Get motivated and organized to thrive.

Master six core skills that form the foundation of success.

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What does EF encompass?

Let's break down these crucial skills, and all the subskills involved. These can make a big impact on your learning experience.

Planning

  • Setting goals
  • Prioritizing
  • Time management
  • Breaking big assignments into smaller tasks

Organization

  • Creating and maintaining schedules/routines
  • Using calendars + planners
  • Keeping track of information + materials

Attention

  • Shifting attention from tasks you like to ones you don't
  • Keeping attention on a situation or task in spite of distractions or boredom
  • Working memory - keeping information in mind to complete a task

Flexibility

  • Making changes when needed
  • Adjusting to obstacles, setbacks, new information, or mistakes
  • Tolerating unexpected changes in plans

Self-Management

  • Getting motivated + starting tasks
  • Sticking with a task or project to meet a goal
  • Managing emotions + anxiety
  • Controlling impulses
  • Handling frustration
  • Self-awareness/self-reflection

Self-Advocacy

  • Knowing when you need help
  • Asking for help
  • Finding helpful people, tools, or resources
  • Knowing your strengths + weaknesses

Is EF Coaching the Answer?

Students with lagging EF skills can experience grades that don’t meet their potential, low academic confidence, and lack of motivation. We can help you break the cycle. Our EF Coaches work with a wide range of students in grades 4 through 12 and college, including:

  • Students with demanding schedules
  • Gifted and twice-exceptional (“2e’) students
  • Students with ADHD, LDs (like dyslexia), or autism

Take a Quiz

Take the short quiz below to assess your student’s executive function skills.

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Schedule a Consultation

Talk with a Program Director to learn more about executive functioning and your student's needs.

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Start a Coaching Plan

Follow a schedule of weekly,
30 to 45-minute coaching sessions.

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Webinar

Support Your Student’s College Essays without Hijacking the Process

Guest speaker Susan Knoppow will show parents how to help their students navigate common essay challenges, provide meaningful feedback, and encourage an authentic voice – without overstepping.

Wednesday, July 9
8pm ET
Susan Knoppow, CEO, WOW Writing Workshop and College Essay Expert
"Our coach has been great at helping my son with strategies on how to stay organized, plan for the future, and remember what he has due/to do. She has managed to help my son do all of this without making him feel anxious or overwhelmed - he seems to feel more confident and in control."
Frances W., EF Coaching Parent
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Reviews

“My Applerouth coach ​​helped me realize that when I'm put together and organized, school really is not that difficult.”

Applerouth Student, El Paso, TX

“My son started planning his homework better and his grades immediately improved, thus helping him feel better about himself and his abilities.”

EF Coaching parent, Spring

“My only regret is not finding this service earlier in the academic year.”

EF Coaching Parent, Spring

STUDENT CASE STUDY

A 7th-Grader Finds Her Focus Through Executive Function Skills

Background

Tammy was in 7th grade when her parents reached out to us. She was struggling with her executive functioning skills, and specifically, with a low C in her geometry class. As can be commonplace at her age, her social life was overshadowing her focus on academics. After assessing all the details, we matched Tammy with a Premium Applerouth Tutor with an aptitude for helping students shift their focus and manage their motivation. In Tammy’s case, the tutor recognized the importance of addressing executive function skills and study habits. She learned that she had the power to improve her low C in math on her own with simple habit tweaks.

Overall, Tammy’s executive functioning skills improved, and she learned the key skill of managing her priorities when necessary. Her tutoring journey continued into high school, where she was excelling in geometry class. This reflects the impressive gains that Tammy has made in her overall focus and in her executive functioning skills!

Approach

  • Tammy came to us struggling academically. We identified one of the main causes to be a lack of executive functioning skills. 
  • With her newfound knowledge of executive functioning, Tammy was able to become aware of her most effective personal motivators.
  • She was able to transition to structured, goal-oriented meetings throughout her time with us.

Outcome

Tammy, now a high school freshman excelling in geometry, demonstrates how improved organizational skills and motivation can help students excel by leaps and bounds. Tammy was able to move beyond her previous academic barriers with simple techniques. A little help can truly make big ripples in a student’s academic journey.

*Student's name and likeness have been changed for privacy.

Applerouth's Process

From advisement to post-service follow up, we come alongside you on your journey.

1. Craft a plan.

Schedule an appointment with a Program Director to discuss which of our learning experiences would work best for you.

2. Tutor matching.

Get matched to the perfect tutor for you, based on learning needs, personality, and educational goals.

3. Start learning.

Make leaps and bounds in whatever it is you need help with the most - and then some. Get ready to feel more confident by the end.

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Skill Quiz

Take the short quiz below to assess your student’s executive function skills.

Discover more learning strategies.

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Webinar Heading

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Month DD, YYYY
xx minutes

The Growing Gender Gap in American Students’ Academic Motivation

Many boys today are struggling with low motivation and disengagement in school—prompting parents and educators to explore how to better support their growth, purpose, and long-term success.

Jed Applerouth, PhD
June 4, 2025

No-Stress Guide to Testing Accommodations

Navigating testing accommodations can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're new to the accommodations process or looking to clarify your next steps, our guide empowers families with the knowledge and tools to help students succeed with the support they need.

Jenna Berk
May 30, 2025

How to Raise a Reader in the Digital Age

If your child struggles to enjoy reading, you're not alone. In today's digital world, encouraging your child to pick up a book and focus on reading can be a real challenge. This article offers practical, parent-tested strategies to help foster a love of reading at home, from screen-free reading time to audiobooks and family book clubs. Learn how to create a reading-friendly environment that supports every kind of reader.

The Applerouth Team
May 28, 2025

Junior Year GPA: It's Not Too Late to Finish Strong

Junior year isn’t over—and your story definitely isn’t written yet. If your GPA isn’t where you want it to be, now’s the moment to get strategic, shift your habits, and finish strong. This post breaks down exactly how to make the most of these final months and boost your college readiness.

Jed Applerouth, PhD
April 3, 2025

Executive Function Coaching Goes Mainstream

Executive Function coaching has gone mainstream – and for good reason. With increasing academic stress, digital distractions, and packed schedules, students need the tools to plan, focus, and manage their time effectively. From early interventions to virtual coaching, EF support is more accessible than ever, helping students thrive now and in the future.

Jed Applerouth, PhD
March 5, 2025

Master Grit & Prep for Life Beyond School: Why You Should Take That Challenging Math Class Next Year

Think advanced math isn’t for you? Think again. From boosting college applications to strengthening problem-solving skills, AP Precalculus and Calculus offer benefits beyond the classroom. Learn why tackling a challenging math class with the right support can save you time, money, and stress—and set you up for lifelong success.

The Applerouth Curriculum Team
March 3, 2025
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Schedule an appointment with a Program Director.

Questions? Need some advice? We're here to help.

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