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K - 5th Grade
Foundational Skills, Phonics, Writing Form, Confidence, and Creativity
Tutoring Rates & Locations
📍 Online via Zoom:
$60 per hour
$30.00 per 30-minute session (recommended for Kinder - 1st grade)
$48.75 for 45 minutes
📍 In-Person at my Location in Irvine
$75 per hour
Quiet conference rooms with wifi setting ideal for focused learning
Parents can work in the conference rooms while watching the session.
Reading: Phonics, decoding, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, grammar
Writing: Sentence structure, paragraph writing, handwriting (print, cursive optional)
Math: Number sense, math fact fluency, word problems, multi-step thinking
Science & Social Studies: Integrated reading and project-based learning
Motor Function & Handwriting Support: Pencil grip, fine motor development, tracing, spatial awareness
What Makes This Stage Special:
To help young learners master foundational skills, we incorporate music, rhythm, and movement into our sessions.
🎵 Songs are used to support reading fluency, phonics, and high-frequency word recognition
🎵 Math facts are taught through chants, call-and-response, and musical repetition to promote fast recall and long-term retention
🎵 Kinesthetic games, clapping, and physical movement are added to reinforce memory and make learning joyful and effective
Turning learning into an experience that sticks—especially for young learners who benefit from multi-sensory and playful approaches
6th-8th Grade
Skill Refinement, Critical Thinking & Academic Ownership
Tutoring Rates & Locations
📍 Online via Zoom:
$70 per hour
$75 per hour
English Language Arts:
Essay Writing: Structured support in narrative, informative, persuasive, and literary essays
Literary Analysis: Close reading strategies, theme identification, text-based evidence, and literary devices
Grammar & Conventions: Sentence structure, punctuation, transition words, and academic language
Reading Comprehension: Annotating texts, making inferences, identifying tone and purpose, and summarizing
Vocabulary Expansion: Greek and Latin roots, academic vocabulary, and context clue decoding
Mathematics
Pre-Algebra & Algebra I: Variables, expressions, equations, inequalities, and functions
Procedural Fluency: Mastery of core math operations, order of operations, and solving multi-step problems
Word Problem Strategies: Visual models, highlighting key information, and logical sequencing
Conceptual Understanding: Real-world applications, graphing, proportional reasoning, and mathematical thinking
Confidence Building: Targeted review and success routines to reduce math anxiety and promote persistence
Science: Earth, Life, and Physical
Earth Science: Weather patterns, geologic processes, ecosystems, and Earth’s structure
Life Science: Cells, genetics, body systems, biodiversity, and adaptation
Physical Science: Forces, motion, energy transfer, chemical and physical changes
Lab-Based Thinking: Support for CER (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning), lab report writing, and scientific inquiry
Cross-Curricular Projects: Integration of reading, writing, and visuals into science presentations and study guides
Academic Skills & Mindset Coaching
Study Skills: Note-taking, summarizing, outlining, and highlighting techniques
Time Management & Organization: Weekly planner coaching, assignment tracking, and calendar routines
Test-Taking Strategies: Elimination techniques, timing, multiple-choice logic, and open-ended responses
Growth Mindset Development: Reflection, progress tracking, and overcoming perfectionism and avoidance
Motivation & Accountability: Structured routines and personalized rewards that help students take ownership of their learning
9 to 12th Grade
Core subjects, Advanced Academics, Test Readiness & College Preparation
Tutoring Rates & Locations
📍 Online via Zoom:
$80 per hour
Essay Writing: Literary analysis, rhetorical analysis, synthesis, and argument writing aligned to Common Core and AP rubrics
Timed Writing Practice: Support for SAT essays, DBQs, and in-class timed responses
Close Reading: Analyzing tone, diction, structure, figurative language, and author's purpose
Advanced Grammar & Style: Sentence variety, transitions, clarity, passive vs. active voice
College & Scholarship Essays: Brainstorming, drafting, revising, and personal storytelling
Mathematics
Algebra I & II: Expressions, polynomials, quadratics, linear and exponential functions
Geometry: Proofs, transformations, angle relationships, coordinate geometry
Statistics & Probability: Data interpretation, normal distribution, mean, median, standard deviation
Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus: Graphing trig functions, identities, unit circle, limits
SAT/ACT Math Review: Pacing, calculator vs. no-calculator practice, and multi-step reasoning
Science
Biology: Cell structure/function, genetics, evolution, ecology, and labs, up to AP exam questions
Chemistry: Periodic table, bonding, reactions, stoichiometry, and balancing equations
Environmental Science: Human impact, ecosystems, renewable energy, climate change
Support for AP & Honors Classes: Study guides, CER writing, and lab analysis prep
Test Practice: Concept review + scientific reasoning skills for assessments and AP exams
History & Social Studies
U.S. History, World History, and Civics: Thematic review, primary source analysis, timeline development, multiple choice
DBQ & LEQ Writing: Structured practice with thesis development, sourcing, contextualization, and complexity
Critical Reading: Document analysis, bias detection, cause-effect relationships
AP Support: Scaffolded practice aligned with College Board rubrics and standards
Executive Functioning & College Readiness
Time Management & Prioritization: Weekly planner check-ins, assignment mapping, and calendar syncing
Organization Systems: Binder setup, Google Drive folder creation, digital study tools
Study Strategies: Spaced repetition, test review routines, summary techniques
Stress Management & SEL: Coping tools for academic pressure, perfectionism, and procrastination
Post-Secondary Planning: Support with applications, timelines, financial aid prep, and interview readiness, Passion Projects
Consulting
As an educator and admissions mentor, I help students gain admission to top universities by strategically showcasing their strengths, passions, and personal stories. Drawing from over a decade of teaching and mentoring experience, I take a holistic approach that combines academic planning, essay coaching, and personalized guidance through every step of the college admissions process.
Rates
📍 Online via Zoom:
$90 per hour
Offerings
1. Personalized College Roadmap
We begin by getting to know each student—their goals, interests, GPA, and achievements. Together, we create a customized college list that includes reach, target, and safety schools aligned with their academic and personal goals. Every student leaves with a clear, strategic plan and the confidence to follow it.
2. Application Strategy & Timeline Management
We help students stay organized with a clear application timeline that includes early deadlines, scholarship opportunities, and testing plans. My goal is to ensure that every part of the application reflects balance, authenticity, and growth.
3. Essay Development & Editing
Writing powerful essays can be overwhelming, so I guide students through every phase—from brainstorming ideas to final revisions. We work together on:
Personal Statements (Common App, UC PIQs, Coalition)
Supplemental Essays that highlight genuine interest and fit
Polishing drafts to strengthen storytelling, voice, and clarity
4. Academic & Extracurricular Positioning
We help students connect their academic coursework and extracurricular activities to their intended majors. Whether they’re pursuing STEM, humanities, business, or the arts, I show them how to craft a cohesive and compelling narrative that reflects purpose and leadership.
5. Resume, Activities, and Recommendation Support
We guide students in writing strong activity descriptions and developing professional academic resumes. I also provide advice on requesting meaningful letters of recommendation that highlight their character and work ethic.
6. Interview Preparation & Confidence Building
Through personalized coaching and mock interviews, I teach students how to articulate their goals, values, and experiences with authenticity and poise.
7. Scholarship and Financial Aid Guidance
I help families research merit-based and need-based scholarships, understand FAFSA and CSS Profile requirements, and plan for affordability while maximizing opportunities.
My Students’ Results
Many of my students have been accepted to top-tier universities including UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, Columbia, NYU, and the University of Michigan, among others. Several have also earned competitive scholarships and honors program acceptances for leadership, academics, and community impact.
My Philosophy
We believe college admissions isn’t about trying to fit a mold—it’s about discovering your authentic story and expressing it with clarity and confidence. My goal is to help students not only get into great colleges, but also to grow in self-awareness, purpose, and direction along the way.
How to Get Started with Tutoring
We aim to make the onboarding process simple, thoughtful, and personalized for each family. Here’s how to begin:
Initial Inquiry
Email me at admin@courageconnect.info or Kim.Sharon.888@gmail.com to express interest. You may also text me to schedule a call.
Free Consultation Call
We’ll schedule a brief phone conversation to discuss your child’s learning needs, goals, learning style, and any curriculum preferences or concerns.
Session Planning & Scheduling
Based on our conversation, I will recommend a customized learning plan and session schedule. I can align lessons with Common Core standards, your school’s pacing guide, or any parent-suggested or homeschool curriculum. Whether you prefer in-person, online, or hybrid support, we’ll create a plan that works best for your family.
Ongoing Support & Communication
Once sessions begin, I provide consistent progress updates, personalized feedback, and open communication to keep you informed and engaged in your child’s learning journey.
Create a Great Day!