Smart Start
Smart Start SAT/ACT Event

Train with a Top Summit Tutor Before Test Day

Join a free SAT or ACT Strategy Session and learn proven test-taking techniques from an expert Summit tutor.
Aug 4 & 6 | Aug 11 & 13

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.

"He is a phenomenal tutor who helped our son achieve a score even better than we had hoped. He was methodical in breaking down the areas that needed improvement and coached our son how to overcome his weaknesses. We couldn't have asked for a better tutor."

Susan K., Parent

“Our tutor has been wonderful. She provided lots of incentive for my daughter to study hard – and Summit’s almost immediate feedback on the tests is a great help. For both of my daughters, the Summit tutors have proved to be mentors as well as instructors. It is a pleasure to work with your group.”

Deborah H., 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

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

Christy, H., Parent

“My son's tutor was really helpful and has a gentle, relaxed demeanor. He pinpoints exactly what needs to be worked on and doesn’t waste time on the stuff that doesn’t.”

Darcy H., 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

Lily Gordon
Lily Gordon

A Summit tutor since 2020, Lily creates a supportive and encouraging environment while challenging students to reach their full potential. She earned her B.A. in Literature from Williams College and is a fluent Spanish speaker who aspires to work with bilingual children. In her free time, she enjoys expressing her creativity through art, dance, and reading plenty of books.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE

Academic: Biology, English

Aubrey Elson
Aubrey Elson

A Summit tutor since 2020, Aubrey turns test anxiety into structure and confidence with step-by-step planning, pacing, and problem-solving while building executive-function habits that last beyond test day. An Assistant Professor of Acting, Voice, and Speech at Illinois Wesleyan University, she brings college-level expectations and actionable feedback to her tutoring sessions. With perfect GPAs from high school through graduate school, she has tutored over 3,000 hours with more than 200 students. She holds an MFA from Florida Atlantic University and a BA from USC. A professional actor who has performed in two national tours and at Madison Square Garden, her restorative-yoga training informs the calm, focused test-day routines she coaches.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT

AP: US History

Academic: Algebra, Calculus, English, French, Geometry, US History

Executive Function Coaching

Marvin Wolfert
Marvin Wolfert

Marvin has been a Summit tutor since 2004 and spent 12 years as a Senior Program Director, guiding families through the standardized-testing landscape. A former attorney focused on estate and business planning, he graduated magna cum laude from Boston University with a degree in English Literature and holds a JD from Suffolk University Law School and an LLM in Taxation from Boston University. Outside tutoring, Marvin values time with his family—including four grandchildren—has completed 25 marathons, and is active in his synagogue’s adult education programs.

Areas of Expertise

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

AP: European History, U.S. History, World History

Academic: Algebra, English, European History, U.S. History, World History

Tessa Murray, PhD
Tessa Murray, PhD

Originally from Scotland, Tessa moved to the U.S. in 2001 after earning a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Aberdeen. She completed postdoctoral research at Boston University and worked as a research scientist at Tufts Medical Center. Tessa spent ten years as an educator at the Museum of Science, where she honed a knack for breaking complex topics into simple, engaging pieces. She joined Summit as a tutor in 2015 and makes sessions productive and enjoyable, using a touch of humor to ease test prep. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, biking, camping, skiing, and traveling.

Areas of Expertise

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

AP: Biology, Chemistry, Calculus AB, Precalculus

Academic: Algebra, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Geometry, Trig/Precalculus

Josh Cunningham
Josh Cunningham

Josh joined Summit in 2020 and specializes in test prep and math across all levels, including college coursework. He helps students build confidence and mastery through clear instruction and a structured, supportive approach. Josh graduated from Stonehill College in 2013 with a B.S. in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science. Outside of tutoring, he enjoys watching the Red Sox and playing board games.

Areas of Expertise

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

AP: Calculus AB and BC

Academic: Algebra, Geometry, Trig/Precalculus, Calculus

Zdenka Sturm
Zdenka Sturm

In addition to her role as an Elite Tutor, Zdenka serves as Summit’s Assistant Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Training. She joined Summit in 2007 and has contributed in multiple roles, including Adjunct Instructor in Biology at Cambridge College. She holds a BA in Anthropology from Harvard, where she received the Detur Prize and a Center for European Studies grant. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring abstract algebra and number theory.

Areas of Expertise

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, PSAT

AP: Biology, Chemistry, Calculus AB & BC

Academic: Algebra, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, English, Geometry, Physics, Statistics, Trig/Precalculus

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