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 35 years, serving as a teacher, college counselor, academic coach, and education consultant.
A graduate of Syracuse University with a B.S. in Nutrition and Restaurant Management, she later completed extensive coursework in early childhood development at SBCC before earning her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State Northridge. After 17 years teaching at Roosevelt School, Wendi took over the California Learning Center Santa Barbara (CLC), a well-established tutoring center, expanding its tutoring and test prep services to include college and career advising for students at every stage of their academic journey. She earned her Independent Educational Consulting certification with distinction from UCLA Extension, has visited over 125 colleges across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and is a member of Western Association for College Admission Counseling. She frequently presents to high school students and families on academic planning and the college process.
Wendi connects easily with students of all ages and backgrounds and is passionate about helping each one reach their full potential with the right tools and support.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, photography, reading, and spending 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.
JORDI CASTIL, Tutor
Jordi is currently studying Physics at UCSB, having previously earned her Associate’s degree in Physics from SBCC. With several years of experience tutoring Calculus and Physics, Jordi brings both knowledge to every session. As a former Math Club president, she loves inspiring curiosity and confidence in her students. Fascinated by astrophysics, Jordi enjoys connecting big scientific ideas to real-world experiences to spark excitement and understanding.
JEN GRIFFITH, Teacher
Jen Griffith is the founder of Eco-Wonder Workshop and a fourth-generation educator guided by three core values: lifelong learning, building community, and a deep appreciation for the nature that surrounds us. A proud UCSB Gaucho, Jen feels most at home near the ocean. She has spent over 40 years teaching swimming and 16 years as a public school teacher, helping young learners grow through hands-on, curiosity-driven experiences in all subjects. She is a book lover who daily plays word games, and enjoys the challenges of repurposing to help the environment. Jen even makes giant bubbles! She is constantly looking at the world through a photographic eye, listening to music, trying to play the ukulele, cooking & eating great food, volunteering for Santa Barbara community events, and traveling to warm, sunny places..
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.
