Who are The Grade Gurus?
The Grade Gurus are Lake Zurich High School students who offer mentoring for Lake Zurich, IL middle school students. To find out more information or schedule a session, e-mail us or call Kristen at 847-917-0837 or Jeff at 847-337-3828.
Our Mentors
Kristen Extrom
Kristen is 18 years old and a freshman at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she was accepted to their elite Business Honors program. She is also a James Scholar and is double majoring in Accounting and Management-International Business. A life-long resident of Lake Zurich, she previously attended Charles Quentin Elementary School, Lake Zurich Middle School South, and Lake Zurich High School. She was involved in a variety of activities in the community including the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, student council, National Honor Society and peer ministry at St. Francis de Sales Parish.
Kristen was a member of the Lake Zurich Girls Varsity tennis team and enjoys playing the piano. She also tutored 4th and 5th graders at Seth Paine Elementary School through the STARS program. Other accomplishments include placing 4th in a marketing event at the 2008 FBLA-PBL Northern Area competition, placing 1st in the Emerging Business Issues event at the 2008 FBLA-PBL State competition, as well as becoming a Top 12 Finalist in the Emerging Business Issues event at the 2008 FBLA- PBL National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Her team recently placed 1st in the Business Ethics event at the 2009 FBLA-PBL Northern Area competition, 2nd in Business Ethics at the 2009 State competition, and 6th at the 2009 National Leadership Conference. She also placed 1st in Management Decision Making at the 2010 Northern Area competition and 9th place in Management Decision Making at the 2010 State competition.
Kristen has also attended Catholic HEART Work Camp for the past 3 summers, traveling to places such as Dayton, Ohio and Champaign, Illinois. Kristen challenges herself every day by taking Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors courses at the high school. She has been on the High Honor Roll every quarter since 6th grade. While math was her toughest subject growing up, it is now her favorite class of the day. She understands the importance of working hard in school and knows the dedication it takes to succeed in challenging courses.
Contact Kristen at kristen@TheGradeGurus.com.
Jeff Simnick
Jeff is 18 years old and a freshman at the University of Chicago majoring in Economics. He has also attended Charles Quentin Elementary School, Lake Zurich Middle School South, and Lake Zurich High School. He was involved in many extracurricular activities through the high school and community, including the STARS program, where he tutored 4th and 5th graders at Seth Paine Elementary School in many subjects.
As former president of Habitat for Humanity, Jeff has organized fundraising events among other things. He was also a member of the Peer Jury in Lake Zurich and Kildeer, STAND/Interact Club, Environmental Awareness Club, Junior Class Board, the National Honor Society, Young Entrepreneurs Academy, and Science Club. He was also an officer for the Future Business Leaders of America, a chair for student council and Cultural Celebration Week. With the science club, Jeff placed at the JETS competition. His team also placed 2nd at the 2008 Accounting Competition at the College of Lake County. He also placed at the 2009 FBLA-PBL Northern Area competition. He als also competed at the national level for the Future Business Leaders of America the last two years.
Jeff was valedictorian of his graduating class and has a passion for learning that he wants to share with others. Many teachers and community leaders can attest to his drive to excel, leadership skills, responsibility and mature behavior. Jeff would be an excellent tutor for any middle school student looking for extra help in school, or who would like study strategies and tips from a successful high school student.
Contact Jeff at jeff@TheGradeGurus.com.
Our Approach
The Grade Gurus offers an innovative approach to tutoring for Lake Zurich, Illinois middle school students. We provide quality tutoring services at a reasonable price. Our perspective as Lake Zurich High School students allows us to better communicate and relate with middle school students.
As successful high school students, we feel passionately about motivating younger students to do well in school, and the importance of encouraging them to reach their full potential. Not only do we provide tutoring services for general subjects, we also help with study skills, preparing for a test, selecting high school courses, organizational skills and tips for high school success.
If you are looking for a better way to help your child succeed in school, The Grade Gurus may be just what you have been looking for! To find out more information or schedule a session, e-mail us or call Kristen at 847-917-0837 or Jeff at 847-337-3828.