Academic Testing
PSAT, ACT, and SAT Test Preparation Organizations
Note: The following companies and private tutors have either submitted their names to BSM or have been recommended by a BSM teacher or parent. BSM does not claim personal knowledge of each company or individual below. It is your responsibility to research the companies or individuals available.
*Denotes an organization that offers free practice tests in the area several times a year
BSM students have access to "Naviance Test Prep" in their Naviance accounts. Naviance Test Prep is paid for by BSM and is a comprehensive test prep option for both the ACT and the SAT. Once students log in to their Naviance account, "Naviance Test Prep" is on the left-hand sidebar of the homepage.
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A+ Tutoring Service, Ltd.
Contact: Marilyn Aspen at (952) 953-8157 or (651) 738-0149. A+ Tutoring service provides ACT and SAT tutoring in small groups and one to one either in Woodbury, Edina, MN or in home. More than 230 tutors available, most are teachers, or retired teachers.
Academic College Prep Services
Contact: John Swanson at (763) 417-0659 or (612) 202-7336. Sherry Swanson (former teacher), Jacqueline Moldenhauer (U of M engineering graduate), John Swanson (Master of Science), Nancy Thimsen (Master of Education). Experts in PSAT, ACT, SAT and SAT Subject Test preparation with more than 20 years of college prep tutoring. Overcome test anxiety, become better organized, improve high school grades, and much more. Ask for our four-year college preparation guidelines based on our extensive experience. We're located near I-394, Highway 55 and Country Road 73 in Plymouth.
Academic Tutoring and Testing, Inc.
Contact: Elayne Engler, M.A. at (952) 591-9437. ACT and SAT prep is available. Tutoring is formatted to fit the individual student's needs. Students can meet with tutors as many times as they feel necessary. This tutoring service works well with students of all ability levels, including students who have ADD/ADHD or learning disabilities. Tutors with virtus training available to tutor at BSM upon request.
Achieve Academics
Contact Jennifer Paidosh, Owner & Director at (763) 559-8378. Achieve Academics help students in our community achieve their personal best in course work and college admissions exams. We offer comprehensive and customized 1:1, semi-private and small group ACT test prep programs. With the help of Master and PhD tutors, we’ve assisted more than 500 local students achieve their academic goals, BSM students included. Achieve Academics is proud to be a 3 time donor to the BSM Auction – A Knight for All Seasons and an active advertiser in sport programs.
This journey is about you and your student, not Achieve Academics and we will do what it takes to assist your student realize their academic goals, no matter where that takes them! BSM references are available upon request. Please Contact Us for a complimentary parent meeting here or sign up your student for a practice test here.
Advantage Educational Program
Contact: Gary Campbell at (612) 222-5108. ACT small group classes meet for three hours, one time per week, for 4-6 weeks. Classes are held all over the Twin Cities area. Cost: $140 for ACT. Students may repeat the course free of charge. Registration available online.
ACT Online Prep
Act prep accessible anytime, anywhere includes (1) Diagnostic test, (2) practice tests, essays with real-time scoring, comprehensive content review for each of the four required tests.
Cost: $24.95 for one year. Include access for a singer user.
ACT Ready
ACT Ready has 15 years of tutoring experience to share with BSM students. Sessions are designed to fit the individual student’s needs, availability, and budget. In-person tutoring sessions take place in Bloomington with Zoom options available in advance of every nationally scheduled ACT test date. On average, our students gain of 3 to 5 points in their ACT composite scores, significantly increasing college options and scholarships. Any student who does not see improvement may continue tutoring with no additional fees. Please contact Mary Langfeldt, (612-867-3116), mlangfeldt@actready.net.
Alberts ACT Tutoring
Contact: Brenda Alberts, Master Tutor at (612) 581-1425. Private 1-to-1 tutoring near BSM, at Benilde with school approval, or in the western suburbs (Wayzata, Orono, etc). A hand-picked small group of veteran tutors with comprehensive knowledge of both the ACT and SAT. Familiarity with BSM curriculum. Fees $105/hr - $135/hr; all curriculum is customized. We work around your student's schedule.
Aspire Instruction
Contact: Thore Dosdall at (320) 287-0933. Personalized, in-person tutoring for college entrance exams. Thore has helped diverse students reach their potential, including a number of 9 point score increases on the ACT. Aspire Instruction strives to strengthen core academic competencies, study skills, and test taking strategies, so the tutoring benefits students long past the test date.
Breakaway Test Prep
Breakaway Test Prep is Minnesota's leading provider of ACT, SAT and PSAT test preparation services. Breakaway provides comprehensive, individualized test prep to students throughout the metropolitan area. Our proven approach to test prep has helped make Breakaway the test prep partner of Benilde-St. Margaret's, Providence Academy, St. Thomas Academy, Shattuck-St. Mary's, the Blake School and the Breck School. Breakaway is also the only test prep organization in Minnesota to offer services specifically designed for students with learning issues, such as dyslexia, and attention disorders, such as ADHD. Founded by Benilde parent, Ron Michalak, Breakaway is pleased to offer full-length, proctored practice ACT and SAT tests nearly every weekend of the year.
Brightmont Academy-Test Prep
Contact: Jess Bauer at (763) 452-4650. No student should ever take a high stakes test without preparation. Enrolling in a Brightmont Academy one-to-one test prep package can enable students to become familiar with the format of the test, get feedback specific to the student's strengths and anxieties, and review content as needed. Our ACT package offers review of important content, take practice tests, and learn essential test-taking strategies. Get the advantage of one-to-one instruction with an experienced English and math teacher each focused on the sub-tests within their expertise. Students who specifically want to focus on the SAT may build a customized one-to-one program between math and verbal sections as appropriate for the student.
Club Z in home tutoring services for PSAT, SAT and ACT
Contact: Club Z Tutoring at (952) 404-2414. Club Z offers individualized, in-home attention with the same tutor for each session. They offer customized practice focusing on areas that need improvement. There is a 10-hour prep program or a 20-hour prep program.
College Board SAT Test Prep
The College Board offers free SAT Test prep FREE through Khan Academy that gives you interactive practice, a tailored practice plan and instant feedback.
College Tutors – Edina Learning Center and Excelsior Learning Center
Certified tutors in reading, math, science, and language. Contact Allison Dery at (952) 698-2014. College Tutors provides one-on-one tutoring for all subjects including math, science, AP and IB courses as well as ACT, SAT and PSAT preparation. Since 2004 our students have consistently improved their scores. We average a 4 point increase, with as many as 6 – 8 points for students with pretest scores in the 20's. Our tutors have scored in the 98th percentile or above and excel in imparting knowledge and strategies for optimum results. Schedules and focus are individualized over a recommended 25 hour schedule. 3 practice tests included, with up to 9 different tests for the avid student. Free ACT/SAT practice tests are available each Saturday. Contact us for dates and to register.
Doorway to College Foundation: Zaps Focused Test Prep
Contact: Doorway to College at 1-877-927-8378 for locations of seminars. ACT or SAT group classes are offered at multiple locations in the Twin Cities area. Register for a Saturday, 5-hour seminar or webinar, or two-2 1/2 hour sessions. Approximate cost: $89.00 See website for additional test prep resources.
Yellow Parachute Tutoring
Yellow Parachute is the BRIGHT spot in your educational story. Our model, founded on 20 years of direct experience bridging the gap between the classroom and individual student’s needs, puts your student on the path to success. We emphasize the supportive relationship between Personal Learning Coach and Student as a defining component in inspiring each student and are actively hiring talented teachers (especially in math and science, including AP Statistics) to put the best teachers with students who need them most. You benefit from the experience of 1:1 tutoring with the network and knowledge base of a multi-tutor company.
We welcome your phone call or website visit to find out more about Learning Coach availability and costs: (612) 361-7266
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Homeworks for Students, Inc.
Contact: Sarah Dodge at (612) 871-2043. We offer private in-home tutoring for all subjects including math, science, reading, writing, foreign language, ACT, SAT, AP and organization and study skills.
Huntington Learning Center
Contact: Amy Servi at (763) 542-0005. We offer individualized programs with one-on-one instruction in the areas of reading, writing, math, study skills, PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP Exams and individual school subject areas in our accredited center. Our scheduling is flexible and we offer an array of payment options, including financing.
Irlen Testing
Contact: Leslie Held at (952) 920-5376. A one-time assessment that addresses underlying visual perceptual difficulties that contribute to reading/learning difficulties, headaches, light sensitivity and attention issues. With the help of Irlen overlays many of these difficulties are improved. The Irlen overlays are an approved accommodation on ACT/SAT and state testing.
*Ivy Bound Test Prep
Contact: Ivy Bound at 1-877-975-1600. Private tutoring or instruction for a group of 4 or more students (long term or short term); tutoring can be done at a local place determined by participants. Free SAT practice tests are offered. Tutoring is available for the ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests and college prep. Additional tutoring is available for all high school academic subject areas. Hourly rates available. Speed reading course for improved speed and retention.
*Kaplan Test Prep
Contact: Kaplan at 1-800-KAP-TEST. Prep Courses for PSAT, ACT or SAT are offered. Options include classroom courses, online courses and private tutoring. Call 1-800-KAP-TEST for information on any of Kaplan's test prep options. Click on the link "Find a Free Event" for information about free practice tests in the Twin Cities area.
Kay Tutoring
Contact: Andrea Kay at (612) 807-2525. Kay Tutoring offers 1x1 academic course tutoring and test prep. Their mission is to help students achieve academic independence and success by teaching them a new vision and approach to their education. Test prep starts with a baseline test and then a customized plan. Tutors are often teachers with a Master's degree or higher.
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Magna Test Prep
High intensity group "ACT Camps" and in-home tutoring with a focus on hard work and goal achievement. Led by Benilde-St. Margaret's alum, Robert Duffy. In home test prep.
Magoosh Online Test Prep
Online test prep resource: $99 for 6 months and $89 for 3 months, includes lesson and explanation videos, online friendly support.
Nancy Thimsen - ACT Test Prep Tutor
Contact: Nancy Thimsen at (612) 281-1468 - Teacher/Tutor since 1977. Nancy is available to tutor students online (virtual tutoring using video conferencing) and in person. nthimsen@comcast.net
Peterson's Test Prep GuidanceNet
Contact: Peterson's Test Prep at (877) 837-8773. Online courses are available for PSAT, ACT, SAT and Military entrance tests.
*Princeton Review
Contact: Princeton Review at 1-888-955-4600. PSAT, ACT and SAT prep courses are available. Options include classroom courses, online courses or private tutoring. Free practice tests and strategy sessions are available for students at various locations throughout the Twin Cities.
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Rachel Engstrom
Rachel has been tutoring for over 20 years and has experience with ACT and SAT tutoring for over five years. Rachel has tutored 1x1, online, and with small groups. She enjoys working with students who have learning differences. Phone: 955.303-2822; rengstrom88@gmail.com
Revolution Prep
Revolution Prep offers many test prep options, allowing students the easiest, most convenient, and most affordable tutoring yet. Revolution’s Distinguished Tutors help students improve college readiness, academic skills, and score higher on standardized tests. Your child will never be "just a number" to us.
*Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc.
Contact: Sylvan Learning Burnsville at (952) 435-6603, Edina at (952) 831-5351, Maple Grove at (763) 494-9676, Minnetonka at (952) 544-6253 or Chaska at (952) 466-3838. ACT and SAT classroom and small group courses are available. Students are offered flexible scheduling to complete all the required coursework for the program. Cost: We offer a flexible student loan program and affordable monthly payment options.
The English Tutor
Contact: Rosemary Stalt at (612) 825-1896. Tutors provide one-on-one or shared tutoring experiences with students of similar cognitive ability. All tutors specializing in ACT & SAT prep have had specific training in those tests because preparing students for the ACT or SAT is very different from teaching a specific content area. Tutors specialize in other areas beyond English. The sessions are generally held in Edina, Southdale or Linden Hills libraries.
Thomas Lamosse ACT tutor/teacher Junior Genius Mentoring Program
Contact: Thomas at (952) 217-0353. Thomas Lamosse ACT tutor/teacher with 18 years experience teaching ACT prep. Thomas is also the creator of the largest ACT video tutorial website on the internet. One price will get your student through as many ACT exams as he/she need to take. 14 hours of 1-1 private tutoring, 2 group timed practice tests and free "reprep."
Travis Walls Tutoring
One-on-one. Student-friendly. Student-centered. Student-specific.
Over 7 years of experience with the ACT, a Masters in Education, and currently teaching as a middle school math teacher, Travis successfully helps students gain confidence and grow as learners by introducing them to the specific skills and strategies needed for the ACT, helping them learn how to be critical thinkers by analyzing their own mistakes through error analysis, and helping them find confidence in areas they may have never seen.
Contact Travis at travis.walls@ahschools.us or by phone at (940) 536-9625.
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