Our experience has shown that difficulty with the subject matter is often not the reason students need help. Many students simply need help structuring their time, keeping track of their work and knowing how to study. These executive function skills are just as important as subject mastery, if not more so, and they can be taught.
What executive function means
Executive function is the set of skills that lets students plan, organize, start tasks, manage their time and follow through. Some students seem to pick these up on their own. Many others need someone to teach them directly and help them practice until the habits stick, especially as middle and high school bring more classes, more deadlines and more independence.
What parents say
“My son had a wonderful experience with Cardinal Tutors when he needed help with his High School math and science classes. It turns out my son also needed help staying organized with all his assignments, something that the tutor helped with as well.”
Amy C., Palo Alto
“… knew his subject matter but also knew how to engage and motivate my son which no teacher or his parents have been able to do as successfully. Perfect fit to jumpstart my son’s new habits and attitudes towards math.”
Joyce M., Mill Valley
What coaching covers
We help students with time management, prioritization, organization and study habits. In practice, that means setting up a planner or calendar they’ll actually use, breaking big assignments into manageable steps, keeping track of deadlines across classes, organizing notes and materials, and learning study methods that work, like active recall and spacing practice out over time instead of cramming.
Why a Stanford student
Our coaches are current and former Stanford students who have juggled demanding schedules themselves, and who remember what worked for them in middle and high school. Because they’re close in age, students often find them easier to listen to than a parent, and more relatable than a teacher.
Regular check-ins
Coaching works best with regular sessions, so the coach can help the student plan the week ahead, look at how the last week went and adjust. Many families pair coaching with subject tutoring in math, science or writing. For students with ADHD, see our ADHD coaching, and for gifted students who also have learning challenges, our work with twice-exceptional students.
We believe underdeveloped academic habits should never prevent a student from reaching their full potential. Sessions are one-on-one, in person within about 10 miles of Stanford or online from anywhere. Click below to tell us about your student, and we’ll find the right tutor.