This blog post was written by Livius Prep as part of KaiPod Learning’s Partner Spotlight campaign.
Livius Prep provides a wide range of programs for students of all ages including academic support, test prep, and college counseling services. All programs can be taught online or in person in one of our three Massachusetts centers: Lexington, Newton, or Wellesley.
Livius Prep’s academic programs are designed to cater to student needs. Our tutors can support students with their current coursework or teach new concepts. For Math and English Language Arts (ELA), we currently utilize the EngageNY curriculum and STAR Renaissance assessments, which are directly aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Before a student begins their sessions or classes, they start with a Math and ELA assessment to determine their current grade level performance. Additionally, these assessments curate a list of skills the student needs to learn in order to advance to the next grade level. Our tutors utilize the results of these assessments to guide the academic program for their students moving forward.
Livius Prep instructors are also qualified to help students prepare for any of the following standardized tests: SAT, ACT, AP Subject Tests, ISEE, SSAT, HSPT, GRE, GMAT, and MCAS.
Livius Prep’s SAT/ACT curriculum is designed to help students build analytical reading, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills which are essential to success on standardized tests. Since these exams are not about demonstrating knowledge, but instead about utilizing knowledge to solve critical thinking puzzles, our curriculum teaches students actionable strategies for defeating these puzzles. Using data collected through working with thousands of students over four decades, we have identified high-yield academic concepts in which students often require review and reinforcement to supplement the strategic elements of our program. Combining the two directives – developing strategic thinking and reinforcing academic concepts to fill common gaps – allows students to maximize their test results, which ultimately leads to broadening their college opportunities.
In addition to our core SAT/ACT curriculum, we have developed a supplement specifically targeting English Language Learners. In this supplement, we first introduce techniques and strategies for building vocabulary without rote memorization. Next, we provide in-depth English grammar instruction to reinforce the basics through the application on the exams. Finally, we help students increase English-language reading efficiency through exercises designed to improve reading rate and develop image-based comprehension.
Livius Prep’s College Counseling curriculum is designed to help students build confidence and attack the college application process in a deliberate manner. Using the data we’ve collected through working with thousands of students, we have identified a few key elements that the successful college and scholarship applicants include in their application and have distilled this into an approach that is easy to interpret for all types of students no matter their academic background, varied interests, or college list. We know that to stand out among other applicants, students must create, clarify, and communicate an authentic personal narrative. To do so, we leverage our 2x7 method in which we help students identify any passions, hobbies, or core parts of their identity that we call “themes.” We then show students how to weave a powerful story with their themes into the different parts of the application. The result? An effective activity list, a powerful essay, and a newfound confidence for an interview. This approach allows students to maximize their college application process and apply successfully to the school that’s right for them.
To further inquire about any of Livius Prep programs, please contact our Program Director, Holly Webster, at 617-958-3303 or by email at hwebster@liviusprep.com.