More than just a tutoring program, the Falcon Family Peer Tutoring (FFPT) program’s initiative is fostering a sense of community that goes beyond the classrooms of SHS to help students navigate the ups and downs of high school. By connecting experienced students with those seeking extra help, FFPT is creating a space where peers can collaborate, learn from each other and grow together.
The program was started in 2022 by principal Greg Louie, who saw the value in peer-led learning after starting a similar program at Santa Teresa High School. Recognizing that students often relate to and understand each other in ways that teachers might not, he created the program as a way to offer personalized support. His vision was to create a space where students could not only improve academically, but also build connections and gain confidence by learning from those who had walked the same path.
“When I started at Saratoga during the 2019-20 school year, I heard that many of our students were using paid tutors and some of our students could not afford the rates of these professional tutors,” Louie said. “We also had a contingent of students who wanted to help their peers. After COVID, I asked the Saratoga students if they wanted to be peer tutors and we kicked off the program.”
FFPT offers flexible choices for its tutors, who can sign up for subjects that align with their strengths and interests. Once paired with students, tutors reach out via email to coordinate schedules that work best, often meeting during tutorial or after school. Currently, about 20 students participate in the program as tutors, primarily juniors and seniors, though some sophomores have also joined. They work with one to two students at a time for a six week contract that can be extended on request.
“I really like helping other people learn since it solidifies my concepts through doing that. It’s like how your teacher is always telling you: you learn by teaching,” junior tutor Navya Chawla said. “I think it’s an easy and effective way to help others while also learning myself.”
While Chawla currently tutors in English, Spanish, Science and Math, FFPT has a variety of tutors who are able to assist in any subjects that tutees sign up for. After emailing and corresponding with each other, both students find a time and place to work together, usually meeting in the student center after school or during tutorial.
However, for Chawla, the experience of tutoring goes well beyond academics. It’s about forming meaningful connections with her peers. She values this opportunity so students can feel comfortable and supported in their learning journeys.
“I really like that you get to make a lot of bonds and friendships with underclassmen,” Chawla said. “I’m currently tutoring a middle schooler and it’s really nice. We get to talk sometimes and socialize. I give her a little bit of advice about high school. It’s just kind of nice to have that kind of impact.”
Louie hopes that as students and tutors share knowledge and experiences, the program cultivates a vibrant community where everyone benefits from one another’s insights.
“Those who are tutoring are solidifying their understanding of the content,” Louie said. “For those being tutored, they are receiving help from their peers. Additionally, we offer tutoring to our Redwood Middle School peers to support their academic progress and normalize the ability to ask for help.”
