Let’s grow success.
What is academic coaching?
Academic coaching is individual, sustained learner support.
Academic coaching emphasizes:
learner confidence
executive functioning skills
academic skills
conceptual knowledge
How is academic coaching different than tutoring?
Tutoring is a fantastic, short-term support for learners. Tutors are often subject-matter experts but not necessarily secondary educators or even classroom teachers. For example, if a learner needs some extra help for a month with a particularly challenging Algebra unit, tutoring may be the best fit.
Academic coaching is individualized learner support. It typically ranges from one quarter to the duration of the academic year. Some learners and families prefer to sustain academic coaching throughout the secondary years.
Academic coaches support student learning in all subject areas, including AP coursework for high school students. Academic coaches use proven strategies to build confidence. Academic coaches teach and reinforce organizational systems, teach necessary academic skills like essay writing and note-taking, and work with learners to master challenging new concepts. Academic coaches also help students self-advocate and build communication skills with their classroom teachers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We currently offer academic coaching services in Arlington, Alexandria, and parts of Fairfax County. Each learner, their family, and the academic coach determine where sessions will take place. Typically, a nearby public library or coffee shop offers a convenient, peaceful, low stress environment for coaching sessions.
How much does academic coaching cost?
Hourly rates for academic coaching range from $75 - $125 hourly depending upon frequency, location, and specific learner needs.
Do you only work with secondary students?
Yes. We specialize in adolescents in grades 6 - 12 as well as recent HS graduates.
My learner does their learning at home through a virtual program. Can you help them with some of their academic work?
Yes! We can provide individual, academic coaching that supports your chosen at-home learning program. As long as the curriculum is provided by the virtual program, we are happy to provide instructional support as part of our academic coaching services.
Do you provide references?
Yes! Upon request, we are happy to connect you with reference(s).
Who are your academic coaches?
As her schedule allows, our founder Cheryl takes on new clients. (Learn more about her by scrolling down to the “Meet Our Founder” section.) Our other academic coaches are qualified educators with years of classroom experience and expertise working with secondary learners.
How do we get the process started?
Scroll down and complete the form. We will contact you to set up a 30 minute meet and greet. At this initial meeting, we will discuss desired goals, answer any questions you or your learner may have, and get to know each other. After the meet and greet, Three Sisters will craft an academic coaching proposal. It will include suggested frequency, focus areas, goals, and cost.
*There is no cost associated with the initial meet and greet. However, out of respect for our very limited time and due to high demand, we do ask for serious inquiries only.
Aside from the hourly rate, what other fees are required?
There are no other fees. We charge a fair, competitive hourly rate and clients are billed monthly. Our coaches are highly skilled educators and our hourly rates ensure they receive fair compensation for their talents and time.
Meet OUR Founder
Cheryl loves working with secondary learners. She has worked in public and independent schools for over 20 years as a classroom educator and administrator.
Cheryl has taught a wide range of subjects, including AP US History and Physical Science 8. She has taught learners in grades 6-12. Her favorite subject to teach is AP Human Geography. Her favorite skill to teach learners is how to take useful notes. Cheryl loves academic coaching because it affords the family, learner, and coach an opportunity to build a lasting relationship.
Cheryl holds a Virginia post-graduate professional teaching license and 2 graduate degrees in education. She lives in Alexandria with her partner and 2 dogs.
Cheryl MacPherson, Ed.S.
Why “Three Sisters”?
Cheryl, the founder of Three Sisters, is an Alexandria, Virginia native. She attended private elementary and secondary schools alongside her two sisters.
It wasn’t until Cheryl became a classroom teacher in 2004 that she realized just how different learners can be. And when she reflects on her own sisters, she sees so much variation in how they learn and how they tackle challenges.
Often when families initially seek academic coaching, the learner may have a sense of shame or disappointment in recent struggle, low grades, or feeling “lost” at school. At Three Sisters, we work to help the learner see that struggle is simply a symptom of a need for a different approach, for a new learning habit, or for a strengthening of a fundamental skill.
Thus, the name “Three Sisters” is a reminder that our world is filled with many types of learners. And while we are all on the same road together, we each need different tools and strategies to arrive successfully at our final destination.