GradeGrower Tutoring
Growing Grades, Building Confidence
Our Story
GradeGrower Tutoring was founded in 2023 with one simple goal: to provide high-quality K–8 tutoring at a fair price.
Our approach is time-tested and results-driven, but we don’t believe in “quick fixes.” While every student learns at a different rate, with time and patience we believe all children are capable of unlocking their full potential. We teach foundational learning skills that develop confidence and independence that lasts a lifetime. Like any meaningful growth, this process takes time and the willingness to work through early challenges—but the results are worth it.
Before starting GradeGrower Tutoring, I spent 13 years in various roles at public elementary and middle schools in Southern California, South Florida, and North Florida:
Lead classroom teacher
Special education teacher
Small-group interventionist for struggling students
Virtual school teacher in Florida’s top-ranked school district
I hold a Master’s degree in Special Education and consistently earned the highest possible performance evaluation ratings throughout my teaching career.
I’m also the mother of two boys who attend public school in Florida. When my oldest son was diagnosed with a disability that required homeschooling, I was shocked by the lack of quality private tutoring options in our area.
The best private tutors in my area were either too expensive, too far away or too busy to take on new clients.
The national “chain” tutoring services in my area I found were often:
Too corporate and profit-driven
Rigid, requiring children to conform to a preset curriculum
Unhappy and underpaid tutors, often marked by high turnover rates
Lacking experience with younger learners or students with learning disabilities
I decided to build the tutoring service that I wished existed for my own child. In just a few short years, GradeGrower Tutoring has become among the most recommended tutoring services in North Florida. Here’s why!
No contracts or pressure. We don’t believe in trapping families with expensive memberships. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll let you know, and if you aren’t satisfied with we’ll support your decision to look elsewhere—no hard feelings, ever.
Experienced, qualified tutors only. We exclusively hire college-educated adults with prior teaching experience. While student tutors can be helpful, there’s no substitute for professional experience—especially for younger children or students with learning disabilities.
Low tutor turnover. We pay our tutors fairly because happy tutors don’t leave, and that consistency leads to better outcomes for students.
Individualized instruction. We meet students where they are and tailor instruction to their needs, learning styles, and goals. Other tutors require clients to buy into their strict curriculums that may or may not be 100% aligned with in-school classroom learning.
At GradeGrower Tutoring, client satisfaction always comes first. We aren’t the perfect fit for every family—and that’s okay. Even so, many parents tell us our free consultations have helped them gain new clarity, strategies, or perspectives for supporting their child. And we invite you to check out our site’s many free resources for homeschool parents and also parents of children who are struggling in the classroom. Finding the right tutor is not easy but we can hopefully help make the process a bit less stressful for you.
No matter where you’re located, we’d love the opportunity to learn more about your situation and see how we can help. Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward brightening your child’s future.
— Sharon P., founder & lead tutor
GradeGrower Tutoring is an authorized Step Up For Students (FL) service provider, so if your child has Step Up scholarship funds we can provide tutoring services for no out-of-pocket cost. Contact us for more information or to see if your child is eligible.
We provide quality virtual tutoring to students anywhere in the world and in-person tutoring for those living near Saint Johns County (FL).
Why Choose GradeGrower?
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We believe in keeping things simple. We offer high quality private and small-group tutoring at a fair price. We don’t pressure you into long-term contracts, and you’re free to cancel anytime if you’re unhappy with our service. Most clients, however, end up canceling because their children are now thriving academically.
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We don’t hire teenagers. All of our tutors are college educated with prior classroom experience. Many still have valid teaching licenses, others are former instructors. We pay our tutors well because they’re highly qualified, and because we know that happy tutors provide better service to our clients.
In fact, one reason why we often have a waitlist is because of our strict hiring process and the lack of qualified applicants, and our willingness to wait as long as it takes to hire the best of the best.
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We prefer younger students because that’s when it’s most crucial for kids to develop strong and effective learning habits that last a lifetime.
Younger students do not learn the same way older students do and not all tutors know how to effectively communicate with elementary and middle school aged children. Our tutors have years of experience working with children just like yours…and we prefer to stick with what we’re good at! -
There’s no one correct way to learn something, so why do some tutoring companies force students to follow one-size-fits-all proprietary curriculums?
We take the time to get to know each student’s individual needs so we can build customized lesson plans focusing on long-term growth, but we are also flexible enough to switch gears if there’s another subject that requires immediate attention.
Those “big box” corporate tutoring companies are far more rigid and expect students to adapt. We believe that the tutors should adapt to their students. It’s more time consuming and more difficult for our tutors, but GradeGrower Tutoring consistently delivers strong results because of our refusal to cut corners and take the easy path like many of the well-known tutoring chains.
Private 1-on-1 Tutoring
Every child wants to do well in school, but sometimes they simply need more time, patience, and encouragement than a busy classroom can provide. One-on-one private tutoring offers your child a calm, supportive space where they are truly seen and heard. Lessons are tailored to your child’s pace, learning style, and individual needs, so they never feel rushed or left behind. This personalized approach helps learning feel less overwhelming and more positive, allowing children to build both skills and confidence.
This kind of individualized support isn’t just reassuring — it’s proven to help children learn more effectively. A major research review from the Brookings Institution found that personalized tutoring improves academic performance by an average of 0.37 standard deviations, which is roughly the difference between performing at the 50th percentile (average) and the 66th percentile (above average). In practical terms, that’s like giving your child several extra months of learning in a single school year. Research from the Stanford Graduate School of Education also shows that even short, regular one-on-one tutoring sessions in the early grades significantly improve reading skills and reduce the risk of long-term learning struggles.
Beyond academics, one-on-one tutoring helps children feel confident and capable again. As understanding grows, children become more willing to participate in class, take on challenges, and believe in their abilities. If you’re wondering whether tutoring could help your child feel more supported, confident, and successful at school, we’d love to talk. Schedule a free consultation today, and let’s explore how personalized tutoring can help your child thrive — both academically and emotionally.
Small Group Reading Intensives
Independent studies routinely find that kids who are not proficient readers by third grade are up to 4× less likely to finish high school — but early reading support changes that path.
The key word is early. Just as it’s more difficult for adults to learn a foreign language than it is for children, the same is true with reading and English fluency. It’s never too early for reading intervention. In fact, 90% of preschoolers in small-group early literacy interventions exceeded phonemic awareness benchmarks versus 45% in comparison groups.
`Small groups foster creative, collaborative learning that cannot be replicated in 1-on-1 sessions — one student will come up with an idea that sparks conversation with everyone else joining in, which leads to improved comprehension and retention.
Our small group reading intensives are limited to between 2 and 5 students/group and last between 6 and 8 weeks. Each week the group will read together for part of the lesson and then discuss the book through fun, casual conversation. This format puts kids at ease and makes even the most timid students eager to participate.
Small group reading intensives are a great way to improve literacy, fluency and comprehension in a fun, social format. The group format builds confidence and our students receive most of the benefit of 1-on-1 tutoring at a fraction of the price.
We waited a long time before introducing this service because we wanted to make sure we got it right. Semi-private tutoring doesn’t mean semi-effective when done correctly with experienced teachers guiding each student through each session. We call our small groups ‘intensives’ for a reason: they’re not easy! And that’s why they’re so worthwhile for all students, even those who aren’t struggling with reading but especially for those who do. There are few greater joys in the world than watching a struggling child learn to read and our tried-and-true methods have worked with even the most difficult students with severe learning disabilities.
We invite you to contact us to learn more about being placed in a group or setting up a private group of your own — perfect for similar-aged siblings or homeschoolers!
Online Tutoring
Distance and busy schedules shouldn’t limit learning. GradeGrower Tutoring’s online sessions give your child personalized, one-on-one attention and proven teaching strategies — just like our in-person sessions.
And we know what you may be thinking: is online tutoring as effective as in-person learning? The honest answer is that it depends. It depends on the student and it also depends on the tutor. Just like online tutoring may not be the best fit for every student, not every tutor is capable of teaching through a computer screen. At GradeGrower Tutoring, our tutors are specially trained with the latest technology and virtual teaching methods to ensure your child gets the same high-quality tutoring online as he or she would receive in person.
Research shows that high-quality online tutoring can be just as effective as in-person tutoring.
A Brown University study found that private online tutoring boosts achievement by up to 8 percentile points in middle school math, meaning a student who might have scored in the middle of the class could improve to be well above average with consistent tutoring.
Another study found that structured online tutoring significantly improves test scores and grades, helping children keep up or get ahead in their studies.
Online tutoring can even help recover lost learning when students fall behind or miss school.
Our virtual tutoring sessions are designed to be engaging and interactive. Using tools like digital whiteboards, Google Meet, Nearpod, and Kindle Reader, students can practice skills hands-on, get real-time feedback, and participate in activities that are hard to replicate in-person.
Lessons are not only effective — they’re comfortable. Many children thrive when learning from the familiarity of home, feeling relaxed and focused in a space they know and love. This combination of comfort, engagement, and personalized attention makes online tutoring a powerful way for students to build skills and confidence.
Tailored instruction that meets your child’s individual needs
Flexible scheduling to fit around your busy life
Accessible from anywhere, so distance is never a barrier
Interactive lessons with digital tools that make learning hands-on and engaging
Learning from home, where children feel comfortable, safe, and focused
Measurable academic growth you can see in grades and test scores
With GradeGrower Tutoring, distance doesn’t mean compromise. Your child can thrive academically, gain confidence, and feel supported — all from the comfort of home. Schedule a free consultation today to see how our online tutoring can help your child succeed.
Homeschool Evaluations & Academic Consulting
Florida Law requires all homeschool families to submit annual evaluations demonstrating grade-level proficiency and a readiness to advance to the next grade [1]. Parents and guardians have 5 options for providing the state with evidence of your child’s academic progress:
1. Hire a certified teacher to conduct a performance review of your child’s schoolwork portfolio, and provide an in-person assessment that is submitted to your local school district or Department of Education.
This is often the most convenient and easiest option, and it’s best for students who may struggle with traditional standardized tests or who excel in a subject not typically assessed. The drawback is that this can be a more expensive option depending on who you hire, and the evaluation will have subjective components to it.
2. Take a nationally approved achievement test, such as the Stanford Achievement Test.
The benefit of this option is that your child’s performance will be benchmarked against national averages. The drawback is that it can be inconvenient to take these tests, they may only be offered on certain dates or times during the year, and not all students perform well on them.
3. Take the same standardized tests used in Florida public schools
This option is one of the more common paths for homeschool evaluation alternatives, and it allows parents to assess their child’s performance relative to other students in your district. But this option isn’t ideal for students who are unable to attend their local school to take the exam, or who do not tend to perform well on standardized achievement tests.
4. Hire a licensed psychologist to perform a thorough cognitive assessment. This is relatively uncommon and is typically the option used when students have severe special needs.
5. Florida also has mechanisms in place to allow for other evaluation methods, but this often approved by the school district on a case-by-case basis for special circumstances, such as a long-term hospitalization or excused absence.
GradeGrower Tutoring hires certified teachers who are licensed to perform homeschool evaluations in Florida. Our tutors are qualified to assess your child’s grade-level proficiency and provide recommendations to your local school district regarding your child’s readiness for the next grade.
We also offer general academic consulting services to parents and guardians who may not want tutoring but would like help with developing a homeschool education plan.
Homeschool evaluations and consultations with our licensed teachers start at $60, and are available online or in-person.
Step Up For Students Scholarship
Step Up For Students is a Florida scholarship program that helps families access educational opportunities through tuition scholarships and education savings accounts. These funds can be used for a variety of learning services, including private tutoring, private school tuition, curriculum and instructional materials, giving parents the flexibility to choose the solutions that best support their child’s academic success.
As an authorized Step Up For Students service provider, GradeGrower Tutoring can directly bill your scholarship funds for tutoring services or provide invoices for out-of-pocket reimbursement. This means eligible families who opt to use scholarship funds can access GradeGrower Tutoring’s personalized, high-quality tutoring — in-person or virtual — completely free! We help families make the most of these funds to ensure students receive effective, individualized academic support.
Eligibility is broad. Florida residents in grades K–12, including homeschool students and those with disabilities who are at least 5 years old by September 1st may apply. Priority may be given to families with lower income levels or students in foster care, but many students meeting basic criteria are eligible to receive scholarship support. To check eligibility and learn more about application requirements, visit the official Step Up For Students scholarship page.
Our Tutoring Process
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Initial Assessment
Congratulations and welcome to GradeGrower Tutoring! Once your client account has been created, we will assigning a tutor who will perform a thorough assessment and develop a personalized learning plan based on your child’s strengths, weaknesses and academic goals. Prior to your first session, your tutor will set up a brief introduction and you will have an opportunity to discuss your child’s specific goals.
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Weekly Tutoring
Every tutoring session is different. Unlike many tutoring companies that require students to adhere to strict curriculums that rush students from one topic to the next each session, GradeGrower Tutoring’s philosophy is that flexible tutoring is the best tutoring. Whether your child needs help with completing school assignments, preparing for a test, or simply wants to learn better study habits, our experienced tutors are ready to help!
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Quarterly Reviews
Periodic check-ins with students, parents and classroom teachers ensure that our students continue to make steady progress. If the desired results aren’t quite there, these check-ins help to identify the barriers impeding success and allow our tutors to make the necessary adjustments to your child’s learning plan. Every student learns differently and our constant review system makes sure that your child stays on track even when schoolwork becomes more difficult.
Meet Your Tutor
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Sharon
FOUNDER & LEAD TUTOR (online and in-person)
Sharon taught public elementary and middle school for 13 years in California and Florida. During her time in the classroom, she’s worked as a lead teacher, a small group resource specialist, behavior unit specialist, and virtual school teacher in the Saint Johns County School District.Since founding GradeGrower Tutoring in 2023, Sharon has quickly developed a reputation as one of the area’s top tutors. Her K-8 clients have gone from barely passing to making honor roll; from fearing being retained to celebrating advancing to the next grade; from being nervous taking tests to acing them with confidence.
Sharon attended the University of Florida and earned a Master of Arts - Special Education degree from California State University - Los Angeles. In her spare time, Sharon enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, listening to Bible study podcasts and watching Gators and Jaguars football.
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Kate
TUTOR (online and in-person)
Kate graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career at Gregory Drive Elementary in Duval County where she taught 2nd and 3rd grade for eight years. She then moved to St. Louis where she taught early childhood education in the Lindbergh School District, before returning to Florida where she taught 3rd grade at Dream Lake Elementary in Orange County.
In 2016, Kate returned to St. Johns County where she and her husband are raising their three children. In addition to volunteering in her children’s classrooms for the past several years, Kate also worked as a tutor at Durbin Creek Elementary and continues to tutor students both online and in-person. -
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Allie
TUTOR (online)
Allie is currently a 2nd grade teacher with six years of classroom experience. She is certified to teach grades K-6 and has both a reading and ESOL endorsement. She was also named Rookie Teacher of the Year when she previously worked for Florida’s top-ranked St. Johns County School District.
Allie loves working with young children and helping them grow academically. She particularly enjoys teaching phonics and reading comprehension. -
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Jeff
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Jeff taught social studies, reading and English at a public high school in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and prior to teaching he spent over a decade working as a professional writer and movie producer in Los Angeles.
He attended the University of Florida (B.A, English), the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (Master of Public Administration) and Johns Hopkins University (Master of Business Administration).
In his spare time, Jeff enjoys coaching middle school baseball, volunteering with local nonprofits, watching sports and improving his culinary skills.
Contact Us
The most important step toward growing your child’s grades is the first step. Contact us to set up a quick no-pressure consultation to discuss your child’s specific needs and whether GradeGrower Tutoring is a good fit.
Due to our busy tutoring schedule it may take up to 72 hours for us to respond to new client requests. For urgent concerns please contact us at: 904-323-1675
We look forward to hearing from you!