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Empowering students for success
As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, Livius Prep continues to evolve rapidly to meet the needs of students around the world. Livius Prep offers various online and in-person academic support programs for elementary, middle, and high school students as well as test preparation and college counseling for soon-to-be graduates. The company has programs that cover preparation for the SAT, ACT, ISEE, SSAT, AP, GRE, and state standardized testing. It also offers academic support and college counseling services. It now partners with businesses to offer its services as an employee benefit. Once an all-in-person company, Livius Prep now sees 60 percent of its students online. CEO Kristi Davin is pleased with the shift.
“It’s exciting,” Davin explained. “Being online has allowed us to hire tutors in 52 jurisdictions across the country. We can now expand our diversity of perspectives and experience. We also get to reach families that may not have the resources we have here in Massachusetts.
Davin joined Livius in 2017 and soon saw an unexpected challenge to her company’s very existence; COVID-19 struck, and suddenly, the education world shifted online. The company had to rethink how it did business. “It’s easy to get stuck in the ‘this is how it’s always been done’ mindset,” Davin said. “Instead, you have to remain agile and aware and be prepared to evolve no matter what the world throws at you.”
The changes came with some challenges. One such example was getting textbooks to other countries like Kenya. Livius Prep created partnerships with people who specialize in developing solutions to solve that need and many others. Livius Prep has also undertaken a partnership program with independent, charter, private, and public school districts and educational foundations across the country. The goal is to empower students with the skills and confidence they need to overcome the challenges they will face in the future.
Davin explained that education and college readiness require a “long burn approach,” taking the total view of a student’s education. “We work with students and their families to set their goals. We develop a plan and implement the tutoring and guidance strategies that will help every student get where they need to be,” Davin said. “Helping younger students master the skills needed to be successful in middle school, high school and beyond is very important. It starts with learning good habits early. This sets them up for the brightest possible future.”
As for the company’s namesake, the company turned to an ancient inspiration. “We believe Livius was the first public school teacher in history,” explained Davin. “He was a Roman slave and worked for the wealthy nobles, teaching their children. Once he obtained his freedom, he opened a public school and took all of his knowledge and brought it out to everybody who needed a good education, but may not have the funds to pay for a private educator. “We want to follow in Livius’ path by reaching all students and changing the accessibility of quality education for as many families as we can,” said Davin.
Livius Prep continues to expand its reach and has begun partnering with for profit and nonprofit companies to offer tutoring services as an employee benefit. It also supports community events, educational organizations such as METCO and families in need. “Whether we’re working online or in person, with an individual or with a school group, the student comes first,” said Davin. “We are thrilled to be a part of their preparatory experience.”
Livius Prep offers in-person tutoring at its Newton and Lexington locations in addition to its online work.
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