Optimum Educational Solutions
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How We Work

Optimize Your Academic Results

Many parents are frustrated and confused by today’s complex admissions climate. What is the best way to help your child achieve the highest possible test scores and school grades?

Optimum Educational Solutions is the answer. Since 1995, we have been exceptionally successful in preparing students for standardized tests and academic schoolwork. We customize our curriculum to suit your child’s needs and goals, making sure to strike the balance between challenging the student and avoiding additional unproductive stress.  With warmth, expertise, and even a bit of humor, we work one-on-one with your child and consult with you as well to successfully navigate the academic challenges your child faces and the college admission process. Our unique, collaborative approach means that you and your child receive the best possible care to achieve great results with minimal stress.

Your Educational Consultant

Daniel Herzberg, the expert on junior high and high school academics as well as college admissions, will be your personal guide. He will aid you in crafting a plan to meet your child’s goals, telling you what you need to know, answering any questions, and fine-tuning an individualized program for the student.

Your Child’s Personal Tutor

Daniel Herzberg inspires his students to get curious and enjoy school.  He is enthusiastic, patient, and eager to invest in your child as an individual. With 25 years’ experience working with over 8,000 families he understands the needs of teens and takes deep pride in helping them achieve academic success and moving onto successful college careers.

Our Curriculum

Your child’s curriculum will be custom-designed to suit their needs, based on an assessment of their academic and test-taking strengths.

Our Offerings:

  • College prep: SAT. ACT, SAT 2, AP, essays
  • Tutoring for all academic subjects for grades 6-12
  • Coaching to overcome test anxiety
  • Coaching to develop and improve motivation and study skills
  • Coaching to learn time management skills
  • Overall student and young adult life mentoring

Our Alumni

Our recent alumni are attending or have graduated from the following colleges and universities:

Amherst
Arizona State University
Barnard
Boston College
Boston University
Brandeis
Brown
California State University, Cal Polytechnic
California State University, Chico
California State University, Long Beach
California State University, San Diego
California State University, San Francisco
California State University, San Jose
California State University, Sonoma
Carnegie Mellon
Columbia
Cornell
Dartmouth
Duke
Georgetown
George Washington
Harvard
Johns Hopkins
Lewis and Clark
MIT
New York University
Northwestern
Pepperdine
Pomona
Princeton
Sarah Lawrence
Santa Clara University
San Diego University

San Francisco Art Institute
Scripps
Skidmore
Stanford
Saint Mary’s College
Swarthmore
Syracuse
Tufts
Tulane
University of Arizona
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Riverside
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Chicago
University of Florida
University of Michigan

University of Montana
University of Oregon
University of Redlands
University of San Francisco
University of Southern California
University of Washington
University of Pennsylvania
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Washington University
Wellesley
Wesleyan
Yale

We contacted you in a panic because our son needed help with his college essay and he was adrift.  You helped to flush out the story that helped him put everything together, connecting engineering with video games, international studies, and global citizenry.  I am so proud of him.

Diane B. - Paris Parent

5.0
2018-12-03T16:42:50+00:00

Diane B. - Paris Parent

We contacted you in a panic because our son needed help with his college essay and he was adrift.  You helped to flush out the story that helped him put everything together, connecting engineering with video games, international studies, and global citizenry.  I am so proud of him.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/diane-bachour/
Hi Daniel, my kids are both really enjoying working with you and I am getting a lot of positive feedback!   They LOVE you!  Grateful you are a part of my life.  Thank you!!!

Nazich M. - Mother of 11th and 12th graders

5.0
2018-12-03T16:47:36+00:00

Nazich M. - Mother of 11th and 12th graders

Hi Daniel, my kids are both really enjoying working with you and I am getting a lot of positive feedback!   They LOVE you!  Grateful you are a part of my life.  Thank you!!!
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/nazich-munchenbach/
When our daughter first started working with you she had no idea what she was capable of.  Now she is doing so well on the SAT she is considering applying to Oxford, something that would have never occurred to her before.  Thank you.  I’m telling all of my friends about you.

Andrea C. - Paris Parent

5.0
2018-12-03T16:42:25+00:00

Andrea C. - Paris Parent

When our daughter first started working with you she had no idea what she was capable of.  Now she is doing so well on the SAT she is considering applying to Oxford, something that would have never occurred to her before.  Thank you.  I’m telling all of my friends about you.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/andrea-clemente/
We are very grateful to have met you nine years ago.  You helped our oldest son get into college and pursue his Masters in archeology, a career that has taken him all over the world.  We were concerned about our youngest, Cooper, because while we knew he had great capability, it felt like pushing string to get him to engage seriously with school and with college admissions.  From the day you first spoke with him we haven’t had to talk about that stuff with him at all.  Thank you for helping him get his best ACT and SAT scores possible.  Also, my husband and I read his college admissions essays a few days ago and we both got kind of choked up at how mature he sounded.  Thank you for helping him grow up and get into a dual engineering and business program in a perfect location where we can continue to stay close as a family.

Cindy W. - Parent

5.0
2018-12-03T16:46:06+00:00

Cindy W. - Parent

We are very grateful to have met you nine years ago.  You helped our oldest son get into college and pursue his Masters in archeology, a career that has taken him all over the world.  We were concerned about our youngest, Cooper, because while we knew he had great capability, it felt like pushing string to get him to engage seriously with school and with college admissions.  From the day you first spoke with him we haven’t had to talk about that stuff with him at all.  Thank you for helping him get his best ACT and SAT scores possible.  Also, my husband and I read his college admissions essays a few days ago and we both got kind of choked up at how mature he sounded.  Thank you for helping him grow up and get into a dual engineering and business program in a perfect location where we can continue to stay close as a family.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/cindy-wilkerson/
I had no idea if you or anyone else could help me when we first started to talk.  My high school experience was altered a couple years ago with a life threatening illness that shook my confidence in myself and derailed me.  You helped me raise my ACT score 11 points, and you also helped me put it all together and articulate who I am as I go off to college.  Thank you for all your help!

Justin A. - Class of 2018

5.0
2018-12-03T16:46:29+00:00

Justin A. - Class of 2018

I had no idea if you or anyone else could help me when we first started to talk.  My high school experience was altered a couple years ago with a life threatening illness that shook my confidence in myself and derailed me.  You helped me raise my ACT score 11 points, and you also helped me put it all together and articulate who I am as I go off to college.  Thank you for all your help!
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/justin-amen/
Thank you for helping me get my best possible score on the ACT and helping me pull together my essay for college.  You’ve helped me to see the connection between school, wrestling, my hobbies, and college.  It’s all about having my priorities straight.

Colin C. - Class of 2019

5.0
2018-12-03T16:44:00+00:00

Colin C. - Class of 2019

Thank you for helping me get my best possible score on the ACT and helping me pull together my essay for college.  You’ve helped me to see the connection between school, wrestling, my hobbies, and college.  It’s all about having my priorities straight.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/colin-conti/
As the first one in my family to go to college, neither I nor anyone else in my family really understood what it would take to get ready and get into college.  We started way too late, but you were able to help me get an 8 point increase on the ACT and coached me to write very powerful application and scholarship essays.  Gaining admission and a full scholarship to college has changed my life and our entire family.

Shelby S. - Saint Mary’s Class of 2022

5.0
2018-12-03T16:45:42+00:00

Shelby S. - Saint Mary’s Class of 2022

As the first one in my family to go to college, neither I nor anyone else in my family really understood what it would take to get ready and get into college.  We started way too late, but you were able to help me get an 8 point increase on the ACT and coached me to write very powerful application and scholarship essays.  Gaining admission and a full scholarship to college has changed my life and our entire family.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/shelby-schatek/
Thank you for helping both of my boys navigate this crazy college admissions process.  Ryan is loving William and Lee, where you helped him get a full scholarship to study Business and Political Science so he can later get his JD and MBA in a dual program by the time he is 24.  We know the work you did with his younger brother, Jimmy, is going to open the world up to him as well.  I have been telling literally everyone I know about the incredible work you do.  We appreciate that even from thousands of miles away that you could help them with the stressful processes and let us focus on just enjoying our kids before they go off to college.

Jim F. - Parent

5.0
2018-12-03T16:45:17+00:00

Jim F. - Parent

Thank you for helping both of my boys navigate this crazy college admissions process.  Ryan is loving William and Lee, where you helped him get a full scholarship to study Business and Political Science so he can later get his JD and MBA in a dual program by the time he is 24.  We know the work you did with his younger brother, Jimmy, is going to open the world up to him as well.  I have been telling literally everyone I know about the incredible work you do.  We appreciate that even from thousands of miles away that you could help them with the stressful processes and let us focus on just enjoying our kids before they go off to college.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/jim-fleck/
Thank you for your past help with SAT/ACT prep and with my college admissions essay.  I got into UC Santa Barbara and studied abroad multiple times.  Your help at the second stage with my application to graduate school has been invaluable as well.  Thank you so much!

Olivia N. - UCSB Class of 2017

5.0
2018-12-03T16:43:15+00:00

Olivia N. - UCSB Class of 2017

Thank you for your past help with SAT/ACT prep and with my college admissions essay.  I got into UC Santa Barbara and studied abroad multiple times.  Your help at the second stage with my application to graduate school has been invaluable as well.  Thank you so much!
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/olivia-nemec/
With one son with a learning disability and another who baffled us with his disorganization and habit of turning everything in late, we had no idea where to turn, even though both boys went to a top local private high school.  Our oldest has now successfully transitioned off to college two hours away and we are thrilled to see our younger son thriving in school, owning the college admissions process, organized, passionate about learning, and happy.  We couldn’t have done it without you.

Ron and Chula W. - Parents

5.0
2018-12-03T16:46:54+00:00

Ron and Chula W. - Parents

With one son with a learning disability and another who baffled us with his disorganization and habit of turning everything in late, we had no idea where to turn, even though both boys went to a top local private high school.  Our oldest has now successfully transitioned off to college two hours away and we are thrilled to see our younger son thriving in school, owning the college admissions process, organized, passionate about learning, and happy.  We couldn’t have done it without you.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/ron-and-chula-weingart/
When we first started working together I was behind in most of my classes and all over the place in school and in trying to organize myself to keep up with everything.  In addition to filling in the gaps, You helped me learn the study skills and time management skills, and the importance of personal integrity to become the best possible student I can be.  Thank you for all your help with helping me raise my GPA, get my highest test scores and successfully navigate the entire college admissions process.

Daniel W. - Class of 2019

5.0
2018-12-03T16:44:29+00:00

Daniel W. - Class of 2019

When we first started working together I was behind in most of my classes and all over the place in school and in trying to organize myself to keep up with everything.  In addition to filling in the gaps, You helped me learn the study skills and time management skills, and the importance of personal integrity to become the best possible student I can be.  Thank you for all your help with helping me raise my GPA, get my highest test scores and successfully navigate the entire college admissions process.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/daniel-weingart/
5
11

Liliana C

With your expert coaching I raised my scores 420 points and got into 8 of 11 schools I applied to, including my top pick. You helped me push through to gain the skills and confidence to test to my personal best.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington | Honors College | Class of 2016

5.0
2018-11-04T16:20:57+00:00

University of North Carolina at Wilmington | Honors College | Class of 2016

With your expert coaching I raised my scores 420 points and got into 8 of 11 schools I applied to, including my top pick. You helped me push through to gain the skills and confidence to test to my personal best.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/liliana-costanza/

Phyllis M

With your instruction in all aspects of SAT and ACT preparation, my son was able to go in and confidently take the tests. The results speak for themselves. He got into 14 of 15 schools he applied to, including his reach school, UC Davis. With your help he identified and got into the perfect school, so he can double major in the exact areas to go forward in his career. It’s far enough away from home to have his freedom, but close enough for us all to stay in touch.

Parent

5.0
2018-11-06T17:36:32+00:00

Parent

With your instruction in all aspects of SAT and ACT preparation, my son was able to go in and confidently take the tests. The results speak for themselves. He got into 14 of 15 schools he applied to, including his reach school, UC Davis. With your help he identified and got into the perfect school, so he can double major in the exact areas to go forward in his career. It’s far enough away from home to have his freedom, but close enough for us all to stay in touch.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/phyllis-mendel/

Donna E

I honestly don’t know what we would have done if we hadn’t worked with you. Jordan is the second of four kids. Because of your reputation, it really was a no-brainer to work with you because there’s simply no way we could afford to pay full price for college for four kids. Jordan’s older sister Jessica, who you also worked with, loved college. She did so well as an undergrad she just got a full scholarship to get her law degree. Working with you really just let me focus on being there for my kids.

Parent

5.0
2018-11-06T17:34:50+00:00

Parent

I honestly don’t know what we would have done if we hadn’t worked with you. Jordan is the second of four kids. Because of your reputation, it really was a no-brainer to work with you because there’s simply no way we could afford to pay full price for college for four kids. Jordan’s older sister Jessica, who you also worked with, loved college. She did so well as an undergrad she just got a full scholarship to get her law degree. Working with you really just let me focus on being there for my kids.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/donna-ewert/

Natasha H

Daniel helped me to raise my GPA from a 3.6 to a 4.1 in just one semester right before I applied to college. When we started in June I didn’t even know what the SAT was but with Daniel’s help I nailed it. He helped me get into my dream school, UCLA, which I loved. I’ve had an opportunity to expand my mind, move forward in my career, make amazing friends, and have a great four years.

UCLA Class of 2015

5.0
2018-11-04T16:22:20+00:00

UCLA Class of 2015

Daniel helped me to raise my GPA from a 3.6 to a 4.1 in just one semester right before I applied to college. When we started in June I didn’t even know what the SAT was but with Daniel’s help I nailed it. He helped me get into my dream school, UCLA, which I loved. I’ve had an opportunity to expand my mind, move forward in my career, make amazing friends, and have a great four years.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/natasha-hammond/

Ann C

Thank you so much!!! Ethan is feeling so much more confident. He started this process not excited about about the work that needed to be done, but after the first session with you he was hooked. He is so focused now on what needs to be done. He told me how much he enjoyed learning and is proud of himself for the growth he has made. He thanked me today for the opportunity to do his best. He is telling parents and friends how much you helped him get into the top 1% on the ACT in just a few weeks. I’m telling all the parents of the kids Ethan grew up with about you.

Parent

5.0
2018-11-06T17:35:53+00:00

Parent

Thank you so much!!! Ethan is feeling so much more confident. He started this process not excited about about the work that needed to be done, but after the first session with you he was hooked. He is so focused now on what needs to be done. He told me how much he enjoyed learning and is proud of himself for the growth he has made. He thanked me today for the opportunity to do his best. He is telling parents and friends how much you helped him get into the top 1% on the ACT in just a few weeks. I’m telling all the parents of the kids Ethan grew up with about you.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/ann-christensen/

Jordan E

Working with Daniel Herzberg’s Accelerated SAT Mastery Program helped me land the maximum 4 year scholarship available to Stanford.  I totally appreciate the expert instruction and support I received to achieve the highest score I could possibly achieve.

Class of 2019 | Stanford University

5.0
2018-11-04T16:26:10+00:00

Class of 2019 | Stanford University

Working with Daniel Herzberg’s Accelerated SAT Mastery Program helped me land the maximum 4 year scholarship available to Stanford.  I totally appreciate the expert instruction and support I received to achieve the highest score I could possibly achieve.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/jordan-ewert/

Robert B

With your help I raised my SAT sores 620 points, which helped me get into my #1 pick for architectural engineering. You helped me also gain the skills and confidence to move across the US and attend college far from my family. Thanks for everything.

Penn State University | Class of 2017

5.0
2018-11-04T16:22:49+00:00

Penn State University | Class of 2017

With your help I raised my SAT sores 620 points, which helped me get into my #1 pick for architectural engineering. You helped me also gain the skills and confidence to move across the US and attend college far from my family. Thanks for everything.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/robert-bernal/

Ramiro M

Thank you for mentoring our son and daughter. Jacob, with his SAT preparation and high grades, was able to gain admission to UC Berkeley, his top pick. He just graduated in only 3 years. Sarah is on track to get into Cal as well. My wife and I sincerely thank you for your efforts and the invaluable service you provide.

Parent

5.0
2018-11-06T17:35:11+00:00

Parent

Thank you for mentoring our son and daughter. Jacob, with his SAT preparation and high grades, was able to gain admission to UC Berkeley, his top pick. He just graduated in only 3 years. Sarah is on track to get into Cal as well. My wife and I sincerely thank you for your efforts and the invaluable service you provide.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/ramino-morales-jd/

Marcus L

Working with you helped me balance my busy basketball schedule, high school academics, and SAT prep. Though I got into UC Berkeley, I feel now like I’m living the dream playing NCAA D1 for my dream school. I had to pinch myself when I actually played in the final NCAA championship against U Conn in 2014. What a ride!

Class of 2017 | University of Kentucky

5.0
2018-11-04T16:25:44+00:00

Class of 2017 | University of Kentucky

Working with you helped me balance my busy basketball schedule, high school academics, and SAT prep. Though I got into UC Berkeley, I feel now like I’m living the dream playing NCAA D1 for my dream school. I had to pinch myself when I actually played in the final NCAA championship against U Conn in 2014. What a ride!
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/marcus-lee/

Lindsey W

Working with Optimum Educational Solutions helped me change my sense of what I could achieve. When we started I assumed I would go to a local CSU because I was such a lousy test taker. Six months later I had to choose between UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley. That was a nice ‘problem’ to have! Thanks again.

UCSB | Class of 2011

5.0
2018-11-04T16:24:11+00:00

UCSB | Class of 2011

Working with Optimum Educational Solutions helped me change my sense of what I could achieve. When we started I assumed I would go to a local CSU because I was such a lousy test taker. Six months later I had to choose between UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley. That was a nice ‘problem’ to have! Thanks again.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/lindsey-wilk/

Darian S

With your help, I was able to attain an SAT score in the top 1% and was offered full scholarships to both Brown and Dartmouth.

Class of 2016 | Brown University

5.0
2018-11-04T16:26:34+00:00

Class of 2016 | Brown University

With your help, I was able to attain an SAT score in the top 1% and was offered full scholarships to both Brown and Dartmouth.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/darian-surratt/

Nina G

Thanks to your help, I aced the SAT and got a 4.3 GPA when I applied to college. I actually got a perfect score on my SATs. It helped me land a $100,000 scholarship to USC. My parents and I are ecstatic.

USC | Class of 2012

5.0
2018-11-04T16:23:20+00:00

USC | Class of 2012

Thanks to your help, I aced the SAT and got a 4.3 GPA when I applied to college. I actually got a perfect score on my SATs. It helped me land a $100,000 scholarship to USC. My parents and I are ecstatic.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/nina-gurtswolf/
5
12

Main Location

Optimum Educational Solutions
25A Crescent Drive #141,
Pleasant Hill
CA 94523

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