Frequently Asked Questions

Everything parents need to know about how the program works, who it’s for, and what to expect.
The Program
Kinetic Minds Academy offers individualized, one-on-one math programs for students in grades 5 through 12, as well as college-level and applied math courses. Every program is built from scratch for each student — aligned to their school curriculum, adapted to their learning style, and designed with both short and long-term goals in mind.

What sets this program apart is the combination of three things most tutoring doesn’t address together: academic results, learning strategy, and student confidence. The goal isn’t just better grades — it’s helping your child become a more capable, independent learner. Progress is tracked through both quantitative and qualitative reports, so you always know where your child stands and where they’re headed.
One-on-one
Grades 5–12
College-level math
Fully customized
The program begins at 5th grade — the last year before middle school and an important moment for catching gaps early — and continues through advanced high school and college-level coursework.
  • 5th Grade: Diagnostic assessment, gap analysis, and middle school preparation
  • Grades 6–8: Full middle school sequence including accelerated classes, pre-algebra foundation, and HSPT exam prep
  • Grades 9–12: Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, SAT & ACT math prep
  • Advanced & College-Level: Calculus 1 & 2, Statistics, Business Math, Financial Mathematics, Accounting
I also work with young adults who need math support for professional development — business finance, statistics for work or graduate school, and career-focused math skills.
Every program follows a clear cycle: plan, work, reflect, adjust. Each phase begins with a goal and a strategy to reach it. Sessions are focused and purposeful — not more volume, not excessive take-home pressure. Progress is reviewed regularly, and the program is updated based on what’s actually working for your child.

The program is structured across two dimensions:
  • School-Aligned · Steady (School Support): Keeping up with the current teacher’s pace, polishing skills, maintaining grades
  • School-Aligned · Intensive (Catch-Up): Closing significant gaps and rebuilding foundations fast
  • Independent · Steady (Standard Track): Learning a math course privately at a thoughtful pace, with full course structure — lessons, homework, quizzes, assessments
  • Independent · Intensive (Accelerated Track): Moving fast through advanced content, significantly ahead of grade level
Not sure which fits your child? That’s exactly what the free consultation is for.
Yes — this is a core part of the program design, not an add-on. Before building a program, I assess your child’s current level, learning preferences, school expectations, and goals. The program is then designed and continuously updated around all of those factors.

Students are also gradually introduced to understanding their own learning — how to set goals, evaluate their progress, and reflect on what’s working. This isn’t pressure placed on them; it’s introduced in small, age-appropriate steps that build real independence over time.
Is This a Good Fit?
Students who are struggling
  • Getting B’s or C’s but capable of more
  • Can follow along in class but struggle independently
  • Have gaps that keep tripping them up
  • Freeze on tests despite knowing the material
  • Have said “I’m just not a math person”
Students who want more
  • Already doing well but want deeper understanding
  • Preparing for AP, IB, or college-level math
  • Working toward SAT, ACT, or HSPT
  • Interested in STEM or advanced coursework
  • Want to get meaningfully ahead
Young adults
  • Business finance or financial analysis
  • Statistics for work or graduate school
  • Math skills refresher for career growth
This program is built for students who are ready to engage — even if they’re frustrated, behind, or unsure about math. It works best when there’s some openness to the process, even a little.

It may not be the right match if:
  • Your child has specialized learning needs that require a dedicated learning support specialist
  • You’re looking primarily for someone to sit with your child and complete homework together
  • Your child is consistently excelling, loves math independently, and has no desire to go deeper or get ahead
  • You’re hoping for quick results without any active participation from your child
If you’re not sure, reach out — I’m happy to have an honest conversation about whether this is a good fit before either of us commits to anything.
Logistics & Format
Sessions are conducted primarily in person, which tends to produce the best results for most students. Virtual and hybrid options are available depending on your location and circumstances — just mention your preference when you reach out and we’ll find what works best.

Between sessions, students are given homework — not as extra burden, but as a purposeful part of the program. Independent practice builds the momentum and self-reliance that makes the difference long-term. It also gives me valuable information: how your child approaches work on their own, where they get stuck, and how they’re internalizing what we cover together.
Group sessions are currently forming. The same standard of preparation and rigor that goes into one-on-one programs applies to group instruction — smaller groups simply allow a different dynamic and a more accessible price point.

Planned summer group programs include:
  • Pre-Algebra — ideal for students entering middle school or needing a strong foundation reset
  • HSPT Math Prep — focused, test-specific prep for the High School Placement Test
  • Algebra 1 — build real algebra fluency before the school year begins
There’s also a Bring Your Own Group option — if you have 3–10 students at the same math level, I can work with your group in person or remotely. Pricing is determined after a short consultation.

Sessions are not yet open, but you can join the waitlist on the pricing page to be notified first and help shape what gets offered.
Before the first session, your child will receive a short diagnostic to complete at home and bring in. This gives me a baseline without spending session time on it — and it tells me a lot about how they work independently before I ever meet them.

At the first session, we go through the diagnostic together, get to know each other, and get to work. Your child will either bring their current homework or work through a set of custom worksheets I’ve prepared. These worksheets are built to move from broader concepts to more specific ones — so we cover ground efficiently and don’t spend time on things they’ve already mastered.

Watching a student work in real time tells me far more than any test: how they approach problems, where they hesitate, how they respond when something is hard, what their natural strengths are. By the end of the first session, I have a clear picture of where we’re starting and what the program needs to look like.
You’ll receive regular progress reports that include both quantitative updates (scores, benchmarks, skills covered) and qualitative observations (how your child is engaging, what’s clicking, what still needs work). There are no surprises — if something isn’t working, I’ll tell you directly and we’ll adjust the plan together.

The most visible marker of progress is usually a shift in how your child talks about math — and how they show up to school.
Pricing & Getting Started
Pricing reflects the level of customization, preparation, and ongoing program management involved — this isn’t drop-in tutoring. Full pricing details are available on the pricing page.

If you’re unsure whether the investment makes sense for your situation, the free consultation is a good place to start. We can talk through what your child needs, what the program would look like, and what it would cost — before you commit to anything.
The best first step is a free 15-minute consultation. It’s a simple conversation — no commitment, no pressure. We’ll talk about where your child is, what they need, and whether this program is the right fit.

From there, if it makes sense to move forward, I’ll build an initial program outline and walk you through it before anything begins.
Reach out directly — I’m happy to answer. You can fill out the contact form here and I’ll get back to you within 24–48 hours.

Still have questions? Let’s talk.

A free 15-minute conversation is the easiest way to find out if this program is right for your child.