Brooklyn Letters IconBrooklyn Letters

1139 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn

4.9 56 reviews

  • Avatar Emily Matles ★★★★★ a week ago
    We would highly recommend Ally! Our son always asks about her, so very thankful to Brooklyn Letters for introducing us.
    ~ Emily, mom of Brooklyn 2 year old
  • Avatar Natalie Levon ★★★★★ 4 months ago
    Nicole has been an amazing therapist!! She played a tremendous role in our daughter’s speech progress and overall development. She has come such a long way and we are so happy with the therapy she received!
  • Avatar T Ainsley ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    I cannot express how grateful and rewarding my experience with Brooklyn Letters has been. Her tutor Ms. Daria is so knowledgeable, amazing, kind and awesome. My daughter has made so much progress in Literacy and Math and it's all … More thanks to Ms. Daria. I know my daughter is sad that she can no longer work with Ms. Daria, as she looked forward to their sessions every week. Thank you again!
  • Avatar Jackie Vasquez ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    Excellent services, caring therapists.
  • Avatar Lil Amatore ★★★★★ 8 months ago
    Christina was absolutely wonderful. She went out of her way to win my son over and it worked. He looked forward to her visits and his speech improved so much under her care. She was super flexible and it’s clear she truly cares. We adore … More Christina and we’re going to miss her. Almost sad he improved so much! She’s simply amazing and we can’t say enough how great she is. I would recommend her services to anyone and everyone, without hesitation. Thank you so much for connecting us with her!
  • Avatar Colin Peters ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    We could not be happier with the services Valerie provided! She is very thoughtful and knowledgeable and provided significant guidance to support our daughter's speech development outside of our scheduled sessions. She established … More a great working relationship with her, and she will definitely be missed! Your business model is amazing and it was an absolute pleasure working with Valerie. I've referred your organization and Valerie to the Executive Director of our daughter's school and friends/colleagues who are in need of speech therapy services.
  • Avatar Heather Liljengren ★★★★★ a year ago
    We cannot say enough good things about Effie, the ASL teacher, who was so engaged and effective with our 2 year old daughter from the very first session! Effie gladly included our whole family in the sessions! Her expertise and fantastic … More personality gave our daughter a way to communicate that she was so desperately seeking. The coordinators at Brooklyn Letters were so helpful and communicative…I would highly recommend their services!
  • Avatar Chris duke Fields ★★★★★ a month ago
    The company is great with outstanding customer service. They keep my horses protected. I have recommended them to other horses trainers as well that are going to get service early next year. Very professional an honest too. Respectfully … More submitted Christopher
  • Avatar Nikhil Jaisinghani ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    Ron and Ken did a fantastic job with our security system today. Installed everything very quick. Both of them were very polite and asked us throughout if the installation met our needs. Simply fantastic!
  • Avatar Linda Parsley ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    I called Cornerstone Protection to get a Security system at a relatives out of state property, within a week it was installed! The installers worked with the client to help understand her new system and she was happy! Our relative said … More they were courteous, professional and patient! I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection for all of your security needs!
  • Avatar Amanda Clay Mackin ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    Had blink cameras; Car was broken into multiple times so I called CornerStone & they were able to install multiple cameras very quickly & for a reasonable price. I am so happy with the app & getting alerts that are not superfluous, … More like they were with Blink. Highly recommend CornerStone & the tech Ronnie.
  • Avatar Pete Peters ★★★★★ 4 months ago
    Ron and Ken are great guys to work with.
    Both were very knowledgeable and got our system back up and running.
    Thanks to both for a job well done...
  • Avatar Brigid Bower ★★★★★ 11 months ago
    Samantha Dalmas was fantastic! We saw her for a feeding therapy evaluation and while she doesn’t think my daughter needs more feeding therapy sessions at this time, but she gave me lots of tips to try. If my daughter's doctors want … More to see more progress at her next appointment, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Samantha again.
  • Avatar Larry Barton ★★★★★ a year ago
    Amazing assistance provided by Shannon today on my security system. I’m so grateful for your prompt, efficient, professional, and courteous service. Put me down as a customer for life!
  • Avatar Megan Haller ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    One of the most painless experiences I've had. They came on time and was over the moon professional with still keeping a level of personability to it. The gentleman also went out of his way to say that my husband and Mines business … More was appreciated. Which is actually rare to be appreciated by such a great company. So thank you and we look forward to continuing services with this company.
  • Avatar Megan Magsam ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    I am so happy we decided to go with cornerstone. They were quick and efficient. Shannon and the installer we very friendly. We got a lot of equipment and it was still within our budget. 10/10 would definitely recommend! Thank you
  • Avatar Collins Youngblood ★★★★★ a year ago
    Love the customer service and Shanon and his team go above and beyond for my restaurant. Couldn't of asked for a better security system and level of service that his team provides.
  • Avatar kanu patel ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    I have been using Cornerstone Protection service for over 5 years and I'm really happy with the service and state-of-the-art equipments and it's futures are so much in advance and friendly, I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection … More Service any and all business that need a security protection days and nights specially after business hours(Cornerstone Protection is perfect solution for your business). Owner of Cornerstone Protection is proactive with their customers and their equipments. Good experienced with Cornerstone Protection!!!
    Kanu Patel
  • Avatar Liz Jones ★★★★ 2 years ago
    We had a very positive experience with Alissa as a tutor for our pod of 5th grade boys from January - June 2020. She cared a lot about the boys and worked hard to create meaningful activities for them. The pod experience was invaluable … More for all of our families during a difficult year and we were so grateful to have found this partnership! We also want to appreciate Craig for helping to match us with a tutor on very short notice after we had cycled through a few folks who were not able to see the commitment through. Thanks for sticking with us!
  • Avatar S CL ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Dusty was the exact person we needed to help our child finish out the school year. So grateful to him for the way he steadily encouraged her and helped her stay on track and organized. He is flexible, responsive to our needs/schedule as … More a family, and a delight to be with. We are also thankful that Craig at Themba Tutors really "gets it" and partnered us with such a wonderful tutor who was a great fit for our girl.
  • Avatar Nicole May ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    My child worked with Gillian D virtually for math enrichment. She is an excellent teacher. She took time to understand my child's specific learning style and provided tools that would be engaging. She was kind and empathetic- really … More made it her goal to connect with my child and build trust and rapport. My child started the school year with confidence and without the typically "brain-drain" that occurs over the summer, thanks to Gillian.
  • Avatar Gillian Davidoff ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    I am going into my second year as a Themba tutor. I have met so many great individuals while working for this company. Craig and the rest of the Themba team do such an excellent job picking and choosing Themba tutors that suit each client's … More individual needs! I look forward to meeting new tutors and clients in the 2021-2022 school year!
  • Avatar carolina luttmann ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Our son started in a new high school, 100% remote, and was really struggling with Latin and Physics. I found Themba Tudors online and had an initial call with Craig, who was very knowledgeable, responsive, and found 2 amazing tutors for … More us. Both the Latin and the physics tutors were fantastic, connected with my son really well and helped him go from 'failing' grade to 'honors'! I will for sure continue using (and recommending!) Themba Tutors. Thank you, C, K, and W!
  • Avatar Eric Fingerman ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Brian is a fantastic executive functioning coach. Super helpful, flexible with hours, and tailored the experience to our needs.
  • Avatar Susan Wong ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Giulia Mercuri is a great Italian tutor! She was very responsive and accessible. Giulia put a ton of effort into preparing for each session and really helped our son with test preparation and projects. We are grateful that she was able … More to help, especially since our son did not receive any live teaching during COVID. We are happy that she was referred to us!
  • Avatar Christine Gennetti ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    As an adult student diagnosed with a learning disability during grad school, I knew I needed help dealing with my Master's program's demanding workload. I was seriously considering dropping out when I was referred to Themba Tutors. … More I was paired up with a wonderful tutor, Julie, who was a total lifesaver. I learned many techniques that I can utilize in the future as I embark on the next phase of my career.
    I can wholeheartedly say after working with Themba for two years that I would not have finished my program without this organization. And I am so thankful I selected them.
  • Avatar Fabiola FITZPATRICK ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    We were introduced to a wonderful tutor: Mcedwyn. He and our son, a freshman in college, worked well together. As a result, our son’s grades significantly improved. The tutor taught our son subject content and various methods to effectively … More study for quizzes and exams. Our son was also taught time management and organization. My son’s experience with the tutor made the first year of college a less intimidating experience.
  • Avatar Jude Eugene ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    We have been with our tutor, Cailin Schiller, for two years, from 5th - 7th grade. She started as an executive functioning tutor with my daughter. From the start, she demonstrated a depth of expertise and a selective use of techniques skillfully … More adapted to my daughter’s ADHD and Math disability. Cailin made Math accessible and understandable to her in a way that even her teachers had not been able to do. She differentiated reading, writing and math tasks and assignments to tailor them to my daughter’s unique learning differences. Not only did it have an effect on her grades and her work efficiency, but she finally could do her work with less anxiety. Even my daughter’s teachers used Cailin’s guidance to modify their work with her. But most importantly, she became my daughter’s favorite resource. I can’t say how invaluable Cailin has been to my daughter’s progress and well-being. I’d recommend her a million times over. She is a gem.
  • Avatar Janice Eidus ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Victoria is a superb tutor. She helped my high school age daughter with her writing. Victoria's skills as a tutor, as well as her sense of humor and her engaging personality went a long way with my daughter.
  • A Google User ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I'm so glad we were referred to Themba Tutors. After a great initial conversation to learn our needs, we were connected with an excellent tutor, Felicia, who is helping our high school daughter learn better organizational and executive … More skills. Highly recommended.
  • Avatar Fara Jones ★★★★★ 5 years ago
    Themba Tutors provided a leaning specialist that was a perfect fit for my daughter. I told them what we were looking for and they delivered. Our tutor is responsive and flexible and makes it easy for my daughter to reach out to her own … More her own, which gives her an added sense of responsibility over her learning. As a therapist myself, I now regularly recommend Themba to my patients. A much needed and well provided service to the community!!
  • Avatar Frances Simpson ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
  • Avatar Mary Jean Babic ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I'm so glad we were referred to Themba Tutors. After a great initial conversation to learn our needs, we were connected with an excellent tutor, Felicia, who is helping our high school daughter learn better organizational and executive … More skills. Highly recommended.
  • Avatar Nina Herman ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    We had a wonderful experience with our tutor Micaela. She helped our son not only academically but at every level. We will be forever grateful to have her in our lives.
  • Avatar Frances ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
  • Avatar Michael Birnbaum ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Paul Smith at Themba has been an exceptional tutor for my son, both in terms of teaching the subject matter and teaching how best to approach the process of learning math and executing assignments. We feel very fortunate to be working with … More Paul.
  • Avatar Monica Alzate ★★★★★ 5 years ago
    We were very lucky to have found Edwouine Swift, my son's therapist through Themba Tutors. Thomas is 12 years old, and it is extremely difficult to get him to write. Edwouine just works her magic with him, he adores her and is so … More eager to follow her guidance. I have no doubt she will be a positive driving force in his academic future.

Math Tutors

BEST 1:1 SHSAT TUTORING FOR NEURODIVERGENT STUDENTS

Best 1:1 SHSAT PREP TUTORS FOR NEURODIVERGENT STUDENTS: Personalized In-PERSON and REMOTE TEST PREP TUTORING Services | FREE CONSULTATIONS | MEET-AND-GREETS WITH OUR STAFF

SHSAT prep tutor

Themba Tutors: Trust and Excellence in SHSAT Prep Tutoring Services for Neurodivergent Students

Since 2012, Themba Tutors has honored its Swahili name—meaning trust—by delivering exceptional private SHSAT tutoring and coaching services, both in person and online. We focus on engaging lessons, personalized assessments, and a team of dedicated professionals committed to meaningful academic growth.

Our expert SHSAT tutors help students strengthen time management and test-taking strategies to improve scores. We offer flexible scheduling with in-person, online, and hybrid options. Through extensive practice tests and individualized instruction, students receive real-time feedback that supports both academic success and confidence.

We specialize in comprehensive SHSAT preparation across all exam sections, ensuring mastery in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Complimentary SHSAT practice tests are available for at-home preparation.

SHSAT Exam Prep Customized for Neurodivergent Students

Standardized exams like the SHSAT can pose unique challenges for neurodivergent students and those with learning differences. Themba Tutors addresses these needs with customized SHSAT prep programs that adapt to each learner’s profile, ensuring individualized and comprehensive support.

Certified Specialists: Our team includes experts in learning disabilities and ADHD who tailor instruction to each student’s needs.

What’s Included

  • Consultation with Our Accommodations Expert: We assess each student’s needs, learning style, and educational profile to create a personalized SHSAT study program.
  • 1-on-1 Tutoring: Receive individualized SHSAT prep sessions with an experienced instructor who specializes in neurodivergent learners.
  • Neurodivergent-Specific Testing & Study Strategies: Utilize targeted techniques designed to optimize SHSAT performance for neurodivergent students.
  • Accommodation-Specific Testing Strategies: Learn how to effectively use approved SHSAT accommodations on test day.
  • Review of Accommodations and Learner Supports: Ongoing evaluation of school-based supports and SHSAT accommodations to ensure alignment and success.

Our SHSAT Tutors Travel To You!

SHSAT prep tutor

We travel to you and offer private SHSAT prep tutoring throughout the NYC Metro Area, including Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx. Are you looking for SHSAT prep tutoring in a neighborhood outside of NYC? Explore our locations for additional options.

Here’s How We Can Help

  • Interactive Lessons: Engaging, hands-on sessions tailored to each learner’s unique needs.
  • Customized Assessments: Personalized evaluations that identify strengths and areas for growth.
  • Practice Retrieval: Evidence-based strategies that strengthen retention and test performance.
  • Live Goal and Note Sharing: Ongoing parent communication to support collaboration and reduce stress.
  • Standards-Aligned Content: Access to a robust library of assessments and SHSAT-aligned practice materials.

Highly Qualified Private SHSAT Preparation Tutors and Coaches

  • Advanced Degrees: Over 90% of our tutors hold advanced degrees in education or related fields.
  • Local and Compassionate Staff: Skilled educators who understand NYC schools and student needs.

Proven Success and Social Proof

  • Strong Track Record: Supporting students from over 100 schools and more than 1,000 families since 2012.
  • Positive Reviews: Families consistently highlight our effectiveness and individualized approach.
  • Trusted by Professionals: Frequently referred by schools, psychologists, and educational specialists.

Exceptional Standards and Outcomes

  • Certified Professionals & Special Education Expertise: Specialists in learning disabilities and ADHD.
  • Explicit Study Skills Instruction: We explicitly teach study skills to help students build independence, confidence, and long-term academic success.

TESTIMONIALS

Alissa is an amazing professional and person! Our entire family loves and appreciates her. My son got considerably better at test-taking for the SHSAT. Thanks so much!

 

-Roshelle B. 

We were very impressed with Anthony’s calmness and resilience in the face of a daunting task: helping our daughter with math! He engaged her in creative and engaging ways to try to get across the challenging concepts of her homework and test prep. He really cared and made a lot of effort to work with our 11-year-old.

 

-Emily R.

My experience with Themba Tutors was awesome. When I was introduced to the service, I told them my needs, and based on that, they set me up with a range of tutors to choose from. I decided to work with Paul, the best tutor I have ever worked with. I was studying for the New Jersey state teacher exam. There were several subject areas that I had to study, one of them being math. Paul helped me understand the math on the test. He explained it to me in a way that made it easy and gave me tools to practice independently. In addition to helping me with math skills, he gave wonderful study tips and tricks to help me study the material I had to learn. Paul was a pleasure to work with, and I thank him for helping me pass the test.

 

-Esther B.

I appreciated the summaries of what was happening in tutoring. My son benefited from the guidance on planning his study time before an upcoming exam. He easily built a rapport with David. I also really liked that David had additional materials to help address needs.

 

-Simone A.     

At Themba Tutors, we take the time to help students/clients understand their strengths and progress in areas where they need to improve. We offer personalized tools for each of our clients to help them become more aware of their individual needs as they work towards short-term goals. Improving these skills will benefit our students’/clients’ long-term plans.

About Us

SHSAT prep tutor

At Themba Tutors, we specialize in SHSAT preparation, focusing on students with diverse learning needs. Our team comprises academic tutors, learning specialists, and executive function coaches who excel in providing customized SHSAT guidance. We prioritize building strong relationships and delivering comprehensive support services. Known for our flexibility, we emphasize a personalized approach, addressing each student’s unique needs to ensure they are fully prepared and confident on SHSAT day.

Comprehensive Free Intake Process for SHSAT Test Prep

  1. Initial Consultation: Schedule a free call with our intake coordinator to understand your family’s needs. We will determine your child’s baseline SHSAT score (if unavailable, we can offer reassessments) and identify your target schools and their required test scores.
  2. Review of Reports: Craig Selinger, our owner and CEO, personally reviews previous reports, SHSAT scores, psychological evaluations, and school reports.
  3. Create a Study Plan: Develop a tailored study plan based on your goals and timeline, focusing on all key areas of the SHSAT: English Language Arts and Mathematics.
  4. Matching with Specialists: Craig matches your student with our SHSAT specialists and sends their bios for review.
  5. Free Consultations: Before the first session, we typically offer our best options based on your needs and invite you to meet online for free with at least a few of our expert tutors/coaches.
  6. Choose a Tutor/Coach: You choose a SHSAT prep tutor and schedule the first paid session. Payment is due right after the first session.

We are known for our comprehensive intake process that ensures a personalized and effective approach to SHSAT preparation.

With Themba Tutors, you can trust that your child will receive the highest-quality private SHSAT prep tutoring services. Our commitment to excellence and personalized approach makes us the ideal choice for families seeking specialized support.

Building a Team

Themba Tutors launched its coaching and tutoring services in the summer of 2012. It was founded by Craig Selinger, an educational specialist and executive function coach with extensive experience in educational consulting. Craig’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping our comprehensive and personalized approach. Our team members are carefully selected based on referrals and recommendations. Once we understand your needs, we match your child with the team member who best fits their educational goals.

SHSAT
TRACY

Certified Special Education Teacher

Craig Selinger’s Accomplishments

Craig Selinger, CEO and owner of Themba Tutors, brings over two decades of professional experience directly assisting students and families and managing our staff. He is a published author in respected journals and platforms, including the Journal of Brain Research, Momtastic, NYMetro Parents, Healthline, About.com, Psych Central, Tiny Beans, and ADHD Online. Craig has been featured in live interviews on WPIX 11 and Insider. He has lectured at prestigious institutions such as Bard High School Early College (BHSEC), NYU Langone, Mount Sinai Hospital, and the Educational Alliance. He has also been a keynote speaker at events like the Everyone Reading Conference and the New York City Parents’ Primer Round Table Discussion for Dyslexia. Craig’s leadership and significant contributions have established him as a recognized expert in education and executive function coaching.

With Themba Tutors, you can trust that your child, college student, or young professional will receive top-tier test preparation and tutoring services. Our steadfast commitment to excellence and personalized approach ensures we are the preferred choice for families seeking specialized support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the SHSAT?

The SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test) is an exam for eighth- and ninth-grade students seeking admission to eight of New York City’s specialized public high schools. The test assesses skills in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. The ELA section includes reading comprehension and revising/editing questions, while the Math section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and word problems. Performance on the SHSAT is the primary factor used to determine admission to these highly competitive schools.

Which Specialized High Schools require the SHSAT?

The following New York City specialized high schools require the SHSAT for admission:

  1. Stuyvesant High School
  2. Bronx High School of Science
  3. Brooklyn Technical High School
  4. Staten Island Technical High School
  5. High School for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at City College
  6. High School of American Studies at Lehman College
  7. Queens High School for the Sciences at York College
  8. Brooklyn Latin School

Note: Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts does not require the SHSAT. Admission is based on auditions and academic records.

How do I register for the SHSAT?

  1. Confirm eligibility as a New York City resident in eighth or ninth grade.
  2. Register through your child’s school or the New York City Department of Education, selecting preferred testing locations.
  3. Confirm registration and begin preparation using practice tests and study materials.

For the most up-to-date registration details and deadlines, visit the official NYC DOE SHSAT page.

Is the SHSAT all multiple-choice?

The SHSAT is partially multiple-choice. The English Language Arts section is entirely multiple-choice. In the Math section, the first five questions are grid-in responses, where students write and bubble in their answers. The remaining Math questions are multiple-choice.

Can my child take the SHSAT online?

No. The SHSAT is administered exclusively in person at designated testing sites within New York City, typically at students’ schools or assigned testing locations. The exam is not available online. For official updates, consult the New York City Department of Education .

Can my child take the SHSAT with accommodations?

Yes. The NYC Department of Education provides SHSAT accommodations for students with IEPs, 504 Plans, and English Language Learner (ELL) status. Accommodations may include extended time, separate testing rooms, or large-print materials. Documentation must be submitted and approved in advance of the test date.

What is considered a good SHSAT score?

A competitive SHSAT score generally begins around 650. Scores at or above this range significantly improve a student’s chances of admission to top specialized high schools, though cutoff scores vary by school and year.

Can my child retake the SHSAT?

Yes, students may retake the SHSAT under NYC DOE guidelines, which specify eligibility and timing rules. For current retake policies, visit the official NYC Department of Education website .

How many weekly study sessions are recommended for SHSAT prep?

Most students benefit from 3–4 study sessions per week, each lasting 1–2 hours. Preparation should begin several months in advance and include timed practice exams to build stamina and confidence. At Themba Tutors, we offer flexible, pay-as-you-go SHSAT tutoring plans customized to your child’s goals and learning needs.

SHSAT prep tutor

Not ready to fill out the form yet? We’re here to make this easy.

📞 (917) 382-8641 | 📲 (917) 382-8641 | ✉ [email protected]


Every coach offers a free 15-minute remote meet-and-greet, so you can get to know them and see if it feels like the right fit. We’re very responsive and easy to communicate with throughout the process. From there, we’ll thoughtfully match you with one or more of our coaches.