Celebrating 20 Years of Get Smarter Prep in Kansas City

With a strong reputation among local schools and having helped thousands of families in the greater Kansas City area achieve the scores they needed for the schools they wanted, one might think Get Smarter Prep has been around for ages.

This month we wrapped up another academic year, and next month we celebrate our twentieth year serving Kansas City families. We hope to be here for many more.

As we reflect on two decades of score improvements, college admissions guidance, and answering countless questions from families, we thought we’d share a short history of how Get Smarter Prep began.

The Founding Story: 2004 in Southern California

The story starts in 2004. Stephen Heiner, the founder of Get Smarter Prep, was living in Southern California. He taught test prep part-time but loved it so much that he wanted to do it full-time.

He recruited top instructors, gathered several colleagues for a weekend retreat, and together they analyzed what worked — and what didn’t — at the big test prep companies.

Their vision was clear: create a small-group focused firm where students receive far more personal attention.

The core belief was simple: fewer students per class leads to bigger score increases.

From California to Kansas City: Launching in 2006

The new approach proved highly successful in Orange County, California, for two years. Stephen then decided it was time for a change. He wanted less stress, less traffic, and a more affordable housing market. After researching the area and visiting family near Kansas City, he made the move from sunny California to the Midwest.

In July 2006, Get Smarter Prep opened its doors in Overland Park — just a few doors down from our current office location today.

Early Challenges in a New Market

When Get Smarter Prep first launched, there were two major surprises:

  1. Market Education Needed — Many local families didn’t yet realize how coachable the SAT and ACT truly are. The common belief was that you either did well on these tests or you didn’t.
  2. Time to First Client — It took until December 2006 to welcome the very first paying student.
From January 2007 onward, the business grew steadily.

New Ownership: Caleb and Molly Pierce Take the Helm in 2022

In 2022, a significant chapter began when Caleb and Molly Pierce purchased Get Smarter Prep. Caleb’s deep roots with the company — starting as a tutor in 2012 and growing alongside the business for over 10 years — made him the perfect person to carry the mission forward. Together with Molly, they brought fresh energy while staying true to the original vision of personalized, high-impact test preparation.

How We Grow: Word of Mouth and Community Presence

We’ve learned that the most powerful way to attract new families remains the same as it was in the beginning: word-of-mouth referrals. When someone you know personally benefits from our programs, that trust carries far more weight than any advertisement.

We also stay visible in the community through:

  • Selective print and digital advertising
  • Active social media and search engine presence
  • Sponsorships of school teams, calendars, and events
  • Booths at college fairs
  • Informational talks at local schools about the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and college admissions process

Our Timeless Mission in the Age of AI and Digital Testing

As we enter our twentieth year, the founder’s original spirit remains strong at Get Smarter Prep.

We continue to focus on small-group classes and private tutoring because personalized attention still delivers the best results. We take the time to answer every parent’s questions. We maintain exceptionally high standards for our teachers and provide them with quarterly continuing education. And we remain fully committed to our core mission:

“The score you need for the school you want.”

Ready to Help Your Family Succeed

We’re proud of the journey so far and excited for the years ahead. Whether your student is preparing for the digital SAT, the ACT, or navigating the full college admissions process, Get Smarter Prep offers the personalized support that has defined us for twenty years.

We hope to have the opportunity to serve your family soon.