Absolute Value Academy

09/17/2025

Many parents ask me about timing for SAT Prep. In our many years as a premier SAT Prep center, we have found that conscientious prep ideally starts 8-10 weeks before test day. All of our SAT prep classes are designed with this timing in mind, so if your child is taking the SAT on December 6, take a look at our prep options (small-group and private) beginning the weekend of October 4. (Saturday's class link is below; other options can be found on our website.)

SATURDAYS 10:30-12 Get ready to rock the SAT! This 8-week prep course provides expert instruction as you learn core strategies, skills, and SAT-specific content. *Ideally designed for students taking the SAT on December 6, 2025. 12 total hours  

09/14/2025

We have ONE SPOT LEFT in our next SAT Prep course, starting October 5! Ideally scheduled for students taking the SAT on December 6.

Questions about the SAT or any other college admissions matter? Contact Heather at 412-398-8538 and schedule a free consultation.

SUNDAYS 12:30-2PM Get ready to rock the SAT! This 8-week prep course provides expert instruction as you learn core strategies, skills, and SAT-specific content. *Ideally designed for students taking the SAT on December 6, 2025. 12 total hours  

09/08/2025

Parents, just a reminder that most local school districts are holding the PSAT next month. Why does this matter? For juniors, the PSAT is the single qualifying test for National Merit Scholarship consideration, so the scores definitely matter and prep is definitely a plus. Our PSAT prep course starts this Saturday, offering targeted practice and expert guidance to help students reach their highest potential! Register here 👇or call 412-398-8538.

SATURDAYS 12-1:30PM Our PSAT Prep Course runs for four consecutive Sundays, 1.5 hours each session and is designed to strengthen test-taking strategies, sharpen skills, and build confidence. Since the PSAT is the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarship consideration, strong performance can op...

09/06/2025

It's Back! Our unique and super-popular Friday Night MindQuest returns on Friday, September 26! Designed exclusively for middle schoolers, MindQuest provides the perfect opportunity for kids to unwind, connect, and have fun. In addition to a Trivia Bowl (prizes included!), kids have access to chess sets, board games, and music, plus rooms of unique challenges to test your smarts! And what would a Friday night be without pizza 🍕?? If this sounds like fun, register your middle-schooler here 👇. Spaces are limited and they go quickly!!

Kick off your weekend with friends at MindQuest! With 5,000 sq. ft. of space, AVA is the perfect place for middle schoolers to unwind, connect, and have fun. Each room is designed with different challenges for a variety of mind-stretching experiences! In the common areas, you'll have access to chess...

09/05/2025

PERSONALIZED COLLEGE APPLICATION SUPPORT!

🎓 Tired of piecing together SAT tutors, essay editors, and admissions consultants? Let Absolute Value Academy simplify the process. We offer flexible, high-impact packages for every type of student and every budget.

✅ Test Prep
✅ Essay Coaching
✅ Monthly Strategy Check-ins with Your Team
✅ Common App Guidance
✅ College + Scholarship Strategy

From first draft to final decision, we are with you every step of the way! One team. One plan. One less thing to stress about.

👉 Call for your free consultation or enroll today! Packages and descriptions can be found at absval.net

Call now to connect with business.

09/04/2025

Over the last five years, we have found that weekly, small-group sessions (across all subjects) are extremely effective at keeping students' achievement at high levels throughout the year. The reason? Weekly reinforcement moves students closer to mastery of the concepts, which means better understanding, longer retention, and higher scores on tests. Check out all of our small groups at absval.net/homework-help/ -- you might find it's just the thing your child needs to thrive!

09/02/2025

Hard to believe, but it was ONE YEAR AGO this week that we left the Galleria for our new, 5X-larger location on Fort Couch Road -- and it was DEFINITELY the right call! This space allows us to offer so much more in the way of educational programming and enrichment (hello, recording studio 🎤🎧!) and this location has opened us up to students from school districts we weren't reaching before (looking at you, Peters and Bethel Park!). We are so grateful for our ever-growing clientele and our growing roster of excellent teachers. If you haven't checked us out yet, what are you waiting for? You have a lot to learn at AVA 😉
👇Scenes from Year 1 😀

08/31/2025

PSAT Scores Matter! National Merit Starts Here!

Get ready to maximize your PSAT score—and your opportunities. Our PSAT Prep Course is designed to strengthen test-taking strategies, sharpen skills, and build confidence. Since the PSAT is the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarship consideration, strong performance can open doors to recognition and valuable scholarship opportunities. This class will give students targeted practice and expert guidance to help them reach their highest potential.

SATURDAYS 12-1:30PM Our PSAT Prep Course runs for four consecutive Sundays, 1.5 hours each session and is designed to strengthen test-taking strategies, sharpen skills, and build confidence. Since the PSAT is the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarship consideration, strong performance can op...

08/26/2025

📣 We’re Hiring a Chess Teacher! ♟️

Absolute Value Academy’s Chess Program has been growing strong for 5 years, and we’re ready to add a new instructor to our team!
✅ 2 hours per week (flexible, anytime between 4–8PM)
✅ United States Chess Federation member program
✅ Opportunity to teach, mentor, and lead both ranked & unranked tournaments
✅ Join a supportive community of students who love to learn and compete
If you’re passionate about teaching chess and want to be part of a thriving program, we’d love to hear from you!
📩 Message us here on Facebook or email [email protected] to apply.

Send a message to learn more

08/21/2025

NEW SESSION STARTING NEXT WEEK: Intro to Chess ♟ for ages 5-7!
🌟 Why start young? Chess helps kids build focus, memory, decision-making, and sportsmanship—skills that benefit them far beyond the board.
* Weekly 45-minute sessions
* Perfect for beginners
* Small-group, easy going environment
* Register here 👇for all 6 classes. (Drop-ins are accepted, space permitting. $15 at the door. Call 412-398-8538 to ensure there is room.)
https://absval.net/product/intro-to-chess-ages-5-7-thursdays-5-545pm-august-28-october-2/

08/18/2025

Wishing everyone a smooth and happy transition into the school year this week! Remember, we're here to help kids stay (relatively) stress-free and on top of things with their classes, especially as the year progresses. Weekly groups now open for registration in the following subjects: AP Calculus AB, Trig/pre-calculus, Geometry, Honors Algebra 2, Honors Chemistry, and Algebra -- as well as 6th and 7th grade math. Private sessions available in all subjects (academic and AP) including Spanish, Writing, AP US History, Biology, and Physics. Call 412-398-8538 or visit our website for details and to register. Start the year strong and stay that way!

AVA is a progressive education center in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Original programs, continuing education classes, tutoring, and more!

08/10/2025

The start of school is just around the corner, and one of the most important things your child needs to be successful is strong study skills! Our Essential Study Skills programs start tomorrow, and there are a couple of spots available in the 2-3PM middle school class. (The high school class is full, but you can call 412-398-8538 to get your teen on the waiting list or to schedule private sessions). Click here for more info and to register:
https://absval.net/product/essential-study-skills-middle-school-august-11-12-13/