On January 16, and January 18, the Boston Latin School Student Council hosted finals tutoring sessions for high school and middle school students.

The program matched student tutors who were strong in certain subjects with others seeking help in those areas. Tutors were awarded community service hours, and all homeroom representatives were informed about the opportunity by email. The event was advertised in the Daily Bulletin and in the school lobby throughout the week’s lunch periods. The Student Council hoped to provide support to anyone struggling academically, especially those less familiar with the many resources available at BLS.

William Yu (IV) tutored some of the middle schoolers and explains that the program was both beneficial for the younger students and an interesting experience for him: “I learned that some of the students knew how to solve a category of problems, but the teachers didn’t explain it in a way that they understood.”

Rayne Valentine (IV) took on a new role by planning out exercises, finding areas that tutees needed more practice with and engaging students in the session. She agrees with Yu on how to approach tutoring. “I asked them what they personally struggled most with and what they wanted help with, as opposed to trying to teach them how to do things the way I saw best.” 

Valentine added that it was helpful to have taken the courses that she was helping with, so matching older tutors to younger students was essential. Since the tutors have often undergone a similar learning process as their tutees, they can better relate to the students’ struggles and help them overcome challenges.

BLS Deitch Leadership Institute director Mr. Jim Levesque states, “[Peer tutors are particularly helpful because] they allow students to develop a higher level of topic comprehension in preparation of being a tutor, and they create a sense of community in the building.”

Finals week is often the most stressful period for BLS students, with heavily-weighted tests in almost every subject. As a final exam can determine one’s grade for the term, many students are grateful to find support, whether from teacher office hours or tutoring options.

While BLS is known for its academic rigor, programs such as the McCarthy Institute have developed in recent years to aid students. Any tutoring service has challenges including creating an environment that facilitates cooperation, advertising to as many students as possible and finding willing tutors. Mr. Levesque continues, “This was a strong pilot. Student Council will discuss […] how we can strengthen this program in preparation for term three finals.”