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.

“Our tutor connected with my daughter beautifully and kept her on track and learning. Even at late hours of the night. My daughter really felt good about her ability to learn.”

Julianne P., Parent

"My son's tutor was terrific. He helped him with test taking strategies that made a big difference in his scores."

Christy, H., 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

“My husband and I want you to know how grateful we are for the extraordinary support and professionalism we've experienced since we started working with Summit last summer. Our son thinks the world of his tutor. He has been extremely helpful in easing our son's anxiety about taking standardized tests, and has equipped him with countless strategies to dissect any test he takes.”

Polly B., 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

“Summit has become a wonderful resource for me. Our tutor helped me develop a testing plan for my daughter. I have already recommended Summit to many friends.”

Chris S., Parent

Meet Some of Our Top Tutors

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

Lauren Doolon
Lauren Doolon

A Select Tutor since 2012, Lauren specializes in test prep and English tutoring, helping students build confidence with her patient, encouraging approach. She holds a BA from Emerson College and an MFA from Sarah Lawrence.

Areas of Expertise

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

AP: English Literature, English Language

Academic: English

Tessa Murray, PhD
Tessa Murray, PhD

A Select Tutor since 2015, Tessa specializes in test prep, AP, and academic tutoring in math and science. She holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Aberdeen and conducted postdoctoral research at Boston University.

Areas of Expertise

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

AP: Biology, Chemistry, Calculus AB, Precalculus

Academic: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus

Paige Guarino
Paige Guarino

A Middlebury College graduate, Paige specializes in test prep and academic tutoring, supporting students with anxiety, confidence, and perfectionism. She is pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology at Fordham, researching mental health in the workplace.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

AP: Psychology

Academic: Algebra, Geometry, English, US History

Leslie Greene
Leslie Greene

A Select Tutor since 2016, Leslie specializes in SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE prep. A former attorney, she helps students build confidence and master test-taking strategies. She holds degrees from Williams, UChicago Law, and Fairfield University.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers

A Johns Hopkins graduate and Select Tutor since 2016, Mike specializes in test prep and AP/academic math and science tutoring. He helps students build logical reasoning and metacognitive skills with a patient, supportive approach.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, PSAT, ACT

AP: Precalculus, Calculus, Algebra, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Academic: Math, Science

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