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.

Algebra Tutoring

The Best Algebra Tutoring. Period.

We’re putting the “A” in Algebra 1 and Algebra 2

The Best Algebra Tutoring in the U.S.

The Best Algebra Tutoring. Period.

Algebra 1 and/or Algebra 2 are hugely important subjects for students in middle school and high school. Lafayette Academy has developed the best algebra tutoring content for both subjects because it is based on our many years helping local students conquer both subjects. We know the problems that students typically encounter and how to overcome them!

Here are a few of our differentiators:

Lafayette Academy’s Algebra 2 tutors do NOT “wing it.” We have a “tutoring curriculum that starts where your child has stopped.”
The tutoring curriculum helps our tutors eliminate each student’s problem areas and learning gaps as they strive for ‘aha moments.’
Our gifted tutors are also familiar with the variety of algebra challenges that students encounter, and how to fix them.
Plus, we do not offer a “one size fits all” approach. Our tutors respond to your child’s specific learning style(s) and knowledge gaps.
Beginning 2023/2024, our Algebra 2 tutors will also provide relevant tips for ACT & SAT test takers.

Last year, Lafayette Academy finished a best practices tutoring curriculum for all levels of Algebra 2 and some Algebra 1 topics. This curriculum is the result of extensive analysis and research to ensure that we can help any Algebra 2 student understand the most challenging concepts. We should have the Algebra 1 curriculum during the 2023/2024 academic year.

Our tutors pinpoint skill gaps and utilize our curriculum to help each student experience “get it.” We cover all of the challenging topics in Algebra 2 (and its variations) and many Algebra 1 subjects.

In-Person vs. Online Tutoring

Few people will (or should) forget the online “learning” woes that our children (and their parents) experienced during the pandemic! But those days do not compare to the hourly tutoring appointments that millions of students are enjoying today. Our in-person and online students had great success last year! If my children were still in school and needed a tutor, I would start with the best time(s) for his or her schedule and then find the best available Lafayette Academy tutor (in-person or online). Our staff will help you find the best tutor for your son or daughter.

Some Early Feedback

We have already heard from a few long-time Lafayette Academy students: “When I first looked at the worksheet, I was overwhelmed and a little mad because I thought I was supposed to figure it out myself. But then C. explained it to me, and I owned differentials. I wish I had started tutoring earlier because these worksheets are amazing.” Ashley S. Acalanes “I almost canceled my appointment when I heard I was seeing a new tutor. I’m still not sure if he’s a good tutor, but I don’t care because those worksheets are amazing. I’m totally ready for my quiz. Thanks to whoever wrote that worksheet. Do the Shadow Classes have the worksheets?” Mike B. Campo

Online Algebra Tutoring Benefits

Your child’s confidence will soar (yes, in math!) and allow her or him to approach future concepts with less anxiety. When kids get anxious, they often freeze up (just like us). Our goal is to provide students with the tools and instruction to approach new math concepts without anxiety and master them. You should see more A’s this year … and more smiles. We hope that Lafayette Academy will become your home with “The Best Algebra Tutoring.

Online Tutoring

Little girl learns from home while her teacher teaches on Zoom.

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Algebra Tutoring

The Best Algebra Tutoring. Period.

We’re putting the “A” in Algebra 1 and Algebra 2

The Best Algebra Tutoring. Period.

In-Person vs. Online Tutoring

Some Early Feedback

Online Algebra Tutoring Benefits

Contact Us Today

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