Academic Advantage

08/25/2026

While we at Academic Advantage know that education is very important, we also know that students don’t do all of their learning in the classroom. They need time to play, be with family, and have hobbies and extracurricular activities. Even though school is important and should keep students engaged, here are some tips to maintain school-life balance.

1. Have a set homework time in a predetermined place.

Balancing homework with afterschool activities can be tough, especially if you have multiple students. Having a set homework time will help your students complete their homework every night, preparing them for learning in class the next day. If you are at home, having students sit at the kitchen table or at a desk helps promote focusing. If you are not at home, bring along a chair and a clipboard for your student, working to maintain as normal a schedule as possible. The schedule does not have to be conventional–find what works best for your family this year!

2. Limit access to digital devices.

Homework can be challenging, and it is easy to reach for a phone or a tablet for brain breaks. However, digital devices can make it harder to focus when returning to pencil and paper activities, like homework. We encourage breaks, but do something like taking a walk, playing with the family dog, or helping make dinner instead of playing a video game. These types of breaks truly help the brain reset and promote family bonding, and there will be time for video games once school work is done for the day.

3. Break projects into manageable chunks.

Big projects, like book reports or research papers, can be significant sources of stress, especially if your student procrastinates. Instead of worrying about projects the night before, talk with your student often about big projects that are coming up. Work with your student to plan how to accomplish the project before the due date, and make the steps as manageable as possible. For example, if the student has a book report due in the month, plan 15-20 minutes of reading the book every night and then 15-20 minutes of writing the report each night until the report is done. These plans will be different for each student and each project, so work with your student to find one that works best for you and your family.

If you find you are needing more individualized help with homework completion, reach out to us! We are happy to work with you to create an individualized plan to meet the needs of your student. In addition, if your student has friends in the same class who are also needing homework help, reach out to us to ask about small group options. You bring the group–we’ll bring the learning.

08/21/2026

Next ACT Test: September 19

How to prepare: Sign up for our ACT refresher course!

The September ACT can be challenging after summer break, but we can help! Our refresher course is designed to refresh your students on the concepts they need to do their best on the ACT and start the year on the right track in a small group setting.

Work with our testing experts and get $500 worth of instructional support for only $199. Sign up today! Additional discounts apply if your student previously attended our July bootcamp.

Tuesday, September 8–6:00-8:00pm
Introductions and Math Refresher
Wednesday, September 9–6:00-8:00pm
English Refresher
Monday, September 14–6:00-8:00pm
Math and Science Refresher
Wednesday, September 16–6:00-8:00pm
English and Reading Refresher

Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8Pma3m7FEO2bRCnSv8K6wwZQR-OQHzCIjdADlwslpK532Dg/viewform?usp=dialog

If you are wanting more individualized support, we are also happy to work with you one-on-one to create a plan that supports your student through the ACT and throughout the school year.

08/18/2026

It’s not too late to sign up for classes with our sister company, Empower Learning Hub! They still have a few openings for homeschool classes during the day Monday through Thursday, but don’t wait. Classes close September 7th. Check out their website and get signed up to work with experienced teachers in a small group setting that aligns with your family’s homeschooling beliefs.

Quality homeschool co-op classes and courses for grades 1-12. Math, Science, Language Arts, History, and Spanish classes and courses available in Northwest Arkansas.

08/13/2026

✨ Meet the Staff: Roddy✨

Meet Roddy, our math specialist at Academic Advantage!

Roddy has been working with Academic Advantage for almost a year, where he has worked with individuals on complex subjects like chemistry and advanced mathematics. Roddy loves helping students grow to new heights while challenging them to think deeper. His driving belief is that all students can succeed when given access to the proper tools, which he aims to provide with every tutoring session.

In addition to Academic Advantage, Roddy is also one of the teachers at Empower Learning Hub this fall. He believes every student should have access to the tools they need to succeed.

When he’s not teaching, you can find Roddy riding his motorcycle, working on his own studies, or taking care of his cat.

We’re grateful for Roddy’s dedication to our students and the Northwest Arkansas community!

08/11/2026

Happy first day of school! We hope this is the start of your best year yet, full of learning, friendships, and growth. You’ve got this!

08/06/2026

✨ Meet the Staff: Beth✨

Meet Beth, our math and science specialist at Academic Advantage!

Beth has been working with Academic Advantage for two years, where she has worked with individuals and small groups on some of her favorite subjects, including calculus and physics. Beth loves giving students the support they need to take intellectual risks and become genuinely excited about learning. Beth’s passion is contagious, and students can’t help but leave her tutoring sessions with a renewed enjoyment of learning.

In addition to Academic Advantage, Beth is also one of the teachers at Empower Learning Hub this fall. She believes every student deserves a safe learning environment to explore new ideas.

When she’s not teaching, you can find Beth tending her growing collection of house plants, cuddling with her cat, or writing her next short story.

We’re grateful for Beth’s dedication to our students and the Northwest Arkansas community!

08/04/2026

The new school year is almost here! Here are our top three tips for preparing for the best school year yet.

1. Set goals for the upcoming year.
Learning is all about growth, so setting some goals will help your students track how they are growing. Make sure these goals are achievable and realistic. These can be goals such as ‘I will read 10 books before Winter Break’ or ‘I will make flashcards for all history tests.’ If your student is younger, make it fun with sticker charts!

2. Establish a school routine now.
Most students spend the summer getting off their school routine. They stay up later, sleep in more, and eat at inconsistent times. This can make the transition to school difficult if students do not begin their school routines before the school year starts. Work on a consistent bed time and practice waking up at a good time to get to school. That way, the first day of school will be more enjoyable because your student will be better rested the night before.

3. Be creative with organization.
Some schools have set ways they want students to organize their papers and supplies, especially in elementary school. However, that set system doesn’t work for every student, and you know your child best. Work with your students and your children’s teachers (if applicable) to set up an organization system that will allow your students to stay organized and in control of their learning. For some students, this means a system of colored folders. For others, a binder that zips shut will ensure their papers stay together. Find what works best for your student to set them up for success.

If your student is needing more help as the school year starts, we are standing by and ready to assist. We partner with your family to create an individualized plan for supporting your students, so they can take on the new school year with confidence.

07/30/2026

✨ Meet the Staff: Sarah✨

Meet Sarah, our English and elementary specialist at Academic Advantage!

Sarah started her teaching career in the classroom, but she stepped into Academic Advantage almost four years ago to follow her passion: meeting students where they are individually and helping them grow beyond what they thought possible.

Sarah loves teaching writing, reading, and even math–she particularly enjoys algebra. One of her favorite sayings with her students is, “Everything is hard until you know how to do it.” She believes that anyone can succeed in the learning environment, and she loves supporting students as they realize that they, too, are successful learners and can do hard things.

In addition to Academic Advantage, Sarah is also one of the teachers at Empower Learning Hub this fall. She believes every student deserves access to the support they need to thrive.

When she’s not teaching, you can find Sarah spending time with her family, working in her garden, or reading a great book.

We’re grateful for Sarah’s dedication to our students and the Northwest Arkansas community!

07/28/2026

If you are a homeschooling family looking for tutoring help during the traditional school day, look no further than Academic Advantage! Whether you are needing individual sessions to learn a tricky concept in Algebra or on-going group sessions for homework support, we are happy to create an individualized plan that meets the needs of your student and your schedule. Reach out to us to find out how your individualized tutoring plan can help make this school year the best one yet.

07/23/2026

✨ Meet the Staff: Adam ✨

Meet Adam, the owner and operator of Academic Advantage!

Adam began his career as a chemical engineer, but he soon discovered that his true passion was helping students learn and grow. That passion led him to open Academic Advantage eight years ago, and he has been helping students build confidence and achieve their goals ever since.

Adam especially enjoys teaching challenging subjects like calculus, physics, and chemistry. He loves seeing those “aha!” moments when a difficult concept finally clicks.

In addition to Academic Advantage, Adam serves as a faculty member at Haas Hall Bentonville. He believes that education isn’t limited to a classroom or a season—every student deserves access to the tools and support they need to succeed in school and in life.

When he’s not teaching, you’ll likely find him reading a great book or spending time with his family.

We’re grateful for Adam’s dedication to our students and the Northwest Arkansas community!