ACT
AVERAGE
GROWTH
Our students’ ACT scores grow an average of 6 points with some of our hardest workers growing more than 10 points
SAT
AVERAGE
GROWTH
Our students’ SAT scores grow an average of 150 points with some of our hardest workers growing more than 300 points
Featured Resource
Understanding College Entrance Exams
Navigating the college admissions process can be challenging and confusing. Find out which exam is a fit for your student.
We personalize tutoring.
Our directors design in-person and online tutoring programs customized to our students’ specific needs and goals, and our tutors mentor and motivate their students to reach their full potential.
We view tutoring and test preparation as a valuable opportunity to teach students the skills that not only increase test scores but also promote higher academic achievement in their high school and college curriculum, a teaching mission we refer to as Teaching Beyond the Test™.
Whether your student requires a few lessons or a more extended program, we design your program to:
Identify high-impact gaps in skills & strategies through diagnostic testing & expert analysis
Match your student to a tutor who provides a personalized one-on-one teaching experience
Leverage our superior curriculum to help your student master the most high-impact skills
Accommodate your busy schedule flexibly
Every Student is Different
We know our students; each one is unique, and each one requires a different approach, especially during these unprecedented times. That is why our ACT, SAT, and Middle School test prep is customized to each student and school partner.
We improve your students’ standardized testing by tailoring our research-based, expert instruction and curriculum to your needs, and we can get started with you right away.
Community Engagement
How we support local communities through school sponsorships, free parent information sessions, and more.
One-on-One Tutoring Team
Wade Weeldreyer
Associate Director of One-on-One Tutoring
Wade Weeldreyer currently serves as an Associate Director of One-on-One Tutoring in the North Shore offices. Wade oversees individual one-on-one programs, helping students and ...
Wade Weeldreyer
Associate Director of One-on-One Tutoring
Team: One-On-One Tutoring
Wade Weeldreyer currently serves as an Associate Director of One-on-One Tutoring in the North Shore offices. Wade oversees individual one-on-one programs, helping students and families set up programs and ensuring that those programs are executed. Prior to this role, he was an instructor for Academic Approach.
Wade has earned a Master of Divinity from Trinity International University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from University of Northwestern – St. Paul and minored in Ancient and Classical Languages. Wade grew up on a farm in South Dakota; he and his wife enjoy exploring the natural world together.
Ian Milliken
Associate Director of One-on-One Tutoring
Ian Milliken is an Associate Director of One-on-One Tutoring in New York City. He currently teaches in classroom programs at the Lycée Francais de New York and The Spence Sch ...
Ian Milliken
Associate Director of One-on-One Tutoring
Ian Milliken is an Associate Director of One-on-One Tutoring in New York City. He currently teaches in classroom programs at the Lycée Francais de New York and The Spence School. He also serves as a 1-on-1 tutor for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, Literature & US History subject tests, and college admissions essays. Prior to joining Academic Approach, Ian taught English and math to students of varying ages and backgrounds. He was a substitute teacher in New York State public schools, a TEFL teacher in Bangkok, Thailand, and a Teaching Assistant for undergraduate audio engineering course at Purdue University.
Ian earned a Bachelor of Music from Syracuse University and a Master of Fine Arts in Sound Design and Production from Purdue University. In addition to his role at Academic Approach, Ian is a working composer, musician, and sound designer, writing music for theatre, dance, concert, and film. His music has been heard on television networks and stages around the US and abroad, including performances in Edinburgh, Prague, Chicago, and New York. He currently performs with several ensembles in the New York area.
Denise Alagna
Associate Director of One-on-One Tutoring
Denise Alagna currently serves as the Associate Director of One-on-One Tutoring in the Clarendon Hills office. In this role, she provides product and service information while ...
Denise Alagna
Associate Director of One-on-One Tutoring
Team: One-On-One Tutoring
Denise Alagna currently serves as the Associate Director of One-on-One Tutoring in the Clarendon Hills office. In this role, she provides product and service information while effectively representing Academic Approach and passion for student achievement. Denise also develops and implements customized programs to support a client’s individual needs. Prior to this role, Denise served as a School Programs Instructor for Academic Approach, where she taught students in various schools across the Chicagoland area, specializing in the verbal sections of the ACT and SAT.
Denise earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Saint Xavier University. She is licensed to teach secondary education and is endorsed in middle school education. Dense is also certified in both VIRTUS and Level 1 of Project CRISS. In her free time, Denise enjoys traveling with her husband and two sons, baking Pinterest dessert recipes, and re-watching all of the Fixer Upper episodes.