Families, students and school administrators

What looks different when understanding starts to take hold?

A grade may rise. Homework grows peaceful. A student who was ready to quit may start helping friends—or find that math can even be fun. These families, students and administrators describe such changes from the inside.

Understanding→Confidence→Independence→Possibility

Student voices

Sometimes students say it best—and quickly.

“

Thanks, the tutoring really saved me in math this year!

Beth Christensen10th-grade Algebra 2 student · Santa Fe High School

“

The tutoring definitely brought my math grade up! Josh makes it very easy to understand.

Marcus MontoyaTutored in Algebra 1

“

This tutoring has been really helpful. The one-on-one makes a huge difference!

Owen Spears10th-grade student · Westlake High School, Austin

What parents notice

The most meaningful progress often reaches beyond the report card.

Parents see the grade—but they also see what happens before the grade changes: less fear, more willingness to try, growing independence, and the return of confidence.

From fear to fun

“One of my worst fears was for my daughter to be afraid of math. Last night she said it was FUN! She recently told her friends what you have taught her, and now she is helping those at the 8th-grade math level with their homework. My daughter also said that your book makes algebra easy and understandable, as do you.”

— Nancy and Mike LeScouarnecParents of a Santa Fe School for the Arts student

Independence—and relief

“After her session with you, Naomi did her homework today completely independently without any crying or yelling. I can’t remember the last time that has happened. She feels like she is finally ‘getting it’ and gets so excited about going ‘ahead.’ Thank you so, so much for being so wonderful and understanding.”

— Michelle MerinParent · Zoom tutoring from San Francisco

A result that opened doors

“Thank you, Josh! Emma is so happy! It opens up doors to more schools. Thank you once again for all your help!”

— Emma’s motherACT preparation

Understanding that changed a grade

“Every time Josh worked with her, she would get off the computer and finish her homework. She ended up going from a D to a B in about six weeks, and her percent average is still rising. What a difference!”

— Kim ScarboroughParent · Zoom tutoring from Flower Mound, Texas

A relationship built over time

“Josh has been Pique’s math tutor for the past seven years. Pique was having difficulty comprehending math that was being taught in a traditional manner. Josh worked patiently with Pique, creating a custom math program that she could integrate with her school program. We have been impressed with Josh’s patience, creativity and diligence.”

— Fred and Teri JacquesParents · Santa Fe

A unique approach for each child

“The sessions are extremely helpful because they are tailored to their needs. Josh is always encouraging, patient, and understanding. He can explain a math concept in several different ways to ensure understanding.”

— Allison BakalerParent of two students · Zoom tutoring from San Francisco

Stories that stick

“It’s great to see Jordan gaining confidence and staying with it instead of just wanting to give up. Jordan tells me some of the funny stories Josh uses—like the jailbreak one—and they really help Jordan see and remember how the math works.”

— Judy SingletonParent · Zoom tutoring from Washington, D.C.

Confidence made visible

“Josh helped change my son’s attitude completely around. He now sees that he can do it. His confidence is a wonderful thing to see.”

— Teri PerlmutterParent · Zoom tutoring from Bratenahl, Ohio

Want more background on who Josh is?

Schools and educators

From one student at a time to entire classrooms.

Josh’s explanations have also been used by teachers and school systems—first through the Algebra Survival Guide and Workbook, and later through direct SAT workshops.

“The Algebra Survival Guide and the Algebra Survival Guide Workbook are being used by our entire district, and the teachers love it! It uses a student-friendly format that takes the fear out of learning algebra.”

— Susan MetcalfeSecondary Math Coordinator · Pasadena Independent School District

“The Memphis City Schools purchased Algebra Survival Guides and Algebra Survival Guide Workbooks for all of our teachers because these books provide clear explanations and practice opportunities for many topics that are often the most difficult for Algebra 1 students to understand.”

— Joan CoxMathematics Facilitator · Memphis City Schools

South Valley Academy · Spring 2025

A six-week SAT workshop—and a result worth noticing.

Josh led eight workshops for South Valley Academy students over six weeks: three extended sessions for each of two groups, followed by two additional sessions for students aiming highest. The work concentrated on recurring gaps, targeted practice, and the exact questions most likely to move each student forward.

“From anecdotal feedback from the students and survey responses, Josh established rapport quickly with our students and kept them engaged. Students reported that the subject matter was difficult, but they appreciated how Josh broke it down.”

— Julia DumarsInstructional Coach and Data Analyst · South Valley Academy

The books in the wider world

Human language.
Serious mathematics.

“Everything you always wanted to know about algebra—and MORE—written in a style that anyone can understand. I recommend this book to teachers, students and parents.”— Eleanor Ortiz, former President, New Mexico State Board of Education

“The question-and-answer format is great, and the questions actually sound as if they are being asked by eighth or ninth graders… Teachers and tutors will find that the questions are typical, and the answers are complete.”— Mathematics Teacher, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

“The girls in my school are using the Guide because it helps them understand algebra and feel confident… the format of the Guide has helped these girls overcome their anxiety about math.”— Sarah Pearce, Directress, Milwaukee Montessori School

The thread running through them all

A student begins to understand—and begins to see themselves differently.

The circumstances vary, but the movement is remarkably consistent: confusion becomes understanding; understanding creates confidence; and confidence opens room for independence, achievement, and possibility.

Tell me about your student

Considering tutoring?

Let’s talk about what your student needs.

Tell me a little about your student, the subject, and where things feel stuck, challenging, or stressful. We’ll talk and see whether I may be the guy who can help move things forward.

Get in touch