Worth the money, and the time, the Scottsdale Education Center has been an excellent choice for my daughter. Her confidence has grown, her (already good) grades have gone up, and her belief that she will succeed as a student has been strengthened. In my experience every student who walks in the door is greeted like a rock star and immediately treated with the disclosure of just where they are (on any given day) going to begin working. The combination of "you matter, you can do this, go do it", really works!
Pros: Learning environment, personal attention, talented instructors
Parent
Comprehensive high quality tutoring services delivered by friendly and certified educators. Their SAT/ACT test preparation services cannot be beat. If you are looking for real tutoring services and not babysitters, Scottsdale Education Center is the best.
Pros: Knowledgeable, friendly, comprehensive, approachable.
Parent
Parents & Students - Take some time to read this: I did my homework, I interviewed tutors all around town. I chose SEC becuase of the quality of their work and enthusiasm to help my 14 year old. We started out in all private lessons and my son had a C average in Math and a B in Language Arts and a low B in Science. Not anymore. He now has an A in Math and LA and a high B in Science. Best of all, his committment to school (which was good to begin with) is great now. He loves to go to SEC because he's seeing his grades go up and the atmosphere there is nearly viral. Couldn't be achieved in a pure, private setting.
The staff and the rest of the kids mearly make learning a sport. It's fun. IT WORKS! SEC gets our highest recommendation.
Pros: Atmosphere, Staff, Smiles, Focus, Quality and Commitment. Cons: None. There is no downside here.
The Miller's.
Dear Christina,
Words cannot explain what my life would be without you! You are a true angel in my life. Thank you for everything.
Student.
I just wanted you to know how wonderfully both Michael and Caroline are doing. Michael placed in the 6th grade advanced Math class at the American School of London and he currently has an "A" average. Caroline is also doing extremely well in 3rd grade and even brought her workbook into class as part of "Show and Tell".
The work that all of you did with Michael and Caroline last summer was invaluable. It gave them confidence and sealed those tiny cracks of knowledge that can become serious if not dealt with.
December 2006
Parent
Scottsdale Education has been part of our life over the last six years. They have given my daughter the skills to prepare her for success in life. She has enjoyed coming to the center. My husband and I feel this a investment in her education and future. We have watched the center grow in many postive ways. It is great to see students come back from college to "Thank" the center for what they have done to get them ready for college.
Thanks!!
Jamie B.
Parent
"I also want to say John* especially found Mr. Compton's memory visualization techniques helpful last week. The lessons he taught John* helped him ace a math test the next day (a first!!!!!)..He has really blossomed since working with you and Holly and all the terrific tutors at SEC!!! Thank you so very much"
November 2006
Email from SEC parent
Of the many benefits and things that are done right at SEC, what is most important to me is that everyone has a sincere interest and concern for my kids. You can never overestimate the importance of someone who cares.
Tom Lehman
SEC helped to further my education. They've assisted me with math and in prep for the SAT, without them I wouldn't be where or who I am today.
Student
August 31, 2006
Our experience with SEC was extremely positive. We appreciated your friendliness, all of the encouragement and helpfulness. Thank you for being so accomodating with scheduling and helping my daughter feel confident and achieve success.
A big hug to everyone,
Karen and Kristi
Christina Tayles & Holly DiTallo, (7-20-06)
Where do I start? You both have been so supportive of everything for me throughout this hectic year! I cannot begin to express my gratitude towards everything you guys have blessed me with. Without your support, love, and sponsorship I would not have won the title. My mother and I both are grateful to know that throughout all of this, we have truly made life long friends! Once again, thank you so much for making this pageant title one never to be forgotten!
Love Always,
Erika Frantzve
Miss Teen Arizona 2006
Spring 2006
There are no words that I know of to express how much of an impact you have had in my life. I'm actually scared to think of where I would be without you. Over the past week, the thought that my last tutoring session has been approaching literally brought me to tears. I've come to realize that my confidence in school and everyday life is what it is largely because of you.
My entire literary tastes have been determined by you, and my comprehension of math was basically nonexistent before you. When I entered this place for the first time, I was petrified; now I can't stand the thought of leaving.
Thank you for your unending confidence in me for the past six years. You are two of the most influential people in my life. You have helped open doors I never thought possible. So I thank you for pushing me, encouraging me, and most of all, for believing in me.
With my deepest gratitude and love,
Student
Our daughter has been tutored at Scottsdale Education Center for the last 5 years, eighth grade through her senior year in high school. The teachers there have always provided the highest quality instruction for her in math, science, SAT prep, and college essay composition. Most importantly, they have provided the encouragement and emotional support that was lacking in her school educators so she has been able to develop a very positive self image with increased confidence in herself and her abilities.
My husband and I consider the founders of Scottsdale Education Center, Christina and Holly, outstanding contributors to the academic and personal growth of our daughter through the years. We truly believe, we couldn’t have done it without them! More importantly, our entire family considers them our friends.
Bob and Lynn K.
Parents
We would just like to say that without SEC our son would not have graduated last year. SEC is a major part of his education, without them he would fail.
Parent
I worship the SEC because everytime I walk in I know I am getting smarter. Everyone that works at the Scottsdale Education Center is awesome and is full of positive energy. They make learning easy and understandable. For example, after joining the SEC my math grade went from a low B to a high A.
Jason K.
Student
The tutors that are employed by Scottsdale Educational Center are excellent and encourage the student to succeed. The owners Christina Tayles and Holly DiTallo provide oversight to the students and give support and tough love when applicable. Christina and Holly have made tutoring a positive event in our lives. Our daughter went from not understanding Geometry to making an "A" on her final exam and a "B" for her semester grade.
Sue and Bill D.
Parents
Scottsdale, AZ
SEC has had an extremely postive effect on our 16 year old son. With your help, he has raised his grades from the C-D level to the A-B level. He enjoys his sessions and always exits in a happy positive mood. Please keep up your tremendous effort!
Parent
My daughter has attended the Scottsdale Education Center for the past 18 months. The caring and individual attention that has been extended toward her needs are simply amazing. She passed her AIMS test with flying colors and is currently enrolled in the SAT classes. In addition to her tutoring, she has gain self-confidence and is B student at present. Christina Tayles is very supportive and absolutely wonderful. She even took time out of her busy schedule to listen and advise me regarding my daughter's college searches. I would recommend SEC to everyone who has tutoring needs.
Elisabeth P.
Parent
Stacy's experience at SEC has been very positive. Her grades have improved, she gets help whenever she needs it and the added plus is that she enjoys going. We would highly recommend Scottsdale Education Center.
Cindy C.
Parent
North Scottsdale, Arizona
"My husband and I greatly appreciate the dedication and individual attention the teaching staff has shown to our two high school sons who were studying for the AIMS. My son Phillip has improved his writing score from 563 to 783 points. This drastic improvement moved him from Meeting the standard to Exceeding the standard, which helped him qualify for scholarships. My other son Adam met the Exceeding standard score for writing on his first attempt, with a final score of 779. Phillip and Adam studied at the Scottsdale Education Center once a week for six weeks, and as a result they are now eligible for college scholarships. We were so impressed with these results, our sons are now currently enrolled in the AIMS reading improvement program."
Parent
Scottsdale, AZ
"I am truly blessed to have your support with David. My description of you to others is,
"There's a building on Bell Road and it has real life angels in it."
Whatever you are doing to help him with behavior is really working!
You can't imagine how grateful I am!"
Parent
"Our daughter was tutored in the Spring for the AIMS math test. We just got the results back and she is way above what meets the standard at 734 in math. I just wanted to tell you guys what a great job you did with her and I greatly appreciate it. We will definitely spread your name around and its good success. Thanks for all your help."
Parent
North Scottsdale, Arizona
The following is from a student of SEC and her parent:
"The Scottsdale Education Center is like our family, very supportive and caring. They offer excellent opportunities for all types of learners."
Parent & K-8 teacher,
Scottsdale Unified School District
"Scottsdale Education Center has offered me an opportunity for academic excellence but has also helped me build self-esteem for a positive and successful future!"
Student
Scottsdale, AZ
"Being at Scottsdale Education Center has enriched and furthered my understanding of math. The environment and tutors enhance my ability to learn and then to succeed in school. I love coming to tutoring, and I feel better about myself each time I attend."
Student
"My daughter is pleased with the staff and it reflects on her good marks in school. Thank You."
Parent
North Scottsdale, Arizona
"Scottsdale Education Center has been, and will continue to be, an incredible experience for our children. Christina and Holly have created such a warm and inviting environment that the kids really want to be there. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable and can help with any academic area of need. We highly recommend Scottsdale Education Center. Confidence in school is a wonderful thing for a child!"
Parent
"Thank you for all you've done this year to make my son's 7th grade a memorable and remarkable year. As a family, we feel so blessed to have had you as our son's teacher and mentor throughout the year. Your commitment and extra effort have made a difference. This is a year that could have been awful for our son, instead it's been his best - thanks to teachers who have done more than teach - those who have cared about the individual."
Parent
Scottsdale, AZ
"I hope you enjoyed Math this year as much as I did. I had a lot of fun in your class and learned a lot as well. No other teacher has taught me math as well as you have."
Student
"I would love to tell you that you are one of the best teachers I have ever had. From the very first day I saw you, I knew you were a perfect teacher. Nice, happy and smart! You have the perfect personality a teacher needs."
Student
"Mrs. Tayles is a highly organized, knowledgeable, and detailed teacher. She sets student and academic and citizenship expectations high and insures success through meticulous lesson planning and building student/teacher relations. Mrs. Tayles traditional instructional approach includes the integration of real life problem solving and applications."
District Administrator
"We are particularly impressed with Christina Tayles in your Math department. We home-schooled our children for four years. One of the great benefits of bringing them back into the public schools was the math class taught by Mrs. Tayles. We finally found a math teacher who taught with passion and intensity, and drove the students to learn more than they thought possible. You have a true gem of a teaching professional in Christina Tayles"
Parent
"Mrs. Tayles presents carefully thought out and well planned classrooms, she demonstrates outstanding classroom management skills. Ms. Tayles has an outstanding rapport with her students, she demonstrates warmth and affection toward them, but at the same time she conveys a no-nonsense approach. She does an outstanding job of adjusting instruction to meet her students' needs and accommodate their different abilities in math."
District Administrator
"Mrs. Tayles' classroom was very stimulating with a wide variety of student work on display. She has definitely gone the extra mile to provide her students with a comfortable, warm and friendly environment. Mrs. Tayles is an outstanding teacher and we are very fortunate to have on our staff"
District Administrator
I just wanted to say thank you so much for your help with my kids! It is a huge relief to have somewhere to turn when they are struggling in school.
Amy Y.
Parent

