By Jaimie Julia Winters
With the cost of private SAT tutoring often reaching hundreds of dollars, the Kearny Public Library is continuing to offer a free alternative for local high school students.
The library has extended its SAT preparation classes on Monday evenings through May and into early June, providing students with extra support ahead of upcoming college entrance exams.
The one-hour sessions focus on the English portions of the SAT, including reading comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, context clues, and grammar skills.
Library Director Joshua Humphrey said the program has seen a positive response since launching earlier this year.
“As far as the SAT Prep classes go, they have been good so far,” Humphrey said. “We signed up a dozen kids, but generally we’ve had attendance of about eight or nine each week. The students that do come seem to be very appreciative and very complimentary of our instructor, Jonathan Blevis.”
Humphrey said classes will continue through the beginning of June before pausing for the summer. In addition to the in-person program, the library also offers printed test-preparation materials and online databases through its website.
Helping Students Compete
Private SAT prep programs can range from about $600 to more than $3,000, depending on class size, materials and one-on-one instruction. Many families view score improvements as a pathway to stronger college admissions chances and merit scholarships.
According to FamilyEducation.com, average SAT score increases after additional study are typically around 60 to 70 points, though some students improve by 150 to 300 points.
Blevis, who teaches the free classes, said the idea grew out of seeing families struggle to access affordable academic support.
“After hearing many parents struggle with being able to assist their kids with the exam and being unable to afford a quality tutor, we wanted to find a way to personally benefit Kearny students,” Blevis said.
Blevis, a Kearny homeowner raising his family in town, said expanding educational opportunities for students is personal.
“It matters to us that Kearny families are supported, regardless of income,” he said. “We want students to have the best chance at success going into college.”
Plans for Future Programs
Organizers hope the success of the SAT classes could lead to additional free workshops at the library, including ACT preparation, college application assistance, admissions essay writing and scholarship application guidance.
Humphrey said continued community interest and participation will help determine future offerings.
Upcoming SAT Prep Schedule
All classes are held Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m.:
- April 27
- May 4
- May 11
- May 18
- June 1
For more information, students and families can contact the Kearny Public Library.
