Which college applicants submitted ACT or SAT scores?

Reporting was “far higher … among applicants living in more affluent communities, as defined by local median household income in applicants’ local ZIP codes.”

Which test should my son or daughter take: ACT or SAT?

This is (by far) the most frequently asked question, even though it has a relatively simple answer: have your daughter or son take practice tests and then we can help you make the decision. Ideally, students should take both practice tests within a 2-3 week period. If your student is a junior, you might be able to compare an ACT practice test score to his or her PSAT score. At Lafayette Academy, practice tests are ALWAYS FREE.

When should my daughter or son take the actual ACT or SAT?

Most students take their first ACT or SAT during the spring of their junior years. Advanced juniors can take a fall test (the beginning of their junior year). In all cases, you should consider extracurricular activities and how your student is scoring on practice tests when choosing a test date.

How many times can a student take a test?

Many students take the ACT or SAT test twice; some take each test once and then take one of the tests a second time. You should NOT take any of the tests more than three times.

What are the major differences between the ACT and SAT?

The math on the ACT covers more topics, ranging from Algebra 1 to Pre-Calc. The math on the SAT tests fewer topics, stopping at Algebra 2, but more in depth. The ACT has a science section while the SAT includes a few reading passages that focus on science topics. Time management is a big challenge on the ACT, especially in reading and science. The content on the SAT reading section is more challenging, even though you have more time. Again, taking practice tests is the best way to pick a test.

“What about the PSAT?” (for some reason, people often phrase PSAT questions like this example)

The PSAT is a good opportunity to get your son or daughter to take a practice test because most students take the PSAT. If you happen to have a genius living under your roof, the PSAT could be hugely beneficial because of the National Merit program. For most students, PSAT scores don’t matter so you should not spend money preparing your son or daughter for this test.

How can I be a great test prep parent?

In the interest of full disclosure, this is not a FAQ. If it were a FAQ, this would be my answer: challenge your children to embrace the preparation challenge on their own by promising to leave them alone (after you enroll them in one of our programs). We all mean well, but we fail to realize how much added stress we place on our children by micro-managing their test prep experience.

Does my son or daughter really need to take either test?

This has become a frequently asked frequently asked question because the University of California schools will no longer consider ACT or SAT scores in their evaluations, and other schools have followed their lead. There are many schools that still require or consider ACT or SAT scores in their evaluations or for scholarship purposes. Unless you are certain that your son or daughter will only apply to schools that won’t consider ACT or SAT scores, your child should still take one of these tests. Give us a call if you want to hear our more detailed thoughts.

Summer Enrichment. The Best K-8 Summer Classes in Lamorinda

Summer Enrichment classes that are fun and effective.

Catch Up or Get Ahead

This Summer

K-8 Summer Enrichment Programs & Tutoring

Online & In Lafayette

for Families in Lamorinda & Surrounding Towns

Our summer enrichment programs are the best way for elementary and middle school students to avoid summer learning loss, catch up on what they missed during COVID, or get ahead.

Lafayette Academy’s K-8 math and reading programs help students strengthen their foundational skills, with long-term academic benefits. As few as 13 total hours will make a difference for students who are on grade level; students below grade level will see a marked improvement after 26 hours in one of our programs. Master Math & Strategic Reading are led by teachers in Lafayette, and online.

Weekly summer programs and tutoring for grades K-8.
Classes start the week of June 13 and continue each week until July 29.
Sign your students up for as many weeks as possible to get the best results. Our programs work because they combine great teaching & technology.
Our summer programs are flexible; we happily add classes for small groups (swim team friends, siblings, etc.).
Our schedules are synced to accommodate groups spanning 3 grades and blocks of 2 hours/student,
Our summer programs will NOT spoil your summer or your children’s!

Click here to request Summer Enrichment Programs

Our K-8 math, reading, and writing programs are effective & fun. We use creative ways to introduce concepts and deepen students’ understanding of course material.

The curriculum is driven by common core, state standards, and ongoing assessment, with weekly progress reports.
We offer small group and one-on-one instruction.
Our weekly programs include up to 5 hours of group or one-on-one instruction (per subject per week).
Sessions are interactive with built-in activities and popcorn breaks to ensure students do not get bored or burned out. We also have pandemic fatigue.

K-8 Questions? Please contact our Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Kimberly Coniglio, to discuss the best program fit for your children or email us at info@lafayetteacademy.com.

Summer High School Classes – The “Get Ready” Program

We offer a variety of summer classes and tutoring options to help high school students “get ready” for Fall classes. Our instructors have been tutoring local students for many years; they know the challenges students will face next fall, including those that have been created by the loss of learning during the pandemic. We offer weekly “get ready” classes during the last few weeks of July and the first week of August, including classes for study skills and writing. As always, Lafayette Academy’s summer includes a robust test prep program for the ACT and SAT. Strong ACT or SAT scores can still help you get accepted at many schools, and most local college counselors encourage their students to take these tests!

.Click here for our summer schedules. We will also add classes based on your requests. Email us if you are looking for specific classes.

Summer Programs

$200/week

6 students max per class

5 sessions (1 subject)
5 hours of instruction
Pre and/or post-assessments

Enroll Today
(no credit card required)

One-on-One Programs

$325/week

5 sessions (1 subject)
5 hours of one-on-one tutoring
3-5 skill assessments

Register Today
(no credit card required)

Academic Tutoring

$59 – $69/hour

$69/hour to “pay as you go”
$59/hour if you prepay for 10 summer hours
Tutoring in most K-12 subjects

Request Tutoring
(no credit card required)

More Info to keep Google happy

Join us for our summer 2022 tutoring private or online for kindergarten to junior high grade students – with our nationally renowned staff and programs. Summer is the ideal time to catch-up or improve in the subjects important to you and your academic performance. Our summer school classes tutoring is used by hundreds of students every year – utilizing our programs developed by some of the best tutors in the U.S. From elementary to middle school students seeking in-depth comprehension, advancement or preparation for the upcoming school year, we offer the highest quality private tutoring that is not only successful in subject mastery but also contributes to the individual’s academic and character development. And we try to make it as fun as possible.

Summer school tutoring online is a very convenient way to study with an expert tutor who is dedicated to your success. Our online summer study programs are available for every city in the Bay Area, including Danville and San Ramon. Be sure to sign up soon for the online summer study classes that you need.

Summer enrichment is in person, with small groups or private tutoring. Online tutoring serves K-8 students in Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga (all Lamorinda), Danville, and the towns nearby. Welcome to all.