Ascend Advanced Academy

Ascend Advance Academy (AAA) is an educational institution located in one of the top-ranked school districts in the United States, on Long Island. AAA specializes in providing academic after-school programs and summer camps for students in Grades K–9.

Our diverse enrichment offerings include English Language Arts, Science, Coding, Mathematics, and Chess.

At AAA, we are committed to nurturing students from an early age by developing their communication skills, leadership, logical thinking, and boundless creativity.。

Distinguished Teaching Team Highlights

Experienced & Professional Team
All teachers bring years of teaching experience in K–12 education. They are patient, encouraging, and highly communicative, working closely with both students and parents to maximize learning outcomes.
Interdisciplinary Academic Growth
AAA offers a well-rounded curriculum including English reading & writing, math competitions, coding and science literacy. These courses foster both academic depth and communication skills—preparing students for future international curricula and exams.
Differentiated Instruction & Individual Support
We offer both small group classes and private tutoring, ensuring every student learns at the suitable pace and level for steady, individualized progress.
World-Class Faculty
Grandmasters (GM) and International Masters (IM) in Chess
National Masters (NM)
International Olympiad-level math coaches
Our writing instructors include contest-winning authors and published novelists, bringing real-world literary experience into the classroom.
Results-Oriented & Competition-Proven
Our instructors have led students to excel in prestigious national and international competitions, including youth chess championships and math olympiads—consistently delivering measurable and outstanding results.

Ms. Yu — Co-Founder, Educator, and Advocate for Whole-Child Development

Ms. Yu is a passionate co-founder with over 12 years of experience spanning education, child development, and finance. Holding both an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, she blends her professional expertise with a deep commitment to creating nurturing, inspiring learning environments that support every child’s growth.

Known for her exceptional problem-solving skills and independent, optimistic mindset, Ms. Yu approaches challenges with both innovation and practicality. Her approachable personality and strong interpersonal skills allow her to foster a collaborative, growth-oriented team culture where students and educators thrive together.

Academically, Ms. Yu has a strong command of mathematics, while also excelling in English reading and writing. Her multidisciplinary strengths make her a true asset to the team and a versatile contributor across all areas of program development and instruction.

Driven by a mission to support whole-child development, she prioritizes the emotional well-being and academic success of every student. Her authenticity and dedication shine through in every project she leads, leaving a lasting impact defined by care, excellence, and vision.

Mr. Ma — Co-Founder, Technology Strategist & STEM Education Advocate

Mr. Ma holds a master’s degree in Computer Science and Molecular Biology and has spent over 15 years as a technology strategist at top Wall Street firms, including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Bank of America. His career in finance and technology has equipped him with deep technical expertise and exceptional leadership experience.

His journey in education began in 2017—right at his own dining table—when he started tutoring math competition problems for his child and their classmates. What started as a casual pursuit soon ignited a deep passion for teaching, evolving into a lifelong mission to nurture young minds and inspire intellectual curiosity.

Today, Mr. Ma teaches elementary and middle school mathematics, competitive programming, and introductory chess. He is known for his ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and engaging way, emphasizing logical thinking, practical problem-solving, and competitive readiness. His approachable style and high standards have earned the trust of both students and parents.

Mr. Ma strongly believes that the fusion of technology and education can unlock a world of possibilities for the next generation. Through his academic rigor, real-world expertise, and heartfelt dedication, he provides students with a strong foundation for lifelong success.

He has coached numerous top-performing students in U.S. math competitions, including Math Kangaroo National #1, Perfect Scores in MOEMS, and Highest Individual Scorer awards. In the recent 2025 AMC 8 competition, multiple 5th and 6th grade students under his guidance earned Achievement Awards (15+ points), positioning them for early entry into accelerated math tracks in middle school.

Ms. Annie — Associate Director, Senior Education Specialist, and Multisubject Instructional Leader

Ms. Annie is a dual-certified educator in both Special Education and General Elementary Education, bringing with her over 35 years of extensive teaching experience. Her unwavering passion for education and deep love for children have driven her lifelong commitment to creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students of all backgrounds.

In the classroom, Ms. Annie focuses on fostering curiosity, building strong foundational skills, and equipping students with multiple problem-solving strategies to help them succeed across all subject areas. Her student-centered approach and emphasis on critical thinking have earned her the trust and admiration of both students and families.

Currently, Ms. Annie teaches English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics for elementary and middle school students. She also provides individualized tutoring across all academic subjects, supporting a wide range of learning styles and academic goals.

Ms. Annie believes that every child possesses unique potential waiting to be discovered and nurtured. With her expertise, warmth, and dedication, she empowers students to grow with confidence and reach their full potential—both in the classroom and beyond.

Ms. Sandy — English Enrichment Instructor | Elementary & Middle School Education Specialist

Ms. Sandy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education, and is a certified teacher in New York State. She brings over 15 years of diverse teaching experience, spanning from preschool through eighth grade, with 6 years dedicated to special education.

Her teaching style is organized, creative, and passionate, with a strong ability to adapt instructional strategies to meet the unique learning styles and individual needs of each student. Known for her patience and positivity, Ms. Sandy is committed to creating personalized learning experiences that empower every student.

Currently, Ms. Sandy primarily provides after-school homework support for elementary students, and actively contributes to the academy’s English language enrichment programs, helping students steadily improve their language expression and reading comprehension skills.

Ms. Stefanie — ENL/ESL Instructor | ELA and International English Education Specialist

Ms. Stefanie graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and brings over 25 years of diverse teaching experience in education. As a long-term substitute teacher, she has worked with students from pre-kindergarten through high school, specializing particularly in upper-grade English Language Arts (ELA).

Driven by her passion for English language arts, Ms. Stefanie pursued further training to become a certified English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. She completed an overseas work-study program and earned an internationally recognized ESL teaching certification.

Over the past decade, Ms. Stefanie has taught ESL courses in overseas public schools and private institutions, working with students across all ages and proficiency levels. She has extensive experience preparing non-native English-speaking high school students for university-level English entrance exams.

Currently, Ms. Stefanie teaches ESL (ENL) courses at Ascend Advancement Academy and actively participates in additional instructional support, dedicated to helping students achieve comprehensive growth and success through this forward-looking educational program.

Ms. Anastasija — Math Competition Instructor | Olympiad Coach & IMO Committee Member

Ms. Anastasija graduated with honors from the University of Manchester in the UK, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Pure Mathematics. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics. A true expert and educator in competitive mathematics, she brings deep experience and international insight to every class she teaches.

Ms. Anastasija has coached national Olympiad teams and led training camps for the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC). Since 2021, she has served as a committee member for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) high school division, contributing to both curriculum development and problem setting for global math competitions.

She is also a decorated competitor herself: representing North Macedonia, Anastasija has won numerous awards in international competitions including the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO), European Mathematical Olympiad (EMO), and the Asia Pacific Mathematical Olympiad (APMO). Notably, she became the youngest-ever participant in EGMO history in 2015 and received an honorable mention at the International Mathematics Competition for University Students (IMC) in 2021.

At Ascend Advancement Academy, Ms. Anastasija currently teaches AMC 10 and AMC 12 foundation and advanced courses, helping students build strong problem-solving foundations and reach their full mathematical potential on the global stage.

Mr. Ben – Reading & Writing Instructor | Creative Writing Specialist & Award-Winning STEM Educator

Mr. Ben is an accomplished educator, author, public speaker, and curriculum developer with a unique interdisciplinary background. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from Brooklyn College and a Master’s degree in Computer Information Systems, blending the humanities with technical literacy to deliver a dynamic learning experience.

Mr. Ben is a two-time recipient of the Sky & Telescope Magazine Education Award, and he was also honored with the Unisys Network Science Education Award. His dedication to education is evident through his years of teaching creative writing to gifted students at academic institutions across Long Island, where he fosters imagination, expression, and analytical thinking.

As an author, Mr. Ben is best known for his science fiction novel Wade of Aquitaine, which remained on the Amazon Kindle bestseller list for over 20 consecutive weeks and has been optioned for a film adaptation—testament to his literary skill and storytelling talent.

At Ascend Advancement Academy, Mr. Ben currently teaches Close Reading, Creative Writing, and Pre-AP English Language courses for students in Grades 4 through 8, with a strong emphasis on reading comprehension, writing technique, and critical thinking development.

Ms. Jodie – Science & ELA Instructor | Interdisciplinary Education Specialist

Ms. Jodie holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Science Education and brings over 10 years of experience in teaching elementary and middle school science. Her background includes working at both public and private schools, as well as teaching advanced academic courses at the Center for Talented Youth (CTY)—a prestigious program run by Johns Hopkins University for high-potential students.

In addition to her expertise in science, Ms. Jodie is passionate about English Language Arts (ELA) instruction, especially at the elementary level. She is particularly skilled at integrating reading comprehension and science literacy, helping students strengthen their critical thinking and communication skills across disciplines.

At Ascend Advancement Academy, Ms. Jodie currently teaches Reading Comprehension, Writing, and Elementary Science. Her engaging and well-structured teaching style consistently sparks curiosity and inspires students to explore, think deeply, and express themselves with confidence.

GM Axel – Private Chess Coach | Grandmaster, Elite Competitor & Youth Champion Mentor

Grandmaster Axel is a world-class chess player with a peak FIDE rating of 2662 and a current rating of 2599. He represented his country in five Chess Olympiads (2004–2014) and has won numerous prestigious international titles, including 1st place at the 2014 Golden Sands Open and the 2015 World Open.

Even while coaching, GM Axel continues to compete at the highest levels, having participated in the FIDE World Cup in both 2021 and 2022, regularly facing off against the world’s top players.

With over 15 years of coaching experience, GM Axel works with students at all levels—from beginners to grandmaster-level players. His students have achieved exceptional results, including national youth championship titles.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Brownsville, GM Axel currently offers 1-on-1 private coaching exclusively to students with a USCF rating of 1500 or higher.

International Master Ana – Chess Instructor | Endgame Specialist & International Women’s Tournament Winner

IM Ana is a professional chess player with over 25 years of competitive and training experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and has won numerous accolades in international women’s chess tournaments. A former Georgia Youth Chess Champion (since 1997), Ana brings deep strategic knowledge and battle-tested expertise to every lesson.

IM Ana specializes in creating personalized training plans tailored to each student’s strengths and goals. Her instruction provides comprehensive coverage of opening theory, middlegame strategy, and endgame mastery, with a particular emphasis on endgame technique—a hallmark of her coaching style.

Currently, IM Ana teaches students with USCF ratings ranging from 500 to 1800 and offers two class formats:

Small Group Classes (up to 6 students): Emphasizing interaction, critical thinking, and active participation

Private 1-on-1 Coaching: Focused and individualized instruction based on the student’s skill level and progression path

Whether building foundational skills or preparing for competitive play, Ana’s expert guidance empowers students to excel on the board with confidence and clarity.

National Master Dennis – Chess Instructor | Youth Champion & Versatile Coach

NM Dennis discovered chess at the age of 9 and began tournament play by 12. During high school, he achieved impressive results in scholastic competitions, including titles such as Greater Baltimore High School Champion and DC Junior Open Winner.

NM Dennis earned the USCF Expert title (2000+) in 2017, and was awarded the National Master (NM) title in 2022, reaching a peak rating of 2219. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, he combines a strong academic foundation with a strategic and structured approach to chess instruction.

With years of teaching experience, NM Dennis has worked with students across all levels—from complete beginners to advanced tournament players. His lessons focus on improving competitive awareness, positional understanding, and practical skills to help students succeed in real-game scenarios.

Current Offerings:

Small Group Classes (max 6 students): Interactive, structured training for skill development

Private 1-on-1 Lessons: Tailored instruction for students rated USCF 500–1800

NM Dennis’s teaching philosophy blends clarity, discipline, and encouragement, empowering students to grow as confident and thoughtful chess players.