Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea DeRubba.
Andrea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey began with nearly 20 years of experience in education. Throughout my career, I worked closely with students who needed additional academic support, particularly in reading. I earned my master’s degree in literacy and became licensed in Virginia with endorsements as a Reading Specialist and English Learner teacher.
Over time, I saw how difficult it could be for students to receive the individualized instruction they truly needed in a traditional classroom. I wanted to create a place where children could learn at their own pace, build confidence, and receive instruction based on their individual strengths and needs.
In 2024, I founded Blooming Minds Tutoring. What began as a small tutoring business quickly grew as more families began looking for personalized, research-based academic support. Today, Blooming Minds has a team of dedicated tutors serving more than 70 students through tutoring, classes, camps, and enrichment opportunities.
In 2026, I took the next step by leaving public education and expanding Blooming Minds to include a microschool. Our students receive individualized instruction in a structured, supportive environment while progressing according to their readiness and mastery—not simply their assigned grade level. We also provide authentic, hands-on learning experiences that connect academics to the real world. I want students to understand how their learning applies beyond the classroom while having fun, exploring their interests, and becoming excited about learning.
Blooming Minds has grown far beyond what I initially imagined, but the heart of the business remains the same: helping children become confident, capable learners and providing families with the personalized support they deserve.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing rapid growth while maintaining the personalized, high-quality support that Blooming Minds was built upon. Finding the right tutors, managing schedules, developing programs, creating policies, and meeting the individual needs of so many students and families have all required considerable time and careful planning. Leaving a 20-year career in public education to pursue Blooming Minds full-time was also a major decision that came with uncertainty.
There have certainly been long days, unexpected obstacles, and moments when I have had to adjust my plans. My husband and children have also sacrificed time with me and made adjustments of their own to support the growth of the business. Their patience, encouragement, and willingness to support my vision have played an important role in helping Blooming Minds become what it is today. Seeing the difference we are making in the lives of students and families has made it all worthwhile.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Blooming Minds provides individualized tutoring, a microschool, academic classes, summer camps, and enrichment opportunities for students with a wide range of learning needs. We specialize in personalized, research-based instruction, particularly in literacy. Our tutors support students in reading, writing, math, study skills, and other academic areas.
What sets Blooming Minds apart is that we meet students where they are rather than relying only on their age or assigned grade level. We take time to identify each student’s strengths, skill gaps, and learning needs, then develop instruction that helps the student experience meaningful progress. Our literacy instruction is grounded in structured literacy and the Science of Reading, with an emphasis on explicit instruction, mastery, and building strong foundational skills.
Our microschool expands on this approach by offering students a small, structured, and supportive learning environment. In addition to individualized academics, students participate in authentic, hands-on learning experiences that connect their lessons to the real world. We want students to work hard, explore their interests, have fun, and understand that learning extends far beyond a desk or textbook.
Giving back to our community is also an important part of who we are. Through our nonprofit organization, Pathways to Growth, we work to provide tutoring and enrichment opportunities to underserved students who may not otherwise have access to these services. Blooming Minds also supports our community by sponsoring area youth teams, schools, and local programs.
I am most proud that Blooming Minds has become a place where students who may have felt frustrated or unsuccessful can rebuild their confidence and recognize their abilities. We are not focused only on improving scores; we want students to become confident, capable, and independent learners. Every program we offer is built around the belief that children thrive when they feel understood, supported, and genuinely excited about learning.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I would not describe myself as someone who takes risks without careful thought, but I have learned that growth often requires being willing to step into uncertainty. My biggest risk was leaving a stable 20-year career in public education to pursue Blooming Minds full-time. Walking away from the security, routine, and benefits of an established career was not an easy decision, especially because it affected not only me but also my husband and children.
Expanding from tutoring into a larger team and eventually opening a microschool were also significant risks. Each step required an investment of time, money, and trust before I could be certain of the outcome. However, I believed deeply in the need for more individualized and meaningful learning opportunities for children.
For me, taking a risk does not mean acting impulsively. It means carefully considering the challenges, preparing as much as possible, and then having the courage to move forward even when there are no guarantees. The risks I have taken have pushed me outside my comfort zone, but they have also allowed Blooming Minds to grow and serve more students and families than I ever imagined.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blooming-minds-tutoring.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563014102062
