George is the best tutor I've ever had. He was able to teach me in a way where topics would be…read moreconnected and intertwined to previously learned topics to build up an understanding that I did not obtain in school. I was able to understand new mathematical topics very quickly based on the strong fundamentals that built into the new topic. None of the "just use this formula" method that I was told so many times in school. I got to the point where even if I didn't memorize a formula, like they make you do in school, I was easily able to derive the formula from my understanding of the mathematical building blocks that the formula was based on. Because of this, I was able to excel at Algebra, Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus BC. This was also very helpful in the SAT and SAT Math II where there is a broad range of topics which I also did very well in. I have been a tutor myself and have been tutored by others, but George is his own league. He really cares and you can really tell even after one session. I can't thank George enough for his teachings.

Great tutor, great teaching, great experience!!! I had George tutor me for SAT, Pre-Calculus, and…read moreAP Calculus. Having George as my tutor helped me to understand every little piece in Pre-Calc. and Calc. He taught the information beyond the high school curriculum that allowed me to fully understand each topic in the class. He also works on thinking skills as well as building a strong foundation in math. Using all the techniques and tools George taught me, I was able to achieve high SAT scores in math. Very good online, one on one experience. Clear voice calls, shared online notepad, and desk camera making it like he's right next to you. George is a very kind person who listens very carefully and can figure out how tutees learn and understand information.

my kids has been attending the studio for 6 years. It is primarily PK-8 program.The kids gained…read moreboth math skills and improved greatly their self confidence. One of the best features of studio is that they evaluate progress of your child constantly. First evaluation happens when you bring your child to meet with studio director. She would tell you right away the level of math you child belongs to. Each grade in the studio is divided into 3, 4 levels for kids with different math abilities. They can bump a child from one level to more advanced one ("from one group to another" they call it) if they see that a child gets ahead quickly. The level of math in the studio is very high. Problems solving, logic, VERY, VERY STRONG fraction base, very strong algebra and geometry.

We've done SEM and RSM, and I wish I had found a review like this without having to try both, so…read moredecided to write it. Classes wise, Studio for the win hands down. Our kids really enjoyed the classes, the small size (up to 6 kids, sometimes 7), the teachers, and the materials. Lots of variety, interesting problems alongside more basic ones, more levels, and the kids clearly learned a lot. RSM classes are larger (10-12 kids), only 2 levels (plus a 3rd which they designate for "math addicts only" - the kids who crave more math), and apparently good, but not as "fun". The kids are clearly still learning, but it feels more like a chore. So, for classes, SEM is the clear winner IMO. For homework, the story is completely reversed. SEM homework consisted of 15-20 pages, so even if some pages were really short, the sheer volume was overwhelming for the kids. The pages were often bad quality photocopies, and often very repetitive week to week (same style puzzle for weeks on end for instance). The homework battles were endless, and at some point the kids simply refused to do them. It was nice to get interesting questions, but when it's essentially the same interesting question over and over and over again week after week after week, it's no longer interesting (e.g. find the differences between pictures, circle, count... Or solve an identical logical puzzle with 30 variations, week after week). We also didn't feel the kids were learning that much from the homework - some things were too easy, others just repetitive, and overall is just felt like too much. Then, they were expected to correct all the mistakes from the prior homework before getting their "reward" (stickers towards prizes), so unfinished homeworks just piled up one on top of the other, becoming even more overwhelming, and even less rewarding. There was no "partial" option - they got a reward only for perfect, completed, corrected, homework. RSM, on the other hand, is GREAT for homework. 3-4 pages, so not overwhelming in volume. All pages are printed fresh, not bad quality photocopies. They expect the homework should take 30-60 minutes (vs 60-120 min in SEM, usually took us 75-90min). It's been taking 25-40min tops, to do in full. The parents are encouraged to NOT do it with the kids, so the teacher can evaluate what the kids did on their own. This is helpful, and we've had no qualms about our child doing the homework only partially sometimes. From 4th grade on, you enter the answers online, and the kids see immediately if they were right or wrong, and get scores and badges/"medals" online. The questions kids did not do correctly get dealt with in class, and are not carried over to the following week. If the kid didn't do the HW in full, they didn't. No big deal. As long as they don't fall behind in class, no one makes a big deal of it. (In SEM it felt like we were constantly talking to the teachers about incomplete HW). So, homework wise, RSM is the clear winner. If SEM put together a better homework policy/system, we'd go back in a heartbeat. But the homework in SEM introduced so much stress, to the kids and to us the parents, that we decided we can't deal with it. For kids who are already stretched to the max with extended days and other activities, and parents who are working full time and don't get a lot of quality time with the kids, and would rather spend quality time with their kids when they do have the time, and not spend it on homework battles, RSM is a much better fit. So, for now, we've moved to RSM. And I say that sadly, because I do think the classes and also materials in SEM are better. They really taught math through games and tangibles whenever possible. Overall, SEM is like an exciting startup with many kinks still remaining, RSM is like a well oiled machine that moves forward with much experience and relatively little innovation. Both have merits. Hopefully this review helps others trying to decide between the two options. It's a tough call. I really wish there was something out there that "married" the best of both.

The atmosphere here is wonderful! Small class sizes, "gifted student" programs, AP classes,…read morecommunity outreach, day-trip and immersion programs, the list goes on and on. You can really feel how much energy and passion the team puts into making the school a successful and comfortable place for the students to excel and prepare for advanced placement programs. The new facility in Newton looks incredible! Great job, Jenny and WSA Team! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!!

My soon-to-be 9th grader was transitioning from public school to private school and wasn't ready…read more Jenny's program evulated him, provided him with guidance, built his confidence, and turned him into an academically sounds 9th grader ready for his next adventure. My son raved everyday about how much he enjoyed learning at the Washington Square Academy and plans on joining Jenny every summer going forward! Sophia KM

We were a part of the Beginnings community from Summer 2017 through Spring 2020. One of the first…read morethings that drew us to the school was the ECSEL curriculum, which centered around the social-emotional development of the child. The language the staff used in communicating with the students, the visual references within the classroom, and the general culture of the school all emphasized the importance of these developmental skills. Our children learned so many key communication skills from this comprehensive approach. The teachers and staff that were hired were always professional, nurturing and well-trained. We knew that out children were always well-cared for and safe. The activities that the teachers created was amazing! Most classrooms had thematic units that would change monthly. The activities created by the staff around these themes was incredible and always surprised us by how detailed and comprehensive each unit was while still being broken down enough for its young learners to understand. Our children made lasting friendships and we met so many nice families as a result of the community feel that the school fostered. I would highly recommend Beginnings School to others!

Our family joined the Beginnings community in Fall 2020, during the midst of the pandemic and right…read moreafter we moved locally. I could not imagine a more warm welcome to a new place for our son, who runs into school every morning and talks about how much he loves his teachers and friends every night. From really creative classroom curriculum to outstanding communication between administration, teachers, and parents, we have confidence that our son is in the place that is best for him. We also have confidence that the Beginnings team is doing everything the right way in regards to keeping the whole community safe and healthy. I highly recommend Beginnings School to other families looking for an engaging and fun place dedicated to thoughtfully educating your children.

Stephanie is an outstanding teacher and tutor with many years of experience…read more She is able to differentiate instruction based on the students needs! She is patient, kind and caring and knows how to challenge her students where they become excited about learning! I would highly recommend her as a superior tutor and educator! We need more teachers like her

Joan is a pleasure to work with. We have only met with her once so far but she is so…read moreknowledgeable, kind, compassionate, and truly cares for the students she helps with their college choices. We are SO incredibly grateful we found her and looking forward to utilizing her superb guidance and skills.

My daughter worked with Joan Casey throughout her college search and application process…read more Joan was extremely thorough in her assessment of my daughter and in her selection of schools. Her advice was based on in-depth knowledge of my daughter's learning style and personality. The list of colleges she presented were mostly solid targets (rather than reach) and she prepared my daughter to be realistic and in the end, very happy with her acceptances. Joan created a strategy to identify a first choice school, for an early decision application while organizing and motivating her to complete all of her regular and early action applications. Joan's observations of my daughter's strengths and weaknesses and her knowledge of the pros and cons of each school made the process seem more concrete and predictable. Joan continues to follow-up with my daughter and said that she will stay in touch with her throughout her freshman year.

Our experience has been a positive one. My daughter began tutoring sessions about 5 months ago to…read morework on memory processing, executive function skills including time management and organization, as well as SSAT prep. She enjoys both of her tutors, who are patient, smart, and nurturing. They clearly understand her underlying issues and are incredibly supportive. They have offered my daughter many helpful insights. The services are pricey, but they are a worthwhile investment. We have been seeing progress in our daughter's development and her grades for the last couple of marking periods have been some of her best yet. It probably deserves 5 stars but my daughter still resists going on many occasions (kids!), so I'm dropping down a star on her behalf.

This center has been amazing for my child's learning and growth. We have been going here for…read moreseveral years now and I cannot recommend it enough!! They make learning math fun and an enjoyable experience. The tutors are great with little kids and the team is always willing to help us. Very flexible with scheduling. Even if your child isn't struggling with math it's a great place for kids to learn to progress with their skills as they grow in their academic careers.