With summer in full swing, the door is open to slower schedules, more flexibility, and time to refocus.
Yet, according to Dr. Deanna Tang, Executive Director of Huntington Learning Center in Laguna Niguel, the season also offers something meaningful—the opportunity to unlock a child’s potential before school is back in session.
“Summer is one of the most valuable opportunities for students to either catch up, stay on track, or get ahead academically,” she explains. “During the school year, students are often balancing homework, sports, activities, and busy schedules. Summer creates the space to slow down, strengthen foundational skills, and build confidence without the pressure of day-to-day school demands.”
That enduring commitment to student growth lies at the heart of the center’s work, and Deanna’s own story. Before opening the center, Deanna worked as a pharmacist, a role she valued for its service to others, until motherhood reshaped her perspective.
“Having children changed my priorities and the way I viewed time,” she shares. “As a pharmacist, I loved connecting with my patients and helping them better understand and manage their health, but over time, I realized I was missing too many milestones at home while also feeling unfulfilled professionally. After five years without meaningful growth in my role, I knew I wanted to create something more aligned with my values.”
That realization led her to a life-changing professional pivot. “I did not want to become a business owner simply to own a business,” Deanna says. “I wanted to make a meaningful impact in the community. When I came across Huntington Learning Center, it felt like a serendipitous opportunity to combine education, mentorship, and service in a way that truly changes lives.”
Today, the center is an educational resource for families seeking an alternative to traditional tutoring, offering student-centered instruction designed to build confidence alongside academic growth.
“We begin with a comprehensive academic evaluation that helps identify foundational learning gaps and the specific skills a student needs to strengthen,” she explains. “From there, we create a personalized learning plan tailored to each student’s goals, pace, and learning style.”
Summer months are often when academic gaps become more noticeable. Deanna notes that the “summer slide is very real,” particularly in reading and math, making consistent academic engagement essential before students return to the classroom. “Summer is also an ideal time for students to prepare for important exams like the SAT or ACT,” Deanna says. “Without the stress of regular school responsibilities, students are able to focus more intentionally and make meaningful progress before testing season begins.”
Beyond academics, the center empowers students to feel more motivated, capable, and self-reliant. “Our goal is not just short-term improvement, but helping students build lasting confidence and independence,” Deanna explains.
The center’s supportive, engaging environment is one of the things families value most. Families are active partners in the learning journey, with consistent communication and collaboration supporting students both in and out of the classroom.
“At Huntington Learning Center, we believe every child is capable of growth when they are given the right support, encouragement, and individualized attention,” Deanna says. “Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming environment where students feel safe asking questions, making mistakes, and building confidence in themselves.”
As the summer season unfolds, Deanna encourages families to explore the possibilities of what their child can achieve with the right support and consistency during the summer months. “Even a small investment in learning over the summer can make a significant difference in how prepared, confident, and motivated a student feels walking into the new school year.”