About Us

The Program is the Problem!

Many people who call our office ask if we offer a "program." We do not offer a pre-packaged program that must be followed from A-Z. We believe that, in many instances, the program is the problem. That is, the rigid hierarchical, bureaucratic programs promulgated by state and federal agencies often hinder and limit learning and creative thinking. Tutoring should offer the exact opposite approach. Tutoring should provide enrichment and one-on-one creative approaches that allow the student to think outside of the proverbial box. We at NVTS believe that the key to academic success is intellectual freedom. "Programs" offered by many large corporate and franchise entities do not address this critical learning factor. They simply embellish and reinforce the problem. Our tutors will tailor their approach to the needs of the student, thereby getting better, more targeted results.

About Our Tutors

Our tutors are highly qualified professionals who are carefully screened. They are selected, in part, for their ability to motivate and interact with students at all age levels. All tutors possess a bachelor's degree; many have earned graduate degrees from some of the nation's premier graduate schools. Our tutors are either current or former classroom teachers, or professionals using their subject area in the workplace. We hire tutors who strongly believe in helping children and young adults and who also have some “kid” left in themselves.

Our tutors will speak with your child's teacher either via email, telephone or in person at no charge to you. We want to be certain that by the time our tutor meets with your child, all issues relating to his or her academic difficulties are understood by all parties engaged in the process.

About Our Director

Dr. Perrino established Northern Virginia Tutoring Service, LLC in 1995 after a long career in the public and private sectors. Dr. Perrino is currently an Associate Professor of Behavioral Science at Northern Virginia Community College where he has taught sociology, political science and business management since 1986. The author of several essays in professional journals and magazines, Dr. Perrino has prepared numerous position papers, management studies, and critical analyses of current issues in education. He has extensive experience working with parents, school officials and civic groups to resolve difficult problems associated with academic achievement.

Dr. Perrino is the immediate Past-President of the Board of Washington Independent Services for Educational Resources (WISER) and Immediate Past-Chairman of the Board of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. He is currently a Board Member of the Fairfax Partnership for Youth and the Friends of Arlington's David M. Brown Planetarium; and is also a member of the Falls Church City Education Foundation, The Falls Church Public Schools Business in Education Program, and the Arlington Public Schools Partners in Education Program.

Dr. Perrino was honored with a 2009 James B. Hunter III Community Hero Award in the “individual” category, for his work in support of programs at Patrick Henry Elementary School, where he mentors students in fourth and fifth grades. The event was part of Arlington County’s annual Neighborhood Day celebration. Perrino “is an outstanding example of giving back to the community,” said Annie Frye, assistant principal at the elementary school, who made the nomination. The Arlington School Administrators recognized Dr. Perrino's civic involvement and experience by awarding him the prestigious Arlington School Administrators 2006 Civic Award.

Doctorate, Education Leadership,
George Mason University

Master’s Degree, Public Administration,
George Mason University

Graduate Study, Sociology
University of North Carolina

Bachelor’s Degree,
Catawba College