Raising the Bar: KHS Teacher Boosts Test Scores with Free SAT Prep

“I want to take the kids who are being underserved in their abilities and make sure they understand the opportunities available to them.”

Did you know? Every week, Kingsley High School science teacher Nancy Olenchek offers free SAT prep classes for students. The hour is a chance for anyone to learn material as well as the tips, tricks, strategies, vocabulary, and question structures of the test that stands between them and their dream college or university.

Ms. O and her science students.

Ms. Olenchek is an internationally known SAT tutor who has helped hundreds boost their performance or even earn a perfect score. She takes a handful of clients and charges thousands.

But her KHS SAT prep hour is offered for no-charge to Kingsley students. She’s passionate about offering test prep because she says the SAT is one of the most important metrics considered by college admissions departments.

“High schools across the United States have different grading systems, which makes GPA an unreliable indicator for college admission. The SAT allows colleges to have a snapshot of what a student has truly learned during their high school career,” said Ms. Olenchek.

When she began in our district five years ago, she investigated KHS’ PSAT and SAT scores. She noticed that her brightest students were not earning results that correlate with their GPA.

Ms. Olenchek helped several students compete at the Flint Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

“I noticed that their scores were not commensurate with their knowledge. I learned that KHS students had not been given the opportunity to learn how to take a standardized test. This, along with a limited course catalog and limited advanced placement classes, put the KHS students at a marked disadvantage,” said Ms. Olenchek.

Her goal is to provide test taking resources to students who want to score better and instill confidence in students so they’re prepared for college.

Before joining KHS, Ms. Olenchek taught at McCallie School, one of the top boarding academies in the country. The school charges $70,000 in tuition and cranks out graduates bound for Ivy League schools and top institutions.

“In private schools, kids learn how to take the test starting in like, third grade,” said Ms. Olenchek. “What I’m trying to get the Kingsley kids to understand is that you’re not going to get into an elite school without a proper SAT score.”

All four of her children went to top-tier colleges and universities with significant academic scholarship because of their test scores.

“Most colleges and many trade schools use the SAT as a significant part of their scholarship programs. The higher the score, the greater the amount of grant money a student will be awarded," said Ms. Olenchek. “My goal is to have the kids get higher test scores and see what real college prep rigor is,” she said.

Ms. Olenchek with NMC Staff. Photo credit: Northwestern Michigan College

In her time in the district, she has developed an impressive research class where students use college-level methods. In 2025, she collaborated with Northwestern Michigan College so students can earn college credit in her class.

Her students have earned top prizes for their work at the Flint Science and Engineering Fair. Last year, Adam Wilcoxen’s project was selected for an international fair.

Adam and his science project.

Ms. Olenchek also contributes to “College Readiness Night” where parents can learn about applying to college, test prep, scholarships, and more. She has helped several students apply to and access partial and full-ride scholarships.

“My goal is to help students develop skills so they can get into college and thrive.” 

"Ms. Olenchek is a bonafide asset. Kingsley students have big dreams, and she just wants to help our kids achieve them. If we don’t prepare our kids for what it takes to do that, we are doing them a disservice," said Principal Cody Wagatha. "We have committed as a building to helping all of our students practice the skills that test results show we can improve. All of this stems from the work Ms. O has done, and continues to do to raise the bar."

SAT prep is Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 7:20 through the PSAT NMSQT test at the end of October. Starting in November, SAT prep is on Tuesday mornings at 7:20. To learn more, email Nancy Olenchek at nolenchek@kingsleyschools.org.