The Ivy Bound Story


Ivy Bound was launched to give students the best preparation for all test prep and academic courses. Mark Greenstein founded Ivy Bound in 2000 after working 13 years with three other test prep organizations.

His first classes were held in South Central Los Angeles, and the students were exclusively first-generation college students. Over the following months, the work of Mark and Ivy Bound spread.  He was getting calls from parents in many parts of L.A. 

Mark hired his first instructor that fall and four more when he returned to New England in 2001.  Thenceforth, Ivy Bound grew by delivering tailored tutoring to students whose results (better grades, higher SAT scores) spoke for themselves.

“Use your own flair, and tailor the learning to what the student needs”

— Mark Greenstein, Ivy Bound Founder

The Success of Ivy Bound

Our comprehensive structure with room for tutors to individualize instruction has allowed Ivy Bound’s students to flourish. Families have long sought Ivy Bound for the tailored tutoring it provides. Simultaneously, they appreciate the firm’s Test Prep Advisors, who work with parents to get the best structure and ultimately have students get the most out of the course.

Ivy Bound’s Test Prep Advisors are parents whose own children have been in competitive school environments. Ivy Bound prides itself on meeting parents’ high expectations, but also helping with empathy when students need more support with academics and motivation.