Holistic Mentorship & Academic Tutoring

About Us…

Graduating from Stanford, I taught creative writing at Boston University and, afterwards, spent several years living and teaching in Rome.

Returning to the Bay Area due to the pandemic, I began tutoring privately and quickly realized a need in my students not only for academic support but also real mentorship.

Although, initially, it was just ‘Lessons With Tobi,’ I soon began receiving too many referrals to meet with every student myself. So, I set out to find other extraordinary educators who also practice the same hands-on, heartfelt approach to teaching as I do.

Lessons with Tobi & Friends is the result: a team of educators who understand that modeling kindness, drive, and curiosity is just as important as teaching the fundamentals of grammar and geometry.

This is a team of skilled, passionate, wise educators I’m grateful to call my friends.

  • Trusted Partners

    We view our role is somewhere between a teacher, an older sibling, and a mentor. Sometimes we take our students surfing; sometimes we come to their school plays. Often, we text or email them between sessions just to make sure their homework is done. We’re not only tutors, we’re a trusted partner.

  • Exceptional Results

    Students Admitted To

    Stanford Columbia Harvard Cal MIT USC UCLA UCSB Oberlin Reed UW LMU

    College Prep Branson UHS Andover Menlo St Paul’s Marin Academy St Ignatius The Bay School Stuart Hall Lick-Wilmerding

  • Growth Oriented

    In working one-on-one with a member of our team, students develop a sense of mastery that, ultimately, allows them to become more confident, self-motivated learners. We believe that a growth-oriented mindset will best prepare students for a rapidly changing tomorrow.

Our Team

“Tobi was a godsend guiding our child through the high school application process.  We can't say enough good things about him.” - Thomas (San Francisco)

“My daughter absolutely loved working with you and not only did she get her applications in, she was able to engage in the writing process with you in a way that always left her feeling inspired, heard and seen!” – Joann (Los Altos)

“My son made a huge improvement on his SAT score and we can’t thank Aarushi enough for tutoring him.” – Sheila (San Francisco)

“You helped bring out the rock star in my son. Thank you.”
- Nicole (Marin County)

“Zoe has had an incredibly positive impact on my learning journey. Her approachable, encouraging presence made it easy for me to ask questions and take risks without fear of judgment.” - Marianne (Millbrae)

“A huge thank you for being so present and patient with my daughter.” – Marisa (San Francisco)

“Best teacher ever. Melania is well prepared, knows what the student needs and has lots of materials to support the lesson.” – Riya (Burlingame)

“My heartfelt thanks for your phenomenal support of my daughter. I truly can't thank you enough. Your mentorship has meant so much to her.… what a gift!”
- Margaret (Menlo Park)

“Hans inspired me in a way I didn’t think was possible, and I want to keep learning. I deeply appreciate his help, understanding, and mentorship.” - Amar (Palo Alto)

“Highest recommendation.” - Jess (Menlo Park)