Thirty years of classroom mastery — now yours, one session at a time.
Private instruction from a veteran English educator with 30 years of classroom
experience, including AP Language & Composition and Honors World Literature.
For thirty years, Cristin Novak has taught English in Orange County classrooms —
from middle-school literacy foundations to AP Language & Composition and Honors
World Literature. She now brings that same rigor and warmth to private students,
one on one.
Her background spans public speaking, rhetorical analysis, argumentative writing,
and the exam-day strategy that AP Lang requires — as well as the patient,
relationship-first teaching that builds confident readers and writers in middle
school. She has also taught Spanish 1–2, and regularly guides high-schoolers
through the college essay process, from first draft to final polish.
Colleagues and administrators who have worked alongside her for years describe a
classroom "where literature and rhetoric come alive" — and a teacher who challenges
students to think deeply while making sure they feel supported every step of the
way.
“I plan to meet my students in the most convenient library for both of
us.”
— Cristin Novak
Sessions are held at a public library near you — a calm, neutral, distraction-free
space for focused one-on-one work. No commute to an office, no clutter — just you,
your tutor, and the work at hand.
What We Cover
Specialties
Focused instruction across the full arc of English education — from building strong
middle-school literacy habits to the exam-day strategy of AP Language & Composition
and the precision writing that top-choice colleges expect.
✎
Middle School English
Reading comprehension, grammar, and confident, clear writing — scaffolded to meet
students exactly where they are.
✦
High School English & Literature
Essays, literary analysis, and writing craft for grades 9–12, including Honors
World Literature.
◆
AP Language & Composition
Rhetorical analysis, argumentation, and synthesis — with exam-day strategy from a
teacher who has coached students to the test for years.
✒
College Essay & Application Coaching
Personal statements and supplemental essays, developed from brainstorm through
final polish — a high-demand specialty in Orange County.
☰
Spanish 1–2
Foundational Spanish instruction for beginning and early-intermediate students.
✺
Exam & Writing Prep
Structured practice and feedback for standardized writing sections and timed essay
exams.
The Kind Mind Learning Approach
Rigorous. Warm. Genuinely one-on-one.
Every session is built around the student in front of her — not a script. That's
what three decades in the classroom teaches you: how to challenge a student without
overwhelming them, and how to build the kind of trust that makes real growth
possible.
Veteran expertise
Thirty years of classroom experience, including AP Language & Composition and
Honors World Literature.
Flexible, local sessions
Meetings at a public library convenient to you — a calm, focused space with no
office overhead built into your rate.
A nurturing, high-expectations classroom of one
Students are challenged to think critically and express themselves clearly, in an
environment where they feel genuinely supported.
A true specialty in AP & college essays
The two highest-stakes areas of high school English — taught by someone who has
guided students through both for years.
Investment
Tutoring & Coaching Rates
Private, one-on-one instruction from a credentialed, veteran educator — priced to
reflect thirty years of classroom mastery.
Standard Tutoring
Middle school · general English · Spanish 1–2
$100–$125/hr
High School English
Essays · literature · writing skills · grades 9–12
$120–$150/hr
Flagship
AP Language & Composition
AP-level writing · exam prep
$140–$180/hr
College Essay Coaching
Application writing · personal statements
$150–$250/hr
Package Pricing
Structured, multi-session packages for students working toward a
specific goal — priority booking included.
5-Session Writing Improvement Package$550–$700
10-Session AP Lang Prep Package$1,300–$1,600
College Essay Package (4–6 sessions + edits)$900–$1,800
A limited number of sliding-scale spots are available on request — most sessions are
booked at standard rates. Get in touch to discuss the right fit
for your student.
In Their Words
What Colleagues & Administrators Say
“An outstanding educator whose passion for teaching middle school English
and AP Language & Composition has profoundly impacted both students and
colleagues alike. Her classroom is a dynamic environment where literature and
rhetoric come alive.”
Carrie KarkutVice Principal of Academics, Calvary Chapel Schools
“Cristin is an exceptional English teacher whose deep knowledge of
literature, writing, grammar, and critical thinking is matched by her passion for
helping students grow academically. Her classroom instruction reflects both
excellence and innovation.”
Jay HenryFormer Principal, Calvary Chapel High School
Get Started
Book a Free Consultation
Tell us a bit about your student and what you're working toward — AP exam prep, a
college essay deadline, or steady weekly support. We'll follow up to find a library
near you and get a first session on the calendar.
Service areaOrange County, California
Session locationsPublic libraries, chosen for your convenience