Our Story

Our History

In the more than 30 years since our founding, we have helped thousands of students become confident, intellectually curious young people forging their own paths. Our high caliber, professional teaching staff is dedicated to crafting education for our students and building a highly engaged community of learners.

Our Mission:

We provide a collaborative, accessible learning environment that uniquely engages each student, embraces their potential, and prepares them for their future.

Our Vision:

Provide every child with the tools and encouragement to pursue their own personal journey, wherever it may lead. Each child can achieve their unique destiny, whatever it may be.

Dear Yellow Wood Community,

I am thrilled to welcome you to the vibrant and unique learning community at Yellow Wood Academy.  Please learn more about our community through our website, but also don’t hesitate to reach out with questions on how we can serve your student.  We pride ourselves on creating an individualized learning experience for every student that honors their strengths and builds intentional academic, interpersonal, and emotional skills.  

Since its inception in 1981, Yellow Wood Academy (formerly Eastside Tutoring Center) has served students who are exceptional in every sense of the word.  Our outstanding service is rooted in understanding every student’s educational journey through partnerships with students and families, while weaving in the expertise of a wider educational community.  This partnership includes embracing neurodiversity, striving for authentic inclusion, and building trusting relationships where students feel valued and safe.  

As I enter my 20th year of education, I am grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that can empower students to have agency in their own education.  As a former high school science teacher and Assistant Principal in local public schools, I have experienced the joys and limitations of the prevailing school models.  Seeing the growth that our students can achieve through our 1:1 and small group model, learning from educators who are attuned to their needs, is truly inspiring.   

I look forward to collaborating with your family- please reach out any time!

Sincerely,

Tyrell Hardtke