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Francis's passion for tutoring originates from his own educational experiences. As a student, he wished for teachers to explain concepts in a simple way, using more visual aids, similar to how one would explain a concept to a 5-year-old. Now, as a tutor, he strives to offer this kind of accessible learning experience to students who may be struggling in the classroom. He specializes in tutoring for the ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE, and AP.
Sebastian's tutoring philosophy is grounded in the belief that everyone is capable of success. He tailors his approach to the students' pace, employing straightforward language to enhance understanding. Sebastian identifies the root of the problem, breaks down complex concepts, and empowers students through consistent positive reinforcement. He aims to uplift students when they’re feeling overwhelmed and create an environment where questions are encouraged, curiosity is celebrated, and every interaction is an opportunity for mutual growth.
One of Sebastian’s greatest strengths as a tutor is his ability to relate challenging concepts to the real world. This provides students with a greater sense of agency in their learning and fosters a stronger connection to the material.
In his free time, Francis enjoys powerlifting, hanging out with friends, watching sports, specifically the NFL and NBA, and watching Netflix. He is also classically trained in piano and cello.


James completed his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from the University of Iowa before also completing his Master’s degree in Journalism from the same institution. After working as a national and international news reporter for several years, he transitioned to full-time teaching, motivated by his passion for helping students achieve their academic goals. James has 21 years of teaching experience, including his current role as a Journalism and American Government Teacher at Chicago Public Schools. He also regularly conducts tutoring sessions and has tutored over 500 students.
For James, tutoring is a means to share his knowledge and help others succeed. He finds great satisfaction in witnessing the "lightbulb" moments students experience. He specializes in ACT and SAT tutoring, as well as US history, world history, American government, American literature, writing, journalism, and economics.
James' extensive teaching experience, deep subject knowledge, and empathy for today's youth distinguish him as a tutor. He is approachable, friendly, and entirely student-focused. He tailors his tutoring to each student's needs and emphasizes successful outcomes, often making uninteresting material engaging by drawing parallels with the real world and subject matter.
James excels at supporting students through learning blocks, drawing on their existing knowledge, and gently guiding them with strategic prompts, suggested skills, and relevant information to help them overcome the block or work around it.
In his free time, James enjoys gardening.


Bayley holds a Bachelor’s from UCLA, where she graduated summa cum laude, and holds a Master’s from Penn State University. With over eight years of experience in elementary and art education, she has a proven track record of developing and implementing a curriculum that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and cultural awareness in students of all ages and backgrounds.
With a passion for helping others, Bayley aims to make applicants feel heard, valued, and empowered. She is thrilled to support students during their academic journey and give them the dedicated guidance they need to succeed. Bayley strongly believes that having a committed team of mentors is crucial to helping students navigate their challenges. Unfortunately, not all students have access to such a team, which makes her role even more important. Bayley is passionate about fulfilling this role and is excited to make a difference in students' lives.
As an educator, Bayley is committed to nurturing students' creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. She believes in meeting students where they are, fostering a non-judgmental space for open dialogue, and cultivating authentic connections built on trust and respect. Bayley recognizes each student's unique strengths and abilities and works to nurture their talents, build their confidence, and feel empowered in all aspects of their life.
Bayley understands that students need different types of support to stay motivated, and she feels it’s important to create a comfortable environment where they can feel free to ask for help if needed. Providing a safe space for students to express their emotions and feelings is crucial for getting them back on track when they lose motivation. As a counselor, Bayley is dedicated to guiding students through challenges with empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to foster growth.
Beyond her professional role, her personality and character mirror the qualities she brings to her counseling practice. Bayley is approachable and down-to-earth and wants to be relatable and empathetic in every interaction, recognizing that vulnerability is often the first step toward success. Whether offering a listening ear, sharing personal insights, or providing guidance, Bayley seeks to inspire hope and instill confidence in those she supports.
Outside of counseling, Bayley is an avid basketball fan and art history buff. She is passionate about discussing all things art. Whether running, kayaking, or paddleboarding, she gravitates toward water. Her fitness regimen also includes boxing, and she enjoys painting and creating digital art, building a successful portfolio over the years.










We only work with the most capable tutors around. Foundation Learning’s science tutors have teaching experience or hold a college degree in a science-related discipline.
Parent involvement is always welcomed and encouraged! Our progress tracker ensures you always keep up-to-date on your child’s advancement through our programs. We believe in transparent communication so you can check in and see how your child is doing at every step of the way.
Our tutor pairing process is designed to place students with the science specialist we believe they’ll work best based on their needs, goals, and the information you provided in the intake form. Our tutors will understand precisely what a student needs and develop an actionable plan to help them get there.
The best plan for you and your child depends on how much support they need, their current areas for improvement (such as understanding the scientific method, climates, or our planet), and availability. Unsure which plan is best? Schedule a call with us today to talk about your options!