Leveraged Learning LLC
About
Hi, my name is Bernie and I specialize in test preparation (SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT/ASVAB/AP) and all levels of High School and College Mathematics. I can help with Calculus, Statistics, Chemistry and Physics.
For many students, complex math equations and high-stakes standardized tests can feel overwhelming. For parents, watching a bright student struggle is frustrating.
I started this business because I saw too many bright students struggling not because of a lack of intelligence, but because of a lack of confidence. The large classroom setting doesn't work for everyone. I provide the personalized, one-on-one attention that allows students to ask the "silly" questions they are afraid to ask in class, ensuring they build a foundation that lasts a lifetime.
I believe that every student has the capacity to master complex concepts; they just need the right translation. When I tutor, we don't just memorize formulas—we learn how to think. Whether you are aiming for a perfect score on the SAT or simply trying to pass high school Chemistry, my goal is to turn "I don't get it" into "I can do this."
My academic background is rooted in rigor and results:
• I have a BS in Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of Houston (Go Coogs!), and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Montana State University.
• I have 10 years of experience teaching High School and College level curricula, and have been tutoring for 20 years.
• I have a proven track record in GRE and SAT preparation, helping students gain admission to top-tier universities. I have gotten perfect scores on both exams more than once.
I tutor in-person or via Zoom and I offer weekly or “as-needed” sessions.
My schedule is flexible; I have clients around the world so I can make anything work. I offer a free 30 minute consultation to go over your needs and figure out how I can best help you; you can find it on my booking page. Don't hesitate - reach out now! I'm here to help.
I look forward to chatting with you about your academic goals!
Highlights
Hired 1 time
1 employee
Serves Seekonk, MA
Offers online services
Payment methods
Credit Card, Cash, Check, Venmo, Paypal, Square, Zelle
Specialties
Grade level
High school, College / graduate school, Adult learner
Subject
Chemistry, Physics
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our reviews policy.
MM
mariama M.
Mr. Bernie has been working with my child for almost two months now, and we are already beginning to see improvements. He is very patient and has a talent for simplifying mathematics.
April 25, 2026
SL
sacha L.
Bernard is an exceptional GRE tutor who explains concepts with clarity, builds strong problem-solving intuition, and consistently improves performance.
April 08, 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When a new student joins Leveraged Learning LLC, the very first step is shifting the focus from simply "getting the homework done" to genuinely understanding the material. My process is designed to uncover exactly where the academic disconnect is happening so we can build a foundation of confidence that lasts.
Here is how we get there:
1. The Discovery & Diagnostic Phase
We cannot map out a route until we know exactly where we are starting. For standardized test preparation (SAT/GRE), this begins with a full-length diagnostic skills test to establish a baseline. For subject tutoring in math or the hard sciences, it starts with an open conversation about the student's academic history, their specific anxieties, and a review of recent assignments to pinpoint exactly where the foundational gaps are hiding.
2. Building the Strategic Roadmap
Once the baseline is established, I design a customized study plan. This is where we break away from the "memorization trap." The curriculum is tailored not just to help them pass their next chemistry or calculus exam, but to teach them how to think critically and approach complex problem-solving without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Targeted, Flexible Instruction
We execute the plan through one-on-one sessions in the environment where the student learns best—whether that is virtually via Zoom, distraction-free in my Seekonk office, or at a local library. I provide the personalized attention and patience that large classrooms simply cannot offer, giving students the space to ask the questions they might normally be afraid to voice.
4. Continuous Momentum
Academic roadblocks don't just happen during scheduled hours. To ensure students never feel stuck while studying independently, they have access to our "Ask the Tutor" platform. If they hit a wall on a late-night homework assignment, they can submit a photo of the problem, and I will provide a step-by-step solution to keep their momentum moving forward before our next session.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My educational background intentionally bridges two distinct areas: deep, rigorous subject matter expertise in STEM, and the advanced pedagogy required to actually teach it effectively. Many tutors know the material, but my training is centered entirely on how to translate complex concepts so that students truly understand them.
My specific academic credentials include:
Subject Matter Mastery: I hold a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of Houston. This foundational rigor allows me to seamlessly navigate and teach everything from high school Algebra to undergraduate math and science, helping students understand the "why" behind the formulas.
Instructional Design & Pedagogy: Knowing the math isn't enough; you have to know how to teach it. I earned my Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Montana State University-Bozeman. This training allows me to design highly customized study plans, assess learning gaps, and adapt my teaching style to fit how each individual student learns best.
Advanced Academic Rigor: My background also includes advanced doctoral research. I am an Ed.D. Candidate at Boston University and previously studied in a Ph.D. program at Stanford University. Having navigated the highest levels of academic rigor equips me perfectly to coach students through advanced standardized test preparation, giving them the strategies they need to maximize their SAT and GRE scores for top-tier university admissions.
Ultimately, my formal training allows me to look past a student's immediate incorrect answer on a worksheet and identify the root misconception in their learning process, so we can fix it permanently.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, transparency in pricing is a core part of our approach at Luger Leveraged Learning. We want parents and students to feel entirely comfortable and confident before making a financial commitment.
Here is how our standard pricing works:
Free 30-Minute Consultation: Finding the right academic mentor is critical. We always start with a complimentary 30-minute introductory meeting. This allows us to discuss the student's specific academic hurdles, review past assignments or test scores, and ensure my teaching style is the perfect fit for their learning needs before any money changes hands.
Standard Hourly Rate: Following the consultation, our standard rate for one-on-one, customized tutoring is $70 per hour. This flat rate applies to all of our core subjects, including advanced high school mathematics, science, and standardized test preparation (SAT/GRE).
Location & Travel: The $70 hourly rate applies to all virtual sessions via Zoom and in-person sessions at our Seekonk, MA office. If a student prefers the convenience of meeting at their local library, we happily accommodate this; we simply calculate a separate travel fee based on the standard IRS business mileage rate.
How did you get started teaching?
My journey into teaching was driven by a dual passion: a love for complex STEM subjects and a deep fascination with the science of how people actually learn.
While earning my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Mathematics, I quickly realized that understanding high-level material and explaining it are two entirely different skill sets. I saw incredibly bright peers struggling, not because the math or science was beyond them, but because the standard way it was being taught just didn't click for their specific learning style. When I went to work in the "real world", I continued to see adult learners struggle as well, and for the same reason: they were capable of mastering the material, but the way it was taught did not work for them.
Eventually, that realization made me change careers and move into education. I wanted to master not just the subjects themselves, but the pedagogy behind them. This led me to pursue my Masters of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, followed by doctoral studies at Boston University. My academic career became focused on how to break down complex, rigorous information into accessible, actionable steps.
I started tutoring one-on-one because I wanted to put that theory into practice. In large classroom settings, teachers are often forced to teach to the middle, leaving some students bored and others completely lost. I founded Leveraged Learning to bridge that gap. I wanted to provide the personalized mentorship that helps students overcome their academic anxiety, master difficult concepts, and finally experience those vital "aha!" moments.
What types of students have you worked with?
My practice focuses on middle school, high school and undergraduate college students. Specializing in this demographic allows me to deeply understand the unique academic pressures, high-stakes testing, and transitional challenges of these crucial years.
Within that group, I typically work with three types of learners:
The Overwhelmed Student: Many students come to me feeling defeated by a specific math or science class. They are incredibly bright, but the fast pace of a large classroom has left them with foundational gaps. We work together to rebuild their confidence, escape the "memorization trap," and translate subjects like Chemistry or Algebra into concepts that actually make sense to them.
The High-Achieving Test Taker: I work extensively with ambitious students aiming for top-tier university admissions or graduate programs. These students come to me for rigorous, strategic preparation for the SAT and GRE. We focus on advanced problem-solving, time management, and recognizing the underlying patterns of the test to maximize their score potential.
The Undergraduate STEM Major: College-level mathematics and hard sciences demand a completely different level of critical thinking than high school. I regularly mentor undergraduates who need help navigating complex coursework like Calculus, Physics, or advanced Chemistry, ensuring they truly master the material rather than just surviving the midterm.
Ultimately, whether a student is trying to rescue a struggling grade or achieve a top-percentile standardized test score, the common thread is that they all benefit from having an academic mentor who adapts the curriculum to their specific learning style.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Just recently, I actually sat down and took a newly released, full-length GRE practice test.
While taking a rigorous standardized test might not be everyone’s idea of a fun afternoon, as an educator, I found it incredibly rewarding. Even with my advanced degrees and years of experience, I firmly believe that a great tutor needs to continuously test their own strategies under the exact same conditions their students face.
The standardized testing landscape is constantly evolving. By putting myself back in the "hot seat" and experiencing the time pressure, the phrasing of the new questions, and the mental stamina required to push through the final sections, I ensure that my test prep curriculum remains completely cutting-edge. It was a great reminder of the very real pressure my students feel, and it allowed me to refine the pacing strategies I teach.
I never ask my students to do something I am not willing to do myself. Staying sharp and continually pressure-testing my own knowledge is a cornerstone of how I run Leveraged Learning.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
When hiring a tutor for advanced STEM subjects or high-stakes exams like the SAT and GRE, the most important advice I can give is to look beyond their raw subject knowledge.
Being brilliant at calculus or chemistry does not automatically mean someone knows how to teach it. Here are three specific things you should look for before making a hiring decision:
1. Ask About Their Teaching Methodology
Avoid tutors who simply sit next to you and help you get the right answers on tonight’s homework. That is a temporary fix. You want an educator who focuses on the "why" behind the formulas. Ask them how they handle a student who is completely stuck. You are looking for someone with formal pedagogical training who can adapt their explanation to fit your specific learning style, rather than just repeating the textbook louder.
2. Demand a Customized Strategy
If you are preparing for the SAT or GRE, be wary of one-size-fits-all study plans. A professional tutor will always want to establish a baseline. Ask if they use diagnostic testing to pinpoint your specific weaknesses before they start billing you for hours of instruction.
3. Always Test the Dynamic First
The relationship between a student and a mentor is highly personal. If you do not feel comfortable making mistakes in front of your tutor, you will not learn effectively. Never commit to an expensive, long-term package without meeting the tutor first to see if your personalities click. This is exactly why I offer a free 30-minute consultation for all of my prospective students at Leveraged Learning. You need to know that the environment is supportive, patient, and the right fit for your goals.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Before reaching out to a tutor, taking a few minutes to reflect on your specific struggles will make your first conversation incredibly productive. You don't need to have all the answers, but thinking through these four questions will help us build the perfect roadmap for your success:
1. What does "success" actually look like for me?
Are you trying to rescue a failing grade, move from a B to an A, or hit a 99th percentile score on the SAT or GRE? The strategy we use to help you pass high school Chemistry is very different from the rigorous, specialized pacing required to maximize a graduate school entrance exam.
2. Where exactly am I getting stuck?
Try to pinpoint the source of your frustration. Do the concepts make sense when the teacher explains them, but fall apart when you try the homework alone? Do you understand the math, but blank out due to test anxiety? Or are you struggling because you are missing foundational concepts from previous years?
3. How do I learn best?
Think about the teachers or classes you have enjoyed the most. Do you need visual models and diagrams to understand physics? Do you prefer a tutor to walk you through a calculus problem step-by-step, or do you learn better by trying it yourself and having someone correct your mistakes in real-time?
4. How much time can I realistically commit?
Academic mastery takes practice outside of our tutoring hours. Be honest about your schedule, extracurriculars, and workload so we can design a study plan that pushes you without causing burnout.
Ultimately, you don't need a perfect answer to all of these right away. This is exactly why I require a free 30-minute consultation for all new students at Luger Leveraged Learning. We sit down, talk through these exact questions, and ensure we are on the same page before we ever begin formal instruction.
Services offered
Math
Test Prep Tutoring
Computer Engineering
Science