico – Kathryn’s own journey inspires her students along their path to language learning success. At this point in her life, Kathryn is extremely excited to have recently made the move with her husband to Philly!!! Short term goals include climbing all of the Manayunk steps, finding that elusive perfect vegetarian pizza slice, and decorating her new home with Facebook Marketplace treasures.

Lauren B.
Subjects
Spanish
Grades
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Middle and High School
About
Lauren received a bachelor’s degree from Temple University in Spanish and Secondary Education. She has taught a variety of levels ranging from Intro to Spanish to Spanish 4 Honors at public and private schools across Philadelphia. Her teaching philosophies are student centered and adapt to each child she encounters. As a Spanish teacher, Lauren believes the most important aspect to learning is getting the students to buy into the content. It is important to gain the student’s attention and curiosity in order to keep them intrigued and open to learning. When Lauren is not in the classroom, she enjoys reading poetry and experiencing local art museums in the cities she is visiting. She is also passionate about swimming- Lauren coaches a competitive swim team and has taught survival swim courses in her free time.

Leah G.
Subjects
Elementary Education K-4, Literacy, Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies, Writing
Grades
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4
Elementary School
About
Leah is a certified Reading Specialist, graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a Masters in Reading/Writing/Literacy. For over a decade, Leah has worked with mixed-age and mixed-ability youth across the world including Pennsylvania, Colombia, and India. Whether in the classroom or after school, Leah is seriously silly and loves bringing an artful approach to literacy with her early elementary kiddos. In her spare time, Leah reads way too much fiction, plays way too much with her dog named Zorra, and eats way too much pie.

Liz P.
Subjects
Elementary Education K-5, Math, Reading, Writing
Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Elementary and Middle School
About
Liz P. is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator in her 12th year of teaching who was a successful candidate for Philadelphia Teaching Fellows. She attended The Pennsylvania State University and majored in Journalism. After a few years, Liz transitioned to her teaching career and received a Masters in Elementary and Special Education at Chestnut Hill College followed by an ESL Specialist Certification. Over the course of her career, she has taught Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, specializing in small-group instruction for reading, writing, and math. She currently teaches small-group reading, writing, and ESL to students from Kindergarten through 8th grade, supporting learners as they build confidence and achieve academic success.
Fluent in Creole, French, and English, Liz values connecting with students and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Her love for teaching is matched by her dedication to service—she is a Youth Leader, Vacation Bible School Director, and Children’s Ministry Director at her church, where she inspires and mentors children and young people in their personal and spiritual growth.
The forth of eleven children, Liz grew up in a lively household that fostered her sense of teamwork and compassion. At home, she enjoys spending time with her playful 8-year-old dog, Marley. When she’s not teaching or serving in ministry, she loves dancing ballet, staying active at the gym, traveling and going on Mission Trips. Liz’s joy for learning, leadership, and creativity continues to make a lasting impact on her students, church community, and all those around her.

Liza R.
Subjects
Algebra I and II, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Geometry, Physics, SAT Prep
Grades
9, 10, 11, 12
High School
About
Liza earned her BA from Columbia University before earning her MS in Biomedical Sciences from Drexel University. She is currently a medical student at Drexel University College of Medicine. With a strong academic foundation and passion for learning, Liza enjoys helping students build confidence and achieve their academic goals through personalized support and effective study strategies.

Maddy K.
Subjects
English Language Arts, Reading, Writing
Grades
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Elementary and Middle School
About
Maddy K. is an award-winning educator who brings over 15 years of educational excellence and genuine passion for student success to her tutoring practice. Her classroom experience spans work with diverse learners, including general education, special education, basic skills, and English Language Learners, giving her a deep understanding of how to adapt her teaching approach to individual learning styles and
needs. Maddy is a lifelong learner who is always looking to advance her knowledge in all areas of education and school leadership. She holds two Master’s degrees in School Leadership and School Counseling from Wilmington University, a Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education from The College of New Jersey, and additional certifications in supervision and e-learning design, combining strong academic credentials with practical teaching experience. In her free time, Maddy enjoys hiking at local parks with her husband, daughter, and dog Miles. Whether working with a struggling reader, helping a student organize their thoughts for an essay, or supporting test preparation,
Madeline brings warmth, expertise, and unwavering dedication to each tutoring relationship. Her goal is simple: to help every student not just succeed academically, but to develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive as lifelong learners.

Margaret M.
Subjects
Chemistry
Grades
9, 10, 11, 12
High School
About
Margaret Martin graduated from Haverford College with a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry. She worked for three years as a teaching assistant in both General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry while completing her degree. As a teaching assistant she held multiple office hours a week to further student’s understanding of class content and how it applies practically to the skills they were learning in labs. Through this experience she developed a passion for being able to explain concepts in multiple ways to allow students to connect with material in a way that best suits their learning styles. She brings this philosophy into her tutoring as she fosters engaging and comprehensive one-on-one lessons, encouraging students to deepen their understanding and ability to apply the material they’re learning.

Michelle B.
Subjects
Math, Reading, Writing
Grades
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Elementary School and Middle School
About
As a seasoned teacher and tutor with years of classroom, small group, and one-to-one experience, Michelle understands the importance of working with a student’s individuality and needs to build self-esteem to foster learning using their unique strengths. There are many approaches to solve a problem. Her job is to find the approach that works for each student. Michelle takes pride in connecting with them and getting them to understand that they are capable of getting to their goal. She loves to travel, and feels it enhances perspective. She uses this approach in her teaching. Outside of the classroom, Michelle’s favorite hobby is refinishing furniture; changing something dirty and dusty, left at the curb into a shining new treasure. Sometimes a little elbow grease is all you need to see the potential in something!

Mira T.
Subjects
Literacy, Math, Reading, Writing
Grades
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Elementary School
About
Mira is a certified teacher with seven years of classroom experience in Philadelphia elementary schools. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and holds a Master’s in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. Mira currently serves as a literacy coach, training and supporting new teachers in effective reading instruction and classroom strategies. Mira believes that literacy is a fundamental right, and specializes in literacy intervention to help every student become a successful and confident reader. When she’s not teaching, Mira loves to go camping and hang out with her pup at the dog park.

Nikki J.
Subjects
Direct Instruction, Elementary Education K-5, Executive Functioning, Special Education Qualifications
Grades
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Elementary School
About
Nikki J. is a passionate special education teacher specialized in working
with students with autism and developmental disabilities. A graduate of Saint Joseph’s University, Nikki’s focus in Applied Behavior Analysis gives her a plethora of strategies to foster creative exploration of the curriculum inside the classroom. Within the span of 10 years Nikki has taught High School and Elementary School, and is currently in the
role of K-2 Special Education Teacher. Because of the uniqueness of students with autism and developmental disabilities, Nikki implements various strategies, differentiation, and modification to the lessons to improve skills and make learning fun on each child’s level. Nikki’s current enrollment in the Reading Specialist Program has taught her how to specialize her plans for teaching writing and reading comprehension to her students.
Nikki is heavily involved in her church and is a church leader in the Youth Department. Nikki enjoys game nights with her family, relaxing, and hanging out with her fur baby Diego.

Rachel A.
Subjects
ACT Test Prep, Algebra, Calculus, Finite Math, Geometry, Graphing, PSAT/SAT Test Prep, Pre-Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry
Grades
9, 10, 11, 12
High School
About
Rachel’s goal when working with students is showing them that math is for anyone who is willing to engage with it––and it can even be fun! She has taught high school math for several years. She has her Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland and her Master’s in Teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education. She enjoys dance and loves to crochet in her free time.

Rebekah A.
Subjects
Algebra, Biology, Chemistry, College Essay Writing, Executive Functioning, Geometry, Italian, Pre-Algebra, Spanish, Trigonometry
Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Middle and High School
About
Rebekah A. (she/they) is completing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Villanova University. Her counseling background, combined with over a decade of experience working with children, make it easy to build strong bonds with each student that she tutors. As a counselor, Rebekah believes that the best changes happens when a student feels comfortable and safe in a learning environment, so her first priority is to cultivate a trusting relationship with each child and family. Parents appreciate her patience, kindness, and sincerity.
Rebekah’s diverse tutoring experiences make her an ideal fit for a wide range of families. Her years of experience tutoring students ages 7-22 make her perfect for families with multiple children in need of support, and Rebekah’s multidisciplinary expertise qualifies her to tutor in many subject areas, including languages, writing, math, biology, and chemistry. Most notably, Rebekah specializes in math support (4th grade-algebra 2) for students with math learning disorders (dyscalculia). She also has four years of experience as a professional writing tutor, assisting students of many ages to improve their writing in English, Spanish, and Italian.
A lifelong learner, Rebekah has always been drawn to the helping professions. As a future therapist, she values the relational aspect of tutoring, and looks forward to supporting your child on their journey towards success.

Robin S.
Subjects
Elementary Education K-5, Executive Functioning, Reading Specialist
Grades
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Elementary School
About
Robin holds a BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Special Education, with over 10 years of experience. She is passionate about personalizing instruction to meet learners where they are, boosting confidence and academic skills in tandem. Robin incorporates multisensory techniques and her students’ unique interests to make learning engaging, impactful, and fun. With a collaborative spirit and excellent communication skills, Robin is dedicated to supporting her students’ progress both at home and at school. She is well versed in the Science of Reading, and enjoys breaking academic topics down into their simplest parts to deepen her students’ understanding and connect the dots in their learning to create lightbulb moments. In addition to her experience as a classroom teacher, Robin also has expertise in educational technology and children’s media, and has spent several years working in this space. In her free time, Robin enjoys playing guitar, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family.

Simone T.
Subjects
Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies, Writing
Grades
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Elementary School
About
Ms. Timbers joins Prep Academy Tutors with 10 years of teaching experience and has taught Preschool through Fourth grade in two different states. Ms. Timbers graduated From West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2014 with a degree in Elementary Education and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at St. Joseph’s University. She won the “Most Valuable Teacher Award” for elevating her student’s math scores tremendously during her time as a third-grade teacher in Arizona.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Timbers is a new mom and an only child. Her personal goal is to write a cookbook and she collects healing crystals.

Tiffany D.
Subjects
English, Reading, Writing
Grades
6, 7, 8
Middle School
About
Tiffany Delgado is a PA Certified ELA Teacher and PA Certified K-12 Reading Specialist. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degree at East Stroudsburg University, and is currently pursuing her PA Principal’s Certification. She has been an educator for 8 years, helping students of all ages foster a passion for reading and writing. Outside of academia, Tiffany enjoys traveling, surrounding herself with family and friends, and her 12 year old bull terrier, Lola.

Vania G.
Subjects
Algebra, Computer Science, Geometry, Math K-6, Pre-Calculus, Reading, Social Studies, Trigonometry, World History, Writing
Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Elementary School, Middle School, and High School
About
Vania Gulston has more than 20 years of experience in the field of education. She holds Pennsylvania certifications in secondary mathematics and social studies; and has masters degrees in education, history and folklore, performance studies, and technology design from the University of California at Berkeley, Temple University, and New York University, respectively.
Her teaching practice has been shaped by her love of radio. She became a social studies teacher in order to extend the work of helping to broaden people’s understanding of their social world that she did as a community radio broadcaster. She pursued a degree in technology design because she wanted to equip herself with the technical skills necessary to operate the broadcast equipment of a radio station. As well, she pursued graduate studies in tech design because, after experiencing obstacles in her efforts to increase her technical knowledge, she wanted to be able to offer that same technical knowledge to women and people of color who sought it.
She is the founder of WJYN Radio–a low power fm radio station in Philadelphia
Why choose
Prep Academy Tutors?

Why Prep Academy Tutors? Professional Private Tutoring in Philadelphia
At Prep Academy Tutors, we provide your child with the right tools to reach academic success. Our certified and accredited tutors set us apart from other private tutoring companies in Philadelphia and make us a reliable source for personalized education. Every student is capable of reaching academic success — they just need the right tools and resources to do so. At Prep Academy Tutors, we provide private in-home tutoring in Philadelphia that is personally catered to the unique needs of each of our students. Our tutors approach each student individually to provide them with a personalized educational environment that is low-pressure, and familiar. By providing this personalized attention, we can work with your child to fill any gaps in their knowledge and help them to catch up with their peers. If your child needs a more personalized approach to education to improve their grades and comprehension, Prep Academy Tutors can match them with a tutor who will best suit their needs and personal learning style. We like to think of our tutors as your child’s “smart friend” who can explain things in a way that they can understand and retain. We know that your child’s academic journey is important to you, which is why we maintain open communication with parents every step of the way. Instead of impersonal emails, we bring our personalized approach to learning to our communication with parents. We schedule phone calls and face to face meetings so that we can update you on your child’s progress and work as a team to keep them on track on their path to academic fulfilment.
Read More
Certified Tutors in Philadelphia
Prep Academy Tutors is an elite team of certified teachers who have the qualifications and knowledge needed to provide a professional level of education. Our Philadelphia tutors are certified tutors in Philadelphia who are qualified to teach but believe in the value of personalized education. After COVID-19, many K-12 students have fallen behind. Tutoring has been proven to be the most effective method of getting students back to their grade level, or above. One-on-one tutoring is more effective than smaller class sizes, after-school classes, longer semesters, longer school days, or summer school. In addition, today’s large class sizes make it nearly impossible to give each student the right level of attention they need. We pride ourselves in providing certified educators with an alternative option that allows them to educate in an environment that is low-pressure and personal to each student. At Prep Academy Tutors, we create an environment that is both fulfilling and enriching for both our tutors and students.
Read More
Flexible In-Home and Online Tutors
Prep Academy Tutors is a team of flexible in-home and online tutors who will work around your schedule to provide your child with the level of education they need, at times that are convenient for your family.
Read More
Personalized Education
Our tutors provide personalized education with a high level of professionalism and service. We are committed to providing a personalized approach to education to help every student to help them reach academic success.
Read MoreProfessional Tutoring Services
in Philadelphia
At Prep Academy Tutors we know that no two children learn in exactly the same way, which is why we offer various styles of private tutoring services in Philadelphia.
Our tutors cater their approach to education based on a student’s individual needs to not only fill in gaps in their knowledge but to form a close relationship that is both encouraging and empowering. To us education is fun, and we want your child to have fun on their journey to academic success.
We are proud to have a team of tutors in Philadelphia who can provide students with the personalized level of education they need to better retain course material, catch up to their peers, and gain an entirely new level of confidence in their academic ability.
Don’t let your child struggle academically when they can benefit from personalized tutoring services.
Our tutors in Philadelphia are ready to provide your child with the personalized attention they need to excel.
Learn more about the tutoring services our certified teachers can provide to help elevate your child’s educational experience.

One-on-One Tutoring in Philadelphia
It can be challenging for teachers in the classroom to give every student the attention they need to succeed. Fortunately, Prep Academy Tutors provides at-home and online one-on-one tutoring in Philadelphia.
Instead of acting like a teacher at the front of the classroom, our tutors act more like a “smart friend” who can reiterate source material and explain subject matter in a way that is easy to understand.
By bringing education into your home, our tutors can better explain course material and revisit challenging subject matter to fill in any gaps in your child’s knowledge.
Our educators work one-one-one with students to make a connection, better understand the student’s individual educational needs, and accommodate accordingly with a customized education plan that is unique to the student.
Our tutors create a safe, low-pressure educational environment where students feel like they can learn and develop comprehension at their own pace.

Semi-Private Tutoring
Prep Academy Tutors provides semi-private tutoring in Philadelphia so that students can benefit from the magic that happens when you put two heads together.
If your child and a friend are at a similar learning stage and are interested in utilizing tutoring, they can benefit from having the same instructor while also getting a more one-on-one approach to learning.

Group Tutoring Sessions
Prep Academy Tutors offers group tutoring in Philadelphia for groups of 3-6 students. While group tutoring does not provide the same personalization as one-on-one tutoring, it makes up for this with the energy, camaraderie, and collaboration that comes with group learning.
In group tutoring, students can come together to work as a team, brainstorm, bounce ideas off one another, and provide each other with the support and encouragement to confidently set and reach academic goals.

Private Tutors in Philadelphia for All Subjects
Because all students have different learning needs, capabilities, and interests, some subjects can pose as more of a challenge in the classroom than others. This is why Prep Academy Tutors hires certified educators with various specialties.
Whether you are looking for a science tutor or English tutor in Philadelphia, we can pair your child with a tutor who has the specialized knowledge needed to fill in any gaps in their knowledge of a particular subject.
We offer tutoring for the following subjects:
● Science (Physics, Biology, Chemistry, General Science, Computer Science)
● Social Studies (Philosophy, History, Geography, Civics)
● Mathematics (General Mathematics, Algebra & Geometry, Calculus & Vectors, Data Management, Advanced Functions)
● English (Essay Writing, Reading, Literature, Writing Skills)
● Languages (Spanish, French, Italian and Latin)

Philadelphia Curriculum-Based Education
Philadelphia develops a curriculum based on standards established by the Pennsylvania State Department of Education.
In Philadelphia, the adoption of standards is a State Department of Education responsibility. A standard describes what student should know and be able to do. Standards are sometimes referred to as learning standards. Standards define the goals of education — what students need to learn — not the processes of education or how schools are structured or how they operate.
These curriculum standards are maintained by all of our tutors. By working with your child’s curriculum, we can help fill any gaps in their knowledge and cover material before it’s taught. This will provide them with the tools they need to better understand and more confidently approach subject matter as it is taught.

Enrichment & Remedial Programs
Enrichment Programs
Tutoring is for more than just remediation purposes. Tutoring can be an enriching experience for any student looking to learn more or get ahead. Prep Academy Tutors offers enrichment tutoring programs in Philadelphia to help students challenge themselves academically.
Remedial Programs:
Every child is capable of learning when equipped with the right tools. Prep Academy Tutors offers remedial programs that are designed to provide these tools to students struggling with subjects like reading and English.
We offer two remedial programs:
Direct Instruction Reading Mastery Program: Our tutors offer a direct instruction reading mastery program that is designed to help students struggling with reading comprehension. This program is 90% review based and uses carefully developed and fully-scripted directions to help students to retain information long term and develop comprehension at a faster rate.
The Wilson Reading System: This program is designed to suit the educational needs of students with dyslexia or other language-based learning disabilities. Tutors executing this program exercise the Orton-Gillingham method; which is the concept of utilizing multi-sensory instruction through reading, listening, seeing, etc., which helps students to retain literacy comprehension.
Schedule
a discovery call with Alisa
contact us
Philadelphia