Porterfield Tutoring • Hundreds of Testimonials and Prominent Named Verifications

Private Math Tutoring • Grades 7-12

Algebra • Geometry • Trigonometry • Precalculus • Calculus

This collection of hundreds of parent and student testimonials along with prominent named endorsements is a tribute to all my tutoring students over the decades. It’s about the intellectual journeys we have taken together, your love for learning, your hard work and perseverance, and your achievement of educational excellence. Congratulations to every one of you; approbation with distinction and well done!

Dr. George
Harvard Ph.D.
MIT B.S.
Perdocere Inc.
phone: 833-MATH-833


Prominent Endorsements

✏️ From:
Marlyn E. McGrath
Director of Admissions
Harvard University

“I think George is not merely a tutor – he is a real educator. He knows that what helps students perform well on tests is the same as what makes them good students. A solid academic foundation pays dividends throughout schooling and careers, and George never loses sight of that in his work.”

Perdocere Tutoring - Prominent Named Verifications

✏️ From:
Prof. William A. Goddard III
California Institute of Technology
(Caltech)

“I have known George for decades. He has a very clear and dramatic effect enabling students to think and rise to their full potential. George’s influence on so many lives has had significant impact, and I greatly admire him for doing this.”

Perdocere Tutoring - Hundreds of Parent and Student Testimonials

Parent and Student Testimonials

✏️ “George is by far the best teacher I’ve ever had! The way he teaches and presents the material is unlike anything I’ve come across. I’m not sure why I’ve never witnessed this way of teaching before, because it clearly works! The math really does become clear with George at the reins. When I look at any sort of math problem, I can truly say I understand all the pieces and how they interact. My way of thinking about math has always been a way that has irritated and frustrated my teachers because I don’t always catch on as fast as the other students would. George is able to pick up on this and teach the math at any angle to suite my learning style. I am highly confident that he will do the same for you!”

✏️ “My son is a typical middle school boy – more interested in sports than school. George has been able to motivate him to want to learn and excel in math. His teaching approach has been tailored to my son’s learning style with good results. His enjoyment, understanding, and confidence in math has increased significantly. To realize that my son’s math foundation is solidifying for the high school years is a comfort.”

✏️ “George is the best math teacher I have ever had and for the first time in my life I can now say I feel confident in math. I get it! He is so organized. He challenged me to really push the limit and had confidence in me that I could achieve the goals we set together. I wasn’t to sure but with his methods, encouragement and great teaching I did it and feel great about it too. I did greats on my SATs, my math grade is an A and I now will enter the honors level. I wish I had met George earlier. Thanks George.”

✏️ “Our middle school son has a broader, deeper understanding of math concepts since working with George. He no longer memorizes formulas without knowing the why’s and how’s of problem solving. George can teach tough math concepts in an understandable way that translates into learning!! The success our son feels in mastering the math is a great boost to his self esteem. He just got an A+ for the year in eighth grade algebra.”

✏️ “You are the best!”

✏️ “George is very involved in making sure our son is studying the material he needs to succeed and getting a clear understanding of what is expected of him. George takes time each week to prepare for our son as an individual. Our son enjoys the way George teaches him; it’s a great mix of teaching and really caring about the student. We know George was the right choice, our son went from failing to passing with an A.”

✏️ “We just keep coming back for more! George has been working with at least one of our children for the past five years. He has firmly grounded them in mathematics and physics and has given them the confidence to handle any problem set that is assigned. Perfect or nearly-prefect SAT and SAT-II scores have also come the children’s way during this time – and George can truly take credit for readying them for these standardized tests. He knows that strength in fundamentals and hard work are the most important variables in the success equation. George is an educator first and foremost. He explains concepts in a clear and concise manner and has a way of consistently reinforcing these concepts. He pushes his students to achieve… but always in an extremely supportive manner. George does what is necessary to ensure that his students understand what is being taught. He wants all of his students to succeed – and is truly vested in their success. In sum, we can’t say enough good things about George… now if only we could clone George for the SAT critical reading.”

✏️ “George’s teaching has not only allowed me to conquer complex calculus problems, but has also taught me the specific processes needed in order to crack several SAT problems. Immediately after entering Advanced Pre-Calculus my junior year I fell behind, unable to solve problems and make critical connections. However, with George’s help, I improved dramatically, impressing not only myself, but also my teacher. I ended up finishing the year with an A, a real feat in the challenging math department at my school. After George boosted my confidence in solving problems, particularly by breaking them down into manageable pieces and explaining proofs behind equations, I knew I could take on the rigorous AP Calculus course at my high school. Sure enough, his relentless attitude and determined spirit earned me an A for the first trimester and on my midterm exam. After starting with George in the 9th grade, I would have never thought that I could make it this far. Our compatible personalities and George’s vested interest in my success led me to gain a high SAT score and consistently excellent grades. For George it is never ‘I can’t do this,’ but rather ‘how can we solve this problem in more than one way to truly understand the concept?’ I am confident that George has provided me with a solid foundation that will allow me to succeed in college mathematics and ultimately my desired career path.”

✏️ “George, you are perpetually a star! Thanks so much for all your help with our son. We are so very appreciative.”

✏️ “Believe it. It’s true. Before George started tutoring our daughter, I read every single one of the testimonials on this website. It was clear the students and families were overwhelmingly pleased, but could he teach our child? It took mere minutes before I heard our daughter say, "Oh I get it! That’s easy" At that very moment, two things happened. I quietly breathed a sigh of relief because I knew we had found the perfect tutor, and our daughter began to believe in herself. The big question in our house a few months ago was “What are we going to do about math?” Now we’re looking far ahead and wondering to ourselves, “What will she do with math?” ”

✏️ “George is a tutor extraordinaire. He is a born teacher who genuinely enjoys the kids he teaches and the work he does. He inspires his students to do their best and is able to establish a rapport with each of them. George has tutored my three teens for several years, responding to each one’s different abilities. He has helped them in all kinds of math, chemistry, physics, ACT, SAT – you name it, George can handle it! George has given each one a very positive learning experience, leading to greater self-confidence and enthusiasm for the subject matter. George encourages each child to take responsibility for his or her own learning. George has a wonderful ability to present concepts in a highly organized manner. All three of my kids report that George’s explanations are better than what they received at school and help them to really understand the concept as opposed to a mechanical application of ‘the rule’. None of the three ever grumbled about working with George. If they are having difficulty with a topic, they don’t panic because they know George will explain it and help them understand the issues. They all three see George as a friend as well as a tutor, as do I. When my two oldest are now home from college, they love to visit with George and bring him up to date on their academic progress.”

✏️ “I’ve been a student of George’s now for four years going on five. I tried other tutors but no one really does it quite as well as George. He does his best to help the student and to ensure their good performance. One night, before the SAT George stayed with me for roughly six hours to ensure that I got my 800 on the math portion of the SAT. Overall George is the best tutor I’ve had thus far, and if you are looking for honest results George is the way to go.”

✏️ “Math has never been my forte – even though George tells me I’m good at it every time I meet with him. Which in a way is true – because when George is teaching me I am good at math. Instead of only showing me how something works, he’ll explain why it works, which is exactly the teaching style I need. The difference in style, and therefore effectiveness, between George and my teachers at school is so vast that there’s a distinct possibility I would be failing math without him.”

✏️ “I met George in February of my junior year. Earlier in my junior year and sophomore spring, I had been bounced between countless math tutors who seemed uninterested in actually changing the way I learn and comprehend math on different levels, which is a necessary transition from my school math course work to solving problems on the ACT. A few had deemed me incapable of ever truly raising my math IQ and relied heavily on strategy to get me through standardized testing problems. Yet with George, everything changed. He studied the way I learned and took tests, and synthesized the information I gleaned from each of our sessions. He then broke down my entire bank of knowledge in the realm of mathematics and we started from the bottom, building our way up. As each new brick was laid in the foundation, my confidence grew and my ability to take control of the ACT in a way that worked for me was apparent. I no longer fear ACT test day, new units in Pre-calculus or a problem that seems overwhelmingly difficult based on its exterior. George became my math savior and I can not thank him enough.”

✏️ “We have had many tutors in the past and George by comparison is extraordinary. George’s weekly sessions helped my high school boys achieve never before A’s in their math classes. My husband and I were so impressed with his intelligence, dedication and patience. These qualities allowed my boys to truly understand SAT test taking and math strategies. We highly recommend George!”

✏️ “We are ecstatic about the progress George has made with our daughter’s math scores. He has instilled possibility when she knew only defeat. The experience of success in math has given her tremendous confidence. Higher math had been out of her reach, but now it is easily grasped. George’s knowledge is boundless, not only in math, but also in knowing how and when to motivate psychologically and emotionally. He is always prepared and upbeat and he keeps each session moving enthusiastically. Our hope was that George would just give our daughter the ‘jump start’ she needed, but in fact, he has become a part of our lives for years.”

✏️ “I cannot express my gratitude to George who is devoted to my son’s education. George ensures that the time spent is productive. My son’s experience has been excellent, and the results were exceptional. George is not only the best math teacher for my son but also a mentor who helps him open new doors for the future.”

✏️ “Thank you for your excellent help during our daughter’s absence from school. She returned not missing a beat in Trig and Chemistry. Not only that, your joy in teaching the material and encouragement further increased her interest in both subjects and boosted her confidence. We hope you will be able to continue working with her – it is such a pleasure to watch a child bloom academically!”

✏️ “George enabled me to get an 800 on the math SAT and, for most parents, that may be all they need in a tutor. However, George isn’t just an effective tutor, he actually cares about the student. When I first started with George math was my least favorite subject, mainly because I just didn’t ‘get it.’ However, now, math is my strongest subject and I adore the class. George allowed me to not just ‘get by’ in my class, but to understand the material, and, through understanding excel. I can’t recommend George enough on both a professional and personal level.” (800 SAT Math, 36 ACT Math)

✏️ “Five years ago I was struggling in my math and science classes. I tried around with a lot of the brand name tutoring companies, but I was just not improving the way I wanted to. So, when my mother told me she had hired another tutor I felt a little reluctant. However, after a few sessions with George I could actually see results. My success in learning the material properly reflected itself in both my grades and my ability to learn new material more readily. I can’t stress enough just how different George is from other tutors. George’s ability to work with his students and figure out on an individual basis how to teach subjects is unparalleled. My junior year I managed to get fantastic scores on all my standardized tests, including a perfect 800 on the math SAT. To me, George has been a great friend and an incredible asset throughout my high school career. George makes the material accessible and I cannot recommend him enough.” (800 SAT Math, 36 ACT Math)

✏️ “The SAT Subject Test for Math Level IIC is not an easy test. One must completely understand the topics that are covered to complete the problems, and one must have precision and speed to score high on the test. With George’s help, I was able to get high scores on many of the practice tests which reflected my real score. George has taught me the best ways to approach each problem; I can now solve each question quickly while understanding the math behind each question completely. I am very thankful that I was able to meet George, for his teachings and support allowed me to success on the SAT Math Level IIC test.” (780 SAT Math Level IIC)

✏️ “Perdocere Math Tutoring with Dr. George was the best decision we ever made for our son. George has not only given our son the knowledge and understanding of math, but the confidence to master it. He has given him the skills and confidence he needs to truly be a success. We can thank him for not only the math skills learned but also his advice in SAT management and preparedness and in interview techniques. We give Dr. George a perfect score!”

✏️ “Thanks to George I not only feel more confident in math, but I also feel like I am receiving a strong education from someone who is dedicated to helping people learn. Every lesson is based on what I need, and he never disappoints. His approach to math is both fun and engaging. He helps me get the results I want without substituting memorization for learning.”

✏️ “George has been active in the academic lives of our two sons for the last four years. Each learns in a very different manner but, amazingly, George has been able to unlock both of their intellectual personalities. He consistently gets to the whys and wherefores of mathematics and is tireless in ensuring that his students’ math foundations are strong. He motivated our oldest son so much that he now is majoring in math in college. He has guided our second son to the top of his math class and now beginning to guide his SAT studies. George proved that an ‘800’ was possible; perhaps he can make it two in a row. George is always willing to go the extra yard to help his students and takes a sincere interest in their success. George has a gift that few have – a brilliant intellect coupled with an intuitive ability to teach. I count on him as part of our family because of the time and effort he has devoted to the education of our children.”

✏️ “George has instructed our son and now our daughter. We have found that George tailors his teachings to meet our children’s individual needs and not just the ‘text book’. George covers everything and then he covers it again making sure they understand thoroughly. It is with great confidence and pleasure that we recommend George to be the very best available!”

✏️ “George has a superior understanding of higher mathematics and science which combined with his ability to communicate abstract subject matter to the kids is like no other teacher we have known. As for results, George has guided our son from mediocre to excelling. His high MCAS scores are a measure of his dramatic improvement. His SAT practice scores steadily climbed to impressive levels, and he gained 240 points on the SAT math. George mentors and provides guidance with understanding to his students. Our son has developed a strong sense of purpose to do well which we attribute in part, to his mentoring. We’ve had George tutor both our sons. George is the best gift you can ever give to your son or daughter.”

✏️ “We would heap praises, but facts speak better. With a ‘C’ in 8th grade math, and teachers happy with ‘the C’, which translates to just passing 8th grade MCAS at the cut-off grade, we looked to George to teach our child. The weekly two-hour session is productive and fun for our child! We would never have imagined our child sitting for two hours on High School Algebra – but it happens every week – only with George. George finds a way to teach and convey concepts in math – overcoming our child’s learning disabilities. Our child brought home a B+ in Algebra, and in one Algebra quiz, got the first time ever 100%. Our child has gained confidence which beats the frustration and ‘I hate math’ during 8th grade.”

✏️ “George has been one of the greatest things to ever happen to me. Before George, I was struggling and basically failing math. Since I’ve worked with so many other tutors who completely failed me, I was a little apprehensive when I first met George but we soon became totally comfortable working with each other and even have inside jokes. He’s helped me in math so much. I used to hate math with a passion, but now it’s one of my easiest and most enjoyable subjects. George and I work together even if I’m sick. He makes me feel better, instead of wearing me out. If I have a bad day at school, George cheers me up. He’s basically your best friend and the best tutor. I love him! Thank you George!”

✏️ “Once your child has worked with George, you realize what an extraordinary teacher he truly is. George not only teaches in a professional and organized manner, he has instilled self-confidence in our son that goes beyond mathematics. Our son respects George not only for his ability to teach him, but also because he takes an interest in him personally. George not only gives careful consideration about what is being taught now, but what skills will be needed in the future. Our son took a higher level mathematics course this year than was recommended, and with George’s help he was very successful! He is a wonderful mentor, something we never expected! Thank you George!!!”

✏️ “After trying several other tutors we had almost given up hope. We then found George and he has been amazing. Our daughter is now an A student in math and stress at home has vanished. Thank you George!”

✏️ “George is a great tutor. His math knowledge and his ability to teach it in such a way that my son understood it was amazing. My son improved his Math SAT score by almost 100 points. I highly recommend George both as a tutor and as a person. He made a huge impression on my son. Thank you so much.”

✏️ “George has been tutoring our son for over a year and this year he is the top student in his honors precalculus math class. He’s a more confident student and is willing to help others in his class so they may be successful. That helps to reinforce what he is learning, as well. This year, he has been studying for the ACT and SAT with George and we anticipate good outcomes!”

✏️ “I’ve always struggled with pre-calculus and calculus. My teachers never taught the theory behind the problems, or how it was connected to the big picture. George makes it his mission to make sure you thoroughly understand the concepts of the subject.” (college calculus student)

✏️ “My senior year brought with it an abundance of math challenges. I had decided to enroll in BC Calculus, as well as take the Math II SAT2. I never considered myself to be particularly good at math, so I was very worried about how my various math undertakings would pan out – but, under George’s tutelage, I ended up doing better than I could have ever expected. Often investing extra time into lessons, George Patiently taught me enough about precalculus and calculus to raise my average SAT2 by more than 180 points and nudge my math grade to an A. George takes the time to explain the underpinnings of each theorem, never resorting to memorization when there is understanding to be had. Whenever I brought my confusions to George, he could explain with perfect clarity what had gone wrong in my calculations. Two years ago, I never would have envisioned myself having my current relationship with math – one where I can look forward to new challenges rather than dread tests and quizzes. Without George’s unparalleled skill as a teacher, I would never have improved in math to the point that I have. As a student, I cannot recommend George highly enough. More than achieve tangible results in terms of grades and numbers, I have developed an entirely new attitude towards mathematics thanks to George.”

✏️ “George has been more than just a tutor. He is a friend and a mentor for both our children. Perfect SAT and ACT scores were just the beginning. George is still with them in college. His methods and teaching skills are more than what we imagined. The sooner a child starts with George the better his foundations are made solid, and the confidence the student acquires with his help goes beyond math to encompass all the curriculum.” (800 SAT, 36 ACT)

✏️ “George set an amazing foundation for my AP Physics course, when he taught me some basic calculus, which allowed me to understand how all the formulas interconnected, rather than simply memorizing them.” (AP score 5)

✏️ “George was flexible and accommodating when my daughter and I found ourselves overscheduled one month before three scheduled SAT-2 examinations. He organized a study program, identified the appropriate tools, and worked out a mutually acceptable schedule on short notice. His thorough understanding of the information and the test process coupled with his kind and cheerful personal style was very effective. The outcomes met our very high expectations, and we look forward to working with him in the future.”

✏️ “Before I started working with George, I lacked the confidence and tools to complete my math year with a strong ending. After just three meetings with him I began to receive A’s rather than C’s. Not only does George teach with passion, but he also tailors his explanations and the presentation of the material to fit my specific needs. His commitment to my learning is exemplified by willingness and ability to describe the real content and meaning of the work rather than simply relying on the memorization of formulas. Working with George has made me believe that the key to successful learning is dependent on a great teacher – and George is a great teacher.”

✏️ “George has been an amazing tutor who has helped me accomplish my goals in both school and the SATs. He has the unique ability to teach one concept in many ways, which is rare to find among teachers. Overall, it has been a very positive experience.”

✏️ “George taught me the difference between wisdom and knowledge, and George is by far the most experienced and intelligent teacher I have had the pleasure of working with.” (800 Math SAT, 800 SAT Math IIC, 36 ACT)

✏️ “George is a wonderful tutor that has made a significant impact on my daughters learning. He discovered her weaknesses and has worked tirelessly with her to fill in the gaps in her learning and prepare her for the SAT. He cares deeply about his students and communicates weekly with me on her progress. George is like no other!!”

✏️ “In preparation for high school, I asked George to find and patch the holes that we knew existed in my daughter’s math knowledge. Although my daughter has been an A student in math, it was apparent to me that she was getting by without really understanding the logic and meaning behind what she was doing in math. Because of this mechanics, memorization based approach to math, she found the subject to be her least favorite. George promised that he would find the holes in her knowledge and would then equip her with a deeper, more functional way of attacking math problems. In only a few sessions, the change in my daughter was evident. Her test grades improved, but most importantly, so did her confidence and creativity in finding solutions to math problems. My daughter happily sits through her sessions with George and is 100% engaged and happy. George is brilliant, thoughtful and kind and really understands how to work with kids. I feel that George is fully invested in my daughter’s success. I wish that all teachers were as wonderful and George!”

✏️ “George is a fun guy who knows his stuff. He is enjoyable to work with and the results are astounding.”

✏️ “George has a very nice personality and is very smart. He has a nice way of conveying information to hold my son’s attention. George has been very helpful to my son, bringing his grades to a passing A and building his confidence in math.”

✏️ “Working with George has changed my life for the best. When I first started High School, I was still overcoming many challenges involving my health – which had been affecting my grades as well as what classes I had to take. Once I met George tough, I knew he was different than the countless other tutors that had come and gone through my life. George was able to get me to heights I’d never even believed I could reach. The passion that he has for mathematics and his endless dedication to his students is visibly seen every time he’s doing a lesson. Not only has George been a fantastic tutor but he has also been a great friend. He’s given me important input to major decisions I’ve had to make in my life whether it’s what college or even what classes I should take. There’s nobody I can credit more when it comes to the straight A’s in math classes I’ve taken these past four years and the 710 & 750 I received on the SAT and SAT Math IIC than him. I would have never believed back then that George would’ve had the impact that he has now on my life. Thanks for everything, George.”

✏️ “You have set the ‘gold standard’ that I don’t think anyone else can approach.”

✏️ “Thank you so much for all you do for our son, and for us!”

✏️ “George is a truly amazing teacher. Not only is he incredible capable and knowledgeable but also sincere and caring. He knows how to captivate a student’s focus and how to motivate them. There is nobody better than George!”

✏️ “George has been tutoring our son for over two years now, we are very pleased with the results. Our son has a real appreciation for the method in which George teaches, and is confident in his own abilities now to understand and comprehend challenging concepts. With George the lesson is always positive, focused and thoroughly understood. Besides being such a wonderful tutor, mentor, and motivator, George has encouraged our son to excel in other pursuits as well, always looking toward the future. We highly recommend George!”

✏️ “Over the past three years, George has become the family’s de facto math and science consiliari. He has not only guided our first son to a string of 800’s but instilled in him a sense of academic confidence and curiosity that will serve him well in college. He also started down the academic path with our second son this year – a very different learner than the first – yet he has struck the appropriate chords with him. George is a born teacher. He is enthusiastic about his subjects, explains and teaches in a clear and logical manner, and patiently drives the learning process. We can always count on George and will continue to rely on him in the future.”

Click Here for the Complete List of Hundreds of Parent and Student Testimonials. What’s Shown Above is a Small Sampling.