The Parrish Learning Zone Philosophy

It is our goal to help every student acquire the SKILLS they are lacking, so that they can gain the CONFIDENCE to have SUCCESS in every aspect of their lives. We feel that all students can learn when they are taught by a professional educator using research-based best practices.  Each student will receive instruction that is customized to meet his or her individualized instructional needs.  All students deserve to be held to only the highest expectations and to be treated as active participants in their learning.  Students will receive a hands-on, rigorous, and engaging curriculum that directly teaches the basic skills of math, reading, and writing.  We will challenge students to think critically and rationally about the subject matter and to ask their own questions, by creating lessons that are relevant, interesting, and that teach students the content as well as the skills and problem- solving strategies they will need for life.  Our learning environment is warm, welcoming, positive, and structured so that all students are able to experience success.

Our Story:

PLZ’s Founders:

---

Nina Parrish graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.  While attending the University of Mary Washington, Nina was elected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities in recognition of outstanding merit and accomplishment.  Following graduation from the University of Mary Washington, she received the Project PISCES scholarship to attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where she completed her certification in Special Education for K-12 students with learning disabilities, mental retardation, and emotional disturbance.  After obtaining her license, Nina earned a Masters Degree in Education for School Counseling in grades Pre K-12 from Virginia Commonwealth University while achieving a 4.0 GPA. Nina was chosen as one of the “Top 10 of the Next Gen” business leaders. This award honors 10 Fredericksburg-area professionals under the age of 40 for their professional accomplishments and community contributions.

Nina has been a Special Education teacher in the public schools for seven years and has tutored students privately for over five years. She has taught remedial reading, language arts, math, history, and study skills classes in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.  Nina has classroom and counseling experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.  She is excited to have the opportunity to design customized instructional programs for use with students individually and in small groups so that all students are able to experience learning success.

---

Jay Parrish graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business.  He gained extensive sales and customer service experience working for a Fortune 500 corporation for six years.  He completed the Career Switcher Program with Spotsylvania County Schools to obtain a teaching license in Business and Marketing.  Jay has taught business and marketing classes to high school students in grades 9-12 for six years.  He has led five DECA (An Association of Marketing Students) students to qualify for the International Career and Development Conference. One student placed in the Top 10 for his event. He is thrilled to have the opportunity to apply his business management and marketing skills to a cause he believes in, helping students build their confidence and skills in order to experience success.