About us

About Ascent Academia

Founded by high-achieving VCE graduates who understand the journey — and want no student to go through it alone. Our mission is simple: help students achieve the marks they're capable of.

First week free, per subject. No payment details needed.

Co-founders Jessica Dam, Ryan Nguyen and Ivan Luong

Our story

Why we started

[TBC — founders' story in their own words: how Ivan, Jessica and Ryan met, why they started Ascent, and what they wished they'd had in Year 12.]

Today we teach VCE Mathematical Methods, Physics and Chemistry, and Year 9–10 Maths, in small classes at our Box Hill centre.

Our approach

What we believe

01

Recent-graduate tutors

Our team is made up of recent high-achieving VCE graduates now at university. We don’t just remember VCE — we sat it recently.

02

Every tutor scored 40+

Every tutor achieved a 40+ study score in the subject they teach, many 45+, and many finished with a 99+ ATAR.

03

Understanding over memorising

We explain the how and why behind each idea. Genuine understanding holds up when exam questions change the context.

04

Support between classes

Help desks, messaging and progress checks mean no student has to get stuck alone.

Students sitting a full mock exam at Ascent Academia

Exam conditions

Practice that feels like the real thing

Before every SAC and the final exams, students sit full practice papers under exam conditions, then get them back marked with feedback. By November, the exam room feels familiar.

Meet the founders

Ivan Luong, Co-founder · Head of Physics & Chemistry at Ascent Academia

Ivan Luong

Co-founder · Head of Physics & Chemistry

Physics 3/4 · Chemistry 3/4

As a recent high-scoring VCE graduate with extensive tutoring experience, I understand the challenges students face. My approach centres on nurturing passion and curiosity by explaining the “how” and “why” of every single concept, ensuring engagement and academic success.

Jessica Dam, Co-founder · Head of Pre-VCE Maths at Ascent Academia

Jessica Dam

Co-founder · Head of Pre-VCE Maths

Year 9 Maths · Year 10 Maths

I have had the privilege of mentoring numerous students, helping them to achieve and exceed their academic and personal goals. I have a supportive teaching style with the goal of helping students develop a strong attention to detail and efficient problem-solving techniques.

Ryan Nguyen, Co-founder · Head of Mathematical Methods at Ascent Academia

Ryan Nguyen

Co-founder · Head of Mathematical Methods

Raw 45 Methods · 99.30 ATAR

Methods 1/2 · Methods 3/4

VCE doesn’t have to be as stressful as people make it seem. With a desire to share with students the same success I had in VCE, I want to help them push beyond “just knowing”, develop strong problem-solving skills and build a sound understanding of their course content.

Meet all our tutors