About Us

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower students, serve families, and inspire greatness. We know that applying to college can be overwhelming, which is why we strive to make this process enjoyable for families. We navigate the complex, multi-year process by working one-on-one with students as early as their freshman year of high school. But it’s not just about getting into college. At the core of everything we do is a passion for helping young people find their future.

Get to Know Us

Our Class 101 Dayton college planning experts love to help our students find the path for a successful transition after high school. Each of us brings unique experiences and perspectives to working with our students and their families, and we joined Class 101 because we want to make a difference in the lives of young adults. Get to know each member of our team.

Tony DeRosa

Owner and College Planner

With a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston University, cum laude, Tony started his career with the United States Navy as an ROTC Midshipman. After serving as a Naval Flight Officer, his last active duty assignment was as the military history instructor and sailing coach for the Navy ROTC unit at Miami University where he also achieved a Master of Arts degree. Following his Navy career, he worked in software sales and sales management for 20 years. Tony’s mission today is to provide families with expert guidance in the college search, admissions, and financial aid process. He specializes in the admissions process for students who are interested in military service, ROTC, and the service academies. Tony is an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association. With Class 101 Dayton, he also holds corporate membership with the National Association of College Admission Counseling.    

Karen Lane DeRosa

Owner and College Planner

Karen Lane DeRosa brings proven experience in instruction, communications, and administration to the students and families of Class 101. Karen earned her Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, in communications from Boston University and her Master of Arts degree in communication from the University of Oklahoma. Karen has been an instructor at various colleges including the University of Oklahoma, Miami University, and Sinclair Community College. With a genuine interest in each student’s unique goals, Karen’s passion for teaching and learning translates to every college planning meeting. She also ran a successful communications consulting business, and she enjoys putting her creativity to work for her students. As a parent to four young adults, Karen is intentional in tailoring the Class 101 experience so that each student can own the college planning and application process. Karen is a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association. With Class 101 Dayton, she also holds consultant membership with the Ohio Association of College Admission Counseling and corporate membership with the National Association of College Admission Counseling.  

Contact Us Today!

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Owners

Karen Lane DeRosa

Tony DeRosa

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Address

36 South Richards Run, Springboro, OH 45066

Our Students Say It Best

Thank you so much for everything you have done.  This is truly some of the best money I have ever spent. Having only one child, we were completely lost and your guidance through this process has been invaluable. Also, not only the improvement in test scores giving us an extra 20,000 in scholarships over the next four years but also letting me enjoy being a parent during the very limited time I have at home instead of being a constant nag was a complete game changer this year.

Drew

Class of 2024

We keep reflecting back to our first meeting with Class 101 and how you immediately connected with Sam. All the meetings, essay writing, tours, and mostly your/Class 101 support made all the difference in making his dream come true!  Thank you!

Sam

Class of 2023

Class 101 has been beyond helpful in making the college application and transition process organized and as stress-free as possible! They have introduced me to so many scholarship opportunities of which I have taken full advantage, and have been a guide and resource even beyond college acceptances!

Macy

Class of 2021

The great people at Class 101 have given me the opportunity to have one-to-one college planning and ACT prep, helping me prepare for my future. The work they do to help me prepare for what’s truly ahead of me is incredible and is truly personalized to me and to what I am interested in, which makes the whole college planning experience fun and interesting.

Thomas

Class of 2022

Starting at Class 101 was the best decision I have ever made. I started as a senior and was very lost on my college search. Class 101 helped me get into every college I applied to and kept me on the right track the entire time.

Jack

Class of 2021

Class 101 has truly prepared me for the next chapter in my life. Whether I was studying for the ACT, applying for scholarships, or finalizing my college decision, I felt like I was putting myself at a greater advantage to attack my future.

Jimmy

Class of 2021

Start planning for college today!