Meet Brittany, the local mom and former teacher behind SCHOOLED, a new tutoring space for growing minds. With small group learning and development classes for ages 2 and 3, private tutoring for kids ages 3 to 10, homeschooling, and summer review classes for pre-K to 4th grade kids, she covers it all, and loves that she gets to do it in her hometown.
How long have you lived in Costa Mesa / Newport Beach? How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I was born and raised right here in the Newport-Mesa area and have lived here for 30+ years, only leaving for college but then returning. I have 2 daughters, 9 years old and 7 years old.
What are your favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
We are a total beach family so that is where you will find us most days, but having two girls, they definitely love to indulge in a Fashion Island shopping day as well.
Name 3 things in town you can’t live without.
- The Butchery
- Where’s the Party
- Our community of friends and family.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date? A night out with friends or date night? Why?
My friends always laugh at me because I will choose Bear Flag every time whether it’s for my “night out”, birthday dinner, quick lunch, etc. I like that spot because it’s great food, well priced and a casual and low key setting, which is what I’m all about.
What is your local go-to store for clothes and gifts?
Clothes: Common Thread
Gifts: Where’s the Party
Do you have a favorite destination for family trips?
We do not have a favorite spot yet but love anything with warm weather, fun surf and good food.
Name a favorite book or podcast?
I always have a podcast going. Right now I am listening to “The Good Inside” by Dr. Becky. It’s a parenting podcast and she always has great advice and tools to use with helping our children in all stages in life. “Smartless” is also on my weekly listening list, it’s always a good laugh.
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date?
I don’t have one particular stage or age that was more challenging. Each age has its pros and cons. The hardest part for me was learning how to parent my children differently because they have very different personalities and need guidance in different ways and areas.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? What was the best advice your mom gave you?
Be an advocate for your child. When they are young they don’t know how to stand up for what they need, so fight for the help they need whether it’s at school, socially, in their sports, etc.
Growing up my mom was always the best listener. We have and have always had a very close relationship. She has always said, sometimes you just need to listen to your children and not parent them. Let them talk it out and you just be there for them. I love this! It’s hard to do at times, but it is so true.
What do you most value in your friends?
Their candidness and honesty. I love that all my friends are able to laugh at themselves or things that life throws at them. When we get together we just giggle and keep things light and fun (for the most part). I also absolutely admire that each of my friends are focused on raising kind, respectful, smart, and down to earth kids.
What was your career before having children? If it’s the same, how do you balance career & motherhood?
I was a classroom teacher for twelve years and am now going on my second year of private tutoring. My tutoring side hustle became quite successful so I decided to grow the business. This year I launched my new company SCHOOLED. I have expanded from just private tutoring to homeschooling kids and summer classes. I have a studio opening in June, just in time for the academic summer review classes. I definitely would not be able to do all this without the support of my husband and my mom. They both play a huge role. I also have a great group of friends who we rely on for carpooling. It truly takes a village.
That’s so great. What made you decide to continue with tutoring once you left the classroom?
I truly love what I do. I enjoy working with students in all different grades and helping them feel confident and proud of themselves. SCHOOLED has been the best move I have made career wise. I get to inspire and help children feel comfortable with what they are learning in school. I love that I get to do all of this in the community where I grew up. My goal is to have SCHOOLED around for many years to come, creating a community of students who feel smart, confident and encouraged.
If you are looking to connect with Brittany and learn more about SCHOOLED, check out her website or send her an email at [email protected].
2700 West Coast Highway, Suite 270
Newport Beach, CA 92663