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Academic Approach Tutoring and Test Prep | Circular logo with “Academic Approach” at the top, “2001 - 2026” at the bottom, and a large “25 YEARS” in the center with yellow rays, marking a 25-year anniversary.
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Mission & Vision

At Academic Approach, we believe in more than test preparation—we believe in empowerment. Our unique, skills-based approach to education is designed to go beyond memorization and test-taking, fostering the development of crucial academic skills that serve students far beyond the classroom.

Our Mission

Building skills, boosting confidence, and bridging curriculum gaps to foster holistic academic success

Our mission is defined by a deep commitment to student success. Founded by Matthew Pietrafetta, Ph.D., Academic Approach is not just a tutoring service, but a mentorship platform dedicated to building student skills and confidence while bridging essential curriculum gaps. 

We aim not just to enhance test scores, but to cultivate well-rounded, resilient learners capable of overcoming any academic challenge. Our mission is grounded in the belief that true learning extends far beyond mere test-taking, propelling students to future success in their educational journeys and their lives.

Our Impact

Our impact echoes in the lives of thousands of students in the Chicagoland, New York City, Boston, and beyond. We’ve witnessed firsthand how raised scores and enhanced skills can open doors to higher education and beyond. Our dedication to customized tutoring programs and high-quality instructional services have led to transformational stories of success and confidence:

“We do not have enough words to express our warmth and admiration for the marvelous team at Academic Approach. The teachers care about the overall well being and success of their students—not merely academics. They provided excellent feedback, identified strengths and weaknesses, and gave advice on course decisions and career strategy. Our boys found mentors and lifelong friends in their teachers at Academic Approach, and continue to keep in touch with many of them, long after having graduated from school.”

Seema Singhal
Parent, University of Chicago Laboratory School

“Our experience with Academic Approach was outstanding in every respect. Our son’s tutor was a perfect match in his approach, the workload he assigned, and in personality. Our son so enjoyed working with Academic Approach that his test prep experience was fun — AND he achieved superior results on both his SAT and ACT tests the first time around.”

Jennifer B
Parent, Hinsdale Central High School

“Jordan went from a 1200 to a 1440 on the SAT. It was a great experience. Our son loved working with his tutor, and we recommend all of our friends to Academic Approach. They really are the best.”

SAT Test Prep Family
Parent(s), Glenbrook North

“We couldn’t have been happier with our daughter’s score. She went up 7 points (25 to a 32), beyond our expectations. Academic Approach was supportive and completely on top of things from the very beginning.”

ACT Test Prep Family
Parent(s), Highland Park High School

“Our family has used Academic Approach for both test preparation and academic tutoring. We can’t say enough positive things about the results. Test score improvement is clearly demonstrable, but as important is the improved critical thinking and academic results in school. We truly appreciate what Matthew and his team have been able to achieve with our children.”

Michael & Susan Canmann
Parent, North Shore Country Day School

“Our daughter prepared for the exam to get into Loyola (HSPT), and Academic Approach worked wonders! This was our first child going through this process, and we had no idea what the exam was like. Our program manager (Sean) told us exactly what to do, and he provided us with an amazing instructor. Our daughter will be starting at Loyola in the fall.”

HSPT Prep Family
Parent(s), Loyola High School
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Our Vision

Striving for a world where education goes beyond tests, opening doors to opportunities and lifelong success

At Academic Approach, our vision extends beyond the individual—we envision a future where education can change lives, communities, and futures. We’re not just preparing students for tests; we’re preparing them for life. We work tirelessly with parents, educators, and school systems to redefine the role of test preparation within education, championing the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to excel.

Our long-term goal involves expanding our reach to help more students and giving back to communities through our Elevate Education initiative.

Elevate Education Initiative

Our Values

Our values—solutions-oriented, collaborative, respectful—lie at the core of our mission and vision. They guide our every interaction and strategy, fostering a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect for individual contributions. 

We work collectively to design effective solutions, bridging divides, unifying perspectives, and connecting community for the greater good of our students’ success.

Our Approach

Join Us

We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey. Whether you’re a student, a parent, an educator, or a partner, there’s a place for you in our mission to change lives through education. Together, we can create a future where every student is equipped with the skills, confidence, and resilience to succeed—both on the test and beyond.

Join us today and be a part of this meaningful change.

Start Your Journey Now
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. 

  • CPS has formally announced that Selective Enrollment testing will move from the HSAT exam to the PreACT 9 Exam.
  • The test will be a full-length PreACT 9 Secure (2.5 hours), much longer than the HSAT, which was only 1 hour.
  • The reasons for the change seem to be based on the more meaningful academic information the test will provide families and administrators.

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

ACT Scoring Error:
School Day Testers Impacted

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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.

Sign Up Now

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.

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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.

(888) 394-5060

Chicago Public High School Applications open now!

Learn More at CPS.edu