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.

“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

“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

"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

“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

“Our tutor was patient and thoughtful. He was clear and took the time needed to work with our son. He was also very accommodating with our schedules.”

Gail 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

Meet Some of Our Top Tutors

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

Luke Holtzman
Luke Holtzman

A Select Tutor since 2020, Luke specializes in math, science, and test prep. With over a decade of experience, he helps students master complex concepts and boost scores and confidence. He's currently pursuing a PhD at Columbia University.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT

AP: Chemistry, Algebra, Precalculus, Calculus AB & BC, Physics C

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

Kevin Sun
Kevin Sun

A Summit Tutor since 2019, Kevin specializes in SSAT, ISEE, SAT, ACT, AP Biology, and academic tutoring in math, science, English, and Chinese. He tailors his approach to each student’s learning style, creating a supportive, stress-free environment.

Areas of Expertise

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

AP: Biology

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

Dave Pyrch
Dave Pyrch

With 9+ years of experience as a tutor and high school math teacher, Dave specializes in test prep, AP, and academic math tutoring. Holding BS and MA degrees in Mathematics and Education from UConn, he helps students break down complex math concepts.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

AP: Statistics, Calculus BC and AB, Precalculus

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

Josh Cunningham
Josh Cunningham

A Select Tutor since 2020, Josh specializes in SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE prep, as well as high school and college-level math. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics with a Computer Science minor from Stonehill College.

Areas of Expertise

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

AP: Calculus AB and BC

Academic: Algebra, Geometry, Trig/Precalculus, Calculus

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

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