Enter the peer tutoring program—a student-created and student-run program that makes it easy for Ellis middle and upper school students to find homework help. The tutoring program has existed for many years, but seniors and co-coordinators Maryella Wanless and Tessa Gumberg saw opportunities to improve on the program.

“They’ve really taken it to the next level,” said Upper School Division Head Ashley Dotson. “The time they’ve put into it and the dedication they’ve shown is really impressive. It’s offering a great resource, and bringing the girls together cross-divisionally in the process.”

Maryella and Tessa had been tutors in the program for a couple of years, but noticed that they weren't getting many requests. 

“A lot of people help each other already with homework, but there’s a benefit to formalizing it, especially for people who might not know this resource exists,” Tessa said. “It’s good to have a structure.”

Together, they created an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of all the peer tutors, their availability, and the subjects they felt most comfortable helping with. They circulated a Google form to middle and upper school students, and a QR code in the Upper School, allowing students to easily request help and coordinators to quickly fill the need. Advisors sometimes recommend students to the program, too.

Middle school math, freshman physics, and other STEM subjects are among the most popular requests, but Maryella and Tessa said they’ve also coordinated tutoring for languages and history. Sometimes tutors seek help from other tutors, and Tessa said it’s neat to see how assignments change over the years and how her own perspective on freshmen assignments has changed now that she is a senior.

“I know sometimes going to a teacher for help can feel more daunting than going to another student,” Maryella said. “Just helping them ask for help and showing that asking for help isn’t a bad thing is really important. It’s also emboldening for the tutors because it’s a great opportunity to see school from your teacher's point of view. Tutoring other students helps me learn the subject better, too.”

The program has also been a great way to form connections between students in different divisions. Tessa tutored a fifth grader last year who now recognizes her and waves hello. She said it’s probably cool for a middle schooler to know a senior, but it feels equally cool to Tessa that she knows the younger students better.

“It became mentorship beyond just learning Spanish,” Tessa said. “You could see her getting more confident with just talking to me. She started to ask questions about being in high school and learning to drive. It helps build trust between the students.”

Middle School Division Head Jenn Moynihan said the program helps younger students feel more bold and confident. They love asking their older classmates for help, and she sees the impact of the relationship on them.

“They develop a mentality that they can do it,” she said. “They see that this older student took the class they’re taking, and it helps them think ‘they did it, so I can do it too.’ Any opportunity they have to connect across divisions just lands differently and builds that confidence. It’s cool to hang out with Upper Schoolers, even if you’re doing math homework.”

Tessa said this type of connection is fostered best by a community like Ellis, which has both a wide age range of students and a tight-knit community that allows them to interact regularly.

“Peer Tutoring and its success are really just a manifestation of the joys of being an Ellis student,” she said. “It’s a non-judgemental community where students of all ages can interact and play a role in the mutual growth of our peers.”