FAQs

Where are sessions held?

Most tutoring sessions are done online through Zoom utilizing all available cutting edge tools and technology (including AI) to optimize the learning process. This allows equal or better results at a lower cost, effectively serving students’ academic needs.

However, in person sessions are available within Marin County. These are held at a local library or the student’s home.

What is Math Academy?

Math Academy means that in addition to providing math support for ongoing subjects, Dan is able to rapidly identify and effectively resolve knowledge gaps in students' mathematical foundations in a matter of weeks. In doing so, students break the cycle of feeling "bad at math" and are able to not only succeed in their current math class, but also their future courses as well.

This happens through honing in on the issues, then providing clear examples, helpful explanations, and positive encouragement until concepts become solid.

Do you provide comprehensive SAT/ACT preparation?

Yes! Dan has provided support for both exams for over 10 years and has helped dozens of students boost their scores by hundreds of points. He will recommend books, create a study plan, teach test specific strategies, assign weekly homework, and provide unlimited free practice tests from previous years.

Even one session can help boost scores, but support is typically most effective over 8 to 12 weeks.

How much are sessions?

Rates

• Phone Consultation: Always FREE

• Online Academic Tutoring: $125/hr

  5 session package for $600

• In person Tutoring (Marin only): $150/hr

  5 session package for $700

• Low Income Services sliding scale
  

• SAT/ACT prep : Same rate as tutoring

• Math Academy: Same rate as tutoring
  

*The best tutoring you can get. I am so confident you will be thrilled with these services, that I offer a money back guarantee on any session if you are not satisfied. I look forward to helping you!*
- Dan, Founder and Lead Tutor

What happens if I need to cancel a session?

You get one warning.

• There is no charge for cancellations made at least 24 hours out from a scheduled session time.

• If less than 24 hours notice is given, a 50% late cancellation fee will apply.

• If no notice is given, missed sessions are billed at full rate.​

What is Positive Psychology and Self Determination Theory?

Traditionally psychology is a viewed as a way to fix psychological “problems”. Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that looks at turning good to great, through best understanding how motivation and success can most easily flourish. Within positive psychology, there is a powerful framework for driving success called Self-Determination Theory.

For those interested, there is a lot to learn about Self-Determination Theory. In short, there are a few central ingredients which we find common to nearly all successful individuals. These ingredients are so central that the degree to which these things are deprived is directly linked to the hindering of success.

These theories help to explain the relational aspect of learning. When that goes awry, students can be left feeling stuck and miserable. Impactful Tutoring works to provide the optimal environment for a more positive and much more effective educational experience.

Why is tutoring critical in the age of ChatGPT?

The AI tools now becoming available are powerful and students should learn to work with them. They can provide information and help to achieve certain tasks much faster or in complex masterful ways. However, there’s a big difference between knowledge and information. As a result, there’s many ways these tools fail to help students learn, develop, and succeed in school.

1. In-Person Test Taking

• Limitations: AI cannot take the test for you.

• Why it matters: Getting good grades means reflecting information, knowledge, and judgment during in-person skill assessments.

2. Iterative Learning

• Limitations: AI explanations can be meaningless without foundational knowledge.

• Why it matters: Learning builds on itself. Students who rely on AI instead of learning are sabotaging their future.
  
  Examples: Without learning algebra and trigonometry, students will never be able to understand calculus, statistics, and other advanced math and science. Without learning to read and write, students will be left without critical analysis skills and their own authentic voice.

3. Creative and Critical Thinking

• Limitations: AI can generate ideas and help with brainstorming but may lack genuine creativity or the ability to think critically in novel ways.

• Why it matters: It’s never been more important for students to be able to think, develop, and present their own ideas. Creative and critical thinking often require human intuition, imagination, and the ability to synthesize disparate ideas in unique ways.

4. Personalized Motivation and Mentorship

• Limitations: AI cannot truly mentor or inspire students on a personal level.

• Why it matters: Mentorship involves personal connection, encouragement, and role modeling, which AI lacks. In every field, those with excellent mentors & coaches, go much further.

5. Learning Builds on Connection

• Limitations: AI doesn’t offer human connection and cannot effectively engage a student’s interest.

• Why it matters: A great tutor offers the empathy, active listening, and emotional intelligence needed to keep students engaged with the material. This is an essential part of learning, as well as emotional and social development.

6. Ethical and Moral Decision-Making

• Limitations: AI lacks moral reasoning and cannot make value-based decisions.

• Why it matters: Students need to develop ethical reasoning skills, which involve complex human judgment beyond AI’s capabilities.

7. Complex, Open-Ended Discussions

• Limitations: AI often struggles with nuanced, open-ended discussions that require deep understanding and cultural context.

• Why it matters: Such discussions help students explore diverse perspectives and develop higher-order thinking skills.

Why don’t you offer Tutoring below 8th grade?

I have in the past. Over the years I’ve helped students ages 6-65 effectively, both in person and online. I really love supporting students of all ages and seeing them develop rapidly.

However, this impactful result requires focus and I’ve found that students in elementary school and even most 6th and 7th graders struggle to stay on task. While I can still help these students, unfocused sessions mean less tutoring benefit, at the full rate. That feels a little unfair to clients, and frankly, it just feels better when I’m teaching the whole time.

If a 6th or 7th grader is particularly mature and focused, I would consider helping. However, for most students below 8th grade, I typically recommend lower cost, lower experience options (which can still be quite helpful for less advanced subjects).