Westside Tutoring & Testing Services

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Introduction: I work with all of my students one-on-one and face-to-face, and my students excel. When we part, my students come away with the knowledge and the study/time management skills that will last a lifetime. Please read the testimonials here, on Google, and on my website. Many students struggle with test-taking in general, and others struggle with the difficulties they face as a consequence of online or hybrid learning. Whatever your child needs, I can help. Westside Tutoring & Testing Services has been rated one of the top tutoring and test preparation services in Northern Ohio by CBS Online. Over the last 41 years, I have helped hundreds of students earn top 1-2% (98-99th percentile) scores on the ISEE, SSAT, HSPT, PSAT, PLAN (practice ACT), ACT, SAT (old & new), SAT Subject Tests, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, ASVAB, MCAT, and other high school, college/university, and graduate/professional school admissions examinations, as well as a myriad of work-related proficiency examinations. My “job” is to work myself out of a job. In other words, my “job” is to teach my students how to stand on their own as quickly and effectively as possible. I love what I do and the students I work with. I hesitate to call my job a “calling,” but that's how I feel about it—it’s a calling. I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life. While I routinely work with students who have been diagnosed with learning difficulties, including ADD, ADHD, Asperger's syndrome, dyslexia and related reading difficulties, auditory and visual processing disorders, and many others, I accept all students. I also help students who struggle with test anxiety, study skills-related issues, time management challenges, and the like. The results of our Gifted Students Program and Twice-Exceptional Programs are second-to-none. NOTE: Westside Tutoring & Testing Services is back to face-to-face, one-on-one sessions. That said, for students who require online tutoring, we will continue to offer one-on-one, online test preparation, and academic tutoring via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom, primarily Zoom. Enrollment is limited, so contact me ASAP. I never take on more than 10-12 students at any one time, but I will do my best to make room for a student who really needs my help. Whatever you decide, let’s talk before you make a final decision. I’m sure you will find your time well-spent. I am proud of my track record and my students' long list of achievements—in and out of the classroom—from Secret Service Agents to teachers, professors, physicians, attorneys, engineers, accountants, CEOs, CFOs, small business people, and many, many more. The success of Westside Tutoring & Testing Services’ academic tutoring and test preparation course students fuels my determination to help even more students succeed. Nothing I do provides greater satisfaction than watching my students succeed, regardless of the student's current level or the subject matter involved. Contact me, John P. J. "Jack" Zajaros, Sr., Ph.D., for a FREE in-person consultation and assessment.

Overview

Hired 28 times

Background checked

3 employees

44 years in business

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This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, and PayPal.

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Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Exceptional 5.0

22 reviews

100%

Deidrea O.

Apr 9, 2018

Hired on Thumbtack

Details: 11th grade • English • Math • Reading • Science • Writing • Not yet scheduled • Evening (after 6pm) • Late afternoon (3pm - 6pm) • Morning (9am - noon) • Early afternoon (noon - 3pm) • Evening (after 6pm) • Late afternoon (3pm - 6 pm) • Within the next 1 - 2 weeks • $71 - $100 per hour • Ready to hire the right teacher now • The ACT tutor travels to me

ACT Tutoring

Elizabeth A.

Jul 7, 2017

We decided to use Westside Tutoring (Jack- AKA Professor Z) based on a phenomenal review given by a work colleague's sister. Her son had gone to Jack for tutoring and increased his score considerably. He was ultimately accepted by his number one college choice and they gave me his contact information. I knew that I was going to need to look into tutoring for my daughter Lauren and I wanted something individualized as opposed to a large class setting or internet based service. Lauren is an excellent student and receives great grades. However, she is not very good with timed tests, and would become overly anxious. Moreover, some of her scores were surprisingly lower than anticipated based on her normal schoolwork/grades. I enlisted the help of Professor Z at the end of January 2017. He came to our home, met with us and laid out the plan. We felt very comfortable with the wealth of knowledge he had regarding the various tests (ACT, SAT etc.) as well as the methodology he would utilize to help Lauren learn HOW to take the ACT test, the clues to look for, the ability to pick up speed (a problem for Lauren was taking too much time). From January thru the start of June, Professor Z worked with Lauren 2-3 times weekly. She would further be given timed testing and simulated ACT's. We decided that June would be our final test and worked the timeline to meet this date. I am so impressed with Jack's work, the rigor of study and the care he gave Lauren. She was treated like a family member and he worked around her difficult schedule. Lauren improved her scores in EVERY subject with considerable increases. English and Math increased by 4 points, Science 3 points and Reading by a whopping 10 POINTS!!!! Reading was the area we had the largest concern-based on her low score- it seemed that she could not finish the sections and then didn't overly comprehend what was needed. Jack taught her what was needed for speed, comprehension and how to select the correct answers. Overall composite score increase of 5 points!! I cannot say enough about Professor Z, he is really wonderful and I would highly recommend!!! Elizabeth Aguirre, mom of Lauren Vajentic Avon High School.

Karen K.

Sep 11, 2017

Where to begin....utilizing a tutor wasn't on our minds for the standardized tests for college. Fortunately my daughter didnt fall into a category that we felt it would be necessary. However, when she took her first pass at the SAT her junior year in high school, she found timing her responses on this test properly and recalling her math from years prior were holding her back from her potential. From here, my mind opened to the option of considering a tutor. I let my daughter help make the decision as well, as it would be an investment. I have heard countless stories of putting good money after bad, and I didn't want to find myself and my daughters efforts on the short end of that stick.... Then comes Professor Z & Westside Tutoring Services........ Through a little online research, my gut and a personal friend's positive experience (after a few weeks of her high schooler working with Prof Z) we asked him to consider tutoring our daughter. I found him as delightful in person as in his referrals online... Once in awhile in life, you find that person who has a true passion for what they do....& makes sure not only THEY succeed but those people around them do....this is Prof Z. He leaves little to chance. He has created a pretty fool proof way of approaching tutoring that will allow your students true potential to come through in results. It is efficient, focused, and worth every dime. His family is a beacon of kindness and support. I would (and have) told anyone considering tutoring to be extremely careful. Don't waste money on questionable tutors....it's not something to gamble with. After Prof Z's tutoring for 3-4 months and my daughter's hard work, she achieved her personal goal of a 1560 on her SAT. She even left this second go around of the test happy and cautiously confident. Who does that at these painful 3 hour sittings?! Thank you Prof Z....proving to my college bound daughter that hard work pays off. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us, and to all the lucky community of students who cross your path......

Jeff W.

Aug 3, 2018

Our son Connor had taken the Feb 2018 ACT after attending a 4 week (one day per week) general ACT prep course. He scored a 24 composite on the first attempt. I knew with the proper care and guidance that he was capable of performing at a higher level so I did some online research and found Professor Z of Westside Tutoring & Testing Services based on proximity to our location and search results. I decided to read through some of the sites testimonials and lo and behold there is a photo of Professor Z with his most recent ACT tutoring class including one of the students who is a long time family friend. Interestingly enough her parents and I had several conversations about this amazing person that their daughter was getting ACT testing help from. At the time I never really looked into it as Connor graduates the year after. Anyway, there she was in the photo proudly displayed on WTTS Outstanding students of 2016-17. I immediately texted our friends to hear more about Prof Z and their experience. After hearing all of the great things they had to say coupled with the very positive testimonials on the website, it was a no brainer to schedule a visit with Jack (Prof Z). We had our first visit and discussion with Jack in early April, 2018 as we wanted Connor to take the June ACT and then also the test in July depending on the June results. The visit was at Jacks home in his office - where all the ACT prep magic happens Prof Z was very pleasant and covered the entire process with us. He answered all of our questions and we walked away from the meeting feeling very sure that Connor was in good hands with his ACT prep. Jack took over from there and I have to say that he has found his true niche in life. Jack kept this process very organized considering the numerous students he has and their constantly changing and demanding schedules. The communication and organization requirements alone are a full time job. Jack handled it seamlessly. He always made Connor (and us) feel like he was his top priority and made every effort to schedule Connor around his other activities (2 sports, work, school etc..) while juggling the same for 10-12 other students! Amazing ! OK so onto the good stuff!...Connor tested on the ACT 3 times with results as follows: Test # English Math Reading Science Composite Feb-18 24 24 22 24 24 Jun-18 23 23 26 29 25 Jul-18 32 24 30 27 28 Superscore 32 24 30 29 29 The Feb test was prior to Prof Z instruction. June test prep focused on Reading and Science, knowing we were also taking the July test. We cant say enough praise about Prof Z – we are extremely pleased with our sons results. We are thankful for Jacks hard work and commitment to helping Connor and all the other kids that he supports. Jack executes well and his results are far above expectations. Connor is extremely excited and we are very proud and happy for him. Connor says he may make one last attempt at the ACT to see if he can raise the Math score and possibly go above a 30, but we’ll see. Jack tells Connor he can do it and tells him he is capable of great things! Just one of Jacks great qualities! Encouragement=great results WOW ..Reading and english 8 pts increase each, science 3-5 pts increase. Thank you Jack! - Maya and Jeff Walsh, Avon, Ohio Note: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree..Jacks Daughter Kayleigh helps her Dad with the business side and is extremely helpful, pleasant and professional, just like her father. What a great team they make and a pleasure to work with!

Sean B.

Oct 9, 2020

Thank you, Jack. You cannot begin to imagine how grateful our entire family is for the growth and confidence you have inspired in Conor. When we first came to you it was for help in preparing him for the standardized tests, but you led him in ways that we could not have foreseen. With your guidance he has figured out so much more than the preparation for the ACT and SAT, he has figured out what it means to be prepared for his school responsibilities and the time management demands those responsibilities need. He has completely turned himself around in school while and the same time did remarkably well on both his ACT and SAT. We had been trying in vain to get him to see that light for years, but after six months with you we are blessed with an entirely different student, and for that we have you to thank!!! His confidence has grown and as a result his grades have dramatically improved. You have proven yourself a great leader and an excellent instructor, and for everything you have done for Conor, and for our entire family, thank you Jack, you are the best!!!

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John Zajaros

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We never turn students away. If the desire and the proper chemistry are there, we find a way to make it work. This is all we do, and we have been rated as one of Cleveland's "Best." We only take on a handful of students at any one time, but we do our best to make sure no one is turned away for financial reasons. Our students come first, always!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Once contacted, we set up a free consultation and assessment as soon as possible. Right from the start, our primary objective is to make sure we can help the prospective student excel. Once we meet, discuss the prospective student's goals, the timeframe we have to work with, and whether or not we have the right chemistry to work together, we set up a one-on-one program of instruction tailored to meet our new student's goals and requirements. We don't waste time! The sooner we begin, the sooner our students can move on with the rest of their lives. Ultimately, our job is to succeed in helping our students become successful and independent, thus eliminating the need for our services.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Westside Tutoring & Testing Services (WTTS) was founded by ex-university professor, National Science Foundation (NSF) Doctoral Fellow, and National Geographic-funded expedition member/researcher John P. J. "Jack" Zajaros, Sr, Ph.D. Professor Z has also been inducted into the Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology; Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society; and, the Golden Key International Honour Society. Professor Z has been helping the students of NE Ohio overcome their learning difficulties and achieve their academic-related goals for more than three decades (38 years). WTTS offers PhD-level, one-on-one tutoring in all subjects, at all levels. Westside Tutoring & Testing Services also offers high school, college, and graduate/professional school entrance examination preparation (ACT, SAT, GRE, LSAT, etc), along with academic and work-related proficiency test preparation.

Westside Tutoring & Testing Services

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