Basics
What makes City Smarts special?
We’re a full service educational consultancy. We provide families with academic tutoring, test prep, and consulting services, but this doesn’t capture what makes City Smarts proudly different.
For fifteen years, we have been building meaningful relationships with families, curating a team of instructors who are uniquely passionate about the subjects and tests they teach, and providing holistic support that takes into account not only grades and test scores, but also confidence, growth, and well-being.
We get to know the families in our parent network in order to provide exceptionally holistic educational services that nourish the mind and the spirit.
What makes our tutors great?
Rather than asking our tutors to adhere to a rigid style, we search far and wide for tutors who bring their own unique passions and pedagogical tools to the subjects they teach. We’ve curated a singular team of instructors who not only boast top-tier teaching credentials, but regularly inspire our parents to rave about our services. Just check out our Google Reviews if you don’t believe us!
All of our tutors have multiple years of teaching experience and have passed our rigorous, 3-part interview and evaluation process.
How much do we charge?
Our private tutoring ranges from $130 to $180 per hour, depending on the subject and format.
We charge $200/hour for some specialized services and consulting.
We also offer classes for up to eight students on the following subjects: SAT, ACT, SHSAT, ISEE, and admissions writing. The prices range $400 to $900 depending on the subject and format.
Do we offer a referall program?
Yes! Each time you add a new service, enroll a sibling, or refer a new family, you will be eligible for a $50 credit to your account.
In order to receive the sibling or new service credit, please let us know at the time the new service is set up.
In order to receive a referral credit, please email our administrative team and let us know whom you are referring. Once the new family has successfully completed a lesson, we will add a $50 credit to your account.
There is no limit to the number of credits you can receive, and the credits do not expire. Our referall program is not retroactive.
Payment Policies
When will I be billed?
We send invoices twice per month, on the 5th and the 20th. You will receive an invoice from our administrator detailing your balance.
Because we utilize a one week invoicing delay, your balance may not include your child’s most recent lesson(s).
If the invoice is not paid in 2 weeks, we apply a 15% late fee.
What is our cancellation policy?
Please inform your tutor at least 24 hours in advance of any cancellations or changes (ie. shortening or rescheduling a lesson).
We charge in full for late cancellations and changes – no exceptions.
Occasionally, we hear from a parent whose child has cancelled a lesson without their knowledge. Please make sure your child understands our cancellation policy as well.
Insights
When should my child begin test prep?
How comfortable is your child with test taking? What score do they need to accomplish their goals? What individualized obstacles and opportunities are they encountering?
These are just a few of the questions we may ask as we begin to formulate an effective testing plan. Rather than prescribing a rigid structure, we work with families to understand their needs. That said, here are some general guidelines:
SHSAT test-takers get started in the spring or summer before 8th grade and build towards their fall test-date.
SAT and ACT test-takers typically test during the fall or spring of their junior year. Most students need 3 to 4 months to effectively prepare for their first test, although this can vary significantly depending on learning style and goals.
AP test-takers typically begin working with a tutor 4 to 8 weeks before their test.
What about test optional?
Put simply, we offer test prep, but we don’t believe testing is for everyone.
In recent years more and more high schools and colleges have adopted test optional application processes. We believe this is generally a positive change, as it opens new avenues for applicants who are not strong test takers.
Before putting in place tutoring, we work with parents to understand the pros and cons of testing, and to assess their child’s testing baseline. Depending on their goals and applicant profile, we may recommend a test optional path.