Local Business Spotlight: Two Lions Academy

This Patch article is sponsored by Two Lions Academy.

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with David Clarke, Two Lions, of Two Lions Academy.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business or organization:
David Clarke: I’m one of the co-founders of Two Lions Academy, a tutoring company that provides specialized educational services for neurodivergent students. We founded Two Lions on a simple idea: meaningful academic progress requires time, trust, and a deep understanding of each student’s unique learning profile. My co-founder, Percy Ross, and I—both Columbia graduates with experience running successful tutoring agencies—wanted to bring a more holistic and personalized model to the tutoring landscape. We maintain close communication with each student’s teachers, counselors, and specialists to ensure consistent, collaborative support. Today, our small team offers subject tutoring, test preparation, and college essay guidance.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?
David Clarke: We have a combined four decades of teaching experience, and this recently-founded company is designed to offer even more benefits to our future clients.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
David Clarke: I have been drawn towards teaching ever since tutoring during my four years attending Columbia University. Watching students grow more confident and capable under my guidance was incredibly rewarding, so I decided to build a career in the mentoring of students. I worked as a test prep instructor and academic tutor in several different companies before founding my own successful business in Manhattan. However, after working with hundreds of students and observing the workings of several tutoring agencies companies, I saw an opportunity to create a new business that addressed the shortcomings in New York's tutoring landscape. Students with learning differences strongly benefit from long-term relationships with tutors who coordinate with their support network. Our company is designed with that principle in mind. We work with students for their entire academic journey, supporting them alongside their existing network of therapists, guidance counselors, parents, and teachers.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to customers?
David Clarke: We know that a strong education is one of the most valuable gifts that you can provide your children, but the path to success is not always clear. For all families, I recommend three guiding principles: define measurable goals each year, whether in grades, extracurriculars, or academic skills; invest early and consistently in reading, math, and study skills; and maintain consistent grades throughout middle and high school. Of course, every child is unique and requires a specialized approach. However, all families must maintain a deliberate approach to education, especially in the competitive academic environments of New York City.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
David Clarke: The most satisfying moments occur when students realize that they are more capable than they had previously thought possible. When a smiles after accomplishing a task that previously seemed impossible, I remember the joy of teaching.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
David Clarke: Two Lions provides educational services to students with learning differences. As part of our program, we maintain a learning profile for each student that we consistently update with a student's learning style, strengths, and weaknesses. This "learning profile" can be a tool for future teachers to better understand our students. Two Lions also distinguishes itself through careful coordination with our students' support network. We regularly communicate with students' parents, learning coordinators, guidance counselors, and therapists to provide the most effective services for our clients.