We started in San Ramon in 2003, where Mr. Simon taught his first struggling student to read. That boy has grown up and now has a graduate degree in engineering! After operating out of Mr. Simon’s home, we moved to an office in Niles, and then an office on Mission Boulevard in Fremont. We are now located in Irvington in Fremont.
Why choose us? Small groups mean we can address each individual’s needs. While we have a set curriculum, pacing and focus depend on student needs, not worksheets or schedules. High standards mean pushing kids harder than they are used to, but the payoff is huge. Nothing builds self-esteem like actual accomplishments.
GATE students find our classes challenging. There is always a next step, and the further they go, the harder the steps. We have former students attending Harvard, Berkeley, Princeton, MIT, CalTech, and many other top schools. Our focus on critical thinking means “good enough” is no longer good enough.
Regular education students learn to perform like never before. After working with us, earning an A in English and acing a writing sample comes easily.
Students with learning disabilities receive instruction in small, comprehensible steps. As the incomprehensible becomes comprehensible, confidence grows. Little steps yield big gains over time.
Mr. Simon, the owner and founder of Simon Academics, was born and raised in Southern California. He has a BA in Philosophy from UC Berkeley. He worked as a journalist and editor, covering video games and computer hardware. After earning a teaching credential from CSU Hayward, he taught elementary school and then transitioned to full-time tutoring. He lives in Castro Valley with his wife (a teacher at Parkmont in Fremont) and two children. He began teaching in 2003. He also has a dog named Charlie.
Mr. Zybul (Mr. Z) was born in New York and raised in New York and Southern California. He has a BA in English from UC Irvine and a high school English teaching credential from Chapman University. He worked as a journalist with Mr. Simon, also covering video games. He then went on to work as an editor for Business Wire before earning his credential and teaching high school English in Mission Viejo and middle school English in Perris, California. He began teaching in 2005. Sadly, his toothless dog named Broozer has passed away.
Mrs. Osborne was born and raised in New Jersey, and has lived in Fremont with her husband for the past 33 years. She holds a California Teaching Credential from Notre Dame de Namur and a BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz. She has been teaching and tutoring in the Bay Area since 1991, and editing academic books and manuscripts since 1987. She loves rowing, hiking on Fremont trails, and playing word games.
Mr. Liang was born and raised in the Bay Area. He earned his BS in Biochemistry and teaching credential from UCLA, and is currently earning his Masters of Education from UCLA. He has had a wide variety of teaching experiences, including working as a tutor for UCLA Athletics and head learning assistant for the UCLA Chemistry Department. He now teaches high school chemistry in Los Angeles. In his spare time, he enjoys trying out new restaurants (especially anything with noodles) and taking road trips. He is also a former Simon Academics student!
Ms. Irby was born and raised in the American South. She has a BA in English Education, an MA in Education Administration from University of Southern Mississippi, and a credential in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Southern Mississippi. She began teaching in 2013. She has two black cats and enjoys everything DIY, from cooking to engine repair.
Ms. Lopez was born in Florida and raised in Louisiana. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and Current Pulitzer Teaching Fellow with an Ed.S in Curriculum and Instruction, an MA in Theatre Arts, and a BS in Journalism. After almost a decade in journalism and editing, she began teaching high school English in 2003. She loves all things Cajun, her dogs, and low-fi music.