Academic coaching in Northern Virginia and online.
Students don't need more pressure. They need a better process.
One to one, built around your student
Through one-on-one academic coaching, I provide individualized support based on each student's unique strengths and challenges. After meeting with parents and students, I tailor each coaching session to the student's specific goals, learning style, and areas for growth. Sessions run in person in Northern Virginia or online from anywhere.
- Executive functioning, organization, planning and time management
- Reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing and revision
- Breaking large assignments into manageable steps
- Building independence rather than dependence on a tutor
Signs coaching can help
Bright, creative, or high-achieving, but not thriving in traditional school
Has strong ideas but wants to become a more confident writer
Struggles with organization, focus, or getting started
Craves deeper learning, creativity, and meaningful discussion
Needs to build confidence and resilience through challenges
Thrives in small groups with personalized attention
What we work on
- Executive functioning, organization, planning, and time management
- Reading comprehension and critical thinking
- Writing, grammar, organization, and revision
- Math support and problem-solving
- Study strategies and preparation
- Breaking large assignments into manageable steps and graphic organizers
- Developing greater independence and academic confidence
How coaching works
- One-on-one, individualized support tailored to each student
- Current classwork used as a vehicle to develop stronger academic skills and learning strategies
- Practical processes for organization, focus, planning, and getting started
- Strategies for approaching challenging assignments and solving problems independently
- Support in reading comprehension, writing, critical thinking, and study skills
- Research-based strategies that develop effective learning habits
- Emphasis on understanding the process, not simply completing the assignment
- Skills and strategies students can transfer to future classes and independent learning
Executive function coaching
Executive function covers the skills behind planning, organizing, managing time and getting started. When those habits are missing, a capable student can fall behind on work they understand. Coaching builds them one assignment at a time, using the student's real classwork, so the skills carry into every class.
Read the parent guide to executive function coaching“Sandy has been a wonderful influence on my child! I've seen improvement not only in grades but in my child's demeanor towards school. Sandy is skilled at finding a way to positively connect with your child and ensure they are utilizing the learning techniques that will most resonate with them.”
Common questions about coaching
What actually happens in a coaching session?
During a coaching session, we use the student’s current classwork as a vehicle for developing stronger learning skills. Together, we identify the thinking, habits, or challenges that may be getting in the way, then build a practical process for approaching the work. The goal is not simply to find the answer, but to teach students how to find answers independently and apply that process to future challenges.
What's the difference between a homeschool class and coaching?
Our homeschool classes are small groups limited to ten students. Students think, question, create, and make connections through literature, history, discussion, writing, and project-based learning. Academic coaching is one-to-one and tailored to an individual student’s strengths, goals, and challenges. Coaching uses the student’s current academic work to build effective strategies and processes they can apply independently.
Is this available online?
One-on-one coaching is available online through Zoom or Google Meet, making sessions accessible to students regardless of location. The homeschool classes are offered in person only, at Unity of Fairfax Church in Oakton.
What ages do you work with?
I work with students in grades 6–12 through small-group homeschool classes, one-on-one academic coaching, and college essay coaching. Parent Academy is designed for parents seeking practical, research-based guidance and support.
What happens on the discovery call?
The complimentary discovery call is designed to help us determine whether Mindset as Medicine is the right fit for you or your student. We'll discuss your goals, ask questions, and determine the best next steps before you make any commitment.
Deeper learning. Lasting confidence.
Start with a complimentary 20-minute discovery call. We'll discuss your goals, explore how I can help, and determine next steps.