Students in a grant-funded Math and ELA tutoring program nearly triple their average assessment scores over one semester.

The Education Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to launch an after-school Math and ELA tutoring program for students identified as needing additional academic support at Edgewater Elementary School. Funding covered staffing, instructional materials, student incentives, and enrichment opportunities to encourage consistent participation.

The program served students who often face barriers to individualized academic support outside the school day, offering small-group instruction and targeted interventions aligned to classroom learning goals. The results were significant: of 17 students enrolled in the Math tutoring component, 15 showed measurable improvement and the remaining two maintained their scores. Average scores rose from 25% on the pre-assessment to 65% on the post-assessment; with several students improving by 5 or more points and four earning perfect post-assessment scores.

Beyond the academic gains, the program strengthened student confidence and school connectedness, and an incentive bowling trip for students with strong attendance helped drive consistency and accountability.

“This program gave students the extra support and confidence they needed to begin believing they could be successful in math and reading again. We saw students become more engaged, more willing to participate in class, and proud of their progress.” — Teacher, Edgewater Elementary School.

“I liked tutoring because the teachers helped explain things in a way I understood. My grades got better, and I actually felt smarter after coming.” — Student, Edgewater Elementary School.