Emma Ford
Associate Academic Mentor

I graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a dual Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and Political Science. During my undergraduate studies, I worked extensively as a peer tutor and mentor, supporting students across a wide range of writing styles, including academic essays, senior theses, and undergraduate research projects. I also spent four years working for the award-winning college newspaper, The Mossy Log, where I edited both creative and journalistic writing and served as Head Editor for two special editions. Through these experiences, I developed a strong ability to help students clarify their thinking, strengthen their writing, and communicate their ideas with confidence. With this foundation, I expanded my work to younger students, and I currently serve as an Executive Function Coach and Academic Tutor at The Girls Middle School in Palo Alto, in addition to my work with Bay Area Learning Partners.

I have significant experience working with students with ADHD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia, and I am passionate about creating individualized learning experiences that help each student build lasting academic skills.I firmly believe that learning becomes most meaningful when students are able not only to understand a concept, but to explain and apply it in their own words. By understanding each student’s learning style, strengths, and challenges, I create tailored approaches that build confidence, independence, and deeper understanding. I focus on helping students break down complex ideas, connect new concepts to their existing knowledge, and develop strong writing, organizational, and problem-solving strategies. My goal is to create engaging sessions where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow as learners.

My approach is holistic and adaptable to each student’s unique needs. I have supported students across a wide range of ages and goals, from reading and writing development to advanced academic writing and application-based work. In addition to Humanities and Writing support, I help students build the executive functioning, self-editing, and organizational skills that set them up for success far beyond a single assignment or class.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, traveling, and hiking with my Australian cattle dog, Alkai.

Areas of Expertise

Elementary Level

Elementary Academic Reading and Literacy

  • Early Elementary Reading and Literacy K-2
  • Elementary Reading and Writing Grades 3-5

Elementary Level Academic STEM

  • Early Elementary Math K-2
  • Elementary Math Grades 3-5
  • Singapore Math

Elementary Academic

  • Early Elementary Reading and Literacy K-2
  • Early Elementary Math K-2
  • Elementary Reading and Writing Grades 3-5
  • Elementary Math Grades 3-5
  • Singapore Math

Elementary Test Preparation

  • CTP / ERB
  • Proctored Writing Sample
  • STAR Reading
  • STAR Math
  • ISEE Primary Level
  • ISEE Lower Level
  • SSAT Elementary Level
  • SSAT Middle Level
  • Math Kangaroo
  • SCAT

Elementary Independent Study - STEM

  • Coding
  • Project-based math
  • Project-based science

Elementary Independent Study - Humanities

  • Project-based creative Fiction
  • Project-based creative Non-fiction
Middle Level

Middle Level Academic Humanities

  • Non-Fiction Reading Skills Middle Level
  • Fiction Reading Skills Middle Level
  • Social Studies and History Middle Level
  • Social Studies and History Middle Level

 

Middle Level Academic STEM

  • Math 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade
  • Singapore Math
  • Middle Level Science Skills

 

Middle Level Test Preparation  

  • CTP / ERB
  • Proctored Writing Sample
  • STAR Reading
  • STAR Math
  • ISEE Middle Level
  • SSAT Middle Level
  • SSAT Upper Level
  • PSAT
  • AMC 8 / AMC 10
  • Math Kangaroo
  • SCAT

 

Middle Level Independent Study - STEM

  • Coding / Computer Science
  • Project-based math
  • Project-based science

 

Middle Level Independent Study - Humanities

  • Project-based creative Fiction
  • Project-based creative Non-fiction
High School Level

High School Academic Math

  • Pre-algebra
  • Algebra I

 

High School Academic English

  • English 9th grade to 12th grade
  • AP English Literature
  • AP English Language

 

High School Academic History

  • AP United States History
  • AP Psychology
  • AP United States Government and Politics
  • AP World History: Modern

 

High School Level Independent Study - Humanities

  • Project-based creative Fiction
  • Project-based creative Non-fiction
Executive Function

Executive Functioning / Academic Coaching

  • Time management and study schedule
  • Organization of physical and digital materials
  • Planning skills for short-term and long-term assignments
  • Note-taking and note review
  • Test preparation strategies
  • Focus, attention, and engagement in class

 

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