A student-tailored, customized learning experience

In-person or digital, on your schedule

What we offer

  • Private SAT & ACT Tutoring

    “Optional” or not, a strong SAT or ACT result has the power to tip the scales. Weekly lessons are designed around your student’s needs. We'll assess testing strengths and challenges, develop a personalized study plan, and provide frequent family check-ins to ensure maximum progress. Complex as they appear, the SAT and ACT are built around patterns. We teach students how to recognize those patterns and unlock their top scores.

    Not sure which test to focus on? Schedule a free SAT vs. ACT consultation.

  • Private SSAT & ISEE Tutoring

    Our test prep approach for younger students goes far beyond content knowledge. We work on building your child's confidence, introducing them to test-taking strategies, and providing realistic practice to alleviate day-of test anxiety. Mountain & Ivy’s students have consistently achieved remarkable SSAT & ISEE score improvements and won admission to top-tier private & magnet schools. Give your child the best chance of acceptance into their desired middle school, high school, or summer program.

  • College Consulting

    Wishing you had a teammate to guide your family through the intensity and competition of the college application process? We provide ongoing support and mentorship to help students — and parents —navigate the admissions journey. Through essays, testing, scholarship deadlines, and the Big Decision, our consultants will be there every step of the way. Let’s make this simpler.

  • College Essay Editing

    With more than 20 years of combined experience, our essay tutors have a deep, holistic understanding of the college admissions process. We cultivate a supportive and collaborative environment for young writers; our students grow not just as applicants, but as powerful, authentic communicators of their stories, ambitions, and passions. Start the journey from first draft to Admitted Students Weekend. Our admission results speak for themselves.

TALK TO US

 FAQs

  • For most students, absolutely! Truth be told, we weren’t totally convinced on this point back in 2014, when we started work with our first digital tutees. The years — and the scores — have proved us wrong, however. In fact, many families try both options and prefer digital lessons, which require no transit time and allow for maximum scheduling flexibility around travel and extracurriculars.

  • As a business, it would be in our best interest to convince you that test-optional is a ruse in all cases. In reality, the question of whether or not to invest in SAT/ACT prep has a lot to do with your student’s specific major, city of residence, extracurricular achievements, and target colleges. Give as a call at 864.541.1864. We’ll share the candid feedback we’ve been hearing from high school leaders and college admissions directors across the country.

  • This decision will absolutely depend on your student’s unique strengths and challenges, including strongest classroom subjects and pace of work. Starting in 2024, this choice may also depend on a preference for digital vs on-paper testing.

    We strongly advise specializing in either the SAT or the ACT early in the test prep process. If you’ve reached this decision point, give us a call or text us at 864.541.1864 to schedule a free 30 minute ACT vs SAT consultation.

  • The big question, right? Our rates, like those of most tutoring companies, are personalized based on lesson type, frequency, location, and tutor availability. Check in with us at bonnie@mountainandivy.com or 864.541.1864 to discuss hourly rates, multi-lesson packages, and summer class availability. In all cases, digital lessons are less expensive than in-person meetings.

    At Mountain & Ivy, we’re committed to greater educational equity in theory and in practice. Thanks to the generosity of community partners and private donors, we offer at least 2-3 full and partial need-based scholarships each semester. Contact us for more information! We want to connect hardworking kids and caring parents with the educational support they need — whether that’s with us or not!

  • Over the years, we’ve found that different students focus best in radically different study environments. Whether at home, in a school library, at a co-working space, or at a favorite (quiet) coffee shop, we’ll choose a consistent, convenient location based on your family’s preferences and our tutors’ weekly availability.