ABOUT US

We are educators, parents, and students who are passionate about helping all students reach their educational goals.

WHAT ARE WE:
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

Wendi has been a local educator in Santa Barbara for close to 30 years. She is a Teacher, College Counselor, Education Consultant, and Academic Coach who relates well to students of all ages. She attended Syracuse University and received a BS in Nutrition/Restaurant Mgmt, and some years later received her Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State, Northridge.

After 17 years teaching at Roosevelt School in Santa Barbara, she took over the California Learning Center (CLC) and has expanded its tutoring services to guide students and families through the academic and college process.

Wendi received certification with distinction as an independent education consultant through UCLA Extension, has visited over 100 colleges throughout the US and Canada, and gives presentations to high school-aged students and their families. When she has time,  she writes a blog that deals with issues that appeal to families with children, teens and young adults. She is also an associate member of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) and HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association), both professional associations for educational consultants who specialize in assisting families with college admissions planning.

She is passionate about teaching and feels that all children can work to their full potential with the right tools and support. In her free time, Wendi enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.

MARY KELLY, Admin/Tutor

Mary Kelly graduated from Brooklyn College with a B.A. in Fine Arts and a minor in Spanish. She has years of administrative experience and enjoys working with Wendi to keep CLC’s clients informed of the many educational services offered. Mary also loves Spanish and sharing her knowledge with others.

EMERSON PIZZINAT, Tutor

Emerson was born and raised in Santa Barbara, and graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Political Science. In his free time, he enjoys playing beach volleyball and attending concerts. Emerson tutors SAT/ACT and math and science to both junior and high school students.

JACKSON STEVENS, Tutor

Raised in Santa Barbara, Jackson Stevens is an avid surfer, traveler, and ponderer of the phenomena of the universe. Jackson graduated from Santa Barbara High in ‘06 and went on to obtain a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah. After 5 years of working as an engineer and exploring Central America, Indonesia, and South Africa, he decided to pursue a Masters in Education from UCSB. With seven years of experience as a science and math educator, Jackson is now a teacher and sports coach at Bishop Garcia Diego, where he teaches AP Physics 1, CP Physics, Astronomy, and Algebra BC.

WHITNEY WOLFSOHN, Tutor

I’m Whitney Wolfsohn, one of the tutors here at CLC. I graduated from UCSB with a BA in English and then went on to earn my teaching credential from Cal State, Los Angeles. I have been an elementary teacher for a combined 24 years, in both public and private school settings, working with grades pre-K through 5th. In my free time I enjoy hiking, cooking, and traveling — especially road trips! I love working with students to help them access all aspects of the curriculum.

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