Study Smart

Calculator or No Calculator? When Students Should Use One

As students start learning more advanced math topics, they are given calculators to use for time-consuming calculations. Calculators are very useful tools for students; however, they can also take away from the development of mental math and problem solving skills. It is important to know when calculators can improve efficiency and when it is best to do without one. When to Use a Calculator Calculators are most helpful on questions containing long calculations that aren’t the

Anabel Wong

Sep 292 min read

Understanding the New SAT Format

n 2026, College Board finalized the fully digital and adaptive format for the SAT, completely shifting from the previous pen-and-paper tests.

Anabel Wong

Sep 213 min read

Homework Takes Hours: What’s Normal and What Isn’t?

If homework seems to take over your entire evening, you may be wondering whether the workload is normal or if your child is struggling. While an occasional long night can happen, homework consistently taking hours may be a sign that something else is going on. The amount of homework students can reasonably handle depends on their age, grade level, and the difficulty of their classes. What matters most is whether your child can complete assignments within a manageable amount o

Kylie Morgado

Sep 152 min read

Why Does My Child Hate Reading? 6 Possible Reasons

When a child says they hate reading, there is usually a reason behind it. Reading may feel difficult, frustrating, boring, or even embarrassing. Understanding why your child avoids reading is the first step toward helping them build confidence and enjoy it more. Learning to read can be hard. 1. Reading Feels Too Difficult If your child struggles with sounding out words, fluency, or vocabulary, reading can feel exhausting. Strengthening foundational skills can make reading eas

Kylie Morgado

Sep 82 min read

From TikTok to Textbooks: How Tutors Help Students Reclaim Focus

Between short-form videos, constant notification, gaming, and an endless stream of entertainment, today’s students are surrounded by distractions. Then we ask them to sit down, read several pages of a textbook, solve a difficult math problem, or write an essay without checking their phone every few minutes. It’s no wonder focus can feel harder than it used to. But difficulty concentrating doesn’t mean a student is incapable of learning. In many cases, focus is a skill that ne

Shirin Schadlu

Sep 12 min read

Build Your Child’s Perfect Homework Routine

Homework doesn’t have to turn into a nightly battle. A consistent routine can help students stay organized, reduce stress, and become more independent learners. The key is finding a routine that works for your child and your family. Start by choosing a consistent homework time Some students work best right after school, while others need time to eat, relax, or move around first. Pay attention to when your child is most focused and try to build homework into that part of the d

Kylie Morgado

Aug 312 min read

Study Habits Today = Success Tomorrow: Why It Starts in Middle School

Middle school is a major transition for students. Classes become more challenging, assignments require greater independence, and students begin balancing multiple teachers, deadlines, projects, and tests. While grades are important, middle school is also the perfect time to develop something that will matter long after the next report card: strong study habits. Organization Becomes Essential In elementary school, students often receive more reminders and guidance throughout t

Kylie Morgado

Aug 252 min read