Do you only teach Math?
We do much more than Math! While our name is Shine In Math Academy, we also offer English Language Arts, Science, Test Prep for SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, College Admissions Counseling, Medical and Law Admission Counseling, and a variety of enrichment programs and activities, including Creative Writing, Robotics, Chess, and Public Speaking. Click here to view our full list of courses.
Where does your curriculum come from?
Our curriculum is built on proven teaching methods, enhanced with technology, and aligned with U.S. Common Core standards. It was created by our founder, Madhavi Tarugu, together with our team of experienced educators.
How many students are in each class?
We keep our classes small, ranging from 5 to 20 students depending on age and aptitude, so every child receives the attention they need. We also offer one-on-one tutoring for fully personalized learning.
How long is a class? Will my young child be able to focus that long?
Our private one-on-one sessions run for 1 hour, while group sessions are 2 hours with short breaks. For younger students, we make lessons fun and interactive to help them stay focused, engaged, and excited about learning.
Will there be a lot of homework?
We give just the right amount, enough to reinforce what’s taught in class without overwhelming your child.
Who will be teaching my child?
Our teachers are highly qualified, passionate educators with years of experience. Many hold advanced degrees, and all share one goal: to help students shine, feel confident, capable, and ready to succeed.
When is the best time for my child to start?
Anytime! We work with students from preschool through college, so whether your child needs to catch up, get ahead, or be challenged, we can help.
How much does it cost?
Tuition varies depending on the program, class size, and how often your child attends. We offer flexible options, you may call us or email us to know the current rates
How do I know if this program is right for my child?
We start by conducting a free assessment to understand your child’s strengths and areas of improvement. This helps us recommend the right program and level, ensuring they get the support, challenge, and encouragement they need to succeed.
Will this interfere with what my child is learning in school?
Not at all. We support and enhance school learning by making sure your child’s foundation is solid, so they can improve their performance in school.
Will my child receive face-to-face instruction?
Whether online or in person, our teachers work directly with your child through live sessions that include real-time feedback, guidance, and encouragement. Click here to view our academy’s location.
How do you help students?
Our proven teaching methods combine the best of traditional instruction with advanced technological tools to help students build a strong foundation and deepen their understanding of the subject they’re studying. We encourage mental math, number sense, and problem-solving skills, tailoring every lesson to your child’s unique learning style. By blending time-tested strategies with engaging, hands-on activities and technology, we make learning enjoyable and effective, so students feel confident, curious, and motivated instead of bored or anxious.
How will you address my child’s unique learning needs?
We start with a free assessment to identify your child’s strengths, challenges, and goals. From there, we design a personalized learning plan and adjust it as they progress.
Will my child enjoy attending?
Most students do! We keep them engaged with interactive, enjoyable, and achievement-focused lessons. As they experience success, their confidence grows, and learning becomes something they truly look forward to.
How does this approach compare with private tutoring?
Our approach is designed to build long-term skills by targeting gaps, reinforcing strengths, and fostering deeper understanding of the areas students specifically need help with, while still supporting schoolwork as needed. Students receive help with homework and all students learn new concepts ahead of time.
Will you help my child with their homework?
Our approach goes beyond homework support. We help students develop a deeper understanding of concepts so they master the why as well as the how. This raises test scores, closes learning gaps, and builds a stronger foundation while fostering confidence, independence, and long-term academic success.
Will you give my child homework?
Yes, we assign the right amount of purposeful homework, never excessive. It reinforces what’s covered in class and helps students practice independently.
What happens during the initial assessment at Shine In Math Academy?
We start with an initial interview to learn about your child’s academic background, skills, and interests. We then use a combination of grade-level and skills-based questions to assess their current understanding. This allows us to create a personalized learning plan that matches their needs, goals, and learning style.
What type of questions are on the assessment?
It varies by age and grade level but typically includes problem-solving, computation, reasoning, and application questions to identify both strengths and areas that need improvement.
Who can I contact about accessibility issues I encountered on this site?
You can reach out to us directly at [email protected] or call/text (781) 272-5516. We’ll be happy to assist you and ensure you have full access to our information and resources.
What do Shine In Math Academy virtual classes look like?
Our virtual classes are live, interactive sessions led by experienced and qualified teachers. We use video conferencing, digital whiteboards, and engaging activities so students can ask questions, participate in discussions, and receive real-time feedback, just like in-person learning.
How can Shine In Math Academy help me as a parent?
We keep you informed about your child’s progress through regular updates and feedback. We also give you practical strategies to support learning at home, so you’re always in the loop and part of your child’s success story.
My child is falling behind in school. Can you help?
Yes. We start with a free assessment to pinpoint learning gaps and then create a tailored plan to help your child catch up and stay ahead. Our approach focuses on building confidence alongside skills.
My child is already getting good grades. Why should I consider enrolling?
Even strong students benefit from enrichment and advanced learning opportunities. Our programs, including AP classes and Bridge courses, challenge students to go beyond their school curriculum, develop higher-order thinking skills, and prepare for advanced coursework and standardized tests.
If my child is behind, how long will it take to catch up?
It depends on the learning gaps and the frequency of sessions. Many students make noticeable progress within a few sessions, while deeper gaps may take a few months to fully address.
Why isn’t my child progressing faster?
Learning isn’t just about speed; it’s about mastery. We focus on building a strong foundation so your child fully understands each concept before moving on, ensuring long-term success instead of quick, fragile gains. Some students learn faster, while others need more time and attention—and both paths are perfectly okay.
Why would I keep my child in Shine In Math Academy year after year?
Because learning is a journey. Many families stay with us long-term as their children advance through grades, preparing for high school, college admissions, and beyond. We adapt our programs to their growing needs.
What are some tips for helping my child with Shine In Math Academy homework at home?
Set a regular study time, create a quiet workspace, and encourage your child to try working independently before stepping in. If they get stuck, remind them to bring their questions to the tutor in the next class. The tutor will go over them during homework check-ins.
How am I matched with a tutor?
We start with an initial assessment and a conversation about your child’s needs, goals, and learning style. Based on this, we pair them with a tutor who has the right subject expertise and teaching approach to help them succeed.
Is tutoring worth the investment?
When done right, tutoring goes beyond grades. It builds lasting skills, confidence, and a love for learning. All of our students go on to excel in advanced courses, standardized tests, and college admissions.
What are the class durations?
Private one-on-one sessions are typically 1 hour, bridge sessions run for 1.5 hours, and group sessions last 2 hours with short breaks to keep students focused and engaged. Most students meet once a week, though we can increase the frequency based on their learning needs and goals.
Where do tutoring sessions take place?
We offer both in-person tutoring at our academy in Burlington, MA and live, interactive online sessions via Zoom where your students can join from home. You can choose the option that works best for your schedule and location.
How much improvement can I expect from working with a tutor?
Every student is different, but most see measurable progress within a few weeks to months — whether that’s catching up to grade level, moving ahead, or mastering advanced concepts.
Will my tutor/instructor just give me the answers?
No. Our tutors guide students to discover the answers themselves by asking questions, explaining concepts, and practicing problem-solving. This ensures real understanding, not just memorization.
Can I work with the same tutor again?
Many of our students work with the same teacher year after year, as we prioritize consistency and strong relationships in their learning journey.
What if my tutor can’t help me?
It rarely happens, as we take great care during the assessment to match your child with the best-fit teacher. However, if it still doesn’t work out, we’ll connect your child with another qualified tutor from our team to ensure they receive the support they need.
How does my child make up a missed class session?
If your child can’t attend a scheduled class, just let us know in advance, at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled session. We’ll arrange a makeup session at a time that works for you and the tutor/instructor.
How do I check my class schedule?
We’ll provide your child’s class schedule upon enrollment, and to help you stay on track, we also send early reminders before each upcoming session.
What is the refund policy?
Our refund policy varies depending on the program and payment plan. Please contact our office at [email protected] or call/text (781) 272-5516 for details regarding cancellations, rescheduling, or credits toward future classes.