Rising Stars: Meet Deborah Knox of South Charlotte

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Knox

Hi Deborah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began in North Carolina. I grew up in Greensboro and attended Greensboro Day School, a place that fostered my love of learning and deep passion for the arts—particularly theater. That love of both academics and the arts led me to Dartmouth for my undergraduate studies and then Harvard, where I earned my master’s degree, with additional training in Moscow.

For the twenty years since then, I’ve lived and worked in New York City and Los Angeles as a professional actor, and more recently, a playwright. Alongside my work in theater, I’ve had a parallel career as a private tutor and academic consultant, providing personalized, high-level support tailored to students’ needs, working one-on-one with students in core course work (lots of math!), test prep, executive functioning, and the entire college admissions process. That balance shaped my path, and over the years, I’ve built a career that merges education and the arts.

This past fall, my husband and I relocated to Charlotte, and in the midst of settling into a new city, welcomed our first child. It’s been a season of transition, and it’s reinforced my belief in the importance of education, mentorship, and the communities we build along the way.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been linear, but I’ve come to see that the common thread through all of my work is transformation–helping people find their voice, uncover their strengths, and take ownership of their own path forward.

Balancing two careers in education and in theater has been both a challenge and an advantage. The unpredictability of working in the arts meant that I had to be adaptable, resourceful and disciplined–qualities that directly inform how I work with students. On the education side, I found that my theatrical background made me particularly skilled at putting myself in the shoes of the student. Having an imagination for where they are coming from, I have to believe helps me support my students as they develop confidence in their own academic narrative, curiosity and insight.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an educator, I’m known for making challenging material accessible and engaging. My approach is about tackling challenges head-on—zeroing in on strengths and areas for growth, identifying how each student learns best, and breaking down complex problems into clear, actionable steps. My goal is always to deepen understanding, build confidence, and instill a sense of purpose in learning. At the same time, I illuminate pathways, guiding students through disciplined practice, critical thinking, and effective study strategies.

Many families seek me out for my expertise in standardized test prep (SAT, ACT, ISEE, GRE, etc.) and math. But as a performer and playwright, I also understand storytelling, which makes me well-suited for college and private school applications—where the story of the student, their personal statements, and interviews are often just as important as their grades and test scores. I help students articulate the best version of themselves, standing out in competitive applicant pools while approaching an overwhelming process with more clarity.

I’m especially proud of the long-term relationships I’ve built with students—dozens of whom I’ve worked with from late elementary or middle school all the way through college. That continuity allows me to help students grow into engaged, self-directed learners with a direct stake in what’s next.

As a theater professional, one of my proudest achievements is the play I co-wrote with my best friend and fellow Harvard classmate, which was mounted off-Broadway last year. It was ten years in the making, and getting to also perform a full run of it with her felt like a major victory and a dream realized. That experience reinforced what I already believe as an educator—hard work, persistence, and collaboration are key to meaningful success, whether on the stage or in the classroom.

What are your plans for the future?
​Having been away from North Carolina for so long, it’s fun for me to think about the ways I can reinvest in the state that raised me. I’m eager to grow my practice here and plant my roots in Charlotte, with the advantage of being able to support students across the state virtually. Even before COVID, I worked with students online, which allowed me to reach them regardless of geographical location. I value that flexibility, as have my students, and know we all feel grateful for the wide reach technology allows.

As a new parent, I’m also thinking about education in a new way–how to foster curiosity, resilience and a love of learning from the very beginning. Right now, I’m thrilled to be back in my home state and eager to build my tutoring practice here. ​​I’m also ever-passionate about bringing Shakespeare and high text to younger generations and thrilled theatrically by classics, new work and devised theater. In a city as growing and cosmopolitan as Charlotte, I know there’s room for new artistic and educational adventures–I’m excited to be a part of that however it unfolds​, ready to jump in as the right opportunities emerge.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.knoxacademicsolutions.com