ABOUT US
We are educators, parents, and students who are passionate about helping all students reach their educational goals.
WHAT ARE WE:
EDUCATION EXPERTS
EDUCATION EXPERTS
We are a full-service tutoring and test prep center. Our goal is to help students achieve and be successful with their academics and in life. We focus on all academic subjects, as well as time management and organizational skills, in a positive, encouraging environment!
Hands-On Tutors; A Supportive Environment; A Well-Equipped Facility
All of our tutors specialize in different areas. We match the students with the right tutor to best meet their needs. We invite everyone to visit the Center and get a sense of what we are about. All of our tutoring is done on site or via Skype.
We have a full lending library from preschool through adults. We have a resource library for parents, too. We are equipped with the latest technology and Apple TV.
It’s not just about the academics, it’s also about feeling good about yourself. We coach students of all ages to be the best they can be. We promote reading in every way possible and work on improving writing skills. We also offer summer camps, programs, workshops for parents and families on a range of programs, such as creating a 4-year plan for high school, navigating the college process, financial aid, how to help your student study, and how to be better organized.
At California Learning Center, we are hands-on and provide support in homework. We also follow the Common Core Standards which are now being implemented in grades K-12 in all local public schools.
Our standardized test prep uses the best materials to help motivated students prepare and improve their test scores by building confidence and getting the practice they need.
Our summer camps are academic, interactive, and creative in a fun and engaging way.
WHO WE ARE
WENDI OSTROFF, Owner and Educator
Wendi has been an educator in Santa Barbara for over 30 years, serving as a teacher, college counselor, academic coach, and education consultant. She connects easily with students of all ages and backgrounds. A graduate of Syracuse University with a B.S. in Nutrition and Restaurant Management, she later earned her Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State Northridge.
After 17 years teaching at Roosevelt School, Wendi took over the California Learning Center (CLC), expanding its tutoring and college advising services. She holds certification with distinction in independent educational consulting from UCLA Extension and has visited over 125 colleges across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. She frequently presents to high school students and families on academic and college planning and is a proud associate member of both IECA and WACAC.
Wendi is passionate about helping students reach their full potential with the right tools and support. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, photography, reading, and time with her family.
EMERSON PIZZINAT, Tutor
Emerson was born and raised in Santa Barbara and is proud to call it home. He graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Political Science and has been tutoring students in a wide range of subjects for several years. Emerson specializes in math and science and provides targeted support for middle and high school students preparing for the SAT/ACT. Outside of tutoring, Emerson enjoys playing beach volleyball, spending time outdoors, and going to live music events whenever he can.
AMANDA TAPIA, Admin/Teacher
CLC’s latest newcomer to the team, Amanda brings over 20 years of experience in education, from curriculum development and classroom teaching to administration and homeschooling. She has worked with children from preschool through age 12, creating supportive, engaging learning environments that foster curiosity and confidence. A proud member and strong supporter of the Heartland community, she now lives locally with her husband and two children and loves being part of a town that values learning and connection.
