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Award-Winning Tutors serving Des Moines, IA

Joshua

Certified Tutor

7+ years

Joshua

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Joshua's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
College Essays
Literature

I'm a computer science major at Penn State with a lot of application-oriented programming experience, but also academic experience. Some highlights include 1560 on the SAT and 5 on AP Comp Sci A.

Education

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

Test Scores
SAT
1560
Elliot

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Elliot

Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Elliot's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics
Calculus
Algebra
College Essays

I am from a small town in Iowa and currently a fourth year student at the University of Chicago studying economics. During my time here I have studied abroad twice. Two years ago in Beijing, China and last spring in Athens, Greece. I can speak English and Spanish fluently and can speak a little Mand...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor in Arts, Economics

Dinesh

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Dinesh

Doctor of Philosophy, Inorganic Chemistry
Dinesh's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Inorganic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry

I am a chemistry Ph.D. graduate of the Wayne State University. I have also been tutoring chemistry for more than six years. With my extensive experience, I'm able to help struggling students and improve their knowledge in various fields of chemistry. I enjoy teaching and seeing student's progress. D...

Education

University of Ruhuna

Bachelor of Science, Chemistry

Wayne State University

Doctor of Philosophy, Inorganic Chemistry

Mary

Certified Tutor

Mary

Bachelor's
Mary's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
ACT Writing
ACT English

I am able.

Education

University

Bachelor's

Frank

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Frank

Bachelors, Accountancy
Frank's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Math
Algebra
Elementary School Math
HSPT Math

Looking for an opportunity to help kids of all ages advance in Math!I have 10 years of tutoring elementary math, middle school math, pre-algebra, and algebra I. I have worked about 5 years doing private tutoring. I also have worked about 5 years at a Math Learning Center called Mathnasium, and learn...

Education

Northern Illinois University

Bachelors, Accountancy

Morgan

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Morgan

Bachelors, Spanish and Environmental Studies
Morgan's other Tutor Subjects
College English
Conversational Spanish
English
ESL/ELL

B.A.s in Spanish (with Professional Distinction) and Environmental Studies, University of OregonMorgan began mentoring and tutoring in high school where she attended the aspiring educators program. She taught reading lessons in a bilingual kindergarten classroom, attended teaching conferences, and s...

Education

University of Oregon

Bachelors, Spanish and Environmental Studies

Carter

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Carter

Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Carter's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Math
ACT Science
Algebra
Algebra 2

I am currently a Sophomore Mechanical Engineering major at Tufts University. I have a passion for anything math related and enjoy sharing my love for math with everyone else. I make sure that everyone understands the stuff they are learning on their own terms to make sure it is more accessible for f...

Education

Tufts University

Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1510
ACT
35
Jessica

Certified Tutor

Jessica

Masters, Urban Education
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
AP Spanish Language & Culture
Conversational Spanish
Languages
Russian

I have a BA from the University of Maryland College Park in Spanish, Russian, and Secondary Education, and an MA from CUNY Graduate Center in Urban Education. I taught Spanish for 7 years in middle and high school and I tutored high school Spanish students of all levels after school. I lived in Spai...

Education

CUNY Graduate School and University Center

Masters, Urban Education

University of Maryland-College Park

Bachelors, Spanish & Secondary Education

Grayson

Certified Tutor

Grayson

Current Undergrad Student, Applied Mathematics
Grayson's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
AP Music Theory
AP Spanish Language & Culture
Chess

I am passionate about helping students because I was once in their shoes, trying to learn and understand challenging new topics.I have helped students excel in algebra, chemistry, and other disciplines related to math and science. I am currently studying applied mathematics with a concentration in c...

Education

Oakwood University

Current Undergrad Student, Applied Mathematics

Sophia

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Sophia

Master of Divinity, Theology
Sophia's other Tutor Subjects
ACCUPLACER Prep
ACCUPLACER ESL
ACCUPLACER ESL - Listening
ACCUPLACER ESL - Reading Skills

I am a graduate of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with a minor in Ancient Greek and a Master of Arts in Divinity. During my studies and since graduation, I have traveled extensively, with both family and friends, and...

Education

Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology

Master of Divinity, Theology

Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology

Bachelor in Arts, Religious Studies

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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Courtney

Algebra Tutor • +17 Subjects

Hello students! I enjoy school and attend Arizona State University where I am obtaining a bachelor's degree in nursing. I have a psychology and social work minor completed to accompany my degree, and enjoy healthcare and sciences very much. I have also completed several AP and collegiate level English courses and enjoy helping those around me. Anatomy and science courses are my favorite to tutor, as I use them every day and find them very interesting. I tutor various levels of math, English, writing, and science, and like to let students contribute insight on the areas they need help with, and I provide feedback and knowledge from there. I believe that this increases student confidence and ability be self-sufficient and successful with the student's education. In addition to academics, I enjoy hiking and spending time with my puppy. I also volunteer at the county animal shelter and work with hospice care providers for nursing and elderly people requiring extra assistance. I wish you luck in your educational goals and hope to be hearing from you soon!

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Cameron

ACT Aspire Tutor • +48 Subjects

I am a freshman at the University of Alabama. It is my goal to give students the skills necessary to succeed on their own!

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Alexus

Elementary School Writing Tutor • +9 Subjects

I'm graduating from the University of Illinois May of 2018 with a BA in Psychology. I've tutored in high school and mentored through my college career, which has taught me patience and compassion that I will use continuing in my tutoring. I tutor English as a second language and reading/writing at the elementary and middle school levels. My style is reaching someone where they are and adding onto it. I focus on finding and using strengths as a foundation to further learning.Outside of academia, I enjoy dancing. I've practiced ballet for 17 years and dabbled in other forms, like modern and hip-hop more recently. Dancing has always been an outlet for me. I love using my body to express myself just as much as I love using my words.

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Cordell

ACT Writing Tutor • +21 Subjects

I'm passionate about helping students because I'm passionate about helping people. I have a cognitive disability and despite not having good short term memory, I'm able to leverage my long term knowledge in everyday life, to still function successfully. I grew up in an environment where I was taught that the value of knowledge can be gained or shared from those around me. I'm a social work major and believe that the groups of people most often left unaided are the younger generations and slightly older generations as in the senior citizens.I've worked over the years with nonprofits, charities, after school programs, and youth mentoring groups. I gained my current level of education, recently a Kennedy-King College A.S. graduate, attended Robert Morris University, and currently on track with 90% completion of my B.S.W. at Governor State University and will start the Masters in Social Work next year 2020.I also have Expert certifications in Microsoft Office Expert (Word and Excel 2010). I can tutor a range of subjects, including, but not limited to: English Writing, Reading, Government History, Politics, Biology, Speech, Microsoft Office, and Computer technology. My favorite subjects to tutor are writing, speech, and government. Writing and speech involve characteristics that show the strength of a person's character that may not be instantly perceived on the surface. With government, it's interesting learning the methods laws that are established and impacts they have on its citizens. No matter how far a person goes in life there's always something new that can be learned. Adults can even learn from the youth just as we all learn from our elders.Growth only comes when you can admit to being weak in some areas and knowing when you need help. I encourage students to ask questions as many times as needed despite anxiety about sounding foolish or redundant, their personal understanding is more valuable than the thoughts of their peers around them. I have a personal disability and despite it, I can help encourage others to advance to new levels. Having a disability is just like having a different kind of motivational spark.I have a teaching style that empowers individuals to learn concepts that can be applied to similar problems. I recognize diversity and understand some students are visual, kinesthetic, and/or audio learners. I can connect students to the material by explaining the areas with the most confusion with significant patience.I have various ways to spend my time when I'm not contributing to my own knowledge and those around me. I serve regularly at my church during the week. I like to play sports and workout at the University of Chicago Athletic Centers, as well as play strategy/puzzle/sports games on various game consoles. In addition, I like to watch comedy sketches regarding politics and current events.

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Ousmane

Algebra Tutor • +32 Subjects

I have been an engineer in the aerospace field for over 10 years. I hold a PhD and a Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering from GA institute of Technology. Prior to grad school, I attended the City University of New York where I earned two bachelors degrees (Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mathematics).I have tutoring experience with a wide variety of students from college student athletes to students attending inner city schools to those in exclusive private schools. Through it all, my tutoring philosophy has remained the same: to guide students to the discovery of problems solving instead of providing them with the right solution. Because ultimately my objective is to help students develop their ability to learn independently.Teaching has always been a passion of mine. Since my college years, I have tutored on and off for the past 15 years. I am equally comfortable teaching young students as well as adults in a variety of mathematics and related subjects (Algebra to advanced calculus to Geometry and trig to statistics), physics, and tests prep. Calculus one is of my favorite subjects to tutor, because it is always awesome seeing students' faces when they realized the real life meaning or applications of a mathematical theory.Outside work, I love outdoor activities and I am avid soccer and basketball fan. I am also fluent in French.

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Keka

AP Physics 1 Tutor • +3 Subjects

I am a master educator with 20 years of teaching experience in public schools of Texas. I have a masters degree in Physics from university of Allahabad, India. I have an undergrad degree in Physics, Mathematics and Statistics from the university of Allahabad, India. I have been teaching and tutoring high school students in person for more than 10 years. I am also certified AP Physics and AP chemistry teacher. I did the online certification when the pandemic COVID 19 started and have been teaching students online globally since 2019. I have a passion for teaching. Academic excellence and building student teacher relationship for success is my experti in this profession. I build my lessons according to the needs of the student. My students have been very successful in their course. The students and their parents have given good reviews to me, they feel that I have raised the confidence level of their child in the subject.

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Mayte

Algebra Tutor • +11 Subjects

I am a professional Chemical Engineer who studied in the best Latin American university (Tec de Monterrey). I can teach in English and Spanish subjects such as algebra, Calculus, Spanish, Spanish conversation (my natal language is Spanish)I am currently studying for an MBA. I like to help students develop.

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Victoria

Algebra Tutor • +12 Subjects

I am a registered nurse and professional tutor. I graduated cum laude, at the top of my nursing class, with a Bachelor of Science in nursing at the highest-ranking university for nursing in my home state. Currently, I am in graduate school, working hard to earn a Master of Science in nursing to become a nurse practitioner. During my career, I conducted and published biomedical research in well-known, peer-reviewed medical journals. I have over 10 years of tutoring experience in a plethora of subjects at all levels and ages. In addition, I have spent many years helping students prepare for standardized exams, such as the NCLEX, TEAS Exam, ACT, and ASVAB.During college, I ran a successful peer tutoring business to generate income for myself, but my tutoring career began much earlier than that--3rd grade, to be exact--when I stayed after school for an hour each day to teach math to deaf students, since I knew ASL. My love and knack for math only continued to grow, and, as a result, I have been tutoring the subject ever since. I have aced several college-level math courses through Calc 2. In particular, I enjoy teaching math to middle and high school students! It's so fun for me to encounter a young student struggling with math, then having the privilege to witness the turning point (the fun part) the point at which they finally start to get the hang of it.Science is a lifelong passion for me, and I love to share that with others! I have spent decades of my life formally studying science and tutoring several subjects of science; therefore, I provide tutoring for the sciences for students of all ages (K-12 and undergraduate levels). The subjects I teach include anatomy & physiology, biology, microbiology, pathology, pathophysiology, general science, and medicine.My success with tutoring is directly attributed to my ability to provide individualized and customized programs for each individual student. My process begins with a thorough initial evaluation and assessment of the student's learning goals. Then, I determine their primary learning style this allows me to adapt the presentation of content and, importantly, how I deliver that content. Overall, this strategy helps me to ensure the learning material is 'digestible' for each individual student. The final element of my strategy is to create a learning environment in which feedback and communication from the student is expected and always welcome.All in all, my diverse educational background and years of tutoring experience allows me to assist each student with development of their skills, build confidence, achieve academic success, and ultimately, expand their 'academic toolbox'. My mission is to provide the most fun and effective tutoring, in a manner that is tailored to the needs and goals of each individual student. I hope to work with you! :-)

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Thierno

ACCUPLACER Arithmetic Tutor • +51 Subjects

It will take me to the highest of joy to share my knowledge with others who actually are very interested in learning. Since I have been tutoring for 5 years now, this platform will be a means for me to share my huge teaching experience with others whose daily quest for knowledge is limitless.From my daily experience in American classrooms, my tutoring sessions with numerous kids let alone their parents appreciations, I daresay my students aren't struggling anymore with many of their subjects and are classroom leaders finally. This platform will allow both Tutor and tutored to share lot of knowledge in a way not only very proficient but also independent. I will be very happy to meet people through this platform and to unwrap the French language in all its dimensions, see the English language by and large, deal with African, African-American literature with very detailed explanations. I do believe that I can, through online courses, bring a very great participation to this worldwide Knowledge Building."Education is a great engine of personal development, it's through education than the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, the son of a mine worker can become head of the mine, the child of a farmer can become even president of a great nation" said late Nelson Mandela. I do believe in his words hoping this platform will help us to reach that goal.Last but not least, "the early birds catch the worms."

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Theresa

Astronomy Tutor • +15 Subjects

I'm astrobiologist and PhD student, with a deep love of teaching science. I have 4+ years of teaching environmental science and geology at the college level, and 2+ years of tutoring experience in astronomy. I also have considerable experience with Python, especially in terms of scientific applications and programming.(Ask me about network theory-based potential biosignatures for exoplanets!)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Varsity Tutors connects students from across Des Moines's 77 schools and three school districts with expert tutors. Whether your student attends a school in Des Moines Public Schools, Urbandale, or another local district, we match them with tutors who understand Iowa's academic standards and can support their specific coursework and learning goals.

Your first session is a chance for the tutor and student to get to know each other and identify specific areas where support would help most. The tutor will assess your student's current understanding, discuss their goals, and create a personalized plan tailored to their needs—whether that's catching up in a subject, preparing for a test, or building confidence in a challenging area.

Des Moines classrooms average 14.7 students per teacher, which means individual attention can be limited. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction fills that gap by giving your student dedicated time to ask questions, work through difficult concepts, and get immediate feedback—something that's hard to achieve in a typical classroom setting. This focused support often leads to faster progress and stronger understanding.

Tutors work with students to master Iowa's core standards in math, reading, science, and social studies. Whether your student needs help with Iowa Assessments, grade-level benchmarks, or specific subjects like algebra or writing, personalized instruction ensures they're building skills aligned with what Des Moines schools expect—and what they'll need for success in high school and beyond.

Des Moines students commonly seek support in math, reading comprehension, writing, and science—particularly as they progress through middle and high school. We also work with students preparing for standardized tests like the Iowa Assessments and ACT. Tutors can help with any subject your student is studying, so if there's a specific area of struggle, Varsity Tutors can connect you with someone who specializes in it.

Varsity Tutors offers flexible pricing options to fit different family budgets, and we work with you to find a plan that makes sense. Whether your student needs weekly support or intensive help before a big test or deadline, you can customize the frequency and duration of sessions. We're transparent about costs upfront—no hidden fees.

Varsity Tutors connects students with expert tutors who have deep knowledge of their subject areas and experience working with students at various levels. Tutors understand Iowa's curriculum and academic expectations, and they're skilled at adapting their teaching style to match how each student learns best. We're selective about who we connect with students to ensure quality instruction.

Progress looks different for each student—it might be improved test scores, stronger grades, increased confidence, or a deeper understanding of challenging concepts. Your tutor will regularly communicate about what they're observing and how your student is progressing toward their goals. Many Des Moines families see noticeable improvement within a few weeks of consistent tutoring.

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