Frequently Asked Questions
What are you looking for?
What makes Next Level different from other tutoring services?
A somewhat recent and increasingly common model for tutoring services involves a person with a computer, a chic business name, and a glossy website acting as a clearing house for parents and tutors. In many instances, no one at the tutoring service actually meets parents, students, or even the tutors. They simply match a student’s need with someone who has identified themselves as a tutor, and once the connection is completed progress, results, and client satisfaction aren’t high on the list of concerns. If questions or problems arise the tutoring service may be ill-equipped to adequately respond. Moreover, the tutor often meets with the student in public locations such as libraries and cafés, where various distractions diminish the focus and productivity of the session.
By contrast, Next Level Learning is a professional tutoring service with a fully equipped learning center in Midtown Manhattan. Our instructors are carefully chosen based on an array of credentials such as education, experience, aptitude, subject knowledge, temperament and, most important, teaching ability. After a candidate is properly vetted and deemed qualified to teach at Next Level, he or she enters our training program to demonstrate, develop, and refine subject knowledge and proficiency. Once the candidate completes training and becomes an instructor, his or her work with students is continuously monitored and supervised by our directors to ensure the most effective techniques, pedagogical methods, and approach are applied to each tutoring session.
Formal supervision of instructors’ sessions provides a means for our highly experienced management team to ensure students are achieving the satisfactory results. Sometimes supervisors will recommend adjustments to tutoring sessions that improve the efficacy of our work with students. Other times we are primarily confirming that the scope and progress of our instructors’ work with their students is progressing satisfactorily.
Occasionally parents ask what school an instructor attended and we explain what years of experience has proven – that the school from which a candidate graduated isn’t nearly as meaningful or impactful as the candidate’s ability to teach and effectively impart knowledge to students. It would probably sound impressive if all our instructors graduated from Ivy League schools, but it turns out not to be a key factor in becoming an outstanding teacher.
All of us have had well qualified teachers and professors who were bright and driven but not particularly effective teachers. Having expertise in a given subject is essential, of course, but being able to teach what one knows to another person is an entirely different proposition. Also, teaching in a one-on-one setting is a very different dynamic than teaching in a classroom setting with multiple students. At Next Level we don’t just hire smart, articulate people – we ensure they are either exceptional teachers or capable of being developed into becoming exceptional. Moreover, Next Level instructors are patient, understanding, enthusiastic, and skilled at using positive reinforcement to motivate their students.
Rather than presume students will fit into a predesigned tutoring template, our instructors are trained to customize their approach to accommodate each individual student’s personality, learning style, aptitude, and level of motivation. Every student is unique and our approach to each student must therefore also be unique. For example, some students benefit from a gentler, more patient or less structured style, while others respond better to a firmer, more intensive and directed approach. There are myriad ways to manage tutoring sessions, and our instructors are trained to vary their approach to ensure we are using the ideal methods and strategy for individual students that enable them to achieve their greatest potential.
All tutoring takes place either at our Midtown learning center on Seventh Avenue near Carnegie Hall or in the homes of our students. Instructors never meet with students in cafés or other public spaces. We also meet students via video conferencing.
Does finding “the right” instructor really matter?
Perhaps the most compelling feature of one-on-one tutoring is the opportunity for an instructor to develop rapport with a student, which doesn’t occur to a significant degree in a group setting. An effective instructor/student partnership builds trust and fosters meaningful communication, which in turn engenders a collaborative environment that facilitates the process of identifying strengths and weaknesses and promotes practical pathways to improvement. As the relationship between the instructor and student progresses the a bond of trust develops, engagement and motivation are kindled, anxiety diminishes, and confidence and performance typically improve.
Sometimes the bond between an instructor and a student develops right away and other times it may take a few sessions. At Next Level we are experts at matching students with instructors who have attributes we deem to be a good fit for a specific student. After decades of assigning students to instructors, Next Level directors are adept at assessing a student’s unique personality, aptitude, learning style, expectations, and objectives to ensure each of out students is working with the “right” instructor.
What are the qualifications of your instructors?
All Next Level instructors have relevant experience and proficiency teaching subjects in which they are deemed experts. And while each of them has an undergraduate degree, many also have graduate degrees or are currently matriculated in local graduate programs. All our instructors receive formal training and their work is continuously supervised by our directors to ensure continuity and effective implementation of our methods. Instructors only tutor subjects for which they are highly qualified.
On occasion we are asked if our instructors are “certified teachers,” which implies graduation from a teaching college or similar teaching certification program. While we do occasionally employ instructors who happen to be certified, certification isn’t a prerequisite for employment at Next Level Learning because the pedagogy for traditional teaching programs is designed for conventional classroom dynamics. To the contrary, teaching methods and strategies for classrooms that emphasize varying degrees of lecture generally don’t apply to one-on-one tutoring dynamics. As you can imagine, it’s not effective to lecture a student in the more intimate setting of one-on-one tutoring, which is why our instructors are trained in socratic teaching methods that inspire students to develop robust independent thinking skills. Further, traditional teachers tend to specialize in specific fields, while Next Level instructors are typically well qualified in multiple subjects.
One-on-one tutoring is a specific form of socratic scholarship that rewards instructors who possess outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to students of all ages and abilities within a dynamic give-and-take structure. Active listening, keen observation, and lively interaction are critical to our success and we recognize not everyone is cut out to truly hear and understand students. Our comprehensive training and development program for instructors focuses on teaching methods and strategies unique to one-on-one tutoring that have been proven over many years to be beneficial tools in our work with students. We start where the student is, as opposed to where we presume the student should be, which enables us to end up where the student actually wants to go.
Is one-on-one tutoring better than group tutoring?
The common English definition of “tutoring” is “A teacher who instructs a pupil in some branch of learning.” The most fundamental purpose of tutoring has traditionally involved one teacher, a person with knowledge, educating one student, a person seeking knowledge. All meaningful studies of tutoring, as well as decades of our experience working with thousands of students, confirm that the “one-size-fits-most” dynamic of group tutoring assumes considerable deficiencies.
With private, one-on-one tutoring, highly qualified, capable, well-trained instructors are able to target specific content relevant to the needs of an individual student, versus teaching to a common level or group standard as required in small groups or classes. More important, the way in which the instructor teaches material can be tailored to the unique personality and skill set of each student.
All tests and academic subjects comprise a variety of components, requiring instructors to make critical decisions about how to approach the work and precisely when to teach an array of material. Those choices become exponentially more complicated when a teacher is working with multiple students in a classroom environment.
Conversely, with one-on-one tutoring, our instructors ensure the entire session is focused on the exact content and skills an individual student needs to acquire and develop in order to excel, making the time substantially more efficient than a group dynamic. Moreover, some students hesitate to ask vital questions in a group setting; a concern dispelled with in individual tutoring.
And finally, students aren’t either left waiting for others to catch up to them, or struggling to keep up with the pace of the class. Next Level instructors are able to adjust the timing, pace, and difficulty level of the material presented at any given point in a way that accounts for the unique aptitude, learning style, and personality of each individual student.
Please contact Next Level Learning to find out how our professional one-on-one tutoring can help students overcome obstacles that hinder them from achieving their objectives.
Isn’t group tutoring less expensive than one-on-one tutoring?
Yes and no. Yes, in that the fee for a group session may be less than the fee for a one-on-one session; and no, because considerably more work can be accomplished during the same amount of time in a private session, making it likely to take fewer sessions for a student to achieve comparable proficiency or reach the established objectives of the tutoring, which can result in the final cost of individual tutoring being less than group tutoring.
Also, the additional time and attention a student receives from an instructor in one-one-one tutoring presents an opportunity to delve deeper into material, which can result in the student feeling more confident and prepared than he or she might otherwise experience in a group session for the same subject.
How much does tutoring cost?
The fee varies depending upon a variety of factors, such as the length of the session, the subject, the instructor, and whether the sessions are conducted at our learning center or the student’s home.
What subjects do you tutor?
Next Level Learning has expert instructors available to teach virtually every subject and field. If you don’t see a subject of interest on our website please contact Next Level Learning for additional information.
What grades do you tutor?
Next Level provides instructors for all grades and ages, as well as all levels of proficiency.
When should I get started with tutoring?
We are often asked this question and the answer depends on the situation. For example, some 9th grade admissions exams (taken in the 8th grade) are extremely challenging and many students get started a year or more in advance of the test date to help ensure a better result.
Meanwhile, some (even high performing) students just don’t do particularly well on standardized exams (for a variety of different reasons). Other students may suffer from significant anxiety. The definitive answer for getting started on preparation really comes down to two major considerations: First, how well is the student currently positioned with respect to the content and difficulty of the exam, and second, how much of a role will the exam play in admissions or, in the case of an academic subject, how desirable, urgent, or important is improvement and/or achieving a better grade.
With regard to admissions, if you are applying to a high school or college that is highly competitive, the entrance exam will of course play a greater role in your application. If you are encountering an especially challenging entrance exam for a highly competitive school, get started with tutoring as early as possible. Cramming in the weeks or couple of months leading up to the exam creates its own set of obstacles, such as generating additional anxiety.
For many students, working over the summer can be especially productive because the pressure and distraction of school don’t interfere with focusing on the work at hand. For admissions exams in the fall, waiting to get started when school is back in session can be disconcerting for some students. Whenever possible we strongly urge students to start preparation in the summer, which helps make subsequent sessions when school is in session go more smoothly.
For students who struggle with significant anxiety, getting started early is imperative. Cramming or not being adequately prepared by test day can make or break a student’s performance. The best way to combat anxiety is for the student to be fully comfortable with all elements of the test, and that takes time and commitment.
That said, if you’re getting a late start our instructors can accelerate tutoring and help you work as efficiently as possible to maximize your time and effort and ensure you achieve your greatest potential. Please contact Next Level Learning to speak with an educational consultant for help planning next steps.
Will I have the same instructor each week?
Next Level makes every effort to ensure students meet with the same instructor each week. In the event an instructor becomes unavailable due to an illness or unavoidable conflict, it is possible a student may encounter a different instructor. However, this is an exception. When a switch does occur, one of our directors will meet with the substitute instructor to review the student’s personality, learning style, tutoring status and goals, recent sessions, and any other factors that may impact our work with the student.
If we see a student multiple times each week, tutoring may involve more than one instructor. In that event, the schedule is established before tutoring begins and the assigned instructors collaborate with each other and coordinate their work with the student.
How often will I see my instructor?
Sessions are typically once or twice a week, depending upon the starting point, the objectives of the tutoring, the obstacles, and the time available before a deadline or test date.
What happens if I’m not comfortable with my instructor?
Next Level directors have decades of experience matching students to instructors, but it’s possible you might be assigned an instructor that doesn’t feel like an ideal fit for you. Please note that your instructor has been carefully selected based on the subject or exam being taught and what we know about your personality, aptitude, and learning style. Sometimes it can take two or three sessions to develop a comfortable rapport between the student and instructor, and we recommend giving it a try before you decide it’s not an appropriate fit. If you have concerns about your instructor please call the learning center at (212) 957-9100 and speak to a director.
How long is a tutoring session?
Sessions typically last either one hour or an hour and a half. However, it’s not unusual to extend a session if the student needs additional time and is able to stay engaged. Sometimes students will request additional sessions or more time as a test date gets closer and Next Level will make every effort to accommodate special requests.
What is a session report?
At the conclusion of each session, Next Level instructors write a session report that provides an overview of the session, including notes about successes, challenges, progress, and the expectations going forward, as well as the homework (if any is assigned). The session report is sent to the student’s email with a duplicate going to the parents’ email. Sometimes parents designate an additional relative, educator, or professional to receive a copy of the report. Session reports help students and parents clarify the status of their tutoring, review homework assignments, and reinforce the next steps for progress.
Session reports also allow parents to stay apprised of how things are going without necessarily having to quiz their child at the conclusion of each session. Moreover, parents can simply “reply” to a session report with feedback or a question, which will then be forwarded to a director for action and follow-up. Session reports are a valuable informational and motivational tool for students, parents, and instructors alike. Session reports also help ensure everyone is on the same page with respect to progress.
If you don’t receive an expected session report, please check your junk mail folder and whitelist the session report email address so future reports come directly to your email. You can also contact the learning center to request a session report to be resent.
Can you predict whether a student will obtain a certain grade or achieve a desired score on an entrance exam?
Next Level staff, instructors, and directors can neither predict nor guarantee results – period. Any tutoring service that suggests otherwise is being disingenuous. There are many factors that impact results, some of which Next Level instructors cannot influence. For example, not getting sufficient sleep the night before a test or a standardized exam can easily make or break a student’s performance. In some instances severe anxiety can emerge unexpectedly and prevent a student from thinking clearly and applying what they know during an exam.
Tutoring can make a significant difference in a student’s confidence and performance, but it’s not magic. In the final analysis results depend entirely upon the motivation and ability of the student. If students apply themselves during tutoring, their efforts will likely be reflected in the outcome.
The only promise we make is that our professional instructors are experienced teachers and experts in their fields who work diligently with their students to help them achieve their greatest potential.
How many sessions will it take?
The number of sessions required to achieve the objectives of tutoring varies considerably depending upon a variety of factors, beginning with where the student stands with the material when he or she gets started. For example, if the instructor is teaching fundamental concepts that should have been learned at an earlier point, tutoring will entail more sessions. Or if the student is struggling with motivation it could take longer to get the student up to speed. Many factors impact the length of tutoring but our instructors and directors can generally make an informed assessment after two or three sessions.
Specifically in regard to school admissions, some exams test students for what they “should know” in a particular grade, and a student performing at or above grade level is generally well positioned to advance through tutoring more rapidly. Meanwhile, other tests challenge students to stretch and demonstrate proficiency with material that isn’t common for students at their grade level, in which case tutoring may involve introducing new concepts, which takes more time.
The best way to answer this question is to start with the first session and give our instructor an opportunity to present the material of a given test or subject and then evaluate the student’s knowledge and ability. At that point the instructor will be in a better position to make a more informed recommendation about how to proceed.
How do I get started?
Please call to speak with an educational consultant at Next Level Learning at (212) 957-9100 or click here to access our contact form. There is usually someone in the office if you prefer to speak on the phone, but if you receive an outgoing voicemail you can either leave a message or return to our website and fill out the contact form. A Next Level representative will follow up with you as quickly as possible.
Do you offer online tutoring?
Yes. Our instructors regularly conduct tutoring sessions with students via the internet. Next Level can accommodate the tutoring needs of students in a nearby town or across the world in a different time zone.
How does online tutoring work?
Whether you have an Apple or PC, video tutoring is simply a matter of downloading free software and you’re ready to go! Our instructors can help guide students through the downloading process. The only requirement for video tutoring is a computer, notebook, laptop, or tablet, such as an iPad.
Is online tutoring as effective as in-person tutoring?
Tutoring can be more efficient in person, but Next Level instructors utilize techniques that help make video tutoring very effective. If a student is seeing an instructor in person but cannot avoid being away during a course of study, it is generally better to maintain continuity with online tutoring rather than miss valuable lessons.
For students working remotely with Next Level instructors from the beginning, there may be a brief adjustment period while the student becomes familiar with the parameters of online tutoring, but it doesn’t take long to get up to speed and start making progress.
How do I schedule an extra session?
To schedule an extra session either send an email to schedule@nullnyclearn.com or call the learning center directly at (212) 957-9100.
What happens if I can’t make it to a session?
Please email Next Level at schedule@nullnyclearn.com or call (212) 957-9100 as soon as you become aware you want to cancel a session. If Next Level is able to fill the scheduled tutoring session there will be no charge to the student. If Next Level can’t fill a session canceled with less than 24-hours’ notice, the regular session fee will be billed. For Monday sessions, the cancelation request must be made on Friday before the time of the session. For example, if the student has a 4pm session on Monday the cancelation must be made by 4pm on the Friday before the session.
Please note that Next Level is unable to make exceptions for illnesses. We appreciate that illness often arises unexpectedly and you can be assured we will make every effort to fill the time, but in the event we cannot do so, we are always happy to provide online tutoring if the student feels up to it. Please contact Next Level in advance to receive instructions to download free video conferencing software to your video capable device.
Any cancelation made with less than 24-hours’ notice (or 72-hours’ notice for Monday sessions) will be billed at the regular fee.
What if my schedule changes?
If there is a change in your schedule and your regular appointment at Next Level is no longer convenient, or if you have a temporary conflict and want to change your appointment please contact Next Level right away at schedule@nullnyclearn.com or call (212) 957-9100 and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
As always, if you have to cancel with less than 24-hours’ notice (or 72- hours’ notice for Monday sessions) and Next Level can’t fill the time, the student is billed the regular fee for the session.
Do your instructors make home visits?
Next Level instructors make home visits. We also make special arrangements for instructors to travel out of town to meet with students.
Please contact Next Level Learning at contact@nullnyclearn.com to find out more about having an instructor come to your home.
What are your hours?
Next Level Learning Center is generally open from 9am to 9pm Monday through Friday and during the day on Saturday and Sunday. Our weekend hours are flexible and depend upon a variety of factors. On occasion we make exceptions to work with students outside normal hours.
Please contact Next Level at contact@nullnyclearn.com for more information.
Can I reach my instructor between sessions?
The easiest and fastest way to reach an instructor is to reply to a session report with your question or comment and you will receive an email response or phone call as soon as possible. Students and parents can also call the learning center directly at (212) 957-9100 or send an email to schedule@nullnyclearn.com. If the student’s instructor is not present or available, a message will be sent to the instructor, and the student or parent will receive an answer as quickly as possible.
How can parents help with tutoring?
Students of all ages and maturity levels tend to respond more favorably to tutoring when they are able to take greater responsibility for their sessions. For most students, the progress they achieve in tutoring is a source of pride, and arriving to a point in which they feel like they “own” their tutoring is a significant achievement that can accelerate results.
The key to successful tutoring is inextricably linked to the bond of trust formed between the student and the instructor. If students perceive the instructor as little more than an extension (or mouthpiece) of their parents, it can result in resistance and, in rare cases, outright defiance. Sometimes resistance can manifest in overt ways but often times it will be subtle or even subconscious. For those reasons we ask parents to please take a step back and give the instructor and our educational resources team the latitude to apply methods and techniques during tutoring sessions that have been found to produce the most effective results.
Parents know their children better than us, and of course we welcome any information they have that may provide our instructors with helpful tips or guidance about their child’s personality and learning style, but in the final analysis our instructors are experienced tutoring professionals and in the ideal position to decide how to structure tutoring sessions. It generally isn’t helpful when parents seek to direct tutoring or dictate specific methods or techniques from behind the curtain, so to speak.
That said, Next Level staff also have school-aged children and we fully appreciate the apprehension parents may feel about upcoming exams, academic performance, or school admissions, and the desire to ensure their child achieves the objectives set forth for tutoring. Despite parents’ good intentions, however, over involvement in their child’s tutoring can inadvertently serve to exacerbate tension and potentially create more obstacles than it solves.
The best way for parents to be active and contribute to their child’s tutoring is to “reply” to the session report issued at the conclusion of each session with questions or comments, which will be forwarded to a director and/or the instructor for a response. Further, on occasion the instructor may include a parent note seeking support with something along the lines of encouraging the student to complete homework or ensuring the student is available on time for tutoring.
Alternatively, parents are welcome to call the learning center and speak with a director. If the director you speak with doesn’t have an immediate answer, he or she will meet with your child’s instructor and supervisor for more information and then coordinate with our education team to ensure we provide an expeditious response to your concern.
Please note that we typically avoid talking with parents about students and their progress in the presence of the student. We are happy to answer general questions but we reserve more in-depth questions and answers for a private discussion with the parent(s). We have found that talking about students in front of parents makes most kids feel “on the spot” and, to some degree, like the proverbial “identified patient.” We want to minimize the extent to which students feel their tutoring is under a microscope because it can increase the sense of tension and generate additional anxiety. Therefore, as noted, please reserve detailed questions by replying to your child’s session report or calling the learning center directly.
Most parents are relieved to be able to step back and let Next Level instructors helm the tutoring process. And the session report instructors send to parents provides a sufficient description of what transpired during the session so they can be apprised of progress without necessarily having to quiz their child after each session (which can inadvertently ratchet up pressure and increase anxiety).
Please contact Next Level Learning if you have questions about our policies regarding tutoring.
Can a parent sit in on the session?
For the reasons outlined in “How can parents help with tutoring?” above, parents are not permitted to sit in on tutoring sessions with their children, either at the learning center or in the student’s home, and even for the first session.
Having a parent present in a session is distracting and counterproductive. Students become self-conscious and aware of wanting to perform or impress their parents and the process of bonding between the student and instructor is unnecessarily deferred.
If a parent has concerns about anything related to the tutoring process or what to expect, please contact one of our directors at Next Level and they will address any questions.
When will I receive my session report?
Session reports are generally sent within 24-hours of the completed session. If you haven’t received a session report, please check your junk mail. If the report isn’t in your junk mail please contact Next Level Learning and we will resend the report.
What if I have a question about something on a session report?
Simply reply to the session report with your question or comment and your inquiry will be forwarded to a director for follow up with an answer.
Can I review previous session reports?
If you can’t find a previous session report in your email, please contact Next Level Learning and we will resend it to you.
Can I take tutoring as a deduction from my taxes?
In most instances there is no tax credit for tutoring. The only exception would be in the case of a medical doctor who prescribes tutoring as treatment to a child for a diagnosed medical condition, such as ADD or ADHD, in which case the instructor would have to be certified to treat that specific condition and work in conjunction with a psychologist.
If you are completing IRS Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenses, the instructions specifically state, “…do not include any expenses for sending your child to an overnight camp, summer school, or a tutoring program.” If you or your accountant are confused about this point of the tax code we recommend contacting the IRS at (800) 829-1040 to speak directly to an IRS agent to verify the statute.
The relevant IRS publications covering this matter are Publication 970 (tax benefits and credits for education), Publication 519 (miscellaneous deductions), and Publication 502 (medical and dental expenses), which are all available from the IRS website (off-site link).
Does Next Level provide materials?
Yes. Next Level Learning provides all the relevant materials.
Does Next Level offer practice tests?
Yes. Please either ask your instructor or contact Next Level directly about practice test dates.
How many practice tests should I take?
Some parents and students believe it is worthwhile to take as many practice tests as possible in preparation for an admissions exam. Indeed, there are some tutoring services whose process involves giving a practice test each week and using tutoring time to correct problems. We believe this approach is flawed and can even be counterproductive.
While it is helpful for students to take one or perhaps two practice tests to familiarize themselves with the timing, structure, and pressure involved in the actual exam, if each test is approached in the serious manner required, practice exams entail considerable commitment of time and effort and each sitting takes quite a lot out of students.
When students sit for multiple practice tests they tend to take them less and less seriously, in part because practice tests require substantial effort and stamina and students gradually begin losing energy, interest, and enthusiasm. Instead of building up to the big test day and arriving at an ideal point in which they are mentally prepared to sit for the actual exam, the test can instead seem anticlimactic for students who have taken lots of practice exams because they aren’t as focused or engaged as when they are at the peak of preparation.
Taking a practice test at the appropriate time during tutoring is far more significant than inundating students with multiple practice tests. For example, taking a test too early, when a student hasn’t properly prepared, can be demoralizing. Or taking multiple tests with only incremental improvement can cause a student to assume he or she cannot do better. Students are often mentally and emotionally drained after taking a practice test, so we must be judicious about precisely when and how often to administer them.
Next Level instructors are trained to teach the underlying concepts and material so students aren’t merely memorizing specific types of questions and answers, they are learning to work through actual test material. Not only does this approach significantly improve confidence (which can have a dramatic impact on anxiety and performance) but students often find themselves feeling more confident in their work at school as well.
Is Next Level open on the weekends?
During the school year, Next Level Instructors are available seven days a week . Monday through Friday availability ends around 9 pm. Sessions on Saturdays and Sundays are generally conducted during daytime hours. On occasion, exceptions can be made to accommodate later hours.
In summer, Next Level instructors generally don’t work on weekends but special arrangements can be made if a student needs support on Saturday or Sunday.
Is Next Level open during the summer?
Next Level instructors are available over the summer. Instructors primarily work Monday through Friday but special arrangements can be made if a student needs support on Saturday or Sunday.
Does Next Level provide tutoring in the Hamptons in summer?
Yes. Some of our families spend the summer in the Hamptons and Next Level instructors are available to tutor students in the Hamptons. Next Level instructors are available to travel to other summer destinations during the summer. Please contact Next Level to get more information about tutoring outside New York City.
Do Next Level instructors assign homework?
Depending upon the subject or test, homework can accelerate tutoring. In most instances Next Level instructors prefer to assign a limited amount of homework. However, if a student is exceptionally busy with school homework or other demands and tutoring sessions are progressing satisfactorily, we may be able to avoid homework.
Tutoring for academic subjects often involves helping students complete assigned homework, and in those cases additional homework is generally not assigned to students. However, if a student is learning a new concept or struggling with specific material, our instructors will likely ask students to complete additional material relevant to the subject matter.
If students or parents have questions or concerns regarding assigned homework, please either reply to the session report or contact a director at Next Level Learning.
What if I’m running late to a session?
Please call Next Level at (212) 957-9100 to let us know what time you anticipate arriving and we will inform the instructor. It is also helpful to send an email to schedule@nullnyclearn.com. Whenever possible the instructor will extend the session on the backend. However, please be aware that we aren’t always able to extend the time and your session may be shortened.
Does Next Level have instructors who can help adults?
Next Level works with students of all ages, including adults who may be returning to college or graduate school after a career change, or perhaps even seeking employment for the first time. Adults typically come to our learning center during the day, as opposed to the after school hours when younger students attend.
Our professional employment consultants have worked with older adults who have been out of the workforce for some time, others who have been employed but are looking to change careers, and still others who are seeking meaningful employment for the first time. We have even helped some who only knew they didn’t like what they were doing but didn’t know how to move onto something new.
Next Level consultants can provide expert support for the myriad demands of seeking employment or changing careers. In addition to helping brainstorm a comprehensive strategy for exploring employment opportunities, our professional consultants can help with organizing job searches, completing applications, writing resumes and cover letters, practicing interview skills, and following up with prospective employers post-interview.
We appreciate how daunting it can be to pursue employment when you feel stuck or uncertain about how to proceed. Our kind, knowledgable, experienced employment consultants start wherever you need to begin and help you work your way from there, without judgment.
If you are an adult who needs support finding employment or changing careers, contact Next Level Learning for more information.
Does Next Level have instructors who can help college students?
Yes, Next Level supports college students, either in-person or via video conferencing, if you’re not in our local area. We also have a learning specialist on staff who monitors and supports our work with LD college students.
Whether you are high performing and need support maintaining superlative grades to stay ahead of the curve, or you’re struggling to keep up and need help deciphering coursework, Next Level instructors are here to support you. In some instances, college students need help understanding a topic or concept that should have been learning in high school.
College students typically come to our learning center during the day but we can also accommodate afternoon or evening sessions. Next Level instructors are also available to make home visits, if that’s more convenient.
Please contact Next Level Learning to find out how our professional college instructors can provide the support you need to succeed in school.
Can I switch subjects with my instructor after I arrive for my session?
Next Level instructors are versatile and generally able and willing to switch the focus of the session at the last minute if you need help with something other than what was planned. Please let your instructor know at the beginning of the session that you’d like to work on a different subject so we can make sure we’re supporting you in the way you need.
Are Next Level instructors available on holidays?
Next Level Learning is closed for major holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Independence Day but open on minor holidays such as Presidents’ Day and Columbus Day. Please check with the learning center for specific information about what to expect during holidays. Next Level is always open during seasonal vacation periods, such as winter and spring breaks.
If you have a regularly scheduled session with an instructor during a holiday or break, and you know you will be away, please send an email to schedule@nullnyclearn.com. Remember, it is the responsibility of the parent or student to cancel a session in accordance with our cancellation policy.
How do I become an instructor at Next Level?
If you are an experienced, highly qualified, conscientious instructor with a minimum undergraduate degree and a proven record of success who loves working with kids, please send your resume and cover letter to contact@nullnyclearn.com and one of our directors will follow up with you.
What if I suffer from anxiety?
The truth is that virtually every student suffers from some form or degree of anxiety, especially when confronted with an especially challenging admissions exam or academic subject. However, some students are able to manage their anxiety in a manner that doesn’t detract from or disrupt their objectives, while others may become incapacitated by even mild anxiety.
Anxiety affects everyone differently and we encourage students not to compare themselves to others. Anxiety is not directly correlated to intelligence or ability and even some high performing, straight “A” students suffer from severe anxiety when confronted with a test or subject that will have a significant impact on their future. In many instances anxiety may never have previously manifested in the student’s life and catches both parents and students by surprise.
Regardless of the cause, severity, or duration of anxiety, Next Level instructors employ methods and techniques that help alleviate anxiety. Also, we have learning specialists on staff who can meet with students affected by anxiety as well as collaborate with instructors to help guide tutoring in a way that minimizes the impact of anxiety and helps students focus on the task at hand.
If you or your child is suffering from anxiety, please contact Next Level Learning to find out how our highly trained staff can help address the factors that exacerbate anxiety and adversely affect performance.
Can I schedule a tutoring session for the same day?
If an instructor is available to teach the subject or test for which you need support, we are happy to accommodate same day appointment requests.
How long before a test should I get started with tutoring?
We are often asked this question and the answer depends on the situation. For example, some 9th grade admissions exams (taken in the 8th grade) are extremely challenging and many students get started a year or more in advance of the test date to help ensure a better result.
Meanwhile, some (even high performing) students just don’t do particularly well on standardized exams (for a variety of different reasons). Other students may suffer from significant anxiety. The definitive answer for getting started on preparation really comes down to two major considerations: First, how well is the student currently positioned with respect to the content and difficulty of the exam, and second, how much of a role will the exam play in admissions or, in the case of an academic subject, how desirable, urgent, or important is improvement and/or achieving a better grade.
With regard to admissions, if you are applying to a high school or college that is highly competitive, the entrance exam will of course play a greater role in your application. If you are encountering an especially challenging entrance exam for a highly competitive school, get started with tutoring as early as possible. Cramming in the weeks or couple of months leading up to the exam creates its own set of obstacles, such as generating additional anxiety.
For many students, working over the summer can be especially productive because the pressure and distraction of school don’t interfere with focusing on the work at hand. For admissions exams in the fall, waiting to get started when school is back in session can be disconcerting for some students. Whenever possible we strongly urge students to start preparation in the summer, which helps make subsequent sessions when school is in session go more smoothly.
For students who struggle with significant anxiety, getting started early is imperative. Cramming or not being adequately prepared by test day can make or break a student’s performance. The best way to combat anxiety is for the student to be fully comfortable with all elements of the test, and that takes time and commitment.
That said, if you’re getting a late start our instructors can accelerate tutoring and help you work as efficiently as possible to maximize your time and effort and ensure you achieve your greatest potential. Please contact Next Level Learning to speak with an educational consultant for help planning next steps.
Does tutoring work?
This can be a legitimate question for families that are new to tutoring. As with any form of teaching, there is a direct correlation between the student’s motivation and effort he or she invests during tutoring sessions, and the outcome. In rare instances we have encountered students who are determined not to succeed for various reasons, and in such an event it is difficult or even impossible to achieve the established objectives or make meaningful progress.
An example of a situation in which a student might sabotage tutoring is when parents want their child to attend a particular school and the child prefers to stay at his or her current school or perhaps attend a different school than the one favored by their parents. If the child feels powerless to influence the decision, he or she may consciously or subconsciously resist, or even intentionally fail the requisite admissions exam as a means of derailing the parents’ plan.
Our recommendation for families who are new to tutoring is to ensure parents and children are on the same page with respect to the objectives and expectations set forth before tutoring begins. If parents are seeking a particular outcome and the student is seeking a different outcome, tutoring can become contentious and generate significant discord and anxiety, which will of course impede progress. It is therefore advisable for parents to have a wide-ranging discussion with their child about why tutoring can be helpful, clarify the objectives of the tutoring, and then entertain questions about working with an instructor. Ensuring children are fully informed prior to getting started with tutoring will position them for greater success.
If the parents and child are at an impasse and conflicted about how to proceed, we welcome you to meet with a Next Level educational consultant to talk about the ways in which tutoring support can be useful. Our staff has decades of experience working with students who feel conflicted about tutoring, and we are well equipped to provide answers to questions that put a child at ease and make him or her more receptive to cooperating with the prospect of tutoring.
Please contact Next Level Learning to discuss how our staff can support your child with tutoring.
Can Next Level instructors help with motivation?
Next Level instructors are trained to help students who struggle with motivation, and in most cases motivation improves after only a few sessions. However, in some instances it may be helpful for the student to meet with our learning specialist to discuss his or her questions or concerns about tutoring and clarify the options and objectives. Having a clearer understanding of the end goal and knowing the path to achieving it often helps students overcome resistance and improve motivation.
Can Next Level recommend a therapist?
Next Level Learning coordinates and collaborates with several family and child therapists and we can refer families seeking treatment. While we refer therapists who are highly regarded in our community, Next Level does not derive any financial benefit from any therapist and has no stake in the outcome of our recommendations other than to help families obtain the support they seek.
Can Next Level recommend a psychologist for a neuropsychological evaluation?
Next Level Learning collaborates with several outstanding psychologists who specialize in neuropsychological evaluations for children and we can provide referrals at your request. As with therapists, Next Level does not derive any financial benefit from any psychologist and has no stake in the outcome of our recommendations other than to help families obtain the support they seek.
Can Next Level talk to my teacher?
Yes. Next Level staff regularly coordinates and collaborates with teachers and administrators from a variety of schools both in and outside New York. Please let us know if you’d like us to speak with your child’s teacher and we will make contact with the school.
Do Next Level instructors help with organizing or structuring my schoolwork?
Over the years we have learned that one of the most important functions we serve is to help students get organized. Sometimes, just getting a class assignment unstuck from a peanut butter sandwich can represent a significant breakthrough. Next Level instructors have a variety of resources and tools at their disposal to help disorganized students improve their ability to stay on top of their schoolwork. And for some students, getting organized can make the difference between success and failure. Please let your instructor know if organization is a significant issue.
Can Next Level instructors help with study habits?
Next Level instructors often encounter students who struggle with establishing or maintaining constructive study habits. We offer a variety of techniques that help students develop better organizational skills and study habits. Next Level’s professional instructors can help students get on track to a more successful educational outcome.
What should I expect at my first tutoring session?
As with all new relationships, the first step is for the instructor and student to get to know one another. While we are eager to get on with the work as quickly as possible, it’s also important for the instructor to immediately begin building rapport with the student. Many studies (and decades of our experience) confirm that tutoring is significantly more effective when a bond of cooperation and trust exists between the instructor and student, which is why Next Level instructors are trained and encouraged to get to know their students (while also maintaining appropriate boundaries).
So the first session will involve an initial period of becoming familiar with the student’s personality, interests, aptitude, school experiences, extracurricular activities, and learning style, followed by clarifying the objectives for tutoring and the specific path to achieving them. While there is clearly a lot to cover in the first session, instructors will also spend as much time as necessary listening to the student’s doubts or concerns about tutoring, school, or upcoming exams. When students feel at ease with the instructor they will begin to relax and our work will become considerably more productive.
Are Next Level instructors experts?
Next Level instructors are indeed “experts” in the subjects and fields they tutor. Our instructors are highly qualified and well trained, and they possess a minimum undergraduate degree. In addition to having significant knowledge, experience, and proficiency teaching the subjects for which they are experts, many of our instructors also have graduate degrees or are enrolled in a local graduate program. Their credentials and training are exceptional and they are well positioned to help students achieve their greatest potential.
What subjects do you tutor?
Next Level Learning provides professional, expert instructors who teach virtually every subject and field. If you don’t see a specific subject on our website please contact Next Level for additional information.
What’s the best way to get started with tutoring?
If the objectives for tutoring are clear, the easiest way to get started is to contact Next Level to make an appointment with an instructor. Most subjects and admissions exams are fairly straightforward and our educational consultant can conduct a comprehensive intake over the phone and obtain the background and biographical information we need in order to begin tutoring. We are also happy to accommodate parents and students who prefer an in-person consultation before beginning tutoring.
Can I have a Next Level learning specialist evaluate my child?
Yes. We can arrange for your child to meet with one of our learning specialists for an evaluation to provide recommendations about next steps and ensure our instructors apply the ideal approach and methods in tutoring sessions. Our learning specialists also work with students one-on-one for tutoring, and we can discuss that option if the need arises.
If your child has obtained a neuropsychiatric evaluation, our learning specialist will review the report and determine how to apply the doctor’s recommendations to address your child’s specific needs during tutoring sessions. All evaluations are confidential.
Does Next Level have instructors who work with LD students?
Yes. Next Level has learning specialists on staff who can work directly with students diagnosed with a learning difference (or learning disability). Our learning specialists also train and supervise our instructors work with LD students to ensure they respond appropriately to various learning profiles. We have many years experience working with students who have ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, processing deficits (including slow processing speed), and various executive functioning issues.
Some LD students harbor doubts about their intelligence and ability to overcome obstacles related to academics and school. Part of our job is to help them understand that they are as smart and talented as non-LD students, and they just need help understanding how to manage their LD in ways that make school and schoolwork less intimidating.
If your child has obtained a neuropsychiatric evaluation, our learning specialist can review the report and determine how to apply the doctor’s recommendations to address his or her unique needs. All evaluations are confidential. Please contact Next Level if you have specific questions related to your child’s LD.
Does Next Level provide tutoring for Gifted and Talented tests?
Gifted and talented (G&T) exams utilize some or all of NNAT, OLSAT, WISC, Bracken, and Stanford Binet materials to determine whether a student has a “natural ability” to work ahead of grade. While schools and school districts often provide some materials to familiarize students with the process and help them know what to expect on test day, they generally discourage tutoring for the exam because it can result in children scoring above their aptitude and being placed in an academic environment in which they may experience significant pressure to keep up with accelerated coursework.
Next Level Learning agrees with that conclusion and refrains from preparing students for G&T exams. However, we are happy to support students of any age who need support in academic subjects.
Do your instructors work with students who have learning differences, disabilities, and special needs?
Yes. Next Level Learning has a learning specialist on staff who works one-on-one with students and also supervises our instructors work with LD students to ensure we are applying the ideal approach in their tutoring sessions. If your child has obtained a neuropsychiatric evaluation, our learning specialist will review the report and determine how to convey your doctor’s recommendations to the instructor in a manner that addresses the student’s specific needs. All evaluations are treated as confidential, and the learning specialist only reveals and relays information that is relevant to the instructor’s work with the student.
Please contact Next Level Learning if you would like more information about how our instructors can help your child improve his or her outlook on school and begin feeling more confidence in their ability to excel and succeed.
What if I have more than one child that needs to be tutored simultaneously?
We work with many siblings and make every effort to arrange our schedule to see both students at the same time.
Do Next Level instructors work with twins together?
On rare occasion we have worked with twins in the same session. However, in our experience even identical twins virtually always have different learning styles and aptitudes and, like all students, benefit most from one-on-one tutoring. If there is a compelling reason to work with both students simultaneously we are receptive to hearing and understanding the reasons. However, Next Level reserves the right to make a final decision on whether we are willing to work with twins in the same session.
What if I need help with something unusual?
Next Level has helped students with a variety of unusual requests over the years, and our philosophy is that as long as our instructors can truly help you excel and succeed, we will make every effort to provide support. We are always willing to take on unconventional subjects or projects as long as our assistance can be constructive and beneficial.
Please contact Next Level Learning to speak with an educational consultant and find out whether we can help you with your unique request.
Can a parent or child care provider drop off a child or do they have to be present?
There is limited seating at the learning center so dropping students off is preferable. Furthermore, we have found that some students are more focused when a parent isn’t waiting nearby. If a student is dropped off Next Level instructors can help ensure a child meets a parent in our lobby following the session, or the parent can return to the learning center for pickup. There are several wi-fi enabled cafes within a block of the learning center. If a parent or care provider chooses to stay they are welcome to use our wi-fi but cell phone calls are not allowed to be used inside the center. If a call is necessary we ask you to please step out into the hallway. We also ask that cell phones or other devices be muted while you are in the learning center.
Please be aware that instructors are always happy to greet parents and care providers but they will avoid speaking directly to parents about a student’s progress either before or after a session. Speaking to a parent in front of a child is awkward and causes unnecessary anxiety in a child who feels put on the spot or analyzed in front of adults. Is it always advisable to contact the learning center separately if you have specific questions or comments about tutoring.