Parent Reviews

You!!! Thank you! It is because of you that my kids know how to learn on a much higher level, understand that primary sources (not the internet) is a closer source of truth, and that quality is definitely much more important than quantity! Thank you for every inspirational thought, kind word, and high expectation you held my kids to! And I have truly loved my friendship with you! I love that you are still inspiring, and you know and show that is one of your missions! Thank you, Lisa Mauer, you will always be one of the best examples of a Mentor. ~ Tewie L.

I took the Jefferson Scholar boot camp in June and it was a great decision. Lisa was very positive and helped me understand the differences between learning by instruction and learning from discovery, and about what motivates people. She gave us examples on how to use what she taught us and was eager to answer our questions.

I was able to use what she taught us right away, even with my pre-scholars. I've also been using it to understand what motivates my children, then I can guide them towards learning by discovery, and explaining that part of freedom is for them to decide whether they want to have a great education or a mediocre one, and that they will reap the fruits of either one of those.

Thank you Lisa for sharing with us all that you have learned in your several years of experience teaching and mentoring the youth. Any mentor will be very lucky to have you as their coach. ~Laura D.

I thoroughly enjoyed the JSP Bootcamp! Lisa has cracked the code to help students get motivated to not only understand how to develop good learning habits but also to acquire or keep their love of learning. If we don't love learning while we are young-will we become life long learners? I don't know but the JSP Bootcamp opened my eyes to a new approach in order to help my kids on the right track. We have all heard the saying that if we don't know history it will repeat itself. Well my kids are going to learn it, know it, and feel it with this JSP Program! I would highly recommend this class!

Thank you Lisa!

~ Taryn


The Jefferson Scholar Program has really helped me to improve my mentor and facilitator skills. Before JSP I was overwhelmed because I wasn’t sure about how to guide my son to take responsibility for his own education. He struggles with his executive skills, which actually come natural to me, so I didn’t know how to help him build them up, without me reminding him constantly about deadlines and nagging him about his school work. JSP gave us the structure and boundaries we needed to start building his skills in an organized way.

It really helped me focus on one skill at a time, instead of trying to tackle them all at the same time. Allowed me to give him (and myself) grace for the shortcomings as we were both on this journey together.

Moreover, Lisa was amazing in helping us through the struggles and times when we would get stuck. She was ALWAYS positive, had a smile, and you could feel her love for learning and teaching others love learning and taking their education in their own hands.

I 100% recommend the JSP. Though we had a slow beginning, I can now see the fruits of our work. I’m definitely more patient, ask more questions, I am also more consistent in having checkpoint times with my son to discuss his progress and set concrete goals. When I’m consistent everything goes better.

My son has grown so much in his scholar skills. He now takes notes in most of his courses (without being asked to do so), and enjoys organizing his portfolio. Before JSP he would absolutely refuse to take notes and I would have never dreamed of seeing him (on his own) putting together a portfolio to showcase his work, AND organizing it!!

The writing part of the program also helped us very much. Although communicating verbally is one of his strengths, writing his thoughts down in an organized way was a challenge for him. Lisa really helped him to grow in this area, breaking down the steps to write a paper, becoming aware of how long each step takes him, so he can plan his time ahead. By the summer, he took the college entrance test and passed it, including the writing section!! He is only 15 and he’s academically ready to take college level classes. We’re very grateful to Lisa for putting together this program and helping us throughout the way.

Youth Reviews

JSP is the best class I have ever taken. I was sure that I would fail, and I still came to class because the life lessons I was learning were so important. I would totally recommend this course to anyone who wants to improve [their] life. All you have to do is give your heart to learning.


~JFH 2022-23

In only one school year at JSP I have learned more about hard work and myself than in 9 years of schooling. JSP truly allows for you to own your education, ... I have learned how to study to better myself rather than my grade. I have learned to study the world and myself to discover truth. I have grown relationships I will treasure for years to come. JSP is truly the best experience one can choose for themselves.

~ETH 2022-23

JSP was a good class that helped me to manage my time and skills.

Mrs. Mauer is amazing and is so helpful and supportive. She has always wanted us to succeed.

~DS 2022-23

JSP has taught me important skills and pushed me to reach higher aspirations than I ever believed I could.

~ Anonymous Youth 2021-22

JSP has given me a chance to choose what I want to learn. I learned, and then taught about a Japanese Festival, a Welsh Ballad, and the CIAs official advice on how to be annoying. JSP gave me a chance to learn topics in a manner I chose.

~EC 2022-23

I have learned more this year than any other year. That is all thanks to this class. It changed me from an average person to an exceptional person. Thank you for this transformation.

~FH 2022-23

JSP changed my way of thinking and studying. I feel like my education has changed forever because of JSP.

~RC 2021-22

My experience in JSP was incredible! Mrs. Mauer was amazing with her determination and care for her students. The dynamics of her classes helped me grow and learn like I never had before!

~Anonymous Youth 2022-23

It is a challenge, but once you finish it was worth it!

~Anonymous Youth 2021-22

JSP has given me the ability to handle stress better.

~LL 2021-22