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Best in Class Professional Tutoring

About

Meet Stephanie Clayton Crawford — educator, nationally certified test-preparation instructor, speaker, and founder of Best in Class Professional Tutoring.

Founder & Lead Educator

Meet Stephanie Clayton Crawford

Stephanie Clayton Crawford is an educator, nationally certified test-preparation instructor, speaker, and founder of Best in Class Professional Tutoring. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she has dedicated her career to helping students strengthen their academic confidence, overcome obstacles, and realize their full potential.

Stephanie began her career in the classroom, where she spent five years teaching before transitioning into more individualized instruction for students with specialized learning needs. Through this work, she discovered her passion for one-on-one education and the profound difference personalized support can make in a student’s academic journey.

In the summer of 2008, Stephanie joined the LSU Academic Center for Student-Athletes. She eventually became the Tutorial Coordinator, mentoring and tutoring student-athletes while hiring, training, and supervising tutors. She also coordinated hundreds of tutoring appointments each week, gaining extensive experience in academic support, program development, tutor training, and student accountability.

After becoming a mother, Stephanie decided to combine her professional experience with her passion for individualized education. In 2012, she founded Best in Class Professional Tutoring and began building a team of highly trained educators who shared her commitment to student success.

Stephanie Clayton Crawford, founder of Best in Class Professional Tutoring
Stephanie Clayton Crawford
20+
Years in Education
2012
Best in Class Founded
1000s
Of Students Helped
Millions
In Scholarships Earned
Teacher-Owned & Operated

The Best in Class Story

Today, Best in Class is a teacher-owned and operated tutoring company based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The company provides private and small-group academic tutoring, academic coaching, study-skills instruction, and ACT, SAT, PSAT, and GRE preparation for students ranging from elementary school through college.

Math & Science Tutoring All Core Subjects ACT® / SAT® / PSAT® / GRE® Prep Academic Coaching Study Skills Elementary Through College

In November 2018, Stephanie expanded the reach of Best in Class by launching an online ACT-preparation course, allowing students to benefit from her proven instruction and test-taking strategies from anywhere.

Through Best in Class, Stephanie has helped thousands of students improve their academic performance, gain admission to their preferred colleges, and earn millions of dollars in scholarships. Her approach extends beyond test scores. She helps students understand how anxiety, confidence, executive functioning, and emotional pressure can affect academic performance—and teaches them practical strategies for managing those challenges.

The Mission Behind It All

Best in Class was created around Stephanie’s central mission: to help build each student’s academic self-esteem and classroom success by strengthening fundamental skills and creating a foundation for a successful, self-reliant academic future.

Nationally Certified

Credentials & Training

Stephanie’s test-preparation instruction is backed by training and certification from the nation’s leading test-prep organizations — including the makers of the ACT® itself.

Inaugural Class

ACT® Certified Educator — 2019

ACT.orgEntrance & Exit Exams

In 2019, Stephanie was selected to participate in the ACT organization’s rigorous educator-certification program. The program included an extensive application process, intensive training, and entrance and exit examinations. As a member of the program’s inaugural graduating class, she became an ACT Certified Educator, giving her direct insight into ACT content, testing developments, and strategies.

A-List Education & MasteryPrep — 2014

ACT® PrepSAT® Prep

In 2014, Stephanie completed specialized ACT and SAT preparation training through A-List Education and MasteryPrep, two nationally recognized test-preparation organizations. She continued her professional education through both organizations.

International TEFL & TESOL Certification

English Language Instruction

Stephanie later completed international TEFL and TESOL certification, extending her training in teaching English to speakers of other languages.

National Tutoring Association

Member Since 2016

Stephanie has been a member of the National Tutoring Association since 2016, connecting Best in Class to national best practices in tutoring and academic support.

As Heard On The Oprah Podcast May 2025 · Mental Health Awareness Month

A National Conversation With Oprah Winfrey & Mel Robbins

A defining moment in Stephanie’s career came in May 2025 when she appeared on The Oprah Podcast alongside Oprah Winfrey and bestselling author Mel Robbins. During the episode, Stephanie participated in a powerful conversation about anxiety, resilience, and the emotional and academic pressures facing today’s students.

The appearance, which aired during Mental Health Awareness Month, brought national attention to Stephanie’s belief that meaningful academic support must address both a student’s educational needs and emotional well-being.

Speaking & Professional Development

For Schools, Educators & Student Groups

Stephanie also travels to conduct professional-development programs for educators and customized ACT and SAT preparation courses for schools and student groups. Her programs can be presented in person or virtually and tailored to the specific needs of a faculty, school, organization, or student population.

Whether she is working individually with a struggling student, preparing a high school student for the ACT, training a team of tutors, or speaking to a national audience, Stephanie remains committed to the same goal: helping students recognize their abilities, develop confidence, and create lasting academic success.

Book Stephanie Explore Our Services

Read what families say on our reviews page, or call us at 225-505-6900.

Don’t Take Our Word For It — Hear From Our Students

“Working with Ms. Stephanie was such a rewarding experience. Not only did I get the scores I wanted, but I also learned valuable test-taking skills. Ms. Stephanie helped me navigate standardized testing during COVID-19 and still improve my scores.”
— Martha R.
“After just eight tutoring sessions at Best In Class, my ACT score went up 10 points and I got into my dream college. I am incredibly grateful for Best In Class and always will be!”
— Madisyn M.
“I cannot recommend this ACT prep enough. My daughter’s score improved 6 points, and I’m waiting to see the difference it made for my son. Don’t waste your money sending your child anywhere else.”
— Finney C.
“I got a 23 on my ACT!! I went up 1 point in English, 4 points in reading, 4 points in math, and 3 points in science!!!! Thank you so much for your help.”
— Madison P.
“Tell Stephanie thank you so much! [The course] really did help so much. I went up 3 points!”
— Seth B.
“I went up 9 points on Reading and 6 points in Math! I couldn’t have done it without the strategies Best in Class gave me!”
— Marla
“Highly recommend this program! I went up 6 points on my Reading alone!”
— Bayln
“After taking it 3 times and receiving the same score, she finally made her goal score after ACT tutoring with Stephanie!”
— A Happy Parent

Request Your Tutor Today

Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Score Assessment

Not sure if Best in Class is right for your student? We totally understand! For a limited time, you can schedule a free score assessment with our owner, Stephanie Crawford. Click the button below to schedule your free 15-minute score assessment.

Schedule Your Assessment

Still have questions? Call us today: 225-505-6900