Parent and student stories
Progress looks different for every student.
For some students, it is finally understanding math. For others, it is raising a test score, completing an application without constant conflict, or finding a school where they can thrive. These are the experiences families have shared about working with Custom Academics.
Find the right support for your student
All Stories
Tutoring
Test Prep
College Advising
From struggling in math to earning A’s
Tatum connects with our son in a way that no other educator has been able to do. For years, our son struggled with math, until now. With Tatum’s guidance and structured teaching methods, many of which she developed herself, he is now earning A’s in math and is confident in his ability.
Erin and David H.
Parents of a middle school student
Better performance, attitude, and motivation
Through focus on personal goals, positive reinforcement, intuitive instruction, light-hearted interactions, and customized assignments, my daughter’s writing and math, and her attitude and motivation, have improved tenfold. She regards Tatum as more of a mentor than a tutor, and that has made all the difference.
Regan F.
Parent
Support that matched the student
Vanessa was instrumental in providing support from content to strategies, resulting in a successful passing grade in an accelerated college calculus course. She took the time to teach and communicate in a manner that was effective. Tatum kept regular tabs on progress and reported back to me.
Kevin Lau
Parent
A 160-point SAT improvement
In working with Tatum, I added 160 points to my SAT score. She customized each lesson to provide a thorough review and explanation of my previous mistakes. As a result, I practiced my weaknesses more than I would have in traditional preparation courses.
Beck Orion
Student
Class of 2025
Skills that extended beyond the SAT
Tatum helped me get an SAT score I was proud of. She doesn’t just help with the SAT. She gives advice that you can use in classes and everyday life.
Jessica A.
Student
A calmer application process for the whole family
Without Tatum’s help, the college application process would have brought out the worst in my daughter and me. Tatum made all the difference. With her organizational structure, personal guidance, and wise advice, my daughter developed a list of colleges tailored to her interests and goals, wrote excellent essays, and felt capable and confident throughout the process.
Levongia Carrera
Parent
Personal attention throughout every application
I knew I was not Tatum’s only student, but the amount of attention she gave my applications made it seem like I was.
Andrew O.
Student
University of Washington
Finding colleges that truly fit
I was impressed by her passion for finding the group of schools that would be the best fit for our son. Tatum patiently guided him through strong essays and applications. He was admitted to his top-choice colleges and is thriving as a freshman.
Cyndi T.
Parent
From difficult high school courses to the right university
Tatum helped me thrive through difficult high school courses and gave me study strategies that I still use at the university level. Her support was especially valuable in helping me find the right university for myself.
Enzo Fiore
Student
Loyola Marymount University
Four students, years of support
All four of my children were tutored by Tatum and adore her. She knows how to motivate students and teach in a way that works for them, even when they do not want to study the subject.
Caroline T.
Parent
What could the right support change for your student?
Every student’s starting point is different. In a complimentary consultation, we’ll discuss what is happening now, what your student is working toward, and the kind of support that may help them move forward.
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What guides our work
Values are part of the strategy.
Understanding a student requires more than reviewing grades and scores. We look at what matters to them, how they define success, and the environments in which they are most likely to thrive. Those values also help us evaluate academic opportunities and whether a school is genuinely aligned with the student, not simply impressive on paper.
Students are more motivated and memorable when their academic choices connect to something they genuinely care about. We help them identify and develop those interests with depth.
Education and admissions continue to change. We stay current on new tools, testing formats, research, and opportunities, then use what is useful without chasing every trend.
The strongest results come from honest partnership among the student, family, educators, and advisors. Everyone should understand the goal and their role in reaching it.
Progress should be visible. We look for stronger understanding, improved performance, better decisions, increased confidence, and outcomes that move the student toward the right next step.
We do not manufacture a version of the student for schools. We help students build meaningful experiences and communicate their real strengths, interests, and values clearly.
High expectations work best when students feel understood. We take their challenges seriously, recognize their strengths, and create strategies that respect how they learn.