SF Creative Learning Solutions

San Francisco, United States

5

Closed now

20 reviews

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Telephone:
+1 415-370-2916
Website:
sflearns.com
Address:
5705 Diamond Heights Blvd, San Francisco, CA, 94131
b/t Onique Ln & Diamond St
Diamond Heights
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.5 miSan Jose & Glen Park Muni
0.5 miGlen Park
0.6 miJ-Church San Jose & Santa Rosa Ave
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Today

Today 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (San Francisco) 3:12 AM Sunday, June 1, 2025

Business hours

Monday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday –
Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Creative Test Prep: ACT, GRE, GMAT, HSPT, LSAT, PSAT, SAT, SSAT, TOEFL — always Student-​Centered, Richly contextualized, and Results-​Oriented!

Study Skills, organization, motivation, improved GPA for elementary, middle, high school, and university students — b/​c we all benefit from caring coaching.

College Counseling — Attain admission to your best-​fit undergraduate and graduate programs — The SAT/​ACT and GRE/​GMAT are just one part of your college applications. Scott shows you how to excel on the test AND prepare for success in other important ways

HIgh School Admissions Expertise — M.S. skills/​GPA, SSAT/​HSPT improvement, best-​fit H.S. for YOU, applications and essays that open doors.

Writing Workshops, Math Demystified, Vocabulary Vitamins, Enrichment for gifted and talented students, Scott shows students how to use their strengths to remedy weaknesses and attain their highest goals.

Academic Editing: PhD dissertations, journal articles, books…

History

Established in 1997.

Scott founded SFCLS to help people of all ages and backgrounds set and reach their very highest academic and career goals. Scott’s test prep and academic counseling clients have gained admission to the most competitive secondary, undergraduate, and graduate programs in the United States. All clients receive personalized attention that helps them find the schools that fit them best — and that set them up for success in their most challenging and rewarding endeavors.

Scott’s goals for all of his clients are to become their own best teachers as they set, then reach their very highest and most rewarding goals. Scott helps people recognize their learning style strengths, develop long-​term plans, and build step by step methods for success in all levels of academia and careers in many, diverse fields.

The business name hints at the philosophy that drives it:

We can all creatively learn and solve problems that arise as we construct paths through meaningful lives.

Meet the Business Owner

Scott C.

Business Owner

Scott has taught people of all ages, (5 – 79!) on both coasts and in France, over a quarter century. In school classrooms, Scott has taught every grade, 6th-​12th in various disciplines, including Algebra, Biology, English, French, Geometry, History, Reading, Spanish, and Writing. He has helped students get top Grades and test scores and counseled them through all aspects of the application process to gain admission to the very best high schools and universities in the country.

Scott has also worked in restaurants and as a political organizer. He still loves to cook and engage in wide-​ranging philosophical discussions with people of all viewpoints. When not teaching or entertaining friends, he can be found outdoors hiking, biking, and skiing — while traveling all over the world.

Scott enjoys traveling w/​in the USA too, especially to dozens of college campuses each year to talk with counselors & students & to explore the arts, culture, and natural wonders of new areas.

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«Must-​see place to bring out-​of-​town guests. Read Ginsburg aloud in the Beat Room; great alternative ‘zines; aisles of used and new books to entice.»

Kennedy’s Irish Pub & Curry House

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Pubs y bares de copas

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Cocina irlandesa

Scott C. says,

«A family-​friendly Pub? You bet! Cheap, delish food to go with great beers + pool and air hockey. Near N. Bch & Wharf fun touristy things too.»

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20 reviews of SF Creative Learning Solutions

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Santa Clara, CA
Scott doesn’t only teach the most effective SAT problem solving techniques, but also motivates a student to manage their time and improve their academic performance in general. I started meeting with Scott because my mom facilitated it, and stayed because he made me realize I had more potential than I had initially thought. In addition to notably refining my tactics in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics, Scott held me accountable for my weekly reading and for building my vocabulary.
Aside from SAT tutoring, Scott served as a better college counselor than any counselor at my high school. He helped me weigh my options based on my GPA, my possible new SAT score, the student population size I’m most comfortable with, the university ratings, and university costs; assisted me in constructing a list, and offered concrete tips on how to apply and positively stand out.
While working with Scott I observed not only my rapid advancement on an educational level — my mindset about my capabilities and myself changed. Before the summer of junior year I settled for mediocrity, good but not great grades, and would describe myself as overall lazy. Scott gave me that boost I needed to see my potential and I immediately perked up, got a job, made a perfect report card, talked to university admission counselors to put face to my application, and got accepted to Chapman University where I am now thriving.
I am very lucky and grateful that my mom found Scott and I honestly believe that I wouldn’t have gotten so far so quickly without his support and advice.
Place rating: 5
Strand, London, United Kingdom
Scott is officially the «teen whisperer.» He truly has a gift as a teacher. He calmed my stressed out 8th grader about SSATs by gently teaching her tricks and tips about the test in only 2 meetings. And although she hasn’t taken the test yet, I’m confident she will raise her score. I sat there and saw the connections and learning take place. She left the last session saying «he makes this process almost fun.» I know. Unbelievable.
I agreed to see Scott before I found out the price of the sessions. When I found out, I was speechless. It was much higher than I thought I’d spend. BUT…(and this is a big but) I honestly think he packed in more in those 2 2-​hour sessions than she got in her 2 week-​long summer camp. AND she gain confidence and insights into what she will write for her essays and say at her interviews. AND she is looking at schools that we hadn’t thought of. I can now say that these sessions were WORTH IT. Give him a call. Make the decision for yourself.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Currently me and some of my friends created a SAT prep group with the help of Scott and we are seeing changes in our learning already! We all come from low income backgrounds, we don’t have the opportunity to the best resources because we obviously are not able to always afford them most of the time. However, we are all determined to obtain a better future for ourselves and the people that love us, and Scott is really understanding of our struggles and where we come from. He teaches us well and he’s very funny and caring. He gives us that motivation to keep succeeding and to acquire good study habits on our own too! Personally, with the struggles I face, it is easy to give up on my education, when really that is key to my success. And I am blessed to have met Scott, for he was a great asset in order to boost my confidence and motivation to continue to pursue my dreams. I never knew I would have so much fun learning and studying for the SAT! SCOTT COWAN IS THE REAL MVP!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Scott Cowen has a gift and an amazing intelligence for teaching. He is compassionate, understanding, intuitive and very perceptive. He handles obstacles with grace and humor. One feels immediately at ease in his presence and he has an unwavering commitment to excellence. There is no doubt in my mind that Scott played a huge roll in building my daughters academic confidence to unseen heights.
Seriously, this may sound like an over the top review but it is absolutely what I have witnessed through my daughters mentorship with Scott. I will not hesitate to higher him again to help with my younger daughter next year. Thanks Scott! You’re the best!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Scott Cowan is an amazing tutor and a wonderful person.
My daughter wasn’t happy about her SAT score and wanted to take it 2nd time in the 12th grade. At this point I realized that attending a good private school is not enough for the purpose of getting a solid knowledge and started looking for a good tutor. I did the research, left a few messages and even made 1 appointment. And then Scott Cowan called back. I didn’t check his website yet, just read the great Unilocal reviews, thus I had no idea what his rate was. Very lucky, as I wouldn’t have called then ;)))
During our most informative conversation I realized: that’s the kind of tutor who can do wonders and we need him no matter what.
I am happy I made this decision as it was worth a lot more than the money paid. Scott’s efficiency is outstanding. Scott was also very flexible with us.
Besides, he does so much more than just tutoring.
He guides, follows up, checks in on the progress, encourages, and gives those little pushes (so much needed for the kids inclined to procrastination) to ensure as much progress as possible.
My daughter feel enlightened and empowered after each session.
He also gave us lots of priceless information on college choices and a good fit.
I’d highly recommend Scott!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I came to Scott for help for my personal statements for graduate school. As English was my second language, writing was not my strongest subject. However, Scott was a great help to me. He guide me to organize my idea and provide wonderful feedback.
Even though he is extremely busy with so many different things, he always manage to get back to me as soon as he can. With his help, I was able to not only complete my personal statement but grow as a writer. Although I am still in the process of getting all my personal statements and my applications done, he has already been the biggest help I can ever ask for. I will update on my graduate school status once I get notification from the schools I apply to.
Most importantly, you will not regret to choose Scott as your tutor because he has the passion to teach his students and he want to see them succeed.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I can honestly say that Scott is the best tutor my son has ever had. Scott has that rare ability to connect with youth struggling in academics and give them confidence in spite of their challenges. He Is patient and kind with the students– a true mentor. Scott brings all the best qualities of a Coach to the table– challenges without overwhelming, thorough in instruction, big-​picture tactics (like organization) all while keeping things light with a great sense of humor. Scott isn’t just for that student trying to get the highest grade possible on the SAT, he is there 100% for the student with gifts in art and music who need support in math and science. I cannot recommend him more highly for any student. I only wish there were more educators like Scott.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I was in a pinch right before the busy holidays to find my 13 yo daughter solid tutoring help for her high school entrance exams in SF. I Unilocaled and came across Scott Cowan’s reviews, which were glowing, personal, and very thoughtful. I checked out his inviting, well organized website where his services and rates are outlined (his hourly rate shocked me at first, but after our experience, I can see that it was worth every penny).
Scott was flexible in working with us in coming up with a tutoring plan that was both effective for my daughter while meeting our budget concerns. After each tutoring session with Scott, it was obvious that my daughter was uplifted, happy, and more confident.
Scott is excellent and thorough at communicating and following up via phone and email. His emails were detailed, guiding, and included many study tips.
My daughter just took 2 exams last week and although we do not know the outcome, I am more than happy to write this 5-​star review of Scott.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I found Scott about a month before I took the GRE and he was a great help in allowing me to reach my goals. Working with him twice a week over that month raised my over all score by 10 points and allowed me to score a 5 on the Essay portion. Class locations are perfectly located and I highly recommend him.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
In high school tests were hard for me. I suffered from test anxiety and never did as well as I wanted to. I started going to Scott for SAT prep. His lesson plans are rigorous but very beneficial. I made more progress with Scott in just 3 months than I had after a year studying with a different tutor. I raised my SAT score my 220 points from May of my junior year to October of my senior year. Scott understands the SAT and what it is looking for, and with some decent effort on both our parts, I did tremendously better on it under his guidance.
Scott is not only a great teacher when it comes to SATs and standardized tests but also a very devoted mentor in the college application process. Many times Scott sat with me at his dinning room table for 4 or 5 hours, revising college essays so they were polished and concise. Scott truly wants his students to succeed. He is one of the most dedicated tutors I’ve ever met.
In a addition to his tutoring skills, Scott is a friend. He followed up with me just two months into college and genuinely wanted to know how I was adjusting. He cares about his clients passionately throughout the entire application process and gets you the results you want.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Very forthright person that actually talked me out of tutoring because his opinion was that my test scores were sufficient. He then proceeded to advise me on the application process very thoroughly. In the few minutes that we spoke, I was left with the certainty that he is very well versed in the academic world and would serve as a good guide.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
My daughter worked with Scott in her senior year and I can only say he saved my sanity. This was a very stressful year on many levels and having Scott in our lives was invaluable. Not only did he help my daughter raise her SAT scores by 200 points, he helped her organize and manage her time and thus made me feel much more relaxed about the whole process of college application. He helped her with her essay and she was accepted to all colleges she applied to. He ended up to be much more than a tutor, mostly because I believe he takes genuine interest in his students and is fully invested in helping them achieve their goals. Thank you!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Scott Cowan. In these past two years, he has been much more than just an SAT tutor and college counselor to me, but also an awesome go-​to person and really just an all-​encompassing friend.
An excellent test tutor and helped me raise my score by about 200 points, and I didn’t even work with him for that long before taking the test! He has the strategies and really helps you out, all while sometimes providing yummy food and life chats! I was very thankful to have him as a tutor for this.
Then for college counseling, he was especially helpful in my applying to specialized European liberal arts schools, and reviewing my application essays and supplements for both US and European schools many many times. I don’t think I would have made it where I am without him!
Adjectives to describe Scott: amiable, knowledgeable, understanding, full of life, patient, hard-​working, kind, HELPFUL in all different contexts, oh the list goes on!
I know we will keep in touch for long and I cannot wait for him and his wife to come visit me in the Netherlands!
In all honesty I could not imagine a better tutoring/​mentoring/​college counseling experience and I am very appreciative to have had such a lively, engaged, and connected person to help me.
Thank you Scott!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
My children have been going to Scott for a year. He helps them on SAT/​SSAT preparation, reading and writing.
Scott is very knowledgeable, patient, friendly and dedicated. He knows very well how to deal with teenagers especially on when/​how to encourage and motivate them to reach their full potential. They have also established good study habits with Scott’s guidance.
Actually, Scott is much more than a great tutor. He really cares about his students and always thinks about what the best is for them. My son has gotten many informational and meaningful academic advice from him including high school class selections, extracurricular and summer activities.
I highly recommend Scott as a tutor and academic counselor.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I cannot even remember how I found Scott, but I am very glad I did. scott worked with our son over the summer on SAT/​ACT prep, and during this time it was clear that he level of individual attention he was giving to our son was tremendous. I had been working with my son on SAT preparation for over a year, but after realizing that we weren’t really getting anywhere, decided to locate a tutor.
It was clear that Scott was taking a very unique approach which identified our son’s weaknesses and focussed on those. His test scores improved dramatically, much more than I expected.
I cannot recommend Scott highly enough. Brian
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I came to Scott Cowan for tutoring services, but what I’ve experienced over the past few months after working with him, has far exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds.
When I first came to Scott Cowan, I was very tentative about my test taking abilities and very uncertain about my experience and future as a graduate student. However, having spent significant time under Cowan’s wing, I feel that my confidence has grown and I no longer fear my whole graduate school application process. I will share with you my experience with Scott and why I recommend him for your next tutoring session.
Scott is incredibly organized and therefore passes this standard along to his students. Before we met for our first tutoring session, Scott asked that I put together a list of potential graduate schools, any and all GRE study materials, writing samples, current resume, transcripts, and potential statements of purpose. Essentially calling me out on my claim to being this super organized student and putting my butt into gear. I gathered all of these materials into a black leather planner that I now have and am utilizing daily.
Upon our first meeting, once I gathered all of the above materials together, we sat and chatted. We shared our common interests, our academic commonalities (we’re both history majors and thus history nerds), and other academic/​career related stories, essentially getting to know one another in a teacher like grasshopper type way. I really enjoyed the fact that I felt safe around Scott and it was easy for me to open up to him about my test-​taking anxieties and prior mishaps with standardized testing.
After our first session, which was crucial in that we established a teaching module and dynamic that best suited my learning style, we essentially went to work. Scott gave me very focused homework assignments to address my weaknesses and to build up my confidence. He also gave me some positive mantras and constant positive feed back in order to work on my issues with test anxiety.
We are now in crunch time as I gear up for the GREs and 5 graduate school applications. Once again, Scott has been there with me all the way, sending me email updates, tasks, and tips and keeping me motivated.
I consider my choice to hire Scott Cowan as my tutor, the best choice I’ve made thus far in this whole process. Its nice to have someone in your corner, cheering you on, and keeping you on track, especially if you’re someone like me who has a lot on their plate.
I consider Scott as someone who is providing me with peace of mind during this stressful time in my life. He has done a marvelous job so far and I look forward to working with him for the next few months until all grad applications are in and tests are taken.
Thank You Scott for such a positive learning experience!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Scott is a super personable, experienced and encouraging tutor!
When applying for SF high schools, our son came to standardized testing quite late in the game. Scott was very perceptive and accepting of our son’s strengths + challenges and knew the best way to motivate and develop his capacities. He knew just how much to push, just how much to praise, just how much to joke. Our son always enjoyed his time with Scott AND Scott worked our boy’s tail off.
We found out just yesterday, that our son was accepted at all four schools that he applied to. Thank you Scott, for your warmth, your caring, your expertise and your right-​on strategies for success! Not to mention the hot snicker doodles!
Place rating: 5
Placerville, CA
While there may be other tutors out there who have a comparable amount of knowledge as Scott, I doubt very much that any of them have Scott’s extraordinary abilities to put students at ease and *communicate* that knowledge effectively. Scott isn’t cramming information into students; he is helping them grow and learn and develop the tools to reach their full potential. He is infinitely patient, fun, caring, and focused.
Scott’s unique combination of people skills, education, experience, compassion, and smarts make him not just an excellent choice, but the *only* choice that makes sense, when it comes to selecting a tutor.
Place rating: 5
Boston, MA
Scott was recommended to me by a fellow doctoral student and I have had the privilege to work with him on several of my dissertation chapters. He is a wonderful person to work with, who provides you with very useful feedback, and even structured tutoring session. He has no problem with advanced doctoral writing, as well as assisting with developing your own personal style of writing. He is flexible and reasonable, and worth every penny!
I highly recommend him for any type of writing and editing assistance! Way to go Scott.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
Scott Cowan is the owner of SFCLS and was my tutor for the GRE over the past month.
I’ve not taken the test yet (that’ll happen tomorrow) but I do feel more confident after sitting with Scott in several two-​hour tutoring sessions covering algebra and geometry. Scott is knowledgeable and perhaps more importantly he works hard to make you feel the same — even if, as in my case, math is definitely NOT your thing.
He’s friendly and approachable and if I had to do so again (which I pray I never will) I’d use him again.