What is the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC)?
ATC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that recruits and trains volunteers to teach reading to kindergarten, first grade and second grade public school students who need extra help with reading. ATC’s goal is to ensure that all its students meet grade level reading expectations by the end of the year. In recruiting tutors and raising funds, ATC partners with the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), local businesses and community organizations, and Alexandria’s faith community. Volunteers receive training and weekly lesson plans, and tutor one or two 30- to 45-minute sessions a week during regular school hours. Tutors report a high level of satisfaction with their tutoring and are proud to be working one-on-one to teach a child to read.
What kind of tutoring does ATC provide?
ATC’s “Book Buddies” is a phonics-based, peer-reviewed tutoring program developed at the University of Virginia’s School of Education. Students are selected for the program by their classroom teachers. ATC’s staff of professional educators coordinates all aspects of the program, including training tutors and providing them with lesson plans, books, and materials tailored to each student’s reading needs.
How is ATC funded?
ATC is funded by a wide variety of donors, including businesses, foundations, and individuals. It takes approximately $1,350 per year to teach one child and we would love your help! Click HERE to learn about ways you can donate to ATC.
How do I apply to become a tutor?
Find information about volunteering and sign up to tutor HERE!
How can I tell if I am helping my student?
Each school has a trained reading professional (the “Coordinator”) who oversees the tutoring program. The Coordinator writes lesson plans, maintains a dialogue with tutors on how each child is doing, and shares the results of periodic testing that identify areas where the child needs help. Progress can be seen as children read texts with increasingly complex words. Tutors are a key part of the team contributing to the students’ achievement.
Which schools are served?
In the 2025-2026 school year, ATC is providing one-on-one reading tutoring for students at every public elementary school in the City of Alexandria!
Kindergarten programs: Cora Kelly, Ferdinand Day, John Adams, Lyles-Crouch, and William Ramsay schools.
First grade programs: Charles Barrett, Cora Kelly, Douglas MacArthur, Ferdinand Day, George Mason, James Polk, Jefferson-Houston, John Adams, Lyles-Crouch, Mount Vernon, Naomi Brooks, Patrick Henry, Samuel Tucker, and William Ramsay schools.
Second grade programs: Cora Kelly, Ferdinand Day, James Polk and Jefferson-Houston schools.
How can I help?
Volunteer! Donate! For questions or help, please contact Lisa Jacobs, ATC’s Executive Director, at ljacobs@alexandriatutors.org or (703) 549-6670, ext.119