Author: Matthew Pietrafetta

Matthew Pietrafetta founded Academic Approach in 2001 and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Since 2001, Matthew has supervised the organization’s instructional services, curriculum, and technology development. Whether working with lead trainers to provide high-quality support to Academic Approach’s tutors or collaborating with educators to deliver instructional support that drives higher student achievement, Matthew is committed to improving the quality of Academic Approach’s instructional practices and services. Matthew earned his M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees in English Language and Literature at Columbia University in New York City. After teaching in Columbia’s Core Curriculum and preparing New York City high school students for college entrance exams, Matthew worked to define a model of test preparation based less on strategy and more on skills-development. Academic Approach views test preparation as a means to an academic end: teaching vital college readiness skills that not only raise scores but also prepare students for academic success both on and beyond the test.
Academic Approach Tutoring and Test Prep | Blue logo for Chicago Public Schools featuring silhouettes of two children and a graduate in a cap and gown inside a circle, with the text "Chicago Public Schools" to the right.

Major Changes to Chicago Public School Testing

CPS Moves to PreACT 9 Secure for Selective Enrollment Testing THIS FALL. 

If you want to learn more about these changes and how Academic Approach can help, CLICK HERE

2026–27 ACT Registration Is Open

Popular ACT testing sites fill quickly.

Start with a free ACT diagnostic and personalized consultation from Academic Approach to build the right testing timeline and prep plan for your student.

FREE WEBINAR

Enhanced ACT:
What Families Need to Know

With Matthew Pietrafetta, CEO & Founder
DATE
June 10
TIME
7PM CST
FORMAT
Live on Zoom
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Whether your student took the PreACT as a sophomore, the ACT as a junior, or is preparing to test soon, this session will help you navigate the new test with confidence.

Can't make it live? Register anyway and we'll send the recording.

Hey — we've seen you around.

That tells us you’re serious about your student’s future.

So are we. Let’s stop circling and start a real conversation.

Chicago Public High School Applications open now!