With over 30 years of experience in education—15 years in Connecticut’s public school system and the past 15 years in elite independent schools in Florida—I’ve had the privilege of teaching students from preschool through college. I’ve seen firsthand how transformative the right kind of support can be, no matter the age or stage.

At WayPath, we specialize in more than just school work. We help students navigate obstacles with confidence, develop metacognitive strategies to understand how they learn best, and become independent, capable thinkers. My philosophy is rooted in the belief that targeted, intentional instruction—combined with genuine encouragement and trust—can unlock a student’s full potential.

Whether your child is overcoming a learning difference, striving to reach the next level, or rediscovering their confidence, we meet them where they are, and walk alongside them toward where they want to be.

This is not cookie-cutter tutoring. It’s personalized, evidence-based, and deeply invested in long-term growth. I’d be honored to partner with your family on this journey.

— Sarah Waldau
Founder, WayPath Academics

Offerings

  • Academic Tutoring

    Whether your child is just learning to read or tackling the rigor of AP coursework, our academic tutoring provides targeted, subject-specific support for students from Kindergarten through high school. But we go beyond the material. At WayPath, we focus on building confident, capable learners who understand not just what to learn—but how to learn. Each session is designed to strengthen problem-solving skills, foster metacognitive awareness, and uncover the strategies that work best for your child’s unique learning style. The result? Better grades, less stress, and long-term academic resilience.

  • SAT & ACT Test Preparation

    Our SAT and ACT prep programs are tailored to fit the needs of all learners—from high achievers aiming for top scores to students who need extra support building test-taking confidence. Each 90-minute session combines targeted content review, pacing strategies, stress management techniques, and ongoing analysis of practice test performance. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all prep. Instead, we equip students with the tools and mindset they need to approach the exam with clarity, strategy, and resilience. Whether your child needs a boost in math, a reading strategy overhaul, or help navigating accommodations, we meet them where they are—and help them move forward with purpose.

  • Wilson Reading and Spelling

    Designed for students with reading-based learning differences such as dyslexia, this program offers one-on-one, 60-minute sessions with a Wilson® Certified Reading Coach. Using structured, multisensory instruction grounded in the Orton-Gillingham approach, we teach both decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling) through tactile, kinesthetic strategies that align with how the brain learns best.

    Whether your child needs foundational support or targeted intervention, this evidence-based program builds confidence, fluency, and lasting literacy skills.

  • Parent Playbook

    This 90-minute session discovery session, designed specifically for parents of bright, neurodiverse students, The Parent Playbook is a one-on-one strategy session that demystifies the college application process. We'll walk through timelines, testing, accommodations, essay expectations, and how to best support executive functioning without taking over. Whether your child has ADHD, dyslexia, or another learning difference, this session will give you the tools—and confidence—to guide them through a process that honors their strengths, reduces stress, and keeps their voice at the center.

    Because behind every empowered student is a well-informed, supportive parent.

  • College Résumé and Essay Writing

    This six-hour guided experience is designed to help students present their best, most authentic selves to college admissions teams. Working one-on-one with an experienced writing coach, students will develop a compelling personal essay and a polished résumé that highlights their unique strengths, accomplishments, and interests. Each session builds intentionally—starting with thoughtful brainstorming and outline development, and progressing through structured drafts and targeted revisions.

    To make the most of each session, students will leave with personalized assignments between meetings to keep momentum high and reflection deep. Students will walk away with a standout essay and résumé—crafted with care, clarity, and confidence.

  • Common App Companion

    This is a three-session coaching package designed specifically for neurodiverse students who benefit from structure, clarity, and individualized support. Together, we’ll walk step-by-step through the Common Application, breaking down complex sections like the activities list, honors, demographic questions, and college-specific supplements into manageable, confidence-building tasks. Students will leave with a polished application that authentically captures their voice and highlights their strengths. This package does not include essay writing support.

    This package is a powerful lead-in to our college résumé and essay writing offering, giving students the foundation they need to craft strong, cohesive applications from start to submit.

    Because the application process should highlight their potential—not their frustration.

Testimonials

  • Becky D.

    An Incredible Tutor and True Partner in Learning

    Our daughter has dyslexia, and finding the right support for her was a top priority. We’re so grateful to have found Sarah Waldau, such an amazing tutor! In just one year, our daughter’s scores improved by over 30%—a testament to Sarah Waldau's expertise, dedication, and personalized approach. She is not only knowledgeable but also kind, caring, and truly invested in our daughter’s growth.

    What’s been most remarkable is the shift in our daughter’s confidence. She looks forward to every tutoring session and has never once resisted going—she feels smart, empowered, and proud of what she’s accomplishing. Sarah Waldau has been an incredible partner and we couldn’t recommend her more highly. We could not imagine this journey without her! 

  • Irene F.

    We were incredibly fortunate to have Sarah tutor our son from 7th through 12th grade at Canterbury School in Fort Myers. Over those six years, she provided not only consistent academic support, but also mentorship and encouragement. Her ability to explain complex concepts with clarity and patience made a tremendous difference in his confidence and performance, especially during the high school years. She is professional, reliable, and deeply committed to her students/growth— both in and out of the classroom. We are truly grateful for the impact she had on our son’s education and highly recommend her to any family looking for a knowledgeable and compassionate educator.

  • Carson F.

    Mrs. Waldau has been the most impactful tutor, teacher, and mentor I’ve ever had. She began working with me in middle school and continued throughout high school. Thanks to her, my reading comprehension and writing skills improved tremendously—and so did my confidence and personal growth. If you’re looking for someone who can help you develop both academically and personally, she’s the one to turn to.

  • Amy D.

    Sarah is an incredible educator in so many ways. She has really helped my son to realize his potential. She connects with kids and teaches them in a very focused and tailored way. Her teaching style is focused, direct and tailored to each individual. My son has loved having her as his teacher this year and Sarah will mentor him academically next year through his junior year of high school. We are very grateful to Sarah!

  • Sarah K.

    Mrs. Waldau is one of the best academic coaches around. She really helped my son not only improve his grades, but she also gave him someone to talk to. She helped him navigate high school. I don’t know what we would do without her.

  • Danielle D.

    Mrs. Waldau has been a tremendous help to my son’s education.his extremely helpful and professional. My son absolutely loves working with her and we look forward to continuing support throughout his remaining high school years. She is the best of the best!

  • Jack W.

    Sarah Waldau is the most patient, kind, and understanding teacher I have met throughout the education system. She has this ability to understand the true motley nature of humans. Mrs. Waldau has the ability to ensure her students feel interested an valued no matter what, and that was something that always amazed me. There are few people that are lucky enough to witness education in such a positive light, and I can’t thank Sarah Waldau enough for showing me that.

  • Stephanie U.

    My daughter Madelyn has always faced challenges with reading. She was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD the summer after second grade, and we were genuinely anxious about how she would manage third grade. Then we found Sarah.

    Madelyn began tutoring with Sarah in December of her third-grade year, and the transformation has been incredible. She just completed third grade, and not only is she reading at a higher level, but she’s doing so with confidence—and that’s been the biggest win of all.

    She’s gone from dreading homework to completing it without hesitation. For the first time ever, she earned an A in reading. While she still has some ground to cover to reach full grade level, I have no doubt she’ll get there—and that’s entirely thanks to the support and encouragement she’s received from Sarah.

    Madelyn absolutely adores Mrs. Sarah. Tutoring isn’t a chore—it’s the highlight of her day. It feels more like fun than work. We are beyond grateful for Sarah’s impact on our daughter, and we truly can’t recommend her enough. If your child is struggling with reading, Sarah is your person.

Who We Are

At WayPath Academics, we recognize that school — and growing up — can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world. Many students feel overwhelmed by mental health pressures, constant distractions, and a lack of personal attention. That’s why we go beyond traditional tutoring. Our mission is to create a supportive, compassionate environment where students can discover their authentic voice, develop problem-solving skills, and build the confidence to navigate obstacles with resilience and grace.

Contact Us

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