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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:

“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

My tutor was more than just a weekly appointment. He really listened, always asked how my basketball team was doing, He cared. He made what could have been a boring experience something I looked forward to each week. 

New Trier Student, Class of 2024
Student, New Trier Student, Class of 2024

“Throughout my time with Academic Approach, I saw a lot of results and overall I just became a better test taker. I had a good bond with my tutor. He seemed to get my learning style.”

Ben Schwan
Student, New Trier High 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

“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

“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
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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.

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