Growing Beyond the Elementary Years
Over the past month, AB Tutoring has been growing in a way that feels really special to me.
A few new families have found their way to me through referrals from some of my wonderful current families, friends, and people who have simply heard about what I’m doing here. And with that growth has come a question I’ve heard more and more: “Would you work with my middle schooler?”
For a long time, my answer would have been (and has been) a pretty quick, “I’m really an elementary tutor.”
And honestly, that is still where my heart and my expertise are rooted. My background and experience have always centered around those foundational elementary years, building strong reading skills, developing comprehension, strengthening foundational math, and helping kids become confident, capable learners.
But over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some 6th and 7th graders, and something has surprised me- I really, really love it.
Bigger kids. Same need for connection.
Middle school is such an interesting season.
The academic expectations grow. The work gets harder. Students are expected to become more independent, manage more responsibilities, and advocate for themselves in ways they haven't necessarily had to before.
And yet, underneath all of that, they're still kids. They still need someone to slow down with them when something doesn't make sense. They still need encouragement when they're frustrated. They still need someone who will celebrate the small victories. They still need to feel seen, heard, and respected. And perhaps most importantly, they still need to know that struggling with something doesn't mean they're the problem.
That part of tutoring hasn't changed for me.
Whether a first grader is working through a tricky phonics pattern or a seventh grader is staring down a math problem that feels completely impossible, my goal is still the same: meet the child where they are, build from there, and help them feel more confident in their ability to figure things out.
So…
I'm excited to officially open my door to middle school students!
That doesn't mean I'm suddenly abandoning the elementary years or trying to become everything to everyone. Elementary reading, comprehension, foundational math, and building those early academic skills will continue to be what I do. It simply means that as AB Tutoring is growing, because I've realized there is room here for some of the bigger kiddos too.
And I'll be honest; there may eventually come a day when these middle schoolers are teaching me a thing or two. But for now, I'm having way too much fun learning alongside them.
And I love that this expansion has happened organically, through relationships, referrals, and families trusting me enough to ask, “Could you help my older child too?”
The answer is: Yes. I'd love to meet them.
Because the kids who come down my driveway may get bigger as the years go by, but one thing doesn't change- they all deserve to feel known, supported, capable, and connected.
And that's what Academics & Beyond has always been about. One kiddo, one relationship, and one little bit of growth at a time.
A small note for families
Middle school tutoring isn't going to look exactly the same for every student. Some students may need support with a specific academic skill, while others may benefit from building confidence, strengthening study habits, improving organization, or simply having a supportive adult in their corner as school becomes more demanding.
I'll continue to approach each student individually and begin with an assessment or conversation to understand where they are and whether AB Tutoring is the right fit for their needs.
Because sometimes the most important first step isn't figuring out what they need to learn. It's figuring out how they learn best.
With gratitude,
Ashley
