Tory Nicholson is an experienced STEM educator and tutor with more than twenty years of experience helping students build confidence and mastery in mathematics, science, and standardized test preparation. She has taught and supported students in rigorous independent school environments, including McCallie School, Notre Dame High School, Baylor School, Deerfield Academy, Sacramento Country Day School, and Choate Rosemary Hall.

Tory works with students across a wide range of levels, from foundational math and science courses through advanced AP classes, including AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics, and AP Calculus AB and BC. She also provides SAT and ACT preparation, with a particular focus on SAT Math, ACT Math, and ACT Science.

Tory most recently helped launch and grow Baylor School’s Learning Center STEM program into a major academic resource for students. She is now bringing that same experience to her work with students at McCallie and Notre Dame, while also continuing to support students through individualized tutoring. Across all of these roles, Tory is known for quickly figuring out where students are stuck, explaining difficult material clearly, and helping students feel more confident.

Tory earned her B.A. in Chemistry from Williams College, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and her M.S. in Biogeochemistry from the University of California, Davis. Before focusing fully on education, she worked as an environmental scientist and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon.

Tory believes that students do their best work when they feel understood, supported, and confident enough to ask questions. Her goal is to make challenging material feel manageable, help students build real understanding, and give them the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.