It’s confusing when your once-attentive child suddenly seems more distant. Where did you go wrong? What’s wrong with them? Stop right there. We know the problem.
Did you know that around the age of 13, your child's brain starts to naturally tune out your voice in favor of their peers? A 2022 Stanford study shows this isn’t rebellion—it’s a natural shift toward independence.
That's why parents choose Curious Cardinals Academic Mentorship over the local tutor; students trust, listen, and look up to our near-peer Mentors. For your child to truly thrive, their Mentors need to do more than just teach—they need to connect on a level that resonates.
Curious Cardinals Mentor Tendo and their student Jordyn connecting in a session together.
We’ve done this for 4 years now and provided 60,000+ hours of mentorship. Our education team, comprised of graduates from Stanford and Harvard’s School of Education, has fine-tuned our approach to ensure that our Mentors are trained to adhere to the Curious Cardinals way, and aren’t just voices in the crowd—they’re the voices your child wants to listen to. We’re more committed than ever before to being the best solution for your family.
The Curious Cardinals team, seen here hard at work planning for the best back-to-school season yet!
Here are some updates and improvements that we've introduced this back-to-school season:
Leveraging Technology for Impact
You may have seen our AI-powered tools in action, from the lesson notes companion to personalized end-of-year recaps. This fall, we’re taking them further: our AI now measures each session’s effectiveness, keeping your child’s progress on track and driven by structured and measured data. This technology ensures that we stay true to our methodology and continuously improve.
Proven Teaching Principles
We train our near-peer Mentors in proven methods like SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), the Socratic method, and anchoring lessons in the ‘why,’ ensuring your child listens. This approach aligns with Stanford’s findings on the brain’s shift in vocal preferences during adolescence. Whether it’s prepping for a math test or learning to code, these principles drive real growth and success.
Consistency in Mentorship
Consistent weekly meetings lead to compounding results. Every session with our Mentors starts and ends the same way. We start with a two-way check-in, building trust and strengthening bonds as peers. We end with a clear purpose and reflect on progress, so we make sure each interaction isn’t just a session, it’s a measurable step toward meaningful growth and real achievement.
Expanding Our Lifelong Learning Community
Your learning journey doesn’t stop with your child. This fall, we’re rolling out new workshops for parents. Beyond our famous AI Workshop, we've launched AI Workshop Part 2 to Navigating Social Media as a Parent. Whether you want to attend, host, or suggest a workshop, your curiosity fuels our growth as we build a community of lifelong learners together.
Me teaching an AI workshop to a fabulous group of moms in Seattle, hosted by Curious Cardinals mom Negar.
Feedback Fuels Growth
As ambitious, curious startup founders, we're always on the lookout for new insights and learnings. We’re constantly refining our methods to stay ahead and better serve your family. Your feedback is our fuel for growth, helping us evolve and ensuring we deliver the most impactful support possible.
Hey, that’s us! Co-founders Alec Katz and Audrey Wisch
And because your input shapes our approach, we’re committed to making sure your child receives the most personalized learning experience available. We invite you to schedule a diagnostic meeting with us so we can create a comprehensive student profile, identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and a tailored strategy for their success.
At Curious Cardinals, we live by four core tenets that aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the foundation of everything we do.
Thank you for being part of the Curious Cardinals community. We’re excited about what’s ahead and can’t wait to continue this journey with you.
Audrey and the Curious Cardinals team
