Arina Paniukhina

Arina brings first-hand experience in SAT mastery and a culturally diverse perspective to help students achieve their academic goals. With a Bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and experience teaching across multiple settings, Arina specializes in personalized, adaptive instruction while fostering student confidence and engagement. 

Areas of Expertise: 

  • SAT Preparation (High School) 

  • ESL/Language Learning 

  • Academic Support 

  • Early Education (Pre-K through Middle School) 

  • Executive Function Coaching 

Teaching Philosophy: "Learning is highly individual - I believe in finding alternative ways to explain concepts and make them relatable to each student's unique perspective and experience. By understanding where students are in their journey, we can build a pathway to success together." 

What Makes Arina Special: 

  • Self-taught SAT expertise with proven results (improved 200+ points through personal experience) 

  • Multilingual background enhances ability to explain concepts from different angles 

  • Strong focus on building student confidence and motivation 

  • Experience with diverse learning environments from preschool to college level 

  • Data-driven approach combined with emotional intelligence in teaching 

Education & Achievements: 

  • Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude with Distinction in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics - University of Pennsylvania 

  • Benjamin Franklin Scholar 

  • Full Penn Grant Recipient (~$325,000) 

  • Member of Gryphon Senior Honors Society 

  • Distinguished Research Award in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics 

Professional Experience: 

  • Research Assistant at Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars 

  • Preschool Teacher at Falls Church Merrifield Preschool 

  • Russian Language Teacher at Penn Language Center 

  • Student Fellow at Perry World House 

  • Research Assistant in multiple university labs 

Tutor Highlight: Penn graduate Arina Paniukhina combines personal SAT success with adaptive teaching methods to help students reach their full potential. With comprehensive experience across educational settings and a background in cognitive science, she specializes in making complex concepts accessible while building student confidence through personalized instruction. 

Location & Availability: 

  • Areas Served: Arlington and Alexandria (especially Arlington) 

  • Schedule: Weekend availability for tutoring 

  • Format: In-person or virtual sessions 

Carol Sanderson Sison