Learn and Grow

From blank page to acceptance letter — this is the college essay workbook every student needs. The College Essay Workbook takes students step by step through the process of finding their story, structuring it with confidence, and polishing it into a piece that stands out to admissions officers.

Harvard's pre-college program lays out 12 strategies that separate memorable essays from forgettable ones. As a writing coach, I send students here early — the emphasis on specificity and authenticity lines up exactly with what I reinforce in every session. These strategies apply whether you're applying from Brunswick or anywhere else in the country.

The college essay is the one part of the application that's entirely yours — no GPA, no test scores, just your story. Princeton Review's guide breaks down exactly how to write one that stands apart. I recommend this to any student who feels stuck on where to begin. Your story already exists. This helps you see it.

Straight from the professionals who read thousands of essays each year — NACAC's top 10 tips cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters: authenticity, early starts, and a compelling narrative. I've watched students who followed this kind of advice write essays that got them in. Start early. Be honest. Tell your story.

College Board's BigFuture guide focuses on personal storytelling and authenticity — two things I emphasize in every coaching session. The best essays aren't the ones with the most impressive stories. They're the ones where the reader meets a real person on the page. These strategies help students get there.

Ivy League advice, practically delivered — Brown's pre-college team breaks down what makes a college essay stand out to admissions officers. The tips here reinforce what I tell every student I coach: don't write what you think they want to hear. Write what only you could write. That's the one that gets remembered.

Free, world-class math instruction from kindergarten through 8th grade — and beyond. Khan Academy's video lessons, practice exercises, and immediate feedback make it the gold standard for students who need to fill gaps, catch up, or move ahead at their own pace. As a Brunswick special education teacher, this is one of the first tools I recommend to families — it meets every student exactly where they are. Start your first lesson on Khan Academy today.

A completely free, ad-free app combining early literacy, math, and social-emotional learning for young children. Built with Stanford learning experts and aligned with Common Core. No subscriptions, no in-app purchases — just great learning.

A nonprofit committed to reading comprehension for all students — with thousands of free, research-based K-12 texts, instructional materials, and bilingual resources. Used by millions of teachers and students, and free forever.

High-quality, research-backed phonics materials — completely free for teachers, tutors, and families. Built on the belief that literacy is a civil right and every child deserves access to the tools they need to read fluently and confidently.

A free online phonics program aligned with Common Core K-5 Reading Standards. Colorful lessons, sound cards, worksheets, and interactive activities help kids build the foundational reading skills that everything else depends on.

A deep library of phonics teaching materials for educators — organized by topic, research-backed, and designed to support every stage of reading development. Ideal for teachers, tutors, and parents who want to go beyond the basics.