Meet the Family Behind The Answer Class
We believe expert college admissions guidance should be within reach for ordinary families – without compromising on quality or results.
That’s the idea Jodi and Josh Saunders built The Answer Class on more than 20 years ago, and it’s the mission that still guides everything we do today.
For more than two decades, we’ve helped thousands of families navigate SAT & ACT prep, college essays, college admissions, and everything in between. Along the way, we’ve built something we are incredibly proud of: a small family business with a big heart, a dedicated and talented team, and a mission to make college admissions more approachable, affordable, joyful, and of course, successful.
Our Story
We started The Answer Class because something didn’t sit right with us. We noticed that families often felt they had only two choices: navigate the increasingly complex college admissions process entirely on their own or spend a small fortune on private admissions consultants.
We knew there had to be a better way. So we built the organization we wished had existed: a place where families could receive expert guidance, personalized support, and real results without feeling like college admissions had become a luxury reserved for a select few. Today, that mission is just as important to us as it was on day one.
“I am so pleased with the support we got from The Answer Class. We used SAT tutoring (with a meaningfully increased score!), essay support, a personalized college list, and 1:1 coaching. When you have a 17-year-old who doesn’t want help from their parents, Josh, Jodi, and the team are godsends. I thought the prices were entirely reasonable. We used someone else the first time. For number 3, we will definitely be back to The Answer Class.” – Nicole J.
Your college admissions workshop “was really excellent, and in very concrete ways changed the way we are approaching the college process with (our daughter) – and you can quote me on that!” – Sarah S.
What We Believe
We are guided by five core beliefs. We believe…
- Applying to college is an important chapter in a student’s life, but it shouldn’t consume your family’s–or student’s–life.
- Students deserve encouragement as much as expertise.
- Parents deserve honest advice, not fear-based marketing.
- Success isn’t measured by getting into one particular college but rather by helping each student find the place where they’ll thrive.
- Every family deserves someone in their corner throughout the college admissions journey.
Meet Jodi & Josh
Jodi Grossblatt Saunders
B.,S. Northwestern University,
M.A. & Ph.D. Coursework, University of Maryland
Joshua Saunders
B.A., Brandeis University,
MBA, University of Maryland
The Answer Class is owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo Jodi and Josh Saunders. Together, we’ve spent more than 45 combined years helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach.
Jodi has dedicated her career to supporting students and families in all educational arenas, including classroom teaching from elementary through college. At the Answer Class, she leads operations and partnerships, supporting our 30+ high school partners and connecting hundreds of students and families to our affordable & comprehensive test prep and college admissions services, including small-group classes and 1:1 support.
As a former classroom teacher and current curriculum and innovation lead, Josh is known for his calm, compassionate style and remarkable ability to break complex concepts into manageable, confidence-building steps. Families value his thoughtful, encouraging approach and genuine investment in every student’s success. Josh is a sought-after speaker on test prep and college admissions, having crafted and led 100+ in-person and virtual workshops for families.
We Get It—Because We’ve Been There
While we’ve spent more than 45 years combined in education, our most important learning may have come through our own family.
We’re the proud parents of three young adults, including graduates of Cornell University and Oberlin College, and a current Lehigh University student. We’ve celebrated acceptance letters, worried over college decisions, helped brainstorm essays, and experienced all the excitement (and uncertainty!) that comes with sending your child off to college.
We know this journey isn’t just about applications and test scores—it’s about your child, your family, and one of life’s biggest transitions. It’s a privilege to walk alongside families during this time to help make the process a little less stressful, a little more joyful, and a lot more successful.
To date, The Answer Class has donated more than $280,000 to local high schools, and more than 10,000 students have benefited from the classes and 1:1 support!
Meet Our Team
One of the things that makes The Answer Class special is the wonderful people who work here.
All have sat where today’s students are sitting, navigated the SAT, written college essays, submitted applications, and celebrated acceptance letters. Now they’re excited to help the next generation do the same.
Every member of our team is selected not only for academic excellence, but also for kindness, empathy, patience, and the ability to genuinely connect with students. We believe learning happens best when students feel understood, encouraged, and confident enough to ask questions.
Our tutors hail from the following institutions:
Janet
Johns Hopkins University
I love “bringing my experiences to the job and sharing all the little tips and resources I wish someone had told me about when I was applying to college.”
Megan
Johns Hopkins University
It’s great “getting to bond with the students and help them feel more confident about their abilities!”
Katalina
Johns Hopkins University
“I love working with such hardworking and passionate students and helping them achieve their goals!”
Anthony
Johns Hopkins University
I appreciate “the opportunity to connect with students from a wide range of backgrounds and play a role in their growth as both students and people.”
Harriet
Johns Hopkins University
“I remember how stressed and nervous I was about the whole process of taking the SAT and completing my college application, so it’s a nice full circle moment to be able to help others and reassure them that this is only a small part of a much bigger experience known as life.”
Ella
University of Virginia (B.A.), Johns Hopkins University (M.A.)
“The curriculum’s ability to meet students where they are is great. It’s rewarding to see students make meaningful progress because the material is accessible and valuable regardless of where one begins.”
Julianne
University of Rochester (B.A.), University of Maryland (M.A.)
“I love teaching the College Essay Writing Workshop because it’s fun to see high schoolers articulate what they’re passionate about. I’m always inspired by how respectful and supportive they are of each other’s ideas, even when they entered the workshop as strangers.”
Lily
Johns Hopkins University
“It’s so rewarding to work with each student and get to know them and their unique (and amazing!) skills, backgrounds, and aspirations. I love helping our students learn and grow as they work toward their goals.”
Sanidhya
Johns Hopkins University
“Forming relationships with my students” is great. I love to see them grow into confident young individuals who are ready to tackle college!”
Cindy
Johns Hopkins University (Ph.D. Student)
“My favorite part about working with The Answer Class is meeting new students and being a part of a supportive community!”
Emily
Northwestern University
I love “getting to know each student’s unique story and helping them tell it authentically in their college applications.”
Alex
Johns Hopkins University
It’s great “being able to help students who are struggling and make a difference in their college application experience.”
Emily
University of Central Arkansas (B.S. and B.A.),
Johns Hopkins University (Ph.D.)
I love “connecting with students and fellow teachers over our shared interests and curiosities.”
Kelly
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
“It has been an amazing opportunity to support high school students in their prep for such major exams. Sharing that same love for learning is the best part about it.”
Scout
Duke University (B.A.), Johns Hopkins University (M.A.)
I love “meeting all the wonderful students and learning about their favorite things to do and dreams for their futures!”
Jocelyn
University of Maryland, College Park
I love “working with and getting to meet all the students and helping them along their college journey!”
Madeleine
Johns Hopkins University (B.A. and M.A.)
“My favorite part about working with The Answer Class is supporting students as they discover what their futures can be and helping them work toward achieving those goals.”
Courtney
University of Pittsburgh (B.A.), Johns Hopkins University (M.A.T.)
“I love helping students engage in self-discovery through college essay writing, fostering confidence and joy as they undertake the college application process.”
Madison
Johns Hopkins University
“I love helping students turn their SAT nerves into confidence! Watching them go from feeling overwhelmed or doubting themselves to realizing they’re capable of tackling difficult questions is so exciting!”
Sam
University of California, Berkeley
“I love how supportive and genuine The Answer Class is! It’s clear how much everyone cares for the students and families we work with.”
“[My mentor] always showed up with a positive, warmhearted attitude, and her smile made me feel welcome and supported. She prepared me with helpful resources and templates to organize my college application information, which has been invaluable. I truly appreciate the time and care she put into mentoring me!” – Ella W.
“Jodi and the tutors and everyone on the team were so great! Took genuine interest in helping my son and provided regular, detailed communication. Highly recommend!” – Christine G.
We’d Love to Meet Your Family
Whether you’re just beginning to think about college or putting the finishing touches on an application, we’re honored every time a family asks us to be part of their journey.
We know how much trust it takes to ask someone to guide your child through one of life’s biggest milestones, and we never take that trust for granted.
We can’t wait to meet you.
— Jodi & Josh
The Answer Class is proud to be a member of the following associations:
