12 Influential Women in Education

Women have often led the charge for improving education throughout the world. Today, we benefit from the ground-breaking ideas and resilience that women have brought to the education sector, but their ideas were not always so widely accepted.

One of the many things we can learn from female pioneers in education is that you should never give up on your ideas. From Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy for teaching preschool to Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s lasting legacy on the Supreme Court, we see that these women had to overcome great obstacles and opposition when advocating for a better education system.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we highlight these 12 influential women in education and celebrate their work to build and improve the education system we rely on today.

Patsy Mink

“We have to build things that we want to see accomplished, in life and in our country, based on our own personal experiences… to make sure that others… do not have to suffer the same discrimination.”

Patsy Takemoto Mink, Congresswoman

Patsy Takemoto Mink, J.D., was best known as the first woman of color to be elected to Congress. In her 12 terms, she campaigned for women’s rights and equal pay, Title IX, and focused on many issues affecting Asian and Pacific Americans.

Before her involvement in politics, Mink applied to many medical schools with her degree in chemistry and zoology. But all of them rejected her. However, she did not give up on pursuing an advanced degree, and the University of Chicago’s law school later accepted her. After graduating, she returned to Hawaii and started her own law practice. She held many local positions in Hawaii before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1965.

During her political career, Mink advocated for women’s rights. For example, she advocated for Title IX, which prevented sexual discrimination in federally-funded institutions like public universities and broadened athletic opportunities for women. Furthermore, Title IX provided $30 million every year in educational funds for programs that promoted gender equality, increased job opportunities for women, and fought gender stereotypes in school curriculum.

Mink served on the Committee on Education and Labor and made it her life-long mission to reduce gender bias in education and the workforce. In addition, she wrote bills for children in need and found success in getting them passed.

Quote Source: Speech, National Association for Student Affairs, Atlanta, May 1972

Malala Yousufzai

“One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world.”

Malala Yousufzai, Activist

Malala was born in Pakistan to two loving parents. While having a child is a celebration, in Pakistan having a girl is often not. However, her father Ziauddin was determined to provide Malala with the love and care she deserved.

Ziauddin believed that women deserved access to education. He ran an all-girls school in her village that gave girls the opportunity to live, laugh, and learn. Despite her father’s unique approach, Malala still faced many challenges in her country. In 2008, the Taliban began banning many things, including education for girls.

On Malala’s way home from school in 2012, a member of the Taliban boarded her bus and shot her on the left side of the head. She was immediately rushed to the hospital and woke up 10 days later in England. She had to go through extensive surgeries and rehab, but once she recovered, she joined her family in their new home abroad. It was here that she found her purpose.

After experiencing this hardship, Malala, along with her father, established the “Malala Fund”, which championed girls’ and women’s rights to an education. Her efforts earned her a Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, making her the youngest person to ever achieve this.

In 2018, Malala started studying philosophy, politics, and economics at the University of Oxford, while still traveling to meet girls affected by wars, poverty, and child marriage. She graduated in 2020 during the pandemic and continues to fight for girls’ education all over the world.

Quote Source: I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban.

Michelle Obama

“I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong. So don't be afraid—you hear me, young people? Don't be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered. Empower yourselves with a good education, then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise. Lead by example with hope, never fear.”

Michelle Obama - First Lady of the U.S.

First Lady Michelle Obama, J.D., grew up on the south side of Chicago. Her father was a pump operator fighting multiple sclerosis who worked hard to save money for her to go to college. Her mother was a stay-at-home parent taking care of her and her older brother Craig.

Because of her parents’ support, Michelle went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at Princeton University and her J.D. from Harvard Law School. She met President Barack Obama in 1988 when she returned to Chicago to join the firm of Sidley Austin. They married in 1992.

In 1996, Michelle joined the University of Chicago as an associate dean of student services. There she developed the university’s first community service program. Later in 2002, she went to work for the university’s medical center. In 2005, she became the vice president of community and external affairs.

As the First Lady of the United States, Michelle worked to improve various areas of the education sector, ranging from advocating for more school counselors to leading the initiative for better school lunches.

In 2008, as the first black first lady, Michelle set out to improve America’s youth. She started her “Let’s Move!” program in an effort to fight child obesity. In other words, she worked with a team of educators, parents, and elected officials to bring healthy and affordable food to underprivileged communities and provide better spaces to encourage students to be more active.

During President Obama’s second term, Michelle worked with the Reach Higher Initiative to help students find job opportunities, education, and life skills needed to achieve their goals. She encouraged young people to continue their education after high school.

In 2021, Michelle announced that she is “moving towards retirement.” She still gives back through her work with the Obama Foundation. The Obamas created this non-profit to further various missions, including better educational opportunities for women and people of color.

Quote Source: Final Speech as First Lady of the United States

Ayesha Jalal

“Knowing one’s history is to clarify one’s sense of identity and one’s location in the world… I think if one is better attuned with one’s own history, has studied it, then some of the questions that one asks that become regarded as a crisis of identity are in fact answered.”

Ayesha Jalal - Historian, Professor

Ayesha Jalal, Ph.D., was born in 1956 in Lahore, Pakistan. At the age of 14, she moved to New York when her father was appointed to the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations. She went on to earn her bachelor’s in history and political science from Wellesley College and her doctorate in history from Trinity College at the University of Cambridge.

Jalal has held many fellowships, such as Fellow of the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars and Academy Scholar at Harvard University’s Academy for International and Area Studies. She later taught as a professor at Columbia University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Harvard University, and Pakistan’s Lahore University of Management Sciences.

Above all, Jalal is known for her written works that focus on telling the history of South Asia. Her writing primarily focuses on British India and the creation of Pakistan and the transfers of power from the partition of India and Pakistan. She often writes about the role of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, who was the leader of the All-India Muslim League.

Today, Jalal is the Mary Richardson Professor of History at Tufts University, teaching courses such as Islam and the West and Contemporary South Asia. She has written numerous books, including “The Struggle of Pakistan”, “The Sole Spokesman”, “The Pity of Partition, Democracy and Authoritarianism in South Asia”.

Maya Angelou

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”

Maya Angelou - Poet, Actor, Civil Rights Activist

Maya Angelou was born in 1928 in St. Louis. Her childhood was full of hardship. She experienced racial injustices and discrimination when she was growing up in St. Louis and Arkansas. As a result of a traumatic personal experience, she was mute for almost five years.

During these five years of silence, Angelou developed a love for reading and gained a keen ability to observe and listen to those around her. Years later, Angelou said that she was able to regain her ability to speak after working closely with a teacher and close friend to their family, Mrs. Bertha Flowers.

During World War II, Angelou moved to San Francisco to study dance and acting at the California Labor School. Angelou even became the first black female cable car conductor for a short time. Her career skyrocketed in the mid 1950s as she landed a role in a touring production of “Porgy and Bess.” Later, she performed in the off-Broadway production “Calypso Heat Wave”. Angelou earned a Tony award nomination for her performance in the play “Look Away” in 1973 and an Emmy Award nomination in 1977 for her work on the television miniseries “Roots”.

Angelou had an incredible number of accomplishments and experiences. In the 1950s, she was a member of the Harlem Writers Guild through which she worked with many influential black authors and artists. In addition, she met black author James Baldwin on a trip to Paris, sparking a life-long friendship. After that, she spent most of the 1960s abroad in Egypt and Ghana working as a freelance writer where she met Malcolm X. In 1964, Angelou helped Malcolm X form his “Organization of Afro-American Unity”, which disbanded after his assassination.

Angelou had a vast number of accomplishments throughout her life. Above all, we remember her for her powerful poetry and unwavering spirit. Soon after the death of Martin Luther King, Jr., Angelou wrote her autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, earning her international recognition and shaking the hearts of millions.

Her 1971 collection “Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Die” was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. During her life, she wrote 36 books, and her other best-selling works include these:

“Oh Pray My Wings Are Gonna Fit Me Well” (1975)
“And I Still Rise” (1978)
“I Shall Not Be Moved” (1990)
“Even the Stars Look Lonesome” (1997)

Angelou performed her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at Former President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993. She later won a Grammy for the audio version of the poem. She wrote “His Day Is Done” in 1962 as a tribute to Nelson Mandela and “Amazing Peace” in 2005 for the White House tree lighting ceremony.

She continued to inspire others for the rest of her life. Angelou passed away in 2014 at her home in North Carolina. Many celebrities such as President Barack Obama made statements and attended her funeral. In May 2021, it was announced that Angelou will be one of the first women to be commemorated on the new series of quarters printed by the U.S. Mint, alongside many other influential female leaders.

Maria Montessori

“Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire ‘to make him learn things,’ but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called the intelligence.”

Maria Montessori - Innovator in Early Childhood Education

“Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire ‘to make him learn things,’ but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called the intelligence.” – Dr. Maria Montessori, Spontaneous Activity in Education

Dr. Maria Montessori was born in Italy on August 31, 1870. In 1876, Maria enrolled in a state school, and as her education progressed, she broke many barriers faced by women at the time.

After graduating, Montessori was determined to become a doctor. Her father opposed this because medicine was an all-male field. She was refused admission but did not give up. In 1890, she enrolled at the University of Rome to study physics, mathematics, and natural sciences. Through these courses, she earned a doctoral degree, qualifying her for medical school in 1893.

In medical school, she faced discrimination for being a woman. It was deemed inappropriate for her to examine men’s bodies in class, so she worked alone at night, practicing solely on cadavers after normal class hours. In 1896, she earned her doctor of medicine, becoming one of the first female doctors in Italy.

In 1896, Montessori went to work as a surgical assistant at the Santo Spirito Hospital in Rome. Most of her work was with the poor and their patients. She was praised by many for her kindness.

Her experiences in Rome’s asylums helped shape her teaching methods when she opened her own schools. She established her first “Casa dei Bambini” which translates to Children’s House. Her teaching methods helped students stay engaged and teach themselves. Montessori coined the term “auto-learning” to describe her methods. Her school was a tremendous success, and soon five-year-old children were reading and writing. By 1908, she had opened five schools throughout Rome and Milan.

After this success, Montessori decided to take her teachings to India. She taught many new students in Madras. Together with her son Mario, they trained over 1500 Indian teachers and inspired countless others. As a result of her work, she received a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. During her time in India, she met influential leaders Mahatma Gandhi, former prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru, and poet Rabindranath Tagore.

She spent the rest of her life spreading her teachings to countries around the world, including the U.S. Today, students around the world still benefit from Montessori’s ground-breaking philosophies.

Ruth Bader Ginsberg

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

Ruth Bader Ginsberg - Supreme Court Justice

Ruth Bader Ginsberg, J.D., was born on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York to a middle class family. Her mother was a big influence in her life, teaching her the importance of education despite not going to college herself.

Ginsberg earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University finishing first in her class. When she graduated, she married a fellow law student. Soon after her daughter was born, her husband was drafted. After he was discharged, the family moved to Cambridge, MA, where Ginsburg attended Harvard Law School.

At Harvard, Ginsberg was one of eight women in her class of over 500. With her hard work, she defied the comments made by her classmates and dean. She also became the first female member of the prestigious Harvard Law Review. Soon after, her husband’s cancer diagnosis required Ginsberg to move back to New York City, and she transferred to Columbia Law School. She graduated first in her class in 1959.

Afterward, Ginsberg went on to teach at Rutgers University Law School from 1963 to 1972 and at Columbia University from 1972 to 1980. She believed that “law was gender-blind, and all groups were entitled to equal rights”.

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed Ginsburg to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. She served there until President Bill Clinton appointed her to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1993.

Some of the most influential cases and decisions she presided over are as follows:

United States v. Virginia
Olmstead v. L.C.
Bush v. Gore
King v. Burwell
Obergefell v. Hodges
Sessions v. Dimaya

Through her majority and dissenting opinions, Ginsburg advocated for more equality in terms of gender and race in the educational sector. In United States v. Virginia, Ginsburg wrote the majority opinion that the Virginia Military Institute’s male-only admissions policy was unconstitutional. She also played a part in various cases regarding the broader scope of Title IX.

Ginsburg died on September 18, 2020. She constantly championed women’s rights and equality. You can learn more about her story by reading her 2016 autobiography “My Own Words” (which went on to become a New York Times Bestseller), the documentary “RBG”, and the show “On the Basis of Sex”.

Quote Source: Speech at 2015 Radcliffe Day Luncheon at Harvard University

Sally Ride

“The stars don’t look bigger, but they do look brighter.”

Sally Ride - American Astronaut, Physicist

Sally Ride, Ph.D., was born on May 26, 1951, in Los Angeles and grew up playing tennis. After first attending Swarthmore College and UCLA, Ride would end up at Stanford University where she double majored in physics and English. She continued to study advanced degrees in physics earning her master’s degree in 1975 and her doctorate in 1978.

After grad school, Ride applied to NASA’s astronaut program and ended up being chosen out of 1,000 other applicants. She went through the intense training program and on June 18th, 1983, became the first American woman in space. She would soon take another trip into space that October, but because of the Challenger accident in 1986, her third mission was canceled. Ride later served on the presidential commission that investigated the space shuttle explosion.

After leaving NASA, Ride worked as a professor and as the director of the California Space Institute at the University of California, San Diego. In 2001, Ride started her own company, “Sally Ride Science”, which focused on inspiring young women to pursue educational and career opportunities in science and math.

During her life, Ride received many recognitions including these awards:

NASA Space Flight Medal
NCAA’s Theodore Roosevelt Award
National Women’s Hall of Fame
Astronaut Hall of Fame

Ride passed away on July 23, 2012. The U.S. Mint has announced that she will be commemorated as part of the American Women Quarters series, which also highlights Maya Angelou, Wilma Mankiller, Nina Otero-Warren, and Anna May Wong.

Quote Source: Interview with Scholastic in 1998

Mary McLeod Bethune

“We live in a world which respects power above all things. Power, intelligently directed, can lead to more freedom. Unwisely directed, it can be a dreadful, destructive force.”

Mary McLeod Bethune - Educator, Activist, Entrepreneur

Mary McLeod Bethune was born in 1875. She was the daughter of former slaves living in South Carolina. Bethune was one of the few black students during those times to receive a formal education.

Bethune originally dreamed of being a missionary, but no church would sponsor her. So instead she turned her mind to education and opened her own school called the Daytona Beach Literary and Industrial School for Training Negro Girls. Eventually her school became a college and issued its first degrees in 1943.

Bethune was a life-long activist who held leadership positions for many organizations that advocated for education for black women. Through her activism, Bethune became friends with Eleanor Roosevelt. This relationship helped further her efforts, and in 1936, Franklin Roosevelt named her the director of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration, making her the highest-ranking black woman in government. She was also a member of FDR’s unofficial “black cabinet”.

Additionally, Bethune was a businesswoman. She was co-owner of a resort in Daytona, FL, and she co-founded the Central Life Insurance Company of Tampa.

In 1940, Mary became the vice president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Persons (NAACP), and she held this position until she passed 1955.

Hayat Sindi

“If anything, I would like to think that I have inspired girls to pursue a career in science if that’s what interests them…”

Hayat Sindi - Scientist, Activist

Hayat Sindi, Ph.D., was born in Saudi Arabia in 1967, a time when women lacked the same educational opportunities as men in her country. But Sindi was fortunate to have a family that supported and encouraged her to pursue education. She once said, “Having been raised in Saudi Arabia, I was fortunate to get this strong foundation of self-belief…my culture, my family and my faith have all contributed to that foundation. I had a father who could teach me anything I wanted.” Advancing opportunities for young girls became her mission.

Sindi studied at King’s College London, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University. She received her PhD in biotechnology from Cambridge University in 2001. With this, she became the first woman from the Persian Gulf to receive a doctorate.

Some of her achievements include the following:

Co-founding a nonprofit called Diagnostics for All to create low-cost devices to be used in developing countries to help diagnose diseases
Inventing a biochemical sensor that features thermoelastic probes
Creating the Magnetic Acoustic Resonance Sensor
Founding the Institute for Imagination Ingenuity to encourage science in younger generations
Becoming a Goodwill Ambassador in 2012 for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Just three years after receiving her doctorate degree, Sindi became one of the first 30 women selected by the Shura Council. Today, Sindi works at the Islamic Development Bank in Saudi Arabia as a senior advisor to the president of science, technology, and innovation. She continues to inspire younger women to pursue scientific career paths today.

Ramona Edelin

“Calling ourselves African Americans is the first step in the cultural offensive. Our cultural renaissance can change our lot in the nation and around the world.”

Ramona Edelin - Educator, Activist

Ramona Edelin, Ph.D., was born in 1945 in Los Angeles but later moved with her family to Georgia, South Carolina, and Illinois. In 1969, Edelin received her bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Fisk University. She decided to pursue advanced degrees in philosophy, earning her master’s from the University of East Anglia and her PhD from Boston University. While earning her doctorate, she focused on the writings of W.E.B. Dubois.

During these years, she taught at various institutions, including the University of Maryland, Emerson College, and Brandeis University. Edelin founded the first African American studies program at Northeastern University in 1972.

Edelin is known for her work in popularizing the term “African American”. In 1989, she met with Jesse Jackson and other black leaders. She said in an interview with Ebony, “Calling ourselves African Americans is the first step in the cultural offensive. Our cultural renaissance can change our lot in the nation and around the world.” After meeting with Edelin, Jackson and others began regularly using the term, which promoted its widespread use.

Edelin has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as the president and CEO of the National Urban Coalition, where she worked to create education programs for black children. She served on the Congressional Black Caucus from 1991 to 2022. She also served on the Presidential Board for HBCUs.

Today, Edelin serves as the executive director of the DC Association of Charter Schools.

Quote Source: “African American or Black: What’s in a Name?”, Article, Ebony, July 1989

Stephanie Bravo

“I like educating and bringing people together… That’s what mentoring is to me.”

Stephanie Bravo - Activist, Entrepreneur

Stephanie Bravo, M.A., is the co-founder of StudentMentor.org, a non-profit dedicated to supporting low-income college students by connecting them with industry professionals. Today, the program has helped students from thousands of colleges nationwide and has partnered with the White House on many educational issues.

Bravo received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at San Jose State University in 2009 and her master’s in educational policy, organization, and leadership from Stanford. She was the first in her family to attend a four-year university and graduated while working part-time in retail and volunteering in the community.

In addition, Bravo is a Fellow of the National Hispana Leadership Institute and a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar. She has also been recognized as one of the Top 100 Women of Influence in Silicon Valley.

Today, Bravo is one of the few women of color in corporate social responsibility at a leading technology company in Silicon Valley. Additionally, she serves on the Inclusion Council at Stanford University and advocates for Girls Who Code and other organizations such as Girls in Tech, Black Girls Code, Latinas in Tech, Vets in Tech, etc.

Quote Source: “Latina student from Silicon Valley creates national, online mentoring program”, Article, The Mercury News, February 2013

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Ellyn A. – Parent of 5 KD Students

“My daughter completed your program in the Plano location. In the fall, she is headed to Colorado School of Mines to study engineering. I asked her if KD had helped her with the SAT® and ACT® tests. She said they helped her know how to manage her time while taking the test as that is a huge aspect to the test.”

“My daughter completed your program in the Plano location. In the fall, she is headed to Colorado School of Mines to study engineering. I asked her if KD had helped her with the SAT® and ACT® tests. She said they helped... Read more...

Julie M. – Daughter, Class of 2022

“(I wanted) help with writing essays and getting into my dream colleges. (I was most concerned with) keeping up with everything I have to do and meeting all the deadlines. The constant and honest feedback about my essays regardless is what I really appreciated. There was a time that writing essays just clicked, and it was much easier after that.”

“(I wanted) help with writing essays and getting into my dream colleges. (I was most concerned with) keeping up with everything I have to do and meeting all the deadlines. The constant and honest feedback about my essays regardless is what... Read more...

Neha C. – Class of 2022

“It’s hard to believe we are finally done at KD Prep with our three children. We are incredibly grateful to you for all of your support over the years, which undoubtedly helped each of our children realize their college dreams. All three were accepted to colleges with single digit admission rates. Our eldest was selected as a National Merit® Finalist and was able to apply to colleges with a perfect SAT® score. Our other two were both named National African American Recognition Scholars and National Merit Commended Scholar. One of them applied to college in 2020 with an SAT score of 1520 (780 math and 740 verbal) and the youngest scored 1500 on the October 2021 SAT test (720 verbal and 780 math). Our... Read more...

“It’s hard to believe we are finally done at KD Prep with our three children. We are incredibly grateful to you for all of your support over the years, which undoubtedly helped each of our children realize their college dreams. All... Read more...

Nike A. – Parent of 3 KD Students

“Obviously SAT® test prep was NOT fun. The experience was difficult and exhausting, but learning through KD definitely made the experience much less stressful and definitely easier. It's a great system with tons of resources all aimed to give you what you need and more to reach whatever score range you set as your goal (I was able to get a 1540). My favorite part though, specifically with the Coppell campus, was the people! Everyone was so incredibly nice and always in impossibly good moods. It was a great environment to learn and improve in!”

“Obviously SAT® test prep was NOT fun. The experience was difficult and exhausting, but learning through KD definitely made the experience much less stressful and definitely easier. It's a great system with tons of resources all aimed to give you what... Read more...

Alex N. – Class of 2023

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping me get the score I needed to receive over $464,000 in scholarships, including two full rides. I started the program the summer going into my junior year. I had an excellent GPA but struggled on standardized tests. Taking the test prep classes throughout junior year and taking practice tests got me more prepared each time I took the test. I achieved my best score the summer going into my senior year. That score allowed me to apply to my top schools as soon as early decision opened. I am so grateful to Karen Dillard and the extra practice and proctored exams! My parents are grateful too—for the small investment they got a great return.”

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping me get the score I needed to receive over $464,000 in scholarships, including two full rides. I started the program the summer going into my junior year. I had an excellent GPA... Read more...

Saadia P. – Class of 2022

“I really enjoyed KD because the teachers helped me look at the SAT® test in a whole new angle. I really began analyzing the test and learned how to work math and reading problems in a smarter way, which was really helpful. I also really appreciated all the varied practice and detailed breakdowns from instructors, helping me see not just what answer was correct but why those answers were correct.”

“I really enjoyed KD because the teachers helped me look at the SAT® test in a whole new angle. I really began analyzing the test and learned how to work math and reading problems in a smarter way, which was really... Read more...

Pranathi P. – Class of 2022

“KD had a very streamlined process of learning the ins and outs of the reading and grammar part of the SAT® test as well as a very well-structured mathematics process that went through the subjects of algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus in depth. Another great part of the KD experience was the wonderful staff giving me so many useful tips and strategies for the areas that I was specifically struggling with. The staff understands students have different strengths and weaknesses, and the fact that they tailor the info they give to each student is very useful. Overall, KD has helped me not only with SAT preparation but also with my normal school work.”

“KD had a very streamlined process of learning the ins and outs of the reading and grammar part of the SAT® test as well as a very well-structured mathematics process that went through the subjects of algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus in... Read more...

Armaan C. – Class of 2023

“I am very grateful that KD was able to offer so many resources and guides for the SAT® and PSAT tests. They really helped me get a good grasp on the types of questions that the SAT exam tested on, and I was able to get a really good score the first time I took it! Once again, thank you KD, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to earn a high SAT score.”

“I am very grateful that KD was able to offer so many resources and guides for the SAT® and PSAT tests. They really helped me get a good grasp on the types of questions that the SAT exam tested on, and... Read more...

Sri Vamsi Krishna Putti – Class of 2023, Frisco ISD

“My husband and I are so impressed with your course and the quality of guidance that you provide. It feels like you really want our son to succeed. Thank you!”

Debra H. – Son, Class of 2023

“KD taught me so many useful strategies for the SAT® & PSAT/NMSQT® tests. They helped me improve my SAT score by over 400 points, and I got done with the SAT test at the beginning of 11th grade! I would recommend KD to anyone who wants a highly competitive SAT score.”

“KD taught me so many useful strategies for the SAT® & PSAT/NMSQT® tests. They helped me improve my SAT score by over 400 points, and I got done with the SAT test... Read more...

Praneel S. – Class of 2023

“My time and experiences at KD College Prep have efficiently guided and prepared me for my future educational career as a college student. Not only did KD help me with college entrance exams but also provided numerous informational seminars that helped me with the various steps required for college admissions. At KD I enjoyed learning from amazing teachers, who cared for each of their students individually and were ready to help wherever it was needed. Being a student at KD has also helped me figure out which learning techniques work best for me. The opportunity to engage in different learning methods such as small group interactive learning, larger group discussions, or individual practice are all ways that helped me come up with a learning... Read more...

“My time and experiences at KD College Prep have efficiently guided and prepared me for my future educational career as a college student. Not only did KD help me with college entrance exams but also provided numerous informational seminars that helped... Read more...

Tanisha P. – Class of 2020

“My feedback can only be positive, given how much you helped me get ahead with my application process. I really appreciated how much work both of you put into helping me write the best essay possible, especially reviewing my essays twice to polish them completely. In addition, I have noticed that writing my resume has released a lot of stress off my shoulder when it comes to making sure I have all the things necessary to apply to schools.”

“My feedback can only be positive, given how much you helped me get ahead with my application process. I really appreciated how much work both of you put into... Read more...

Claudia A. – Class of 2020

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of learning easier. I think that after you started going to a good amount of classes and the workshops, you knew every teacher, and they were always available to answer any questions that you had...Everyone was just so welcoming and made learning more engaging for the students, especially with the workshops. All of had their own unique style of teaching which never made a class boring.”

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of... Read more...

Rishab P. – Class of 2021

“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or above... So many people told me it would be impossible to reach my desired score. After months of using KD's methods my scores definitely improved but hovered around 1350—still not near the score I needed but closer. After finally working with both of you during one on ones, my scores started to see heavy improvement and while I didn't get a score of 1520 or above as a single score, I got it as a superscore... Read more...

“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or... Read more...

David P. – Class of 2022

“It takes a village to raise a child—this is so true. KD College Prep staff have been nothing but uplifting to my child and to us parents through their eager attitudes to assist, in-depth guidance and unparalleled wisdom. I am in awe at the consistent level of professionalism yet genuine concern for each and every person that walks through their doors. Thank you KD staff for being great mentors for our children!”

“It takes a village to raise a child—this is so true. KD College Prep staff have been nothing but uplifting to my child and to us parents through their eager attitudes to assist, in-depth guidance and unparalleled wisdom. I am in... Read more...

Gloria D. – Daughter, Class of 2021

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I have finished college applications, and I would love to thank all the teachers and aides at KD for giving me the score that I got on the test. Without the extra practice, I wouldn't have been able to get through to the score I got. These past 3 years went by so fast, and it is so fun to look back at where I started and how much I have come out with flying colors. Thank you so much!”

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I... Read more...

Kareena A. – Class of 2021

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were very helpful, and the individualized assistance I received from teachers were what really supported my learning. Special thanks to Ms. Barwick and Mr. Hoffman!”

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were... Read more...

Advika R. – Class of 2022

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in class. In conjunction, those two things helped me raise my score a lot because I was not a math kid before KD or high school. The repetition and being able to practice in a non-stressful environment and simulating that testing experience is something that was very beneficial for me... “The college counseling team was super patient and honest about the work I was submitting. I know for a lot of kids, it’s hard to articulate who you are through 250-300 words. It was definitely... Read more...

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in... Read more...

Blaine W. – Class of 2021

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a rising junior at the University of Miami, and my youngest son is an incoming freshman at Vanderbilt University. Steve’s help in navigating the complicated college landscape and finding the BEST FIT for my two sons is what has made this resource invaluable. “What made the biggest difference for my two sons was the depth and breadth of knowledge Steve has of the many universities and colleges in the U.S. First, by getting to know my kids on a one-on-one basis, he was able to... Read more...

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a... Read more...

Julio M. – Parent

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the summer. She liked being challenged academically, and she loved taking classes with high school students who were focused on their college goals. These students were also excellent role models! The lessons were especially important during the pandemic when it wasn’t a typical middle school experience.”

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the... Read more...

Beth L. – Advanced Start™ Parent

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got a 1530 on the December 5th SAT test. KD played a huge role in this, and I just wanted to say thanks to everyone there for helping me achieve this.”

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got... Read more...

Vyom S. – Class of 2022

"Our twin 16-year-old boys used KD College Prep to study/practice for the PSAT test, and we believe the classes and coaching were invaluable. Very professional and concise. Worth every penny!"

Jerry – Sons, Class of 2022

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests (1520, 1580, and 34). I really appreciate everyone's willingness to be flexible and accommodate my requests!”

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT,... Read more...

Mithra A. – Class of 2022

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test (third time) and a 35 on my ACT® test (first time). I remember the first ever practice test I took for the SAT test was a 1230 (about 1.5 yrs ago) and the first ever practice test I took for the ACT test was a 31 or 32 (about 6 months ago)."

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test... Read more...

Elise P. – Class of 2022

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents very informative and helpful during the process as well. My son (Jacob) graduated in 2018 and got a 32 on the ACT test. got accepted into Texas A&M but chose Baylor for Health Sciences. My daughter (Morgan) graduated in 2020 and got a 1450 on the SAT test and a 32 on the ACT test. got into an Ivy League school (Cornell) for Engineering. Both my kids say that they apply the test taking skills they learned at KD Prep to... Read more...

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents... Read more...

Jon D. – Parent

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard and other schools, but I've really started to immerse into the Emory culture, especially their debate team. Not having to pay for college and still attend a private institution is really a dream come true, and it wouldn't be possible if it were not for you.”

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard... Read more...

Shreyas R. – Class of 2020

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a good school will help me find my path. Also, Steve's knowledge about what colleges were wanting to see in potential admissions candidates was a huge help... “There was not one specific beneficial moment or turning point in my time working with Steve, there were many. He encouraged me during the entire application process and brought to my attention many colleges I wouldn't have considered or heard about without his help.”

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a... Read more...

Jake W. – Class of 2020

"I'm very happy my daughter chose KD as her learning partner to achieve her goals. All the experiences with KD and the Directors there are fabulous. My daughter has improved significantly."

Zarni, Daughter – Class of 2021

"I took KD classes the summer before my junior year, and I was finished with my SAT^® test by December...The test prep classes also helped me earn the award of National Merit^® Finalist."

Claire I. – Class of 2020

"It's been super helpful, and I've noticed my scores go up both on my SAT^®/ACT^® scores as well as test scores in school... Overall, I believe this to be the best college prep that money can buy."

Gopi C. – Class of 2021

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made sure that I would be successful in whichever college I picked, and I am eternally grateful for all their help and hard work!"

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made... Read more...

Omar S. – Class of 2020

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by far the most concerned about. I didn’t know how exactly I should go about choosing which places to apply to and if I were to be accepted, if they would fit me. The team did a wonderful job considering my likes and dislikes and helped me compile a list of colleges that suited my tastes and would further my academic career. "After this integral first step, my focus turned towards time management and writing quality essays that would stand out to colleges. I got... Read more...

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by... Read more...

Nina H. – Class of 2020

"I was thankful for all the help I received from KD in preparing for my SAT^® and ACT^® exams. The workshops they offered, as well as the practice exams, gave me the tools I needed to do my very best."

Morgan D. – Class of 2020

"KDCP is a must for students wanting to stay a step ahead of the game for getting into college. My son has gained huge insight from the ACT^®/SAT^® practice workshops, practice tests, and essay class."

Tiffany – Son, Class of 2021

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students wanting an edge on their national test scores!"

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students... Read more...

Daniel J. – Class of 2020

"Not only have I been able to significantly improve my test scores, I have learned a tremendous amount of information about the college application process due to complimentary events that KD offers."

Sam H. – Class of 2020

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the help from amazing teachers and staff. I am so grateful for KD!"

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the... Read more...

Matt K. – Class of 2020

"I started classes at KD the summer before 9th grade. I...made a perfect score on the PSAT (earning the National Merit^® scholarship) and, after taking the SAT^® test only once (a relief!), scored a 1590/1600."

Thomas D. – Class of 2019

"In just one year, I was able to raise my score by 300 points and get into my dream school."

Piper F. – Class of 2020

"Having our recent GHS graduate attend KD was life changing. It provided our son with choices and opportunities that he might not have had otherwise."

Kathy – Son attends Mizzou

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure out a personal plan that would work for her and were always available for our questions and helping her reach her goals. Every employee from the managers to the students working at their locations are top notch.”

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure... Read more...

Tracy – Daughter, Class of 2020

"The KD College Prep course not only provided test practice but also motivated her to work hard for her college applications. It gave her the confidence to dream big!"

Prema – Daughter attends Rice