Our Mission
Built on belief in every student.
Our Mission
Oak Tree Tutors bridges the educational equity gap by connecting 9th–12th grade students with free, high-quality tutoring and mentorship from college students and community members across the Raleigh area.
Our Vision
A thriving public education ecosystem where every student is known, supported, and empowered to pursue their goals. We see a future where a more engaged community supports students and educators in our efforts to build a thriving future.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do.
Curiosity
We believe curiosity is the foundation of resilience, innovation, and empathy. When we replace judgment with curiosity, it encourages us to ask questions before making assumptions and to see challenges as opportunities to learn. In a world where we cannot predict the future, what matters is knowing how to seek answers, think critically, and remain open to new ideas.
Authenticity
We believe in honesty, trust, courage, and vulnerability. We show up as our true selves and encourage our students to do the same. There is no need to pretend to have all the answers or hide behind perfection.
Empowerment
We believe every student has the potential to succeed when they are empowered with the confidence, tools, and support to take ownership of their learning. We work to help students recognize their strengths, advocate for themselves, and build the skills and self-efficacy needed to shape their own futures.
Opportunity
We work to expand opportunities and open doors for every student. We believe every young person deserves the chance to learn, grow, and pursue their goals, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Community
We believe student success is a shared responsibility. Strong communities create stronger futures. We support learning ecosystems, not only individuals.
Academic Wellness
We believe success looks different for every student. We celebrate effort, tenacity, and continuous improvement rather than perfection. We recognize that academic success is best achieved holistically. When students feel supported as whole people, learning becomes more sustainable, empowering, and joyful.
Our Commitment
Why is our tutoring free?
Oak Tree Tutors bridges the educational equity gap by connecting 9th–12th grade students with free, high-quality tutoring and mentorship from college students and community members across the Raleigh area.
Too often, students face invisible barriers that stand between them and the education they deserve. Cost should never be one of those barriers.
We believe that investing in young people is a shared responsibility. Rather than asking individual families to bear that cost alone, we believe communities are strongest when they come together to support one another. When we invest in a student's future, we all benefit. That's why our tutoring is free — not because it lacks value, but because we believe access to a life-changing education should never depend on a family's ability to pay.
"Our tutoring is free, but it is never 'less than.' We hold ourselves to high standards because every student deserves excellent instruction, mentorship, and encouragement."
Our Tutors
Who are our tutors?
Oak Tree Tutors are former WCPSS teachers, current college students from local universities, and community volunteers. Every tutor is a background-checked adult and trained by Oak Tree staff. Our tutors are kind, dependable, and judgment-free, providing individualized support to 9th–12th grade students across Wake County.
Our Students
Who do we serve?
Our organization partners with nonprofits such as The Resiliency Collaborative, SAGE, and The Hope Center to support students who have historically faced barriers to educational opportunity, including students of color and youth in the foster care system. Once we are able to meet the needs of our partner organizations, we welcome any student in Wake County.
Our Team
The people behind Oak Tree Tutors.
Alexa Schuman-Werb
Executive Director, Tutor
Alexa is a Raleigh native, former WCPSS teacher. She taught fourth and fifth grade for 8 years before switching to high school math. She then served as the Academic Director of the Wade Edwards Learning Lab.
Alexa is passionate about the transformative power of education. She loves getting to know her students as individuals and supporting their academic goals so that they can flourish as curious, kind, and inspiring adults. She enjoys helping young people become more confident in their abilities to solve problems and think strategically. While Alexa loves to teach math, she also works with students in English, French, History, and Civics/Economics/Government. Alexa strives to impact educational equity by providing access to opportunities that strengthen teens’ academic and social-emotional advancement.
When Alexa is not working, she enjoys listening to podcasts, building Lego sets, knitting, painting, watching TV, and hanging out with her dog, Edie. Alexa has a BA in Communication Disorders from North Carolina State University and a Masters in Elementary Education from Meredith College.
Arik Peris
Community Tutor
Arik is a student at North Carolina State University pursuing an engineering degree. Originally from Corinth, New York, Arik has a strong interest in engineering, leadership, and supporting others. Before attending NC State, Arik participated in the New Visions Engineering program through Capital Region BOCES, an advanced high school engineering program that provided exposure to engineering professionals and on-site learning experiences. He is also a member of NC State’s Wolfpack Battalion and brings strengths in communication, leadership, and time management to his work. As a Community Tutor with Oak Tree Tutors, Arik brings the perspective of a current college student and looks forward to helping students strengthen their skills, confidence, and approach to learning.
