About
Beyond Academics with Shelly South offers reading tutoring, writing tutoring, math tutoring, and executive function support, along with science-based reading, writing, and math instruction. The program also offers summer 2026 academic and enrichment camps that include these academic focus areas and learning supports.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
The leadership team includes Shelly South, M.Ed., Secondary Learning and Education Specialist and owner of Beyond Academics; Heather Ashley, M.Ed., Learning Specialist and Director of Beyond Academics; and Holly Dierdorff, M.A., a high school Spanish teacher and team member. As learning specialists, the team explicitly teaches critical learning strategies and provides highly specialized and individualized instruction in math, reading, writing, executive function, and positive character building. The program focuses on executive function skills such as organization, planning, prioritizing, and time-management, and uses an integrated instructional approach where math sessions also include critical reading and writing skills and strategies. The classroom community is described as a positive and safe environment that celebrates successes, embraces mistakes as part of learning, and fosters pride and self-confidence in students. Beyond Academics states that it goes beyond being a subject expert and homework helper by assessing why students are struggling, providing tools and strategies, and focusing on helping students “learn” how to learn.
Beyond Academics serves elementary, middle, and high school students from across Central Oregon, including Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville, Sunriver, and La Pine, and describes itself as a local business that knows the families it serves and cares deeply about the kids who walk through its doors. Shelly South was voted “Best of the Nest” in 2024 and 2025. Heather Ashley is described as an accomplished Learning and Child Development Specialist with extensive experience and knowledge in science-based reading, writing, and math instruction, and both she and Shelly South each have about 20 years of experience working with children and their families or in educational settings. Team member Holly Dierdorff has over 20 years of experience working with middle and high school students as a high school Spanish teacher.
Parent testimonials describe students catching up in algebra after COVID virtual school, gaining confidence, and enjoying attending sessions at Beyond Academics, with one parent crediting their child’s strong performance in school to Shelly and the program.
Last updated August 2, 2026.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
The leadership team includes Shelly South, M.Ed., Secondary Learning and Education Specialist and owner of Beyond Academics; Heather Ashley, M.Ed., Learning Specialist and Director of Beyond Academics; and Holly Dierdorff, M.A., a high school Spanish teacher and team member. As learning specialists, the team explicitly teaches critical learning strategies and provides highly specialized and individualized instruction in math, reading, writing, executive function, and positive character building. The program focuses on executive function skills such as organization, planning, prioritizing, and time-management, and uses an integrated instructional approach where math sessions also include critical reading and writing skills and strategies. The classroom community is described as a positive and safe environment that celebrates successes, embraces mistakes as part of learning, and fosters pride and self-confidence in students. Beyond Academics states that it goes beyond being a subject expert and homework helper by assessing why students are struggling, providing tools and strategies, and focusing on helping students “learn” how to learn.
Beyond Academics serves elementary, middle, and high school students from across Central Oregon, including Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville, Sunriver, and La Pine, and describes itself as a local business that knows the families it serves and cares deeply about the kids who walk through its doors. Shelly South was voted “Best of the Nest” in 2024 and 2025. Heather Ashley is described as an accomplished Learning and Child Development Specialist with extensive experience and knowledge in science-based reading, writing, and math instruction, and both she and Shelly South each have about 20 years of experience working with children and their families or in educational settings. Team member Holly Dierdorff has over 20 years of experience working with middle and high school students as a high school Spanish teacher.
Parent testimonials describe students catching up in algebra after COVID virtual school, gaining confidence, and enjoying attending sessions at Beyond Academics, with one parent crediting their child’s strong performance in school to Shelly and the program.
Last updated August 2, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.