Milestone Institute, Ridgefield

Amid the school system's flurry of standardized benchmarks and test scores, it can be easy to forget that an education’s mission extends far beyond Scantrons and multiple-choice questions. Milestone Institute’s state-certified educators have this mission in mind every time they welcome a new student for tutoring. After a diagnostic test assesses each student's capabilities, educators craft a customized tutoring plan focused on coursework that's neither too easy nor too difficult. Students also receive focused attention in each intimate group session, learning about reading and writing and using that knowledge to understand why they should never say "'rithmetic.” Interim reports help instructors, parents, and students keep an eye on progress, highlighting achievements and identifying which academic areas still need work.