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Foundations of SAT & ACT

If your student needs extra support to build the skills essential for success on the SAT and ACT, we’re here to help. Summit Foundations is our 1:1 tutoring program designed to strengthen the Math and Verbal content tested on these exams. Tailored for 9th, 10th, and rising 11th graders, Foundations ensures students develop a solid academic base before diving into full SAT and ACT preparation.

Program Highlights:

  • Targeted skill-building: Focus on fundamental Math and Verbal concepts essential for the SAT & ACT.
  • Customized 1:1 tutoring: Eight 90-minute sessions, scheduled at your student’s convenience.
  • Flexible format: Sessions available in-home or online.
  • Personalized approach: Programs can be tailored in length and focus to meet individual needs.

About Our Curriculum

Summit’s Foundations program is built on 30+ years of expertise in educating students. Our evidence-based curriculum strengthens core skills in math, reading, and writing, helping students excel not only on the SAT and ACT but also in their everyday academic classes.

What We Cover:

  • Math: Algebraic functions, logarithms, trigonometry, and other key concepts.
  • Reading & English: Critical reading and analysis, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.

Beyond mastering test content, students gain confidence and stronger academic performance, setting them up for long-term success.

How to Get Started

  1. Take a Practice Test – Your student will begin with a practice test to assess their baseline knowledge and identify key areas for improvement.
  2. Meet Your Program Director – A dedicated Program Director will review the results and create a personalized tutoring plan.
  3. Get Matched with a Tutor – We pair your student with a caring, experienced tutor who fits their personality, learning style, and academic needs.
  4. Personalized Lessons – Each session is customized to focus on the foundational skills your student needs to master for success.

Our expert tutors don’t just teach the material—they know how to engage and motivate students, helping them build confidence alongside essential academic skills.

“My son's tutor was really helpful and has a gentle, relaxed demeanor. He pinpoints exactly what needs to be worked on and doesn’t waste time on the stuff that doesn’t.”

Darcy H., Parent

“Our Summit tutor was a great match for my son. Appropriately strict and understanding. My son made amazing progress and I never had to get involved!”

Lisa K., Parent

"He is a phenomenal tutor who helped our son achieve a score even better than we had hoped. He was methodical in breaking down the areas that needed improvement and coached our son how to overcome his weaknesses. We couldn't have asked for a better tutor."

Susan K., Parent

“Absolutely top-notch in terms of staff. Knowledgeable, professional and friendly! Perfect materials aimed at ensuring all critical areas are covered. Wonderful services in terms of students' abilities to take diagnostic tests in a testing environment at Summit's offices.”

Debbie N., Parent

“The Program Directors are excellent. They educated me on best practices and looked at my son’s specific situation to make recommendations tailored to him.”

Evelyn S., Parent

“Summit has become a wonderful resource for me. Our tutor helped me develop a testing plan for my daughter. I have already recommended Summit to many friends.”

Chris S., Parent

Meet Some of Our Top Tutors

Tessa Murray, PhD
Tessa Murray, PhD

Originally from Scotland, Tessa moved to the U.S. in 2001 after earning a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Aberdeen. She completed postdoctoral research at Boston University and worked as a research scientist at Tufts Medical Center. Tessa spent ten years as an educator at the Museum of Science, where she honed a knack for breaking complex topics into simple, engaging pieces. She joined Summit as a tutor in 2015 and makes sessions productive and enjoyable, using a touch of humor to ease test prep. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, biking, camping, skiing, and traveling.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE

AP: Biology, Chemistry, Calculus AB, Precalculus

Academic: Algebra, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Geometry, Trig/Precalculus

Michael Rogers
Michael Rogers

Michael graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors from Johns Hopkins University, earning a B.A. in sociocultural anthropology. He has been a tutor and teacher with the company since 2016. Known for his patient, supportive style, Michael helps students build metacognitive awareness and strong logical-reasoning skills. Before joining the company, he worked in community organizing and researched community-based public health programs. Outside of tutoring, he’s an avid reader and crossword puzzler, a language and math enthusiast, and he enjoys biking and hiking.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT

AP: Calculus AB & BC, Chemistry, Physics (1/2/C), Precalculus, Statistics

Academic: Algebra, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, English, Geometry, Physics, Statistics, Trig/Precalculus

Lauren Doolan
Lauren Doolan

A Summit tutor since 2012, Lauren specializes in test prep and English, helping students build confidence and master new skills with her patient, encouraging approach. She holds a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College and an MFA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence. Outside of tutoring, she enjoys reading, sewing, cooking, and traveling.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, PSAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

AP: English Literature, English Language

Academic: English

Lily Gordon
Lily Gordon

A Summit tutor since 2020, Lily creates a supportive and encouraging environment while challenging students to reach their full potential. She earned her B.A. in Literature from Williams College and is a fluent Spanish speaker who aspires to work with bilingual children. In her free time, she enjoys expressing her creativity through art, dance, and reading plenty of books.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

Academic: Biology, English

Dave Pyrch
Dave Pyrch

Dave earned BS degrees in Mathematics and Math Education, along with an MA in Education from the University of Connecticut. He has been tutoring with Summit since 2018 and brings over nine years of experience as both a tutor and high school math teacher. Passionate about helping students break down complex math concepts, Dave uses proven strategies to build mastery and confidence. Outside of tutoring, he is a marathon runner, kayaker, and music enthusiast.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

AP: Statistics, Calculus BC and AB, Precalculus

Academic:  Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, Trig/Precalculus, Statistics

Aubrey Elson
Aubrey Elson

A Summit tutor since 2020, Aubrey turns test anxiety into structure and confidence with step-by-step planning, pacing, and problem-solving while building executive-function habits that last beyond test day. An Assistant Professor of Acting, Voice, and Speech at Illinois Wesleyan University, she brings college-level expectations and actionable feedback to her tutoring sessions. With perfect GPAs from high school through graduate school, she has tutored over 3,000 hours with more than 200 students. She holds an MFA from Florida Atlantic University and a BA from USC. A professional actor who has performed in two national tours and at Madison Square Garden, her restorative-yoga training informs the calm, focused test-day routines she coaches.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT

AP: US History

Academic: Algebra, Calculus, English, French, Geometry, US History

Executive Function Coaching

Ready to get started?

Contact us to discuss test prep and tutoring options.

MA: 1-800-698-8867 / CT: 1-800-843-8520 / NY: 1-800-391-8435