Frequently Asked Questions

What is academic coaching?

Academic coaching helps students build the executive function skills they need to stay organized, manage their time, plan ahead, and follow through. Instead of focusing on one subject, coaching supports the systems and habits that help students succeed across all classes — and feel more confident doing it.

How is coaching different from tutoring?

Tutoring focuses on teaching content. Coaching focuses on the skills behind success: planning, organization, time management, study strategies, task initiation, and accountability. These skills help students in every class, not just one.

How do I know if my student needs academic coaching?

Academic coaching is helpful for students who:

• Struggle with organization, planning, or time management

• Frequently have missing or late assignments

• Feel overwhelmed by schoolwork or don’t know where to start

• Have inconsistent grades despite strong ability

• Experience school‑related anxiety, procrastination, or task avoidance

• Need support transitioning into high school or college

• Benefit from structure, routines, and accountability

• Need targeted executive function skill development

If you’re unsure, I’m happy to talk through your student’s needs.

What happens during a coaching session?

Sessions are calm, structured, and focused on helping students feel capable and in control. A typical session includes:

• Reviewing upcoming assignments and deadlines

• Planning the week and breaking tasks into steps

• Organizing materials and digital spaces

• Learning and practicing study strategies

• Setting goals and building accountability

• Reflecting on what worked and what didn’t

Every session is tailored to the student’s needs that week. Executive function skills are at the heart of planning our time together.

Do you work with all grade levels?

I work primarily with high school and college students, and occasionally with middle school students who benefit from early executive function support.

What packages do you offer?

I offer two monthly coaching packages:

Core $360/month

Weekly coaching sessions + planning support, EF skill‑building, and brief parent summaries.

Comprehensive $480/month

Everything in Core, plus assignment/grade monitoring, additional check‑ins, and more frequent communication.

A second weekly session can be added to either package.

Do you help with all subjects?

Yes. Coaching focuses on the skills that apply across all classes — planning, organization, study strategies, and workload management. I help students break down assignments, plan time to prepare for tests, and stay on top of their responsibilities in every subject.

Do you work with neurodivergent students?

Yes. Many of my students have ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, or are gifted/2e. Coaching is supportive, structured, and tailored to each student’s needs.

How often do students meet with you?

Most students meet once a week with me. Students who need more structure or accountability can add a second weekly session.

How long do students typically stay in coaching?

It varies from student to student. Many work with me for a semester or a full school year, while others stay longer as they grow, build independence, transition into high school or college, or move through heavier academic seasons.

Some students take off quickly once the right systems are in place; others thrive with ongoing, consistent support.

Fun fact: Executive function skills continue developing well into early adulthood — often peaking between ages 25–30 — so it’s very common for me to support families through the college years as students strengthen planning, organization, and follow‑through.

Do you offer parent communication?

Yes.

• Core includes a brief parent summary after each session.

• Comprehensive includes more frequent communication and proactive outreach when needed.

Parents are always welcome to reach out with questions. I have also been included when there are new IEP accommodations made at school and often provide input.

Do you coordinate with teachers or counselors?

Yes — when appropriate and with parent permission. Collaboration can be helpful for students who need more consistent support.

What if my student is resistant or anxious about coaching?

This is very common. Many students feel unsure at first, especially if school has been a source of stress. I take a calm, low‑pressure approach focused on building trust, creating small wins, and helping students feel capable. Most settle in quickly once they experience success and realize coaching isn’t judgmental or high‑stakes.

It is helpful when students are at least somewhat open to trying coaching — it makes the first few sessions more comfortable for everyone — but they don’t need to be enthusiastic on day one. Part of my job is helping them feel safe, supported, and understood so they can engage at their own pace.

What technology does my student need?

Students need a laptop, reliable internet, and the ability to use Zoom with screen sharing. Most students already have everything required.

I discourage joining sessions from a phone whenever possible — it makes screen sharing and doing live work together difficult. I also ask students to put phones away during sessions, since notifications can be distracting and it’s easy to see when attention is pulled elsewhere.

How does scheduling work?

Students meet at the same time each week (30 min sessions). Semester calendars and Zoom links are shared before each term, and rescheduling is offered when possible.

How do payments work?

Coaching is billed monthly based on the selected package. • Payments are due on the 1st of each month • ACH bank transfer is preferred (no fees) • Credit card and Apple Pay are also accepted • Semester‑in‑full and two‑payment options are available

Do you offer a sibling discount?

Yes — families with two students enrolled receive a reduced rate for the second student.

How do we get started?

The first step is a free parent consultation. We’ll talk about your student’s needs, your goals, and which package is the best fit. If it feels like a good match, we’ll select a weekly session time and reserve a regular spot for the fall semester.