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.

“Our tutor has been wonderful. She provided lots of incentive for my daughter to study hard – and Summit’s almost immediate feedback on the tests is a great help. For both of my daughters, the Summit tutors have proved to be mentors as well as instructors. It is a pleasure to work with your group.”

Deborah H., Parent

"My son's tutor was terrific. He helped him with test taking strategies that made a big difference in his scores."

Christy, H., 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

“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

“My husband and I want you to know how grateful we are for the extraordinary support and professionalism we've experienced since we started working with Summit last summer. Our son thinks the world of his tutor. He has been extremely helpful in easing our son's anxiety about taking standardized tests, and has equipped him with countless strategies to dissect any test he takes.”

Polly B., Parent

“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

Meet Some of Our Top Tutors

Lauren Doolon
Lauren Doolon

A Select Tutor since 2012, Lauren specializes in test prep and English tutoring, helping students build confidence with her patient, encouraging approach. She holds a BA from Emerson College and an MFA from Sarah Lawrence.

Areas of Expertise

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

AP: English Literature, English Language

Academic: English

Lily Gordon
Lily Gordon

With a B.A. in Literature from Williams College, Lily tutors SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, as well as Biology, and English. A Select Tutor since 2020, she is passionate about education and creating a supportive learning environment.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

Academic: Biology, English

Paige Guarino
Paige Guarino

A Middlebury College graduate, Paige specializes in test prep and academic tutoring, supporting students with anxiety, confidence, and perfectionism. She is pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology at Fordham, researching mental health in the workplace.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

AP: Psychology

Academic: Algebra, Geometry, English, US History

Michael Singer
Michael Singer

A Select Tutor since 2015, Michael specializes in test prep and academic tutoring in math, English, and history. With decades of teaching experience, he enjoys helping students of all abilities succeed. He holds a BA from Franklin & Marshall and an MA from Brandeis.

Areas of Expertise

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

Academic: Algebra, Geometry, English, US History, European History, World History

Executive Function Coaching

Aubrey Elson
Aubrey Elson

A Select Tutor since 2020, Aubrey specializes in test prep, AP and academic tutoring in English, US History, Algebra, and Geometry. An adjunct professor, she holds an MFA from Florida Atlantic University and a BA from USC.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT

AP:  US History

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

Executive Function Coaching

Paul Broderick
Paul Broderick

A Select Tutor since 2017, Paul specializes in test preparation, AP, and academic tutoring in math and science. With a relaxed yet high-standard approach, he holds a PhD in Philosophy from Boston University and teaches at Clark University and Holy Cross.

Areas of Expertise

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

AP: Precalculus, Calculus, Physics

Academic:  Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, Physics, Trig/Precalculus, English, US History, European History

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