S.T.E.P. Academics was founded in 2003 to offer tutoring services to students who consistently underperformed on standardized tests. In 2008 we began offering during-school-day small group instructional support to students in grades 1-12. "S.T.E.P." tutors are state-credentialed professional educators. Moderate to low-performing students benefit from small group, data-driven, and differentiated instruction. It has been proven that this instructional model has increased the academic performance and confidence of low-performing students. In addition, S.T.E.P. has incorporated the study of performing arts as a means of refining student exposure to various kinds of literature through the study of acting, the study of vocal music, and broad dance styles. Performing Arts classes are taught by professionally trained and experienced performing artists. Students are fully engaged in the learning process as they participate in both online tutoring and in-person performing arts instruction.