Classroom Matters
Community SubscriberClassroom Matters provides academic support and mentoring in all subject areas to students in grades K-12 and beyond. We customize our approach to meet the individual needs of each student and specialize in executive function support. All of our services, including workshops, are accessible online.
Call Classroom Matters in Berkeley! We have worked with tutors at Classroom Matters for 5 years for all the same reasons you described. Working with a tutor helped my son navigate many academic challenges and gave him skills and confidence. Slowly, but surely, my son learned the organization and executive functioning skills to navigate school on his own. Your son will get there too!
Yes. My son participated on CM SAT PREP and both he and I highly recommend it.
Archived Q&A and Reviews
August 2015
RE: After-school language program near Berkeley?
Hi - You don't say what BUSD school you are at. Classroom Matters offers after school Spanish programs at Washington, Rosa Parks & Thousand Oaks. To register contact Tatiana at (510) 540-8646. If your not at one of these schools you can also discuss ways to get it there. My kids participated all year at Washington and I recommend it. Washington Parent.
April 2015
I’m submitting an unsolicited positive recommendation for Classroom Matters, an academic support and mentoring center in Berkeley. www.classroommatters.com Our teenage son was struggling badly in public high school and getting lousy grades. We sent him to Classroom Matters for weekly tutoring, he also goes every afternoon after school to do his homework during supervised study. His grades have improved dramatically, they’ve taught him executive function skills, and his tutor has helped him so much with understanding the schoolwork and finishing the homework. The people at CM are familiar with BUSD curricula and curricula in other school districts, they’re great with kids of all ages, and they make them feel comfortable and capable. We’re so glad Classroom Matters is in our community – we can’t recommend it highly enough! Rebecca
Feb 2015
RE: Writing tutor for fifth grader
My then 14 year old son took the Summer Writing Workshop taught by Sondra Hall at Classroom Matters last summer. It is a weeklong essay writing class that meets 3 hours daily. I couldn't have been more pleased; my son really enjoyed it and I was impressed with the precision, care and thoroughness of Ms. Hall's instruction. I felt that he got a much higher level of writing instruction than he ever received at his school. glad dad
August 2011
Re: Recommendation needed for Berkeley writing tutor
Please check out Classroom Matters at www.classroommatters.com Our 17 y.o. daughter is smart but became overwhelmed with her classes this year. Classroom Matters definitely got her through the rest of the year without losing her self esteem and motivation. They matched her to a wonderful tutor who helped her with her writing assignments. She also attended the supervised study sessions and received help with other subjects. Classroom Matters has a happy buzz to it and the students look like they are glad to be there! The support of Classroom Matters was a life boat. pleased parent
Jan 2011
Re: French tutor for HS Junior
Hi, We're extremely satisfied with Lisa Miller and consider her an outstanding French tutor. Lisa is affiliated with Classroom Matters on Sacramento.
Our child attended Ecole Bilingue (EB) from age 3 through 8th grade, so she's fluent in French. (We don't speak French at home.) Even with a strong vocabulary, since the Berkeley High (BHS) curriculum emphasizes grammar more so than EB, we felt the need for some focused attention not available at BHS. In fact, we started with Lisa when our child was still at EB in the 8th grade.
Our child likes French, but hates grammar. Lisa has been patient and thorough in her assistance. Lisa has also gone well beyond the usual expectations one might have in communicating with the teachers to make sure that weak areas were being addressed. Lisa and Classroom Matters have been great resources.
Please let me know if you have follow up questions. Rich
We have been really happy with Classroom Matters for French tutoring over the past three years. The business owner, Lisa Miller, is proficient in French and has excellent contacts with the language department at BHS. Our high schooler worked with Lisa herself, and with two other tutors over the years. All have been quite good.
I especially appreciate the active approach the tutors use to communicate with the high school French teachers. For example, they find out about homework, projects, and tests and often get direct feedback from the teachers about our child's work in class.
Classroom Matters also write weekly/bi-weekly emails about our child's doings and progress during tutoring, sometimes including suggestions for how to schedule and prioritize tasks. These personal messages invite parents to add to the conversation; they aren't just newsletters or formulaic, and there is always a prompt reply, often with further insights.
For high school students, tutoring needs to come from a person with a strong background in the subject area and a good grasp on how the child's school approaches the material. Classroom Matters has been especially strong in providing that for our child in French. I recommend it most highly. Berkeley parent of 2
We had the BEST experience at Classroom Matters. The director, Lisa Miller, is also the lead French tutor. She was fantastic with my daughter, effectively assessed her strengths and weaknesses, and made professional contact with the teacher to make sure the tutoring was in sync with the course. This is a wonderful and effective resource. I highly recommend them. Classroom Matters www.classroommatters.com Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 1-6PM 510-540-8646 Amy
Jan 2010
My student is struggling in math and worried about finals coming up at the end of January. Classroom Matters is close to my home. Does anyone have experience using their tutoring services? Thanks concerned mom
My son has been going to Classroom Matters for 4 months and is doing better in math. Mostly I think they got him past MAJOR math phobia. They ''interview'' you and the child and match you with a tutor. My son enjoys tutoring with Danny and does not want to stop. Downside is that as a tutoring center with administrative staff it's expensive but when I talked to several other less expensive tutors they had kids come to their homes or they met above Starbucks downtown etc. and I just didn't feel totally comfortable. Kate
We love Classroom Matters! We don't have any experience with the math tutoring specifically, but our kids have benefitted from CM's summer writing programs, tutoring in two languages, and workshops on study and test-taking skills. We've found all the CM folks we've worked with to be qualified in their areas, to interact effectively with teens, and to be genuinely warm and caring. What's not to love? Go for it! Happy CM client
Classroom Matters is a wonderful resource, and a supportive environment for learning. Classroom Matters has a warm environment. The tutors and administrative staff are friendly, knowledgeable and fun. Many of the tutors are young adults who have a wonderful sense about how to work with the youth they work with. This makes students more comfortable and more able to learn.
When you come in you are greeted in a friendly manner by Shirley, who knows all the youth and families. One can have your child/adolescent come for tutoring one on one or study hall.
My 13 (almost 14) year old daughter goes four days a week. The staff helps her with her homework when she needs or wants help, and they give her space when she wants to do it on her own. The staff helps her organize her homework and while helping and/or giving space the tutors support and reinforce good study habits.
The teachers at her school have told me that, she has more confidence since she has been going to Classroom Matters. I see her understanding more complex problems, trying and solving difficult problems (math, science, and literature).
It is wonderful for my relationship with her because she is going over and doing most of her homework with someone else. Additionally I am confident it is well handled, done well, and that she is learning.
I have known others who have gone strictly for tutoring. The Director, Lisa is interested and knowledgeable regarding education, how to teach and tutor youth. She and her staff take their role seriously. They meet to discuss how to best help their students. They are familiar with assisting for college entrance, tutoring math, science, literature and assisting youth with organizational issues and learning differences. I myself work with youth who have emotional issues and learning differences. I have been happy as a parent and impressed as a professional. BPN parent Berekley Parent
My student went to Classroom Matters for tutoring help with math and got immediate results right after the first session! Classroom Matters staff took the time to really find out what was going on and even emailed the teacher to find out more information. We have found both the individual tutoring and the homework help to be very effective and highly recommend Classroom Matters. Don't wait until your student gets too far behind and frustrated! Linda
Classroom Matters offers excellent tutoring services and test preparations skills. The staff are very professional and easily connect with teens. Classroom Matters is a wonderful resource which I hightly recommend. Jan
My son has gone to Classroom Matters a couple of different times, for several months at a time. I don't remember him doing math, but CM has wonderful tutors with expertise in math, Spanish, English, whatever you need. They'll also match your kid with a tutor he/she likes. In my experience, tutoring (like any relationship) works best when there's a good chemistry between the two people! So that flexibility is crucial. The staff there is very supportive and smart. And if you're not sure where to turn, you can chat with Lisa Miller, one of the directors. She's seen it all and is great to talk to. I wouldn't hesitate to go there again. The only problem for me is location. My son can't easily get there on his own and I work across the Bay and am not always available to take him until the evening (and yes, they do offer tutoring in the evening, in fact they don't open until 4 pm). I'd love it if Classroom Matters was in downtown Berkeley - much more convenient for high school students, and even King students. Dana
March 2009
Re: Math tutor for 7th grader
I would recommend Classroom Matters for your 7th grader for Math and they also have an excellent summer writing program for teens. Both my daughters have benefited trememdously from these offerings. Classroom Matters is located on Sacramento St in Berkeley-540-8646. Karen
Dec 2008
Greetings Everyone,
I would like feedback on Classroom Matters Tutoring Center in Berkeley. I am looking for a math tutor for my 2nd grader (yes, 2nd grade!) He has special needs (high functioning autism) and is having trouble understanding math. Any personal opionions? Or recommendations for a tutor that can work with a child with special needs? Feedback greatly appreciated - thanks! cmb
My 9th grade daughter is getting tutored at Classroom Matters now, and also went there when she was in 4th grade. Both times it has been a big help. The tutors seem on the ball and well able to diagnose what needs to be worked on. I will say I have been having a lot of trouble with their scheduling person who is not terribly efficient or helpful, but the tutors are great, as are the senior staff. Knows when to get the experts
June 2008
Re: Basic writing skills course for unmotivated 14-year-old
My daughter, a current sophomore at BHS, took the Classroom Matters Summer Writing Course last year and it improved her writing. ks
May 4 2007
In response to people looking for tutoring for high school kids: we urgently needed someone to help us in the fall as our son was failing Advanced Biology at Berkeley High. I wanted him to learn the material, but equally important, learn how to learn, how to study. Classroom Matters has been amazing! He enjoys going there, feels understood by them and they entirely remove the stigma about needing tutoring.He prepares for his meetings with them - tutoring keeps him on-track and eliminates me from being in fights with him. Can't recommend more highly. Susan
Feb 2007
Re: Homework helper?
I missed the original message, but if you're looking for someone to help your teen with their homework and keep them on track, I highly recommend Classroom Matters. They have an excellent supervised study program that allows kids to drop in after school, do their homework in a pleasant, quiet environment, and get help when they need it. My own child is very social and prone to all the modern distractions of MySpace, IM, iPods, cell phones, etc. Classroom Matters literally rescued me. My daughter loves going there, the staff checks in with her frequently, and she's become much more serious about her school work. She also has a once-a-week tutoring session with a wonderful tutor who has been able to help her with a wide range of subject areas. For years she wouldn't even consider tutoring, but after one session with this tutor, she had a complete change in attitude. I should also mention that Classroom Matters has a very convenient location at Dwight & Sacramento --the bus stops right there, and it's even walkable from BHS. A great community resource! lc
Jan 12 2007 Classroom Matters provided our son with a tutoring experience that supported the challenges he faced during his junior year at BHS. They took a comprehensive assessment to determine the learning differences that may impact their approach to working with him. They took great effort to place him with a tutor who would teach in a manner that matched his individual learning style. They were very attuned to the importance of developing a trusting relationship between tutor and student. They worked with him on study habits & organizational skills while also focusing on the course material. They provided regular feedback to keep us abreast of the difficulties our son faced & the progress he made throughout the year. The commitment & concern for our child's well being was evident in every aspect of our experience. I would highly recommend Classroom Matters to any parent who is seeking tutoring or SAT prep. Cindy
Oct 22 2006
Fortunately ,I heard about Classroom Matters through another family when our daughter entered her Sophomore year at BHS. She was struggling to organize her time and prioritize subjects in advance of testing. I arranged to have her meet once a week for English and Spanish help and a review of what was due, when and how much more needed to happen. She incorporated the tutoring and study skills into her routine with impressive results and I was incredibly relieved to have her look forward to sharing her concerns regularly with her tutor and getting the help she needed. In her junior year she needed additional tutoring for Math Analysis and the SAT 2s. It is great to have such a resource as Classroom Matters available.
Karen
Oct 2005
I want to praise the efforts of Classroom Matters. My son had taken the California High School Placement Exam (CHSPE) and passed the English but not the Math. Prior to taking the Math section a third time we sent our son to Classroom Matters. He was tutored 3 times in the 3 days before tasking the CHSPE for the third time. Our son passed the test with flying colors. Classroom Matters provides an excellent space to promote learning. If your teen needs tutoring Classroom Matters is the place. Renata
Oct 2005
Jut want to echo the sentiments that Classroom Matters is wonderful. My son took a college essay class this summer and it was so helpful. There were 4 group lessons and he got 3 individual tutoring sessions also. He really enjoyed the teachers and wound up writing a fantastic essay. So I highly recommend it. Alisa
April 2005
Does anyone have any comments/opinions about the Berkeley tutoring center ''Classroom Matters'' ? How expensive is it? Thanks in advance. looking for an algebra tutor
Our BHS 10th grader started with Classroom Matters the week before first semester finals. His organization,grades,confidence and attitude toward school are noticably improved. The one on one attention has really helped. We started with Classroom Matters after talking to two other parents that also had seen positive results in their sons there. As to the cost-we find it a good investment-happier kid,working to learn,more confident and less hassle on the home front-and his grades are better even on the classes he isn't being tutored in! Margie
March 2005
Just wanted to give a plug for Classroom Matters - the tutoring center mentioned recently on this digest. My 11 year old daughter has started going there for help with reading and comprehension, and she has been really pleased with the extra help, and I have noticed a big change in her attitude towards school. The center is a busy place - but seems very flexible about timing for sessions. I also found the cost reasonable - $500 for 10 sessions. It has been worth it. SM
June 2003
Re: Tutors for Japanese
Classroom Matters has a tutor, Greta Pane, who is an excellent Japanese tutor. She is available this summer, and we are offering reduced rates. Please feel free to call us at 540-8646 to discuss her background,set up an appointment, or ask any questions you might have about our services. We also have a web site: www.classroommatters.com, which has Greta's bio and descriptions of our services as well. Please note that all tutoring does take place at our center, in Berkeley. Molly Gales
Oct 2002
Classroom Matters has been a godsend for our family. My son, a sophomore at Berkeley High, immediately connected with the classroom matters staff and, under his own initiative, has been going four days a week after school and stays until they close. They are tutoring him in several different subjects, and he is benefiting tremendously from working with them and from the supervised study time. He has learned to better organize his assignments and work productively. His grades have improved and he feels confident and proud of his new academic abilities. I attribute his progress to the great Classroom Matters staff. They have helped him to enjoy Berkeley High and the increased workload of his sophomore year. They are providing the one-on- one and small group environment that I would have expected at a private school, hoped for at Berkeley High, and found at Classroom Matters. You can contact them at www.classroommatters.com. a Berkeley High parent
Sept 2002
I can't recommend Classroom Matters enough for helping my son through a rough period last year and preventing our family from going through a complete meltdown over his problems with school. CM not only got us through a real crisis but helped my son develop a much stronger sense of confidence about himself and his ability to tackle and solve difficult problems and succeed in school.
As is not atypical for 15-16 year old males, my formerly straight-A student hit the wall sophomore year. At the start of the year, he was sharing only his better grades with us, and we didn't realize he was having problems until his first quarterly report card arrived. We were shocked and dismayed to find a DF in one subject and a CD in two others. Being incurable Type-A people, my husband and I immediately launched into We will get control of this situation gear. Right. Of course, the more we pushed, cajoled, advised and otherwise tried to act like we really didn't care if he got As or not, the worse things got. He tormented us with his decision to either go to community college (okay) or join the army (with Bush as President? Gulp) upon graduation. Happily, a close friend's son was already being tutored at Classroom Matters, and we decided to try it ourselves.
Within a nanosecond of meeting him, Molly Gales, one of the owners, had my son wrapped around her little finger. Within 5 minutes, we were signed up not only for tutoring in the one subject but in two, combined with three days of supervised study. My son heard what that was about and jumped at the opportunity. Basically, supervised study provides an environment free of parents, siblings, phone, computers/e-mail, music, TV, etc., where kids can tackle their work and receive input and support when they want it, from Molly, Lisa Miller (Molly's partner) the varying tutors who are there on any given day, and other students. The atmosphere is wonderful - the kids feel they are there with other motivated, academically strong students who just happen to have some problem or another - ranging from motivation and attitude to real learning disabilities. In our case, we agreed that Molly and Lisa would monitor his grades, progress, issues, etc., allowing us as a family to go back to having fun and focusing on other things. Their feedback is regular (every two weeks), insightful and caring. We get involved only when we have to. We do talk about school with our son and he now tells us quite often how he is doing, but mostly we have great talks about what he is learning and what interests him. Molly and Lisa are both wonderful and very different, so there is a great balance in the roles they play and how they relate to the kids.
My son had his plan for CM in place for this year before school was even out last year. Whether he needs tutoring or not, he has signed on again for three days of supervised study. I am going back to school for the first time in 30 years this fall and threatened to sign up for CM myself. I was told in no uncetain terms to forget it - this is definitely his space for learning, struggling, growing and kicking back.
I'd be happy to talk to anyone who is considering using this wonderful resource. Please contact me.
Nancy
Jan 2002
I want to report a great experience we've had using Classroom Matters tutoring service for my son. He started going there during junior year when he needed help with writing papers. After a few tutoring sessions he started getting papers in on time and the quality got better and better throughout the year. Even more important, he enjoyed going and took advantage of the study hall option (kids can do their homework in a quiet but relaxed setting--they even have snacks--and ask for help from the tutors if they need it). He also got help in studying for his SAT 2 Writing which is one of the most important tests for colleges--especially if you aren't getting As in English. He wound up getting 780 out of 800!
The service is expensive, especially if you compare it to what a college student tutor charges. We decided that it was worth it to us, not just to help our son with his grades/test scores but to keep us off his case as much as possible. Although we have had some tense moments, the college application/senior year pressures have not been serious and we feel as though Classroom Matters is the reason. If you can possible afford it, I recommend them. I only wish we had started using them in sophomore year.
you can go to their website at: http://www.classroommatters.com/ (two mms!)
To the person seeking writing/reading tutoring sources: My 8th grader has been going to Classroom Matters once a week for tutoring for a couple of months. His Algebra grade has risen two grade levels (from a D to a B) as a result of the consistent, effective coaching. He has not only received excellent explanations and information, but has been motivated to succeed by the caring staff. They can tutor in reading/writing and have computers available to word-process assignments. Tutors will read and critique student work, guiding students to express themselves more effectively. Classroom Matters staff can tutor on a variety of subjects including PSAT, SAT, and State Proficiency exams. There are a variety of packages available, short-term or long-term, to meet different needs. It's not inexpensive, but the environment and the staff make reluctant students want to learn, and good students excel. (Please post anonymously since my son would not be happy to see his grades posted.)
2001
I found the Classroommatters.com service on the Teen website and I would like to echo the raves of other parents. My son has received help with English essay writing (he suffered writer's block when he had to analyze Virgil, and we sure couldn't help him) and the tutor--who is an adult, experienced teacher--has been great for both essay writing and support. He also got short term prep for the SAT--he tests well and a series of classes would have been overkill. The service is expensive compared to hiring a college student for a single subject--but the quality is so good it's worth every penny. Meg
I am a teen member of the parent teen network. 4 years ago, I met Molly Gerstein Gales because my mom thought I needed extra help in English. I was a freshman at Berkeley High school. I was also diagnosed with Dyslexia. (We now know that I still have a basic learning disability involving visual processing problems). Molly tutored me. But not just in English, she also taught me how to study and get my act together in all other subject areas. And when I needed help in other content areas, she passed me on to other tutors who were working with her in her home.
I worked with Molly and several other of her trained tutors throughout my 4 years at BHS.They helped me with English, AP Chem, Biology, Spanish, SAT and even helped me with my college essays. I am now going off to Bates College this fall. I am writing the newsletter because Molly is doing something wonderful that I want to share with as many people as possible. This fall, her small tutoring business is expanding and she is opening a new center. I just came back from a visit to the place (it's at 940 Dwight Way)and got so excited I decided to write to the newsletter.
This place is going to be incredible. Molly has created a really homey environment, it reminds me of her living room, only with lots more resources. There are computers with DSL, bookshelves full of useful books, supplies, and 12 new trained tutors. I just know Molly and her band of people will help tons of teenagers, her program really does tutor the whole teenager. I am living proof. I think her new address and phone information is on the updated web site: www.classroommatters.com, but just in case, you can call her old number at 510-841-4631. Cecilia
I just wanted to share a great tutoring experience my son had this school year. My son just finished his sophmore year at BHS. Midway through the year he realized that his grades would really make a difference in his future and he needed help. Through the recommendations of this list (parents of teens), we found our way to Molly Gales at Classroom Matters. She offers a great program. My son got real help with his math class, wonderful new study skills, and all-around encouragement to focus on academics. He is inspired to continue getting help with school work and SAT prep through Molly's program. Thanks to the list for helping us find this great resource!
Robin (6/00)
Classroom Matters is an amazing program started by former Berkeley High School teacher Molly Gales. Molly formulates a customized program for every student, depending on their needs. She has experienced tutors in all academic areas: English, languages, math, science, electives, organization and study skills, SAT preparation, and college essay preparation. She also offers enrichment for students who feel that they need more in- depth instruction than they receive at school. The first time my daughter met Molly she said, she's the coolest person I've ever met! Needless to say, Molly is amazing, and I highly recommend her program. Her web site is www.classroommatters.com
Regarding the search for a writing class or tutor posted in the last newsletter: I'd like to recommend Molly Gales - who runs a tutorting service called Classroom Matters - it is a truly inspired tutor and mentor for teens . In addition to being able to work very concretely on writing, reading and study skills, she has a great gift as a motivator for even very reluctant students. She radiates energy and enthusiasm for learning in a way that kids can relate to. In addition to her tutoring, she is running a book club this summer. I can't recomend her highly enough.
Lisa, BHS parent of sophmore (6/00)
I am writing to recommend Classroom Matters as a terrific personalized tutoring resource for your teen. I have been sending my daughter there for 2+ years. She is participating in the summer book club this summer (it was her idea!!) which is no small feat, because she is dyslexic. Reading and writing did not always come so naturally for her...but now she will be in AP English next year. In addition to English and History tutoring with Molly Gales, my daughter has also received tutoring in Chemistry and Math from the handful of other tutors Molly has recruited and trained for her small business. This summer, she has tutors who are experienced in Math, Science and best of all SAT Prep (all individualized sessions)and she has told me there is still room available. There are several sections of the summer book club too. If your child is taking AP English, there is a special section studying the 4 books that they are required to read this summer. (Those books are hard! The Sound and Fury and Notes from Underground to name 2...)
The atmosphere at Molly's is relaxed and comfortable, she often feeds all of the kids and always shows them lots of love; it is also clear that the business of learning is a serious and dedicated pursuit in her home. All of the tutors are trained in study skills, as well as their content area. And Molly makes it her business to see personally that each kid gets organized and on track. She also takes time to make sure that each student is getting just what they need (and they really respond to her, I often hear great feedback from friends I have recommended to Classroom Matters and they always seem to stick with the program). I know she has put up a web site: www.classroommatters.com as a resource for parents and kids who are working with her. I suggest you go there to find out more. She is not cheap, but it is worth every penny. I know she offers scholarships and discounts too. I hope this helps others as much as it has helped my daughter.
Cecilia (6/00)
I called Classroom Matters and they charge $75 per hour. -- S (6/00)
I just wanted to clarify my rates at Classroom Matters. There are a number of different packages available. $75 per session is the basic rate for individualized tutoring. There are package discounts if you are arranging a number of sessions. There is also tutoring in pairs, group study and supervised study, all of which have different rates. Please contact me if you want more information about any of our programs. We have some great stuff happening this summer and spaces are already filling up for the fall.
Molly Gales (July 2000)
Parent Reviews
Parents, please Sign in to post a review on this page.