Private Tutoring
English
History/ Social Studies
College Essays
SAT Verbal Prep
I have over 10 years of experience tutoring middle, high school, and college students in English, history, social studies, SAT verbal prep, and essay writing. I believe in encouraging students’ innate curiosity and addressing their stumbling blocks to writing, including working through procrastination and overwhelm. I’m a calm, patient, and caring tutor, and I believe in each student’s capacity to write expressively in their own voice.
I work in one-hour sessions, either online, or in person at the student’s home, a public park, or library setting. I usually work with students weekly on an ongoing basis, but can also do a one-off session to tackle a difficult test or writing project. I particularly enjoy working with high school students on college application essays.
I grew up in San Francisco and attended Lick-Wilmerding High School, where I began tutoring through the Aim High program. I went to Barnard College, where I studied history and graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. I tutored at the afterschool program at the Dalton School in New York City, and have also worked with private clients over the last decade. I’m currently an MFA candidate in Creative Writing at San Francisco State University. When I’m not writing or tutoring, I love to hike the trails in the East Bay hills, cook new recipes, watch movies with my cat, and play pickleball.
Testimonials
"Raia worked with our child on A.P. U.S. History and Honors English. She is very supportive, warm, and engaging. Her sessions include in-depth discussions of the texts as well as writing or test taking strategies. She always comes prepared with a positive attitude. I would definitely recommend her to students who wish to strengthen their skills in English (text analysis, writing) and history."
— Lisa R., Parent of a Piedmont High School Junior“Raia tutored our son in 6th grade social studies, and his grade went from a B to an A over the course of the semester that they worked together. She helped him break down a challenging final project into manageable chunks, and fostered the growth of his critical thinking skills.”
— Ella H., Parent of an Edna Brewer 6th Grader“Raia is warm, focused, and attentive. My daughter looks forward to their sessions together, and has grown more confident in her writing and speaking in class.”
— Sara M., Parent of a Piedmont High Sophomore