Our Company
At A+, we align everything we do with our values.
We do what’s right.
We believe every individual deserves the support to rise to his/her potential.
We are committed to the personal and professional development of all A+ Team Members.
A+ Test Prep and Tutoring was founded nearly 30 years ago, and since then we have guided over 10,000 families through the college admissions testing process and academic tutoring.
If you’re looking for a hands on, one-on-one experience, we’re your team.
We can’t wait to meet you!
For nearly 30 years, we’ve helped families just like yours.
Students preparing for the ISEE,/SSAT,HSPT, PSAT/SAT and ACT tests.
We work with students all over the Delaware Valley to prepare for high school and college entry tests. Our test prep programs are ideal for students looking for a premier one on one program that will help them achieve their potential.
Students who need support academically, at any grade level, in a wide variety of topics and subjects.
For students who need classroom assistance, our tutors have experience with a wide variety of subjects and grade levels.
Students who need a more thorough type of support in the form of executive function coaching, special needs learning support, or have other types of specific learning goals.
We work with many students who need more than just subject support. From organization to time management and calendar planning, we help students learn the skills to help them succeed both in school and in life.
Our Roots
A Message from the Founder:
Hi, I am Daniel Ascher, M.Ed., President of A+ Test Prep & Tutoring in Philadelphia. I have a Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education and have been working with families like yours since 1988. While in graduate school I started tutoring local high school students in their homes. I soon had more business than I could handle and began hiring other professional tutors to do at-home tutoring.
Almost 30 years later, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to devote my entire working life to A+ Test Prep and Tutoring. Over the years our business has grown tremendously as word spread about our excellent professional tutors and the effectiveness of our one-to-one tutoring programs. In fact, over 70% of our business comes to us via referrals. In most cases our clients hear about us from friends, family members, a guidance counselor, or another education professional. Thank you to all of those who refer students to A+. We appreciate your referrals and promise to continue the standard of excellence we are known for.
A+ Test Prep & Tutoring offers a wide range of customized tutoring programs to students of all ages, including academic tutoring, test preparation programs, and Executive Function coaching. Our one-to-one tutoring is available in your home, at your school, online, and at our office locations in Jenkintown and Montgomeryville, PA.
Our Team
Our team prides itself on making your test prep and tutoring experience enriching and successful. Our main office in Jenkintown is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm and can be reached via phone, email, or visited in person. Directors Susan Ware and Joelle Faucette can answer any questions you have about our programs as well as identify tutors to work with your student and your schedule.
The President of A+, Dan Ascher, is available to discuss or identify any special learning requirements or objectives as well as develop a custom tutoring program tailored to your students goals. Our tutors are:
- Top 10% scorers on the SAT and ACT exams
- Knowledgeable
- Professional
- Highly trained
- Patient and caring
- Dedicated to your child’s success
Our tutors represent a wide range of professions, from retired teachers, to writers and editors, to engineers and medical students.
Joelle Faucette
Director
Tutor Quote: “For me, it’s always about you, the parent, and how we can partner with you to help your student achieve.”
Michelle Giagnacovo
Director
Background: Michelle comes from Chicago and background of executive administration. She is thrilled to have joined the A+ Team!
Tutor Quote: “I so enjoy working with this team because so few organizations truly care about their clients and coworkers.”
Christina Myers
Tutor
Background: B.A. in Music, Azusa Pacific University, High School Learning Center Instructor
Disciplines Tutored: SAT/ACT Test Prep (Verbal), K-8 Mathematics, Math Teachers Press, Reading, Wilson Reading System Program
Personal Interests: Reading, crafts, music, and spending time with my Grandchildren.
Tutor quote: “I like getting to know the students and being a part of their progress.”
Dorothea Brown
Tutor
Background: M.A. in Psychology, Temple University, B.A. in Psychology, La Salle University
Disciplines Tutored: Academic Subjects K-8, Study Skills, Wilson Reading Program
Personal Interests: Reading, especially non-fiction, caring for my several pets (all shelter-rescued), and learning new things.
Tutor quote: “I enjoy watching children learn and grow; tutoring allows me to be a part of this process with my students.”
Beth Bantley
Tutor
Background: M.Ed., Arcadia University, B.A. in English, the University of Delaware
Disciplines Tutored: SAT/ACT Test Prep (Verbal), English, Writing, Writing Better Essays Program, French
Personal Interests: Cooking, gardening, and tennis.
Tutor quote: “I enjoy meeting kids where they are at and helping them learn.”
Rob Gelb
Tutor
Background: B.S. in Economics and B.A. in English, Penn State University
Disciplines Tutored: SAT/ACT Test Prep (Math and Verbal), Executive Function Coaching, Math
Personal Interests: Long distance running, guitar, improvisational comedy.
Tutor quote: “It’s rewarding working with someone face-to-face, one-on-one, where you learn just as much from working with as student as they do from working with you.”
Brian Gillin
Tutor
Background: B.S. in Business Administration, Minor in Psychology, Villanova University, 7-12 Mathematics Certification, West Chester University
Disciplines Tutored: SAT/ACT Test Prep (Math and Verbal), Algebra, K-8 Math, Geometry, Math and English Booster Programs, SSAT Test Prep (Math and Verbal, Writing Better Essays Program
Personal Interests: Puzzles, sports, band (trumpet), guitar, improvisational theater.
Tutor quote: “Students are often phobic about learning – with regard to math for example – and it’s a joy to help them get over that phobia and help them understand that they often know more than they realize.”
Patsy Graber
Tutor
Background: B.A. in Spanish, Washington University, PA Certified K-12, Chestnut Hill College
Disciplines Tutored: SAT/ACT Test Prep (Verbal), English, Spanish
Personal Interests: Music and art.
Tutor quote: “I enjoy the contact with students and their families and seeing a student “get it.” I like to make tutoring fun!”
Barbara Lommer
Tutor
Background: Ph.D. in Microbiology/Structure-based Drug Design, University of Alabama at Birmingham, B.S. in Biology, Technical University of Munich
Disciplines Tutored: SAT/ACT Test Prep (Math and Verbal), Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Physical Sciences, college-level Chemistry and Biology, Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, Trigonometry, and SAT Subject Tests in Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Math, and Executive Function Coaching
Personal Interests: History of science, conservation, hiking, fiber arts.
Tutor quote: “I enjoy tutoring because it provides a never-ending intellectual challenge. No two students, no two sessions are ever the same and it’s up to the tutor to identify the most effective approach to fill the student’s needs.”
Julie Mueller
Tutor
Background: M.A. in Literature, University of Wyoming, B.A. in Pre-Med and Literature, University of Michigan
Disciplines Tutored: SAT/ACT Test Prep (Math and Verbal), Executive Function Coaching, Algebra, Biology, Chemistry, Geometry, Literature, Physics, Trigonometry, Writing Better Essays Program
Personal Interests: Reading, book collecting, gardening, and writing.
Tutor Quote: “I love to see the student, previously so frustrated, start to realize that they “get it”, and then I know I have done some good. I have not only helped them find a way to connect to and understand the material, but I’ve helped the student believe it’s still possible to learn the subject.”
Christine Sweger
Tutor
Background: M.S. in Counseling, Holy Family University, B.A. in History, Penn State University
Disciplines Tutored: SAT/ACT Test Prep (Verbal), Executive Function Coaching, History
Personal Interests: History, politics, fantasy fiction, England, and traveling.
Tutor Quote: “I like tutoring because it gives me the opportunity to find something within my students that allows them to access their full potential.”
Elizabeth Sweger
Tutor
Background: M.S. in Counseling, Holy Family University, B.A. in History, Penn State University
Disciplines Tutored: SAT/ACT Test Prep (Verbal), Executive Function Coaching, History
Personal Interests: History, politics, reading literary classics and fantasy fiction, community service, traveling, films, and music.
Tutor Quote: “The opportunity to help young people learn and grow is what drew me to tutoring and what makes it so rewarding.”
Zena Abdelwahab
Tutor
Background: B.S. in Engineering Design, Penn State Abington
Disciplines Tutored: Algebra, Geometry, Pre-calculus, Physics
Personal Interests: Reading, playing videogames, spending time with frieds and family.
Tutor Quote: “I enjoy helping others succeed and understand, especially when I can break down complex topics for students.”
Josh Woratyla
Tutor
Background: B.S. in Psychology, B.A. in Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh
Disciplines Tutored: SAT/ACT Test Prep (Math and Verbal), Algebra, Geometry, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Personal Interests: Music and running.
Tutor Quote: “I enjoy helping students with their individual needs.”
Allison Hoover
Tutor
Background: BS. in Agricultural and Extension Education, Penn State University, Masters of Arts in Religion, Westminster Theological Seminary
Disciplines Tutored: Math, Algebra, Spanish
Personal Interests: Travel, hiking, photography, reading, cooking and board games.
Tutor Quote: “I enjoy working one on one with students to understand their needs and help them achieve their goals.”
Andrew Thompson
Tutor
Disciplines Tutored: SAT/ACT Test Prep (Math and Verbal), Algebra, Precalculus, Calculus, English, Russian Language, Executive Function Coaching.
Personal Interests: Jiu-Jitsu, Reading, History
Tutor Quote: “In my own schooling, I always found the most value out of one to one instruction and I enjoy giving that experience to my students.”
Vivian Still Brown
Tutor
Background: BA Sociology with a minor in Spanish. M.Ed Middle Level with Special Ed.
Disciplines Tutored: Math and ELA
Adam Schnitzer
Tutor
Disciplines Tutored: Math, Algebra, Geometry, SAT/ACT Test Prep (Math)
Personal Interests: Reading, baking and crafting
Tutor Quote: “I think it’s important for students to be confident and feel prepared going into the next portion of their academic careers.”
Anson Han
Tutor
Background: B.S. in Computer Systems and Electrical Engineering, Boston University
Disciplines Tutored: SAT/ACT Test Prep (Math and Verbal), Algebra, Calculus, Chemistry, Geometry, Latin, Physical Science, Physics, Precalculus, Probability and Statistics, SSAT Test Prep (Math and Verbal), Executive Function Coaching, Trigonometry
Personal Interests: Mountain biking, running, skiing, reading, traveling, website development.
Tutor quote: “I enjoy working with students and seeing them make progress.”
Pamela Milligan
Tutor
Background: B.A. Education, Eastern University
Disciplines Tutored: SAT/ACT Test Prep (Verbal), Biology, Earth Science, English, History, Literature, Reading, Study Skilly, Wilson Reading Program
Personal Interests: Reading, especially about history and word origins, and gardening.
Tutor quote: “I love tutoring because of the students with whom I work. I always learn as much from my students as they learn from me.”
Melissa Nash
Tutor
Background: B.Des. in Architecture and M.A. in Architecture, University of Florida, M.A. in Architecture History, Princeton University
Disciplines Tutored: SAT/ACT Test Prep (Math and Verbal), Executive Function Coaching, K-8 Math, Geometry, HSPT/ISEE Test Prep (Math and Verbal), Math and Vocabulary Booster Programs, Pre-Algebra, Writing Better Essays Program
Personal Interests: Gardening, reading and travel
Tutor Quote: “I enjoy working with students on a one-to-one basis where it is possible to really get to know a student’s personality, strengths, and weaknesses. It is rewarding to see that student’s realization of his or her full potential.”
Professional Development
As a part of the mission of A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, we are dedicated to the professional development of our team members. Every Spring and Fall, we host a development day to learn and grow together as a team. These meetings always result in team bonding, collaborative conversations, professional education, and of course, fun for everyone. We enjoy learning and growing together, raising the standard of what we can offer each student who comes to A+.
What They're Saying
Contact Us
A+ Test Prep and Tutoring -- Philadelphia
505 York Road, Suite 6, Jenkintown PA 19046
A+ Test Prep and Tutoring -- Montgomeryville
593-1 Bethlehem Pike, Unit #4, Montgomeryville PA 18936
A+ Test Prep and Tutoring -- Center City
419 S 19th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146