Skip to main content

Academic Supports

Tutoring & Academic Resources

Prospect High School provides a variety of on-campus and online resources to ensure every student has the tools to succeed. Explore the support options currently available to our student community.

Prospect Academic Center

The Academic Center is a dedicated space for student success. Whether you need direct help from a teacher or a quiet environment to focus on assignments, all students are welcome.

Resource Details
Location 2nd Floor of the Student Union (Access via the outside staircase)
Hours Open before and after school; hours are updated and posted monthly
Services Teacher assistance and independent study space

Current Academic Center Schedule

Finals Week: Academic Center Schedule

Free Access to Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors is an online learning platform that connects CUHSD students with 24/7 on-demand homework help, live enrichment classes, and test preparation for the ACT, PSAT, SAT, and AP exams.

Resource Instructions
How to Get Started 1. Visit Clever.com
2. Select the Varsity Tutors icon and log in with your CUHSD email credentials.
Learn More View the CUHSD Varsity Tutors Launchpad

Peer Tutoring for STEM (MESA Club)

If you are looking for support in your Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math classes, the MESA Club offers peer-to-peer tutoring for all levels, from on-level Biology to AP Computer Science and AP Chemistry.

Meeting Detail Information
Day & Time Every Thursday | 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Location Academic Center (2nd Floor of the Student Union)
Subjects Math and Science (On-level through AP courses)

Study Hall

Study Hall offers a dedicated time for students to receive teacher assistance, complete make-up assessments, and manage their academic workload effectively to minimize stress at home.

Detail Information
Availability 4x per week (Tuesday – Thursday)
Monday Note No Study Hall on Mondays; please utilize the Academic Center if workspace is needed.
Purpose Direct teacher support, make-up tests, quizzes, and focused independent study.

For additional guidance or support, please reach out to your Counselor or Assistant Principal.

How to Ask for Help: A Guide to Self-Advocacy

Advocating for yourself can feel intimidating, but it is one of the most vital skills for your academic journey. Seeking help early allows you to improve your grades and reach your goals while significantly reducing stress.

Strategy Action Steps
Find the Right Time Approach teachers during Tutorial, before/after school, or right after class when they aren't surrounded by a crowd.
Be Specific Instead of broad questions, try: "I understand [Concept A], but I'm stuck on [Concept B]. Can we go over this part again?"
Use Email First Too nervous for a face-to-face talk? Send a polite email asking to schedule a brief time to discuss a specific assignment.
Plan Ahead Don't wait until the day before a test. If you need an extension, most teachers require a request at least 24 hours in advance.

Remember: Your teachers want to help you succeed! Check your syllabus or Canvas page first, then come prepared with your follow-up questions.

Be Kind to Yourself (Click to Expand)

It’s okay to make mistakes. Do your personal best and give yourself some grace. If you can incorporate just a few more ways of asking for help into your routine, it can make a big difference in your grades and your stress level.

Be Polite and Patient with Teachers (Click to Expand)
  • Teachers want to help you, but if you use phrases like, “please” “thank you” and make sure your tone is kind - even if you are upset - they will be more receptive.
  • When they say no, they mean no. Teachers set boundaries for a reason; they have a lot of work to do and a limited amount of time to do it in.
Find the Right Time to Talk (Click to Expand)
  • Make sure to find a time when the teacher isn't surrounded by lots of students, especially if you're nervous asking questions in front of others.
  • Study hall, before or after school, and after class are great times to check in. Teachers are on campus and want to help students. Find a time that works for you and go knock on the door.
  • Use this outline to help start your conversation: “Hi Mr./Ms. ____________, do you have a minute to talk about...
    • ...the homework assignment? I am having a hard time with it.”
    • ...my grades? I don’t understand why I scored a _____.”
    • ...the test coming up? I’m not sure where to start studying.”
Send an Email Instead (Click to Expand)

Too nervous to ask in person? Send an email. Use this outline to help start your conversation:

  • “Hi Mr./Ms. _________, I had some questions about ___________. Could you explain this to me another way?”
    (Note: Teachers will probably ask you to come by and discuss/explain in person)
Come with Specific Questions (Click to Expand)
  • Don’t just say, “Ms./Mr. _____, What can I do to raise my grade?” That is really broad and usually the answer will be something like “do your work”. That doesn’t help anyone and is frustrating for both teachers and students.
  • Instead, try approaching teachers by saying, “I understand ______, but I get confused with __________.” or “Can you explain _________ again, I’m stuck here _____”
  • Make sure to look through your Canvas page and PRIORITIZE your assignments. You don't need to do them all, but instead, focus on those that will help you understand what's going on in class or boost your grade.
    • If you need help with this, print out your grades in the course and set up a time to meet with your teacher to ask if there are assignments she/he would recommend.
Develop Signals During Lessons (Click to Expand)

Your teachers want to help you understand! If you don’t understand something in the middle of a lesson, do one of the following:

  • Raise your hand! - Low pressure ways to publicly ask for help include saying things like: “Could you explain that again/another way?” or “I’m not sure I quite get it. Could you give me an example of what you are talking about?”
  • Develop a hand signal. Many teachers already do a check for understanding where they ask for questions or if you understand what they are talking about with a thumb measure (Thumbs Up - I got it!, Middle - I still need help, Thumbs Down - I don't get it at all!). Take advantage of this. Be honest when this happens, even if you hide your answer from other students.
Plan Ahead (Click to Expand)
  • Know that you have a test coming up and don’t feel ready? Ask early for help! Asking for help to prepare for an exam less than 48 hours before puts stress on teachers and shows you were unprepared. Go ask as soon as you realize you need help.
  • Ask for help before the end of the semester/grading period. That deadline sneaks up quickly, but don’t wait. Doing things at the last minute doesn’t help with learning or with memory.
  • If you know you need more time to complete an assignment many teachers will grant extensions, but you MUST ask at least 24 hours ahead of time. Don’t assume they will let you turn in work late.
Check the Syllabus & Canvas First (Click to Expand)

You might be able to find answers to your questions in the syllabus or on Canvas. Teachers post their class rules and policies here. Look there first and come in with follow-up questions if you have them. It will save everyone time and you might get an answer faster.