Location Hours
- Mon
- 9 AM - 8 PM
- Tue
- 9 AM - 8 PM
- Wed
- 9 AM - 8 PM
- Thu
- 9 AM - 8 PM
- Fri
- 9 AM - 2 PM
- Sat
- 9 AM - 2:30 PM
- Sun
- Closed
Location Information
1229 NW Maynard Road
Maynard Crossing Shopping Centre
Cary, North Carolina
27513
What Parents & Students Are Saying
GradePower Learning has helped me a lot. It has helped prepare me for tests, quizzes, and other things I need help with. The environment and teachers are amazing and they have been very helpful. If I'm being 100% honest, I learned many things here that has shaped me into the person I am today. People ask me about how I got so smart, and I think about GradePower Learning. I am in 6th grade now, but I don't think I would be at my current reading level now if I hadn't gone to Little Readers here when years ago (when I was little).
From a Current Middle School Student![]()
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We initially started working with GPL to prepare for Middle school exams. Once these exams were completed, we decided to have our children continue taking tutoring classes at GPL. It was obvious that the program was designed to start where your student is at and then progress the student along their individual learning path. Working with Bob gave us great confidence that folks at GPL were aware of each student's abilities and how best to continue their learning. We liked that the programs not only serve to consolidate existing skills and knowledge but also to deepen, broaden and advance those skills and knowledge. Our children could see their progress in both Math and Language Arts and directly tie their academic success at school with learning acquired at GPL. What is quite remarkable is that we gave both our children, at various points, the option to take a break from tutoring and neither wanted to do so. Even if they had a tough day at school, they always, without fail, came out of GPL refreshed and happy. This was something that always struck me as the mom waiting in the car- happy students who were happy learning and experiencing the benefits of tutoring in a collaborative, supportive environment. Both students really liked having a teacher who personalized the learning to them individually.
Debbie R.![]()
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We are very happy and satisfied with the progress we see in Heibert; he really enjoys the class with his teacher. Academically he is doing very well and is reading better every day, both in English and Spanish. He also enjoys doing math. We are very proud of his learning, and we thank GradePower Learning for all the support, commitment, and dedication in this process.
Claudia & Heiber M.![]()
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GradePower Learning in Cary has been such an integral part of our kids' learning, especially during the pandemic. Our 15-year-old and 12-year-old kids have benefited from having GradePower Learning teachers help them through Zoom every week with math, writing and English Language Arts. We're very grateful that Bob and Sarah have been so helpful in keeping the kids academically challenged during these trying times.
Naomi R.![]()
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GradePower Learning has helped Ray so much this past academic year. He went from being a slightly below average 3rd grade reader to a above average 3rd grade reader by the end of the year. In addition, 3rd grade is a big testing year; with the study skills taught at GradePower Learning, Ray was able perform above average in all his standardized tests.
Tina T.![]()
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Chavi and Vidath have been with GradePower Learning since 2018, and I have seen tremendous progress in their ELA and math grades. The approach is unique, in that teachers act more as a "coach" than a regular tutor. Sessions are in small groups, which is great for online classes. This is timely and what is really needed, given that most school classrooms have moved online and kids may be falling behind. You also receive immediate feedback from Mr. Bob and Sarah. Highly recommended!
Arjuna W.![]()
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My son is definitely making great progress in ELA after learning at GradePower Learning! He enjoys learning from Sarah and has started to be more confident with language arts. Within months of study at the center, he moved from one grade below his current grade at school to now being a grade ahead. I will definitely recommend GradePower Learning to my friends!
Sunny![]()
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*An email received about our new Virtual (Online) Classes* Hi Bob & Sarah, Thank you! The tuition today went really well; the kids stayed engaged in the process and it is the most productive they have been since the schools closed. Thanks for working around the current restrictions to make this work! Cheers, Andy
Students Stay Engaged!![]()
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This is an exciting and helpful class. My son loves it, and his English writing skill is being improved. Thank you!
Yan Z.![]()
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Our 1st grade daughter was struggling with the transition into a new school and the 'whole language' reading approach required by 'Core Curriculum.' Without a good foundation in reading, she was struggling with all aspects of the 1st grade. Her struggles with reading were bleeding over into her overall performance, her self confidence, and her enjoyment of school. Working with Bob and the team at GradePower Learning to build a phonics-based learning plan for our daughter was just what we needed. GradePower Learning put our daughter into their program with the right kind of Tutor for her learning style. We started to see near-immediate impact in her ability to decode words. With 2 nights a week, she quickly made progress and went from 1′s & 2′s in the previous quarter to 2′s and 3′s in the next. By the following quarter, she was at all 3′s. GradePower Learning worked with her WCPSS teachers to ensure that her progress was being tracked and the program at GradePower Learning was aligned with her daily work. We were quickly able to dial down to a single day per week. As she exits 2nd grade at a 3rd grade reading level, we’re thrilled with GradePower Learning and working on plan to phase her out of the program. At no point did we feel like Bob was pressuring us to increase our hours or stay in the program as a way to keep us paying. His goal was to get our daughter on firm academic footing for future success, not 'hooking' us on the program. I’ve recommended GradePower Learning to others in the past. We won’t hesitate to leverage them for ourselves or recommend them to friends in the future.
Joe S.![]()
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About a year ago my daughter was struggling in math and it was affecting her self confidence. My husband and I decided to have her evaluated at GradePower Learning. They concluded that Anna was one year behind in math. So without hesitation, we signed her up for tutoring. This was one of the best decisions we ever made for our daughter and for us. What a wonderful place and how warm and loving the staff is. They made Anna feel so welcomed that she never wanted to leave! One year later and Anna has had an A average in math and excels in all of her classes thanks to the amazing concepts she was taught at GradePower Learning. There just aren’t enough words to thank them for all they have done to help Anna gain her self-confidence back and be at the top of her class! It truly is an amazing place!
M.E.![]()
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Our experience at GradePower Learning has been beyond exceptional. We went through a lot of research and interviews at numerous tutor businesses and private tutors in the area, we finally found GradePower Learning through a friend’s referral. First, Bob runs a first-class operation when it comes to the office side of the tutoring business. He is always trying to communicate what the goals for the kids are and how they are going to get there. The progress reviews that we have conducted are invaluable, they really give you a sense that GradePower Learning wants your kids to succeed and really working towards a partnership in their learning. Second, the teachers have been exceptional. I would say 99% of the time my kids are working with the same teacher, and when they are not they are still able to continue their progress because of the GradePower Learning method. GradePower Learning was able to get my 2nd-grade son from being way behind in reading to Wake county 2nd grade reading level in an amazingly short time. He should be at 3rd-grade reading level by the time he leaves 2nd grade. For a student who was way behind when the year started, I would say I am more than happy with the GradePower Learning way.
Tim V.![]()
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GradePower Learning Cary is amazing! Not only did they work with our crazy schedule but they gave my daughter the confidence she needed to tackle the ACT and raise her score by 4 points! We had a hard time finding an ACT program that actually had classroom time and an actual teacher rather than having my daughter in a “virtual classroom” until we found GradePower Learning! I can’t thank Bob and the whole tutoring staff enough for your help with supplying test-taking strategies and skills that my daughter used to increase her score thus making the college application process much less stressful. Five stars to GradePower Learning and THANK YOU!
Anon![]()
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Looking for a little educational lift? Your youngsters need an extra hand to get ahead or just simply to catch up with the pack? Then consider a visit to Bob Schmitt and his team at GradePower Learning at 1229 NW Maynard Road in NorthWest Cary. Our youngest is bright and a keen reader, but got a little left behind as the staff at his school were forced by our politicians to check off boxes and supervise tests, rather than instill that love of learning and a desire to read and succeed. (Teachers, we do not blame you. To do so would be akin to blaming hospitals, doctors and nurses for our splintered healthcare system!) Our son now tells us he wants GradePower Learning to be his school! The graded challenge of the classes, combined with the nurturing of his teacher has awakened a passion that we knew was inside him but wasn't being allowed to come through. Death by worksheet and testing has been replaced by the flames of success and achievement. Now after 6 months of twice-weekly tuition, instead of being an at-risk reader, he's an avid reader! We owe much to your superb team – thanks for helping us, Bob! What a gift you have given our boy – more than worth the price of admission.
Damian M. MD, FACEP Emergency Physician, Rex Hospital, Raleigh![]()
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Highly recommend GradePower Learning for individual tutoring - they offer a huge variety of knowledgeable teachers to tutor all subjects, ACT and SAT. Our daughter has excelled with common core math challenges, finals, ACT and SAT thanks to the professional caring tutoring provided at a flexible schedule to meet her needs. So grateful to all at GradePower Learning for their guidance to help her learn how to study, test and build her confidence with increased knowledge.
Barb L.![]()
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GradePower Learning has been a great help for our family. We got assistance to prepare for the ISEE test (test required for many private schools) and then decided to continue with tutoring to boost our kids learning in math and language arts. Within the public school curriculum, there are certain aspects of both subjects that are either not covered (e.g., grammar, parts of language) or covered but not as in depth as private schools seem to go. This is no fault of the public school teachers - the teachers are completely over stretched and their curriculum is dictated to mainly through core curriculum. The teachers at GradePower Learning are in tune with the kids, work at a good pace so as to challenge the student but not overwhelm. The materials are appropriate for each grade and thorough with good practice so skills become generalized. Our kids come out of tutoring happy and feeling good about what they are learning. It's not a burden and it truly will propel them into their upcoming grades. Bob is awesome to work with, very professional and knowledgeable. Happy we found GradePower Learning (referral from another happy customer).
referral from another happy customer![]()
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When we moved from California in 2007, we had a 6th grader and a 9th grader who were unfortunately 1.5 years or so behind in school when they landed in the Wake County school district. We found GradePower Learning near our home, and the rest is history. Bob met our children where they lived, emotionally and academically. He made learning enjoyable, while reinforcing our high expectations. They LOVED going to class. Bob and his team also prepared them for the SAT and ACT. Our son graduated from college in May 2015 and our daughter just graduated from college on Saturday, May 6, 2017. As part of a class project she had to write three gratitude letters. Shirley wrote one of the letters to Bob. We are grateful to Bob for the profound impact he had on our children. If we had to point to one key moment outside of our parenting that got our kids to their college graduation day, it would be the day they met Bob Schmitt. Oh, did we mention they both have learning disabilities and our son is dyslexic? Bob taught them how to embrace their challenges and he even met with their middle school and high school teachers. Oh, did I also mention that we adopted our children out of foster care after having been abused, neglected and abandoned? Bob loved our children. He took to them, as he did all of the children, and helped with learning and self esteem. So, today, we celebrate Bob Schmitt and his team.
C & K M![]()
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GradePower Learning SAT prep assisted my son as he prepared for the SAT. His score increased dramatically from the sample test administered prior to the prep course compared to the actual SAT. He also attended for Calculus and Chemistry tutoring. His tutors were always helpful, supportive, and patient. My daughter started as a Little Reader and has continued to attend. She is in her 10th year at GradePower Learning! The benefit of having a tutor in a small group setting has enabled both my children to achieve success, increased their level of confidence, and continues to motivate them on their school journey! I've referred many families to GradePowerLearning and everyone has positive feedback. Mr. Bob is a pleasure to work with and very responsive. I will continue to highly recommend GradePower Learning!
Carol R.![]()
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My daughter completed the ACT prep. All the instructors and Bob were great! Her score improved 5 points from the practice test! Easy to schedule, responsive to questions. Highly recommend.
Debbie S.![]()
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Parents, this is the best place to help your child overcome learning challenges. We faced a curriculum gap after moving here from a different country which was hard on the child and on us parents, too. Tutoring at GradePower Learning twice a week not only covered this gap but also accelerated my son's reading skills to the above-average level. I can't thank them enough. I have peace of mind now and my child is a confident reader.
Vitalina L.![]()
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What's New at Cary

GradePower Learning CARY's Newest Online Tutoring Program, Virtual Table™
NOW ENROLLING!
Virtual Table™ online tutoring program uses screen sharing technology to allow students to work face-to-face with their GradePower Learning tutor using their familiar academic materials and workbooks in the comfort of their own home.
Get started with Virtual Table™ today!
High School Study Hall Saturday Opportunity- Free!
Study Hall Saturdays: Attention All High School Students and Friends!
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Are you having difficulty understanding a concept in your Math, Science, or English class?
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Do you find it helpful to have a quiet place to study for Finals?
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Would you like to be able to ask a qualified teacher questions along the way?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, come prepare for your Finals with us via Zoom this weekend!
When: Saturday, January 9 from 2:00 -4:00 pm. A GradePower Learning tutor will be on hand to answer questions and provide study tips.
What: FREE Study Hall Saturday session for all our High School students and their friends.
Please use this link to sign up for a timeslot: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040D4BA5AC2CA4FB6-study
You can attend for as little as half an hour, up to the full two hours! Space is limited, and the ability to sign up will end this Friday at noon.
Send your friends this information too so they can experience how helpful GradePower Learning is
Location Specific Programs
Our Team Members
Bob Schmitt
Center Director
Bob Schmitt
Center Director
Bob has owned GradePower Learning in Cary since its inception in 2006. He has a BA in French from the University of Washington and an MBA in International Business from the University of South Carolina. After a 20-yr career in the international steel business, Bob combined his love of education with his business background and chose GradePower Learning for its superior cognitive-based approach to learning and its curriculum. He handles the administrative and business details of GradePower Learning but might tutor some French as the need arises. GradePower Learning in Cary has assembled an extremely qualified staff of knowledgeable and caring teachers who are all about the students!
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Sarah Hybels
Education Coordinator + ELA Teacher

Sarah Hybels
Education Coordinator + ELA Teacher

Jann Holland
ELA Teacher

Jann Holland
ELA Teacher
Susanne Beall
Little Readers Teacher
Susanne Beall
Little Readers Teacher

Carol McGarrahan
SAT/ACT Teacher + ELA Teacher

Carol McGarrahan
SAT/ACT Teacher + ELA Teacher

Ashley McMillan
Little Readers Teacher

Ashley McMillan
Little Readers Teacher

Julia Asada
Math Teacher

Julia Asada
Math Teacher
Julia has been a part of the GradePower Learning® team since 2020, where she began working with elementary to high school students in math and chemistry. She studies Biochemistry at NC State University and is expecting to earn her degree in December 2020. Julia began tutoring by helping out friends in high school and has since tutored and TA'd for several courses at NC State. Although her previous tutoring experiences before GradePower Learning have been mostly in higher education, she's enjoyed the opportunity of interacting with elementary and middle schoolers and seeing them get that 'lightbulb moment' when trying to solve problems.
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Amy Johnson
ELA & Math Teacher

Amy Johnson
ELA & Math Teacher
Amy has homeschooled her three children through high-school for eighteen years, each of whom graduated with honors. Now that her children are in college, she has been tutoring for the last three years, most recently at GradePower Learning. She endeavors to connect with each student individually to foster a tailored learning approach and enjoys celebrating each new learning discovery.
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Chase Hatcher
Math & Science Teacher

Chase Hatcher
Math & Science Teacher
Chase graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BS in Astrophysics in 2018. While at UNC, he completed research in physics education and worked as a teaching assistant. After graduating, he worked as a high school physics teacher in Concord, NC for two years, where he also acted as an Academic Coach to 9th-12th grade students. Chase loves teaching and has been enjoying working with GradePower Learning students in Cary on math and science since August of 2020.
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Atwannia McQueen
ELA Teacher

Atwannia McQueen
ELA Teacher
Atwannia has been with GradePower Learning since August 2020. She is a homeschool mom of two and a middle grades English-Language Arts teacher for Vance Virtual Village Academy. Her classroom experience includes teaching 8th grade Language Arts for Wake County Public Schools and High School English Literature for Scotland and Durham counties, as well as preschool-aged students. Atwannia received her Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary English Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, walking, cooking, reading, and attending both kids’ Tae Kwon Do classes and competitions. She has a genuine love for teaching and learning and loves to create new and exciting ways for children to learn!
CloseSummer 2020 program special: Reading, Writing, Math
Keep your student’s brain active all summer long with our 25-hour summer program!
Summer program price $1300.00 - Save $275!
(Normally $1,575.00) includes Dynamic Assessment
Prepay and save another $100 ($1200.00) Sibling Discount: 10%
We have Summer SAT/ACT Prep classes!
Check out the summer dates! Use the downtime during the summer months to prep for a fall test date!
Here is our full schedule for 2020-2021:
SAT
Test dates Class begins
June 6, 2020 March 14, 2020
August 29, 2020 June 13, 2020
October 3, 2020 July 18, 2020
November 7, 2020 August 15, 2020
December 5, 2020 September 12, 2020
March 13, 2021 January 2, 2021
May 8, 2021 February 13, 2021
ACT
Test dates Class begins
June 13, 2020 March 14, 2020
July 18, 2020 April 11, 2020
September 12, 2020 June 20, 2020
October 24, 2020 August 1, 2020
December 12, 2020 September 19, 2020
February 6, 2021 October 24, 2020
April 17, 2021 January 23, 2021
SUMMER STUDY SKILLS WORKSHOP
For students entering 6th - 12th grades
- Organization
- Time Management
- Note Taking
- Memory Strategies
- Test-taking strategies
- Project Management
- Test Prep
- Goal Setting and Prioritizing
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Classes meet July 7- August 6
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 pm-5:30 pm
15 hours - $525 includes Study Skills workbook and full cognitive and academic assessment.
To learn more about Cary tutoring, contact our GradePower Learning® facility today!
Book your information session today!
Speak to one of our education experts face-to-face
*In-person session dependant on center/availability

Math Tutoring in Cary
Students often struggle with abstract concepts in mathematics. Our math tutors know how to make these ideas easily-digestible—and even fun—to help children of all ages to achieve better grades.

Science Tutoring in Cary
The more students understands their world, the more they will develop a passion for learning about it. Our customized science tutoring programs are both fun and informative, with one-on-one tutoring and group activities available.

English Tutoring in Cary
English, grammar, and vocabulary are essential to all subjects. Our tutors use easy-to-understand models and language activities to teach students new skills, increasing both comprehension and vocabulary.

SAT & ACT Tutoring in Cary
We help students prepare to perform well on their college readiness exams with custom workbooks and study guides that cover essential material in an engaging and enriching way.

Make Studying Simple!
Our students learn the simple techniques that take the stress out of studying.
Quality Tutoring in Cary
Cary, North Carolina is one of the East Coast's most popular and fastest-growing cities. A suburb of the state capital of Raleigh, the citizens of Cary are largely affluent, well-educated, and very family-focused. This has led many parents to invest in tutoring programs to help give their children the best foundation for success.
At our Cary tutoring centre, we put the focus back on the student by building confidence as well as knowledge and other valuable learning skills. Learn more about our Cary tutoring programs below.
Serving Cary & Beyond
Cary's GradePower Learning® center is happy to welcome students from our neighboring cities, such as: Apex, Raleigh, Holly Springs, Garner, and Morrisville.