Reading
Phonics, fluency, comprehension. We diagnose what's missing and rebuild it gently. Reading Endorsed and ESOL Endorsed. 60-minute and 30-minute sessions available.
K–6 Reading, Writing & Math · Sarasota / Bradenton, Florida
Reading should feel like a story,
not a struggle.
One certified educator. Twenty-five years in K–6 classrooms. Patient, one-on-one and small-group tutoring for reading, writing, math, and homeschool support in Sarasota and Bradenton.
FL Step Up Provider Certified PreK–6 Reading Endorsed ESOL Endorsed
Plant the Seed
Every child carries something
wonderful
waiting to grow.
When a child struggles with reading or math, it isn't because something is wrong with them. It usually means we haven't yet found the way they learn best. That's where we start.
I'm Jennifer Pollard. For twenty-five years I taught in K–6 classrooms across Florida. Now I tutor one-on-one — because that's where the deepest progress happens.
Every session is built around your child. No worksheets pulled from a binder. No curriculum that doesn't fit. Just patient, thoughtful teaching from someone who has seen what works for hundreds of different kinds of learners.
"Reading is the doorway. I love opening it." — Jennifer
What I believe
- Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
- A child should leave a session lighter than they came in.
- Parents are partners, not spectators.
- Faith is part of who I am — patience, not pressure.
Tend the Roots
What a session looks like.
Sessions are currently offered in person, either in your home in Sarasota or Bradenton or in my workspace, with 60-minute and 30-minute options available. We start by getting your child comfortable. Then we work — patiently — on the thing that's been hard.
Writing
From a hesitant sentence to a confident paragraph. Handwriting, spelling, structure — and the courage to say what they mean. 60-minute and 30-minute sessions available.
Math
Number sense first, then the steps. We use manipulatives, paper, and real-life problems so the why comes before the how. 60-minute and 30-minute sessions available.
"First conversation is always free — and never a sales pitch."
About Jennifer
Personal tutoring. Thoughtful support. Your child.
When you write to Gifted to Grow, you reach me — not a desk, not a coordinator. I read every note myself, and I'll write back within 48 hours.
For more than 25 years, I’ve worked in Florida education — teaching across the elementary grades and also serving as a Curriculum Resource Teacher, supporting and training fellow educators. That experience still shapes the way I personally oversee each child’s learning and progress at Gifted to Grow.
Certified PreK–6 Reading Endorsed ESOL Endorsed FL Step Up Provider 25+ years experience
"This is my favorite part of the week."
Bear Fruit
What parents say after a few months.
Quiet, steady progress. The kind that lasts long after our sessions end.
Penelope and Lucas have improved tremendously in both math and reading since they began working with Jennifer. Their test results are a great reflection of the confidence they’ve gained with her support.
— Beatriz Tremols
We are so grateful for the support and care Ms. Pollard gave our daughter after we moved to a new state. She showed so much compassion, patience, and intelligence. Our daughter’s confidence has grown and her test grades have improved significantly.
— Theresa Giuliani
After our 3rd-grade son scored a Level 2 on his first FAST test, we worked with Ms. Pollard throughout the school year. By the end of the year, he achieved a Level 5 on the FAST assessment, earned straight A’s, and grew in confidence along the way.
— Tara Goettel
I cannot say enough wonderful things about the exceptional tutoring my daughter received this past year from Ms. Pollard. She created a supportive and encouraging environment that helped build both my daughter’s academic skills and confidence. Her ability to connect with students, tailor lessons to individual needs, and clearly explain challenging concepts made a meaningful difference. One thing we are especially grateful for is that Ms. Pollard recognized my daughter’s strong comprehension skills while also identifying that she needed additional support with foundational reading skills and fluency. She encouraged us to pursue further evaluation and school support, which ultimately helped my daughter receive the accommodations she needed. Those supports have made a lasting difference and will continue to benefit her throughout her school career. What truly sets Ms. Pollard apart is her dedication and passion for teaching. She not only strengthens academic performance but also fosters independence, resilience, and a positive attitude toward learning. She is patient, attentive, highly knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to student success. We are incredibly grateful for the lasting impact she has had on our daughter’s growth.
— Kristina Kipp
We started tutoring with Ms. Pollard when my son was in kindergarten, and he is now in first grade. Over that time, we have seen tremendous growth in both his math and reading skills. His FAST test scores have improved significantly, and even more importantly, his confidence as a learner continues to grow. Ms. Pollard has a wonderful balance of professionalism, organization, and genuine kindness. She creates lessons that are engaging and fun while keeping students focused and helping them make meaningful progress. Her friendly, understanding approach makes my son feel comfortable asking questions and taking on new challenges without fear of making mistakes. What stands out most is her passion for helping children succeed. She genuinely cares about her students and celebrates their accomplishments along the way. We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact she has had on our son’s academic growth and confidence. I highly recommend her to any family looking for a knowledgeable, patient, and dedicated tutor.
— Kelly Drew
A quiet word, for families who'd want to know
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”
Ephesians 3:20
Faith is part of who I am. It shows up as patience, as belief in each child's worth, as steadiness on the slow days. If that matters to you, you're in good company here. If it doesn't, you're just as welcome — what your child gets from our sessions is the same either way.
Join the Garden
Tell me about your child.
A sentence or two is plenty. The first conversation is free, and you'll hear back from me — Jennifer — within 48 hours.
"Jennifer will get back to you within 48 hours."
