Teaching Beyond The Test
We do not offer Test Prep classes, because we do not believe that being able to take a specific test is the most beneficial skill for a student to take with them into adulthood. The nature of tests, even “standardized” ones like the SAT and ACT, constantly changes. Rather, we equip our students with transferable skills that will help them in any subject and prepare them to take any test. We teach them to apply deductive and inductive reasoning skills to multiple situations, such that test-taking strategies like process of elimination, answering every question, using context clues to find the meaning of difficult words, and using logic when specific knowledge escapes you, will come naturally to them. We, of course, touch on these specific strategies, but as part of a broader approach that emphasizes logic and reason, which are always applicable no matter the challenge one faces. This educational approach equips our students to remain competitive regardless of the job market or the demands of current standardized tests, offering far greater flexibility than step-memorization.

Emphasis on Interdisciplinary Thinking
At Reason Rise, we don’t merely utilize interdisciplinary thinking for its own sake, but rather because it is a natural consequence of utilizing a logic-based learning approach. Reason is the common denominator across all subjects; therefore, whether we are teaching your child the logic behind a mathematical concept, instructing them how to ask important questions about a historical event, or teaching them how to discern the author’s purpose behind writing a specific poem, your child will be learning skills that help them excel in all subjects. Nicholas gained an appreciation for interdisciplinary thinking through his father, Richard Brehl, an educator at Riverdale Country School who founded the school’s Learning Lab. This division was dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary engagement among students. Under his leadership, students participated in projects that blended multiple fields of study, such as crafting dioramas written in Spanish, which integrated language skills with creative expression; maintaining a fish tank with marine species from the local Hudson River, which enhanced their understanding of ecology and their local environment; and building their own musical instruments, a project that combined lessons in music, physics, and world culture. These experiences left a lasting impression on Nicholas, shaping his belief in the power of interdisciplinary learning. To this day, Nicholas seeks to expand his father’s legacy by developing similar programs at Reason Rise and, at the very least, connecting back to other subjects regardless of the discipline a student is learning.

Emphasis on Visual Models Whether it is by using a balance scale to show the logic behind equation-solving methods, using accessible analogies to explain the logic of cell function, or using real-life experiences to explain the logic behind the intentions of historical actors and authors, your child will not only understand the who, what, when, and where of the subject they are learning, but also most importantly, the why and the how. By not only telling this, but also showing it through accessible visual models, we increase both understanding of and engagement with the material, fostering curiosity, joy, and critical thinking in your child. Moreover, we regularly check for understanding by encouraging students to actively engage in their own learning. For instance, instead of completing their homework with them, we model a similar problem to demonstrate the required skill, then guide them to solve the assigned problem independently.

Inspiring more Logical Thinkers This probably goes without saying, but its importance cannot be overstated. Many students graduate from high school with great grades and continue to excel in college, but struggle when they take logic classes. By teaching children to integrate curiosity and vivid imagination with logical, methodical thinking, we prepare students to encounter logic-based tasks from an early age, whether that task is playing a game of chess, negotiating a bill with a lender, or taking the LSAT for the first time.

Encouraging Curiosity and Promoting Accountability At Reason Rise Learning, we firmly believe that engaging in ethical behavior not only makes the world a better place, but also increases happiness for the person engaging in the behavior by fostering a clear conscience. However, we also recognize that the world is not black-and-white. We do not believe that logic and critical thinking are merely means to an end; rather, we recognize that human beings are emotional creatures, and encourage our students to use these critical thinking skills to question the motives of their own actions and hold themselves accountable for making the world in which they live a better place.

If you have been waiting for an instructor who aligns with these principles, wait no longer! We are there to ensure an optimal experience for your child. Contact us now, and together, we can continue to reimagine the tutoring industry for everyone!

Increasing investment of our educators Through our employment practices, we not only attract talent but also ensure that that talent stays with the company for a long time. We require all of our tutors to have at least a bachelor’s degree, provide competitive hourly pay, and compensate tutors for time they spend on breaks between sessions, which both increases retention and investment and encourages our tutors to more effectively teach their students by enabling them to recharge between sessions. We also pay them for time spent creating materials and communicating with parents outside of sessions. Our goal in one year is to sufficiently scale up so that we can provide full-time, salaried pay and benefits to our employees to increase employee retention even further and increase their investment with our students.

Providing Training and Consistent Monitoring of Sessions and Communication Each virtual session is recorded, and sessions are randomly audited by management to ensure best practices. This helps ensure a safe and productive experience for your child. Moreover, tutors must also copy management on follow-up emails to ensure they are being crafted thoroughly and thoughtfully to parents.

Emphasis on Customer Success By hiring people not only to tutor but also to proofread and create content, we enrich your child’s educational experience further by enabling them access to a library of helpful study materials so that they can study and learn on their own time, ensuring that every dollar you spend on our services goes even further.

Treating Students as Humans, not Data Points At Reason Rise, we recognize the importance of performing well on standardized tests, but we firmly believe that test scores are not—and should never be—the ultimate measure of learning. Our approach prioritizes reasoning and process over test results, empowering our tutors to view students as individuals with unique needs and boundless potential, rather than mere data points. We go the extra mile to support students who are struggling the most, ensuring that every learner has an equitable opportunity to thrive. At Reason Rise, we are deeply committed to each student’s personal journey, and we consider it a failure if even one student falls short of their full potential. If you feel that the current system has let your child down, bring them to Reason Rise. We are relentless in our mission to see your child succeed—and that is our promise to you.