Teaching

We take a mentoring approach when teaching, working closely with students to understand their personalities and ways of learning. Academic plans can range from advanced topics to coursework support.

Subjects We Teach:

  • English: composition, literature, essay

  • Mathematics: algebra through calculus

  • Natural Sciences: chemistry, biology, physics

  • Humanities/Social Sciences: philosophy, psychology, political science

  • History: European, World, United States

  • Enrichment/Gifted Students: elementary through high school

  • Advanced Placement: AP coursework including but not limited to:

    • AP Calculus (AB & BC)

    • AP Language & Composition

    • AP Literature & Composition

    • AP Psychology

    • AP Biology

    • AP Physics (1, 2 and C)

    • AP Chemistry

    • AP US History

    • AP European History

    • AP World History

    • AP United States Government and Politics

Our Approach

Effective teaching starts from understanding the student— their perspective, mindset, personality, and what matters to them. By putting the student front and center, they are allowed a hand in their own learning, essentially co-directing their development. Teachers operate as mentors; curriculum is used as a way of understanding more about the world and themselves (read more here); and teaching plans are continually adjusted with student insight and feedback.

We teach over tutor. Our students study instead of survive.

FAQ

  • Chestnut does not enroll based on grade or age. We instead assess a student’s willingness, capability, and fit. While most of our students are in middle school and high school, we do not have grade or age limitations.

  • We instruct in a straightforward yet adaptable and comprehensive yet efficient manner. We aim to present material in the truest way possible. This means we do not dilute content. Instead, we provide enriching cultural and historical context; guide students in a way that allows them to meaningfully connect with the material; and lead students to see a subject matter's historical and current relevance. We consistently strive for depth and meaning in our pedagogy.

  • We always strive to teach material ourselves. This allows a student to learn one-on-one and at their pace, while having a say in the learning process by asking questions in realtime. It is sometimes the case where a student might need tutoring in a particular course they’re in. In these cases, we will tutor the student until they feel comfortable with the course material and then begin/resume teaching. The primary difference between teaching and tutoring is that the latter focuses on reviewing material a student has already attempted to learn whereas the former focuses on comprehensive instruction.