Award-Winning Elementary Math Tutors

America's #1 Tutoring Platform

Who needs tutoring?

FOXNBCCBSUS NewsTIMEUSA Today

TUTORS FROM

  • YaleUniversity
  • PrincetonUniversity
  • StanfordUniversity
  • CornellUniversity

Award-Winning Elementary Math Tutors

Matthew

Certified Tutor

Matthew

Bachelor's
Matthew's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Arithmetic

Getting fractions, long division, and place value right at the elementary level sets the trajectory for everything that comes after in math. Matthew takes a patient, step-by-step approach — showing how a problem works, then giving the student a chance to try similar ones while asking questions along...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Test Scores
ACT
34
Kirstie

Certified Tutor

14+ years

Kirstie

Masters in Education, Education
Kirstie's other Tutor Subjects
Arithmetic
Middle School Math
Elementary Math
Geometry

Building number sense early changes everything about how a student experiences math later on. Kirstie breaks down concepts like place value, basic multiplication strategies, and simple fractions using visual and hands-on approaches shaped by her Master's in Education. She keeps sessions upbeat and l...

Education

Harvard University

Masters in Education, Education

St Johns College

Bachelors, Liberal Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1550

Certified Tutor

Abby

Bachelors, Education Studies
Abby's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Arithmetic
Middle School Math

Abby tutored elementary students in math before finishing her Education Studies degree at Brown, so she knows that a second grader struggling with place value and a fourth grader stuck on fractions need very different approaches. She uses visual models and hands-on strategies — number lines, arrays,...

Education

Brown University

Bachelors, Education Studies

Test Scores
SAT
1590

Certified Tutor

Katie

Bachelor in Arts
Katie's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Arithmetic

Building number sense early changes everything about how a student experiences math later on. Katie teaches elementary concepts like place value, basic fractions, and multi-digit multiplication in ways that emphasize understanding over rote memorization — using visual models and real-world examples ...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor in Arts

Certified Tutor

14+ years

Caroline

Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Caroline's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Arithmetic
Multivariable Calculus
Trigonometry

Getting multiplication, division, and place value right at the elementary level shapes how a student thinks about numbers for years to come. Caroline brings patience and structure to these foundational concepts, using concrete examples — grouping objects, visual models, real-world quantities — to ma...

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management

Washington University in St. Louis

Undergraduate degree

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Certified Tutor

Vinay

Master in Public Health Administration, MPA in Developmental Practice
Vinay's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Arithmetic
Middle School Math

Fractions, place value, and multi-digit multiplication aren't just procedures to memorize — they're the conceptual bedrock for every math class that follows. Vinay teaches elementary math by making sure students understand *why* borrowing works or *what* a fraction actually represents, not just how ...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Master in Public Health Administration, MPA in Developmental Practice

University of California Los Angeles

B.S. in Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology

Test Scores
SAT
1570
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Samantha

Bachelor in Arts
Samantha's other Tutor Subjects
Arithmetic
Middle School Math
Elementary Math
Calculus

Early math confidence matters more than most people realize — a kid who dreads subtraction at age eight often dreads algebra at fourteen. Samantha makes concepts like place value, regrouping, and basic multiplication tangible and even fun, using real-world examples that give young learners a reason ...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1480

Certified Tutor

Diana

Masters, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages State Certified Teacher
Diana's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Elementary Math
Calculus
Algebra

Early math concepts like place value, regrouping, and basic multiplication set the trajectory for everything that comes later. As a certified elementary teacher, Diana builds number sense through hands-on strategies — skip counting patterns, visual models, and mental math shortcuts — that make opera...

Education

Boston University

Masters, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages State Certified Teacher

Stanford University

Bachelor in Arts, Linguistics

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Certified Tutor

Gabriel

PHD, Comparative Human Development
Gabriel's other Tutor Subjects
8th-10th Grade Writing
8th-10th Grade Reading
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra

Multiplication tables, place value, basic fractions — elementary math is deceptively important because every future math concept depends on it. Gabriel's background in human development gives him sharp insight into how younger learners think and build number sense. He keeps sessions interactive and ...

Education

University of Chicago

PHD, Comparative Human Development

Harvard University

Bachelor in Arts

Certified Tutor

Brittany

Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology
Brittany's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Trigonometry
Statistics

Getting multiplication tables, fractions, and place value right at this stage shapes how a student thinks about math for years. Brittany's experience ranges from tutoring middle schoolers in West Philadelphia to working with college students at Penn, which gives her a clear picture of where early ma...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1400

Certified Tutor

Emily

B.S. in Psychology
Emily's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Arithmetic

Teaching elementary school every day near Boston means Emily isn't guessing about how young learners think about place value, fractions, or multi-digit multiplication — she watches it happen in real time. She uses multiple representations (number lines, area models, manipulatives) to find the approa...

Education

Yale University

B.S. in Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1500

Certified Tutor

Katherine

Bachelor of Science, Finance, Operations & Information Management
Katherine's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Arithmetic
Middle School Math

Running a writing program for elementary students and teaching Algebra I at a community center gave Katherine a clear picture of how kids at different stages relate to numbers — and where confusion tends to start. She zeroes in on the mental models behind addition, subtraction, and early multiplicat...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Science, Finance, Operations & Information Management

Test Scores
SAT
1590

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Jessi

Masters, Religion
Jessi's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics Graduate Level
Pre-Algebra
IB Mathematical Studies SL
Arithmetic

Multiplication strategies, place value, and early fraction concepts all click faster when a student understands the 'why' behind each step. Jessi's psychology background gives her insight into how younger learners process new information, and she uses that to tailor explanations — whether a kid need...

Education

Yale Divinity School

Masters, Religion

Rice University

Bachelors in Psychology

Test Scores
ACT
32

Certified Tutor

Amber

Bachelor in Arts
Amber's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Arithmetic

Early math confidence matters more than early math speed, and Amber structures her sessions around making sure a student genuinely understands place value, basic operations, or simple fractions before racing ahead. She uses hands-on strategies and real-world examples — counting money, measuring ingr...

Education

Dartmouth College

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1570
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Nicole

Bachelors in Psychology (minor in Children's Studies)
Nicole's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Trigonometry
Middle School Math
Elementary Math

Building number sense early — understanding place value, basic multiplication facts, and simple fractions — sets up everything that comes later in math. Nicole studied child development as part of her Children's Studies minor at Washington University, so she knows how to match explanations to the wa...

Education

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelors in Psychology (minor in Children's Studies)

Test Scores
ACT
34

Meet Varsity Tutors Experts

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Emily

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +21 Subjects

Teaching elementary school every day near Boston means Emily isn't guessing about how young learners think about place value, fractions, or multi-digit multiplication — she watches it happen in real time. She uses multiple representations (number lines, area models, manipulatives) to find the approach that makes a concept stick for each child.

View Profile

Katherine

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +23 Subjects

Running a writing program for elementary students and teaching Algebra I at a community center gave Katherine a clear picture of how kids at different stages relate to numbers — and where confusion tends to start. She zeroes in on the mental models behind addition, subtraction, and early multiplication so that a student's grasp of arithmetic actually holds up when problems get harder.

View Profile

Jessi

Statistics Graduate Level Tutor • +48 Subjects

Multiplication strategies, place value, and early fraction concepts all click faster when a student understands the 'why' behind each step. Jessi's psychology background gives her insight into how younger learners process new information, and she uses that to tailor explanations — whether a kid needs manipulatives, drawings, or word-problem storytelling to make a concept stick.

View Profile

Amber

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +53 Subjects

Early math confidence matters more than early math speed, and Amber structures her sessions around making sure a student genuinely understands place value, basic operations, or simple fractions before racing ahead. She uses hands-on strategies and real-world examples — counting money, measuring ingredients — to make abstract numbers tangible. Rated 5.0 by families she's worked with.

View Profile

Nicole

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +23 Subjects

Building number sense early — understanding place value, basic multiplication facts, and simple fractions — sets up everything that comes later in math. Nicole studied child development as part of her Children's Studies minor at Washington University, so she knows how to match explanations to the way younger learners actually process new ideas. She uses concrete examples and visual models to make abstract concepts click.

View Profile

Asta

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +73 Subjects

Building number sense early — understanding place value, basic fractions, and the logic behind multiplication — shapes how a student thinks about math for years. Asta's experience working with younger learners across different educational systems in both Hong Kong and the U.S. gives her a practical sense of where kids get stuck and how to unstick them.

View Profile

Mary

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +29 Subjects

Building number sense early — understanding place value, basic operations, and how to reason through word problems — sets the trajectory for everything that comes after in math. Mary treats elementary math as a chance to make young learners feel confident with numbers rather than anxious about them. Her 5.0 rating speaks to an approach that keeps sessions engaging while making sure core skills stick.

View Profile

Allen

College Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

Getting multiplication facts, place value, and basic fractions right at this stage matters enormously for everything that comes later in math. Allen keeps younger learners engaged by turning abstract number concepts into concrete, step-by-step reasoning they can follow — and by celebrating the small wins that build genuine confidence with numbers.

View Profile

Kathleen

College Algebra Tutor • +27 Subjects

Teaching a seven-year-old why borrowing works in subtraction requires a completely different skill set than explaining calculus. Kathleen brings both — she's a math major at Washington University who genuinely enjoys working with younger students on foundational skills like multi-digit operations, basic fractions, and number sense. She figures out how each kid thinks and adapts her explanations to match.

View Profile

Jean

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +67 Subjects

Multiplication tables, basic fractions, and place value aren't just rote skills — they're the building blocks that determine how a student handles every math class that follows. Jean teaches elementary math by making these foundational concepts tangible, using step-by-step problem solving that gives young learners genuine confidence with numbers.

View Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Procedural understanding means knowing the steps to solve a problem (like the algorithm for long division), while conceptual understanding means knowing *why* those steps work. Many elementary students can follow steps but struggle when problems look different or when they need to apply skills in new situations. A tutor helps bridge this gap by using visual models, manipulatives, and real-world examples to show students the reasoning behind the math—so they can tackle unfamiliar problems with confidence rather than just memorizing rules.

Word problems require students to translate language into mathematical operations, identify what information matters, and decide which strategy to use—multiple layers of thinking at once. Many students focus on finding numbers and plugging them into operations without understanding the problem's structure. Tutors help by teaching students to break problems into manageable steps: reading carefully, visualizing the situation (with drawings or diagrams), identifying the question being asked, and then choosing an appropriate strategy. This systematic approach builds confidence and helps students see word problems as solvable puzzles rather than confusing text.

Showing work isn't just about getting credit on tests—it's a thinking tool that helps students catch their own mistakes and explains their reasoning to others. Many elementary students rush through problems or rely on mental math without recording steps, which makes it hard to find errors or learn from them. Tutors model how to write out work clearly, explain why each step matters, and use "showing work" as a problem-solving strategy rather than a chore. When students see that organized work actually helps them solve harder problems, they're more motivated to develop this habit.

Math anxiety—the worry or fear that builds around math—can actually interfere with memory and problem-solving ability, creating a cycle where anxious students perform worse and become more anxious. This often starts when students feel rushed, don't understand concepts, or internalize the belief that they're "not a math person." Tutors create low-pressure environments where mistakes are learning opportunities, celebrate effort and progress, and help students experience success with manageable challenges. Over time, this rebuilds confidence and helps students see themselves as capable mathematicians.

Elementary math can feel like disconnected topics—addition, fractions, measurement, geometry—when students only learn procedures in isolation. Strong tutors help students recognize that multiplication is repeated addition, that fractions are parts of a whole (just like division), and that area and multiplication are connected. By drawing these connections explicitly and using consistent visual models across topics, tutors help students build a coherent understanding of math rather than a collection of separate tricks. This deeper web of connections makes new topics easier to learn and helps students retain skills longer.

Elementary math programs vary significantly—some emphasize traditional algorithms, others use "new math" or Singapore Math approaches, and schools may use different textbooks with different visual models and terminology. A good tutor learns how your child's school teaches math and reinforces those same methods and language, so there's consistency between tutoring and classroom instruction. This alignment prevents confusion and helps students feel confident using what they've learned in tutoring when they return to class. Tutors can also bridge gaps if a student missed key concepts or struggled with their school's particular approach.

Yes—tutors personalize instruction to meet students where they are. For struggling students, tutors slow down, use concrete models and manipulatives to build foundational understanding, and break skills into smaller steps. For advanced students, tutors introduce deeper problem-solving, challenge them with multi-step or open-ended problems, and explore enrichment topics that extend beyond grade-level curriculum. In both cases, the goal is helping students develop mathematical thinking and confidence, not just moving through material faster or slower.

Multi-step problems require students to plan a sequence of operations, keep track of intermediate results, and stay organized—skills that don't develop automatically. Tutors teach explicit strategies like underlining important information, drawing diagrams to visualize the problem, breaking it into smaller questions ("What do I need to find first?"), and checking each step before moving forward. They also help students choose appropriate tools—mental math for simple steps, written calculations for complex ones—so students feel in control rather than lost in a maze of numbers.

Connect with Elementary Math Tutors

Get matched with expert tutors in your subject