Jonathan Arak
Beloved professional tutor for over 30 years. All subjects.
Meet Jonathan
Let's talk about you or your child, the kind of person they click with, and whether Jonathan's expertise and teaching style are a fit. Tell us about the subject, test, or support you're looking for.
- Location
- New York, NY
- Special Needs Skills
- ADD/ADHDAnxiety DisordersDyslexiaGifted
Test Prep & Subjects
Test Prep
Mathematics
English
Admissions
Study Skills
Biography
While some tutors naturally gravitate to certain subjects, Jonathan has been a fixture in NY tutoring for so long and has worked with so many students and trained so many tutors, that he is truly a jack of all trades. His motto is, "I will take care of your child," and all that that entails. All tutors love students who want to do the work. Very few tutors, like Jonathan, will text your student every day to see if he has done his homework, or will show up during practice tests to observe students while they test.
Jonathan was the original author of the best-selling Cracking the Specialized High School Admissions Test. There may be no other tutors in NYC better versed in high stakes admissions process for top NYC high schools. There are few other tutors who proctor the actual Hunter High Exam. He also has a wealth of experience working with students with special accommodations, as well as Executive Functioning issues.
Jonathan has worked in college admissions. His highly sought-after opinions have appeared in publications as diverse as The Christian Science Monitor, New York Magazine, and the New York Post. Jonathan is truly one of a kind. You will know this to be true the minute he walks in the door.
When not tutoring Jonathan can be found at Yankee games (sometimes dancing on the Jumbotron), singing at Don't Tell Mama's or directing musicals and operas. He founded the Musical Repertory Club at Hunter College High School where Bobby Lopez (Frozen), and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) both cut their teeth in musical theatre. From there he went on to work for Hal Prince (Phantom of the Opera) for six years after matriculating from Oberlin College as a Political Science major with honors in Theatre. While working for Mr. Prince he stage managed Kiss Of The Spider Woman on Broadway, directed The World Premiere of the opera Travels, as well as The European Premiere of Biloxi Blues by Neil Simon in Ireland. He currently serves on the board of and is the resident director for The International Brazilian Opera Company.
Education
Oberlin College
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, minor in Theatre
Hunter College High School
Diploma
What families say
Jonathan Arak is a Godsend. Not only did he help raise my score 260 points, but he also helped raise my confidence in my intelligence, mathematical ability, and my capacity for hard work and perseverance. He did all this with an unending humor, wit, and warmth that made me look forward to coming home from school and studying with him. He is absolutely wonderful at catering to a student’s personal needs and interests; how many people could help you remember the word "exculpate" by singing "Mea Culpa" from Sweeney Todd because you’re a musical theater fanatic? Only one that I know of. He is endlessly patient, even with a student such as myself who does not learn things the ‘normal’ way. He often had to find creative ways to explain simple concepts to me, and he always rose to the challenge with creativity and an unflustered air that even my school teachers can’t always summon. Jonathan has helped me not only in my SAT score, but in my life. He has given me confidence in my own abilities, which is a priceless gift. I would recommend him highly to anyone, save those who are not willing to work hard and will waste his time. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to tell you the marvelous assets of Jon, and thank you for your wonderful and helpful program. Keep up the good work!
Meet Jonathan
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