OUR METHOD

Katherine Miller Education

GOLDEN IDEA

To get high school students to dig deep, be vulnerable, and mine their very best selves we use enthusiasm, leadership, good humor, experience, and patience.

  • We start with a dynamic and comprehensive interview. We help students to survey their experiences and beliefs. Students work out ideas with me and my writing coach within a lively and creative team model.
  • The goal is to go deep, to explore a significant story, a belief, a family tradition, or ideally a challenge.
  • By the end of this stage, the student will identify and organize the richest ideas: situations with conflict, tension, and dramatic interest.

Students may believe their life is too ordinary–nothing “big” has ever happened to them. One of the best essays from last year was a story about student having lunch with her grandmother, where her insights, values and love for her grandmother came shining through.

We collaborate with your student to find his or her authentic moment.

STRUCTURE THE STORY

Next…the creative framework. This is the FUN part! How does the story come alive for the reader?

  • Through the perspective of your pet guinea pig?
  • Through your torturous 4th period physics class?
  • As you stand in line at Wawa?
  • Talking with your Aunt Betty whose giant mauve glasses, always greasy, reflect your every word ?
  • In the kayak at the lake – daydreaming?
  • In the kayak at the lake – scheming?

EDIT THE DRAFT

We work as a writing team. Students sketch opening lines, sections, or full drafts, and share with us as they work. We’re there through Face-time, phone calls, texting and office visits. Our style is collaborative and supportive; students feel like they have a partner.

THE END

Essays are only one part of the application process and they should not take over your student’s life. Over editing can rob an essay of the student’s voice. Obsessing over details can reach a point of limited return. When the essay is finished, we help students put the pen down and get back to their senior year!

SAT/ACT Preparation

SAT/ACT
Preparation

By developing a personal relationship with students and their families I am able to tailor my very structured program to meet the individual needs of each student. I prepare students academically and mentally for the rigors of these tests. By the time they hear my “Game Day” speech, they are ready to go!

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SAT/ACT Preparation

COLLEGE COUNSELING, APPLICATIONS, AND ESSAYS

College counseling services are a natural extension of the test prep process. As the personal relationship with students and their families develops throughout the year, we seamlessly incorporate conversations about college and timelines for the admissions process.

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SAT/ACT Preparation

TUTORING &
STUDY SKILLS

A comprehensive staff of motivated, energetic, and certified teachers is highly qualified for all subject areas and grade levels. Our tutors work closely with teachers and schools to stay on top of assignments keeping students one step ahead. You can develop a plan first, through our consulting services, or just jump right in with a tutor.

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Sydney is doing so well with Mindy. They are connecting academically and socially – which is equally important to us. We like Mindy and appreciate that she has been available to us for more than one session a week when we think that Sydney needs the additional support. We are seeing an upward trend for Sydney in her math work and know that is a direct correlation to Mindy.

– Parent, Bala Cynwyd Middle School

I cannot rave enough about Carol, she is skilled, knowledgeable, warm and couldn’t be a more perfect fit for [my daughter]. She has been able to help a child who feels dumb, overwhelmed and avoidant feel a little bit less of all of those things in only three meetings, and has been in communication with her teacher and keeps very close contact with my husband and me. I am so grateful that you put together this match!

– Parent, Lower Merion School District

April has been wonderful to work with and she and Philip seem to be quite compatible. I especially like her demeanor. She is assertive and direct, yet doesn’t come across as preachy in any way. Philip has responded positively to her and has followed through with her suggestions. She is flexible in her approach and recognizes the need to identify systems that work for each student. I’ve also appreciated her scheduling flexibility. She realizes that families are busy and has been as flexible as possible in accommodating our preferred meeting time. All around, our relationship with her is going very well and Philip seems to enjoy working with her.

– Parent, The Shipley School

John seems to be a good fit for [my daughter]. He is very energetic and enthusiastic about their sessions. He is also very proactive in set up times to meet which has been helpful. [My daughter] got a 68 on her first Physics test (before working with John) and she just got a 82 on her most recent test so I’d say we are making great progress.

– Parent, Episcopal Academy

I wanted to jot a note to tell you how much we appreciate the tutoring service that Jodi has provided to our sons. Jodi is an excellent professional. She is always punctual, prepared, organized and extremely pleasant and dedicated. I would recommend Jodi to other middle school families.

– Parent, The Shipley School & The Haverford School

CALL TO GET STARTED TODAY!
484-450-6733