They advertise the school's tutorial center, a fledgling organization that is now stepping into its second year. Started by concerned parent Debbie McGowan, it aims to help students with their homework. Peer and parent tutors are on hand two days a week to help students with their assignments. The center offers help with math, science, Spanish and English.

Many students have taken up the offer. It is a chance to get help with homework for free.

"We have a drop-in system. It is totally voluntary. Students can come in and get help with one part of their homework or a full assignment. Our tutors are highly qualified," said Cindy Tolliver, a parent who is coordinating the center this year.

A typical session can last anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours. As a bonus, every student who signs in gets a free bottle of water or something else to drink. "We are anticipating that many more students will show up once they start getting their grades," Tolliver said. "We've been open only for a few weeks."

About 15 students, most of them seniors, volunteer at the center as peer tutors. Then there are nine parent tutors, all of them highly qualified and "we're also hiring a work-study [student] from Santa Clara University to help the students," Tolliver said.

The center is located where an old library used to be. "This place was mostly used as a warehouse for the last few years. This is where they used to store the drama props and some other stuff," Tolliver said.

But the place has undergone a quick transformation in the last few months. New sets of round tables have been purchased. The room has been decorated with abstract paintings. There is a scholarly buzz in the air.

The center is currently funded by the PTSA. "We also rely on parent donations," Tolliver said. Soon, it will start offering tutoring by appointment also. "Students also get a chance to evaluate their tutors. That way, we know what they think of us."

Other area highs schools in Los Gatos and Cupertino also have tutorial centers.

Reema Elziq, a senior who has been volunteering since last year, said that she eagerly looks forward to helping other students every week. "This is like doing community service. I help with math and Spanish. I have really enjoyed being here. I can always get help with my own homework, too," she said.

Reema said that she had not decided on a career choice yet but teaching is one of the professions that she is looking at. "My dad teaches computer engineering at Santa Clara University. But I will probably major in biology," she said. "I love it when I'm trying to explain a problem or assignment to someone and they finally understand and grasp it."

Akshay Aanabathula, a junior who also volunteers, said that he thinks of his assignment as a job. "We're busy here most of the time," he said. "It feels real good helping a student master a problem or assignment."

Maria Rees, a parent tutor who helps with Spanish, said that students might feel much more comfortable asking for help from a parent or a fellow schoolmate. "Here, we just try to reinforce what they have been learning in school," she said.

Nathan Nguyen, a freshman, agreed as he pored over his algebra books. "I need to improve my math skills. I'm going to come here whenever I need help," he said.

The tutoring center at Saratoga High School is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2:15 to 6 p.m. tests. Individual and small group tutoring is available. The center offers support for students who want to improve their study skills and their grades. For more information, contact Cindy Tolliver at cindytolliver@earthlink.net.