About
Just one hour a week with us makes all the difference!
We've been keeping kids interested in learning since 1989. We have almost 200 students, and each of our students comes to us for weekly lessons in Reading & Writing, Critical Thinking, Foreign Languages, Science, Math, Test Preparation, and more.
All of our teachers LOVE what they do.
On the Reading & Writing side, our teachers are published writers. On the Math side, our teachers are math and science majors who get a kick out of problem-solving.
The energy in our center is contagious!
Sessions vary in duration, but have a 1-hour minimum.
We work with students ages 4 through 18, as well as college, graduate school, and nursing students. Any professional can join us for resume or cover letter editing as well.
It's no exaggeration to say we're the "fun" learning center in the area. We work really hard, but we also have a blast together! You will see results because our classes are engaging and effective.
There is a special chemistry to our learning center; come see for yourself during a free trial session today.
We offer 1:1 tutoring, as well as 3:1 "one-to-one in a group" tutoring.
The 3:1 ratio works really well, as each student receives individualized attention on their school homework or personalized packets (which we create for them each week) while the teacher rotates their attention among no more than 3 students at the table.
Nowhere else will you have a group of teachers planning original lessons for you each week! You will be part of a program we have designed specifically for you.
Our owner / director is a former high school English teacher, with an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt and an MFA in Writing.
Call today for a trial session: (240) 616-1600
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Micheal
Kyle
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We meet the student during a free trial session. We get to know their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their learning style. This session is a chance for them to meet the teachers and get to know our culture while simultaneously learning in our unique environment.
They can bring a homework assignment they want to complete, or they can do a diagnostic assessment with us. It won't feel like a test; we will engage them in a dynamic, memorable way while analyzing their acumen across many dimensions.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
As the owner of SpiderSmart of Rockville, SpiderSmart of Kensington, and Academic Pathways, I have been devoted to teaching and working with students of all ages since I did my student teaching at Vanderbilt in 2004. I have worked with middle schoolers and high schoolers for 15 years, and all ages for 10 years.
I taught high school English after graduating from Peabody at Vanderbilt and completing an ESOL fellowship program at UPENN, then came to the DC area for my MFA in Writing. I have been working with SpiderSmart since 2009, and have been a director of 5 different learning centers (3 of them my own). While I love ensuring engaging, unforgettable sessions in all subjects, I personally specialize in writing, editing, SAT Verbal/Literature tests, and ESOL.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$240 for 4 lessons
$480 for 8 lessons
$930 for 16 lessons ($30 discount)
$1820 for 32 lessons ($100 discount)
All 1:1 classes are $75/hour (before discounts).
How did you get started teaching?
I have always loved reading and writing, and always knew I would become a teacher who writes not for a living, but for fun. Publications are always thrilling, but my focus is on the next generation.
While I deeply enjoyed teaching English to grades 9-12 in traditional school settings, I enjoy SpiderSmart even more because I have the chance to work with writers at an even earlier age. To see them learn to read—as a student learning English for the first time or working on phonemic awareness as 4 or 5 year-old—is particularly rewarding.
We offer ALL subjects; writing / English / editing is just my personal speciality as the director.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages, from 4 year-olds (Early Math and Reading & Writing) to NIH and PhD clients (editing of research papers and dissertations).
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently, one of my long-time students was accepted at a renowned music school for piano performance. She equally excels in violin, so we were overjoyed that she could now join a program that would help her maintain her diversity of skills and interests. We were so thankful that such a program existed for her. This program will also nurture her love for accompaniment, which is yet another special dimension of this particular school's approach to musical performance.
When we had lunch together with her mom before she moved away, we reminisced about all our years knowing one another—since she was in elementary school. It was a such a meaningful moment because I realized for the first time just how special it is to see my students grow up, and to have the chance to play just a small part in fostering their love for math, reading, writing, science, language, and just LEARNING. I love seeing them come to know themselves better over the years, and to realize what they truly LOVE. This is such an inspiring part of life: discovering what moves you.
I am so thankful to have this span of years with them, and I feel so lucky to do what I do.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My staff of 27 teachers (as of this moment) is truly phenomenal. Each has genuine passion for the content, PLUS they truly enjoy working with kids.
I hire for both content knowledge and personality; as such, I would recommend a student come for a trial session to be sure they absolutely love working with the teacher.
Student-teacher match-ups are incredibly important, and that is precisely why we offer the trial session before engaging formally in a course package.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1) What subjects do you enjoy?
2) What subjects take more time?
3) What concepts are sometimes hard to understand or memorize?
4) How do you describe yourself as a student?
5) What motivates you not only academically, but personally?