“Over my 30+ years as an educator — including time spent as a college professor and standardized test/ curriculum writer — I’ve seen students thrive when they receive tailored, consistent, holistic, and thoughtfully designed support. My methods extend beyond tutoring to offer mentorship and connection, empowering students to grow into capable and skilled learners, leaders, and young adults. So, I’ve created effective support material and study packages which are more effective than tuition-based models and hourly services. This allows me to tailor my work with each student and guide more intensively with a limited number of students."

Professor
Leah Hughes
Founder
& Director

Professor Hughes founded The Study-O in 2004 while teaching college English, composition, and literature. Her goal was simple: help students gain admission to the colleges of their choice while maximizing scholarship opportunities.

She knew she had to create an environment that was not a study, not a studio, and not an office — but rather a comfortable place for learning and student success.

Her personal experience in funding her academic endeavors prepared her to guide students in securing scholarships and other opportunities for their degree work.

Her expertise in standardized testing has evolved over years of writing curriculum, including writing for the ACT and SAT.

Professor holds a baccalaureate in English with a writing minor from Oglethorpe University, as well as degrees in American literature from Georgia State and Emory Universities. She earned her MFA from Queens University of Charlotte.

Originally from Dalton, Georgia, Professor Hughes came to Atlanta to attend college and has called Sandy Springs home for nearly two decades. She enjoys gardening, writing poetry, and patronizing live music and art events.

Credentials

  • ACT Certified Educator

  • College Reading and Learning Association, member

  • National Tutoring Association, member

The Study-O Team

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Samantha xxx

Executive Administrator

Approachable, and driven by results, Samantha is all about building strong relationships. to help connect students to the right solutions with care. Approachable, and driven by results, Samantha is all about building strong relationships. to help connect students to the right solutions with care. Approachable, and driven by results, Samantha is all about building strong relationships. to help connect students to the right solutions with care.

A woman with short blonde hair, wearing an orange sleeveless top and beige pants, sitting on a cushioned bench, reading a book. There is a large green plant beside her and sunlight casting shadows on the wall behind her.

JULIE xxx

Early Childhood Language Specialist

Approachable, and driven by results, Samantha is all about building strong relationships. to help connect students to the right solutions with care. Approachable, and driven by results, Samantha is all about building strong relationships. to help connect students to the right solutions with care. Approachable, and driven by results, Samantha is all about building strong relationships. to help connect students to the right solutions with care.

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Colby Fernandez

Math Specialist

Approachable, and driven by results, Samantha is all about building strong relationships. to help connect students to the right solutions with care. Approachable, and driven by results, Samantha is all about building strong relationships. to help connect students to the right solutions with care. Approachable, and driven by results, Samantha is all about building strong relationships. to help connect students to the right solutions with care.

A woman with short blonde hair, wearing an orange sleeveless top and beige pants, sitting on a cushioned bench, reading a book. There is a large green plant beside her and sunlight casting shadows on the wall behind her.

Dog 1

Gaurdian of Learning

Edna is the prettiest with all the answers!

Edna is named for Edna St. Vincent Millay, the well-known author of…

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Dog 2

Gaurdian of Learning

Vincent works for the TSA, highly food-motivated!

Vincent is named for Edna St. Vincent Millay.

A woman with short blonde hair, wearing an orange sleeveless top and beige pants, sitting on a cushioned bench, reading a book. There is a large green plant beside her and sunlight casting shadows on the wall behind her.

Dog 3

Gaurdian of Learning

LONGston — the puppy — a real wildcard who’s gorwing and learning, too.

LONGston is named for Langston Hughes.