Rooted in Care. Powered by Learning.
At Academic Instinct, we combine academic support with emotional intelligence—because we know learning thrives where relationships do.
A Different Kind of Education Company
Academic Instinct was founded on one powerful belief: students learn best when instruction is structured, intentional, and aligned with how the brain develops.
We serve students in grades 1–6 through our signature RISE Reading & Writing Program — a curriculum-based literacy program grounded in the Science of Reading and designed to strengthen reading fluency, writing clarity, and long-term academic confidence.
We are not a tutoring service. We are a structured supplemental education company focused exclusively on measurable literacy growth.
Our instruction is led by Reading Specialists and experienced educators trained to support diverse learners, including students with IEPs and 504 Plans. We regularly support students with dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges through structured, research-aligned literacy instruction.
Because reading development is neurological, not accidental, our program is built on neuroscience-informed principles that reflect how students process language, build fluency, retain information, and develop independence.
Whether a student needs foundational reinforcement or is ready for advanced challenge, our goal remains the same: to deliver structured literacy instruction that meets students where they are and moves them forward with clarity and confidence.
Live instruction is delivered nationwide.
Academic Instinct exists to provide meaningful, measurable reading and writing growth — helping students strengthen their skills today while building a foundation for lifelong learning.
Meet Our Founder
Academic Instinct Tutoring began as a deeply personal calling for Arima Martinez, an educator who saw a gap in how students were being supported—not just academically, but emotionally. After years of working with children across different ages and learning needs, she felt led to create something different: a tutoring experience rooted in connection, care, and purpose.
Today, Arima is earning her PhD in Developmental Psychology, where she blends educational research with neuroscience-informed practices to lead a company that puts the whole child first. Her work is guided by an understanding of how the brain develops, how emotions impact learning, and how personalized support helps students regulate, engage, and succeed.
From helping early readers build confidence to supporting high schoolers with learning challenges, Arima brings a calm, intentional approach to education—one that reflects her deep belief in each child's potential.
Outside of Academic Instinct, Arima leads a children’s ministry, is a proud wife and dog mom to Charley, and authored Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids, a parent guide to fostering SEL at home. Guided by faith and fueled by purpose, her mission is clear: to help students feel seen, supported, and ready to thrive—academically and beyond.
Our Core Values
Personalization Over Standardization
Every child is unique—and so is our approach. We tailor every session to fit each learner’s needs, strengths, and learning style.
Access and Equity in Education
We serve students of all backgrounds, prioritizing culturally responsive teaching and inclusive support.
Empowerment Through Learning
Our goal is confidence, not just comprehension. We build knowledge and belief.
Academic Excellence with Empathy
We push students toward success with both high expectations and high compassion.
Integrity in Relationships
We partner with families, schools, and communities based on trust, honesty, and shared purpose.
Where Learning Comes Alive
Academic Instinct has supported hundreds of students in transforming their reading and writing through structured, intentional instruction. What begins as skill-building often becomes something more — confidence restored, independence developed, and measurable growth that carries into every subject.
Join the Academic Instinct Community
If you’re ready to strengthen your child’s reading and writing foundation through structured, intentional instruction, Academic Instinct is here to support the journey.
Together, we help students rise — building skill, confidence, and lasting academic independence.
