Award-Winning Elementary Math Tutors

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Award-Winning Elementary Math Tutors

Aqsa

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Aqsa

Bachelor's (in progress)
Aqsa's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Elementary Math
Elementary School Math
High School Math

Aqsa turns early math concepts like place value, basic multiplication, and fractions into something tangible by using everyday examples kids can actually picture. Her experience coaching and mentoring younger learners means she knows how to keep sessions patient and encouraging while still pushing t...

Education

University of Central Florida

Bachelor's (in progress)

Anna

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Anna

Bachelor's
Anna's other Tutor Subjects
Arithmetic
Middle School Math
Elementary Math
Geometry

Getting multiplication facts, place value, and basic fractions right early on makes everything that comes later in math dramatically easier. Anna takes a patient, step-by-step approach to building number sense — breaking problems into smaller pieces so younger students can see the logic behind each ...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Certified Tutor

Molly

Master of Science in Education
Molly's other Tutor Subjects
1st-8th Grade math
1st-8th Grade Writing
1st-8th Grade Reading
Pre-Algebra

Place value, regrouping, and early fractions click faster when a tutor knows exactly where young learners tend to get stuck. Molly has spent three years teaching math intervention in 2nd through 4th grade classrooms, so she can pinpoint a gap in number sense and address it before it snowballs. Rated...

Education

Northwestern University

Master of Science in Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, History

Test Scores
SAT
1480

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

Rebecca

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (minor in Religious Studies)
Rebecca's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Arithmetic
Middle School Math
Elementary Math

Getting multiplication facts, place value, and basic fractions right early on shapes how a student feels about math for years. Rebecca approaches elementary math by making those foundational concepts tangible — using visual models and step-by-step reasoning so kids understand the 'why' behind each o...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (minor in Religious Studies)

Test Scores
SAT
1580

Certified Tutor

Jean

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

Teaching young learners multiplication tables or place value requires patience and creativity in equal measure. Jean has taught students as young as toddlers and understands that elementary math sticks best when it's hands-on — using tangible examples, patterns, and games rather than rote drills. He...

Education

Harvard College

Bachelor in Arts, Sociology

Harvard Medical School

Doctor of Medicine, Medicine

Certified Tutor

Jennifer

Bachelor's
Jennifer's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4

Teaching a young learner to think mathematically — really understanding place value, or why borrowing works in subtraction — requires someone who genuinely enjoys the subject at every level. Jennifer brings that enthusiasm to elementary math, turning multiplication tables and basic fractions into id...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Test Scores
SAT
1550
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

15+ years

Natalie

Bachelors, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, English
Natalie's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math

Multiplication tables, long division, and fractions don't have to feel like a grind. Natalie turns elementary math into something approachable by using visual models and real-world examples — splitting a pizza into equal parts or measuring ingredients for a recipe. Her warmth and love of learning ma...

Education

Rice University

Bachelors, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, English

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Certified Tutor

Laura

Bachelor of Arts in History
Laura's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math
Elementary Math

Laura's Montessori education through eighth grade taught her that young kids learn math best through discovery — figuring out why regrouping works, not just memorizing the steps. She brings that same exploratory approach to arithmetic and early problem-solving, letting students build understanding t...

Education

Princeton University

Bachelor of Arts in History

Certified Tutor

15+ years

Sarah

Master of Arts, Communications
Sarah's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Elementary Math
Geometry
Calculus

A Child Development background changes how you teach young learners — Sarah understands that a second grader struggling with place value needs a fundamentally different approach than a fourth grader tackling long division. She uses hands-on strategies and visual models to make number sense intuitive...

Education

American University of Paris

Master of Arts, Communications

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Child Development

Test Scores
SAT
1430

Meet Varsity Tutors Experts

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

Colin

Arithmetic Tutor • +28 Subjects

I am very good at determining a student's individual needs and molding sessions based on a students strengths and needs. I am a certified special educator. I have multiple years of classroom teaching experience, primarily grades K-5. I am comfortable tutoring multiple subjects and grade levels including elementary school, middle school, college essays, english, special education, and gifted students. I have experience creating and implementing lessons based on a learners individual learning styles (visual, auditory, or hands on).

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Kim

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +43 Subjects

I am able to determine what obstacles are preventing a student from grasping a concept, and create different means of overcoming those obstacles. Creating a partnership with the student and understanding what he or she needs to overcome is what makes me a great tutor.

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Deirdre

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +23 Subjects

I am currently living and working in Boston, where I grew up. I received my BA in History of Science from Harvard University, completing coursework in history, government, social sciences, biology, chemistry, and physics. I recently graduated with First Honors from National University of Ireland, Galway with my Masters in Gender, Globalization, and Human Rights. I was just accepted to medical school at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and will begin there in the fall of 2018. Hobbies: reading, music, writing, art, sports, books, traveling, travel

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Vinay

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +41 Subjects

I am a 2nd year medical student at Northeast Ohio Medical University and have tutored K-12 and college students over the past 10 years in various subjects ranging from math and science to SAT prep and language arts. My educational background includes an MPA in Development Practice from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, a B.S. in Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology, and a B.S. in Mathematics-Economics (both from UCLA). In addition, I have scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT, ACT, and GMAT exams and scored in the 95th percentile on the MCAT. I really enjoy working with students of all ages and backgrounds and believe all students are capable of learning and being successful with the right approach to education. I would love the chance to discuss in more detail what kind of tutoring you or your student is interested in and thank you for your consideration! Hobbies: art, books, writing, reading, music

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Frankie

College Algebra Tutor • +32 Subjects

I'm Frankie! I have recently earned degrees in both Math and Physics from Cornell University. Prior to joining Varsity Tutors, I worked as both a Math Course Assistant and as an SAT Math Tutor. In addition to working with students, I'm also currently conducting Applied Math Research for the National Science Foundation at Pennsylvania State University. During my years of High School, I was running for my Cross Country team and was digging for my State Champion Volleyball team. Also, I am an amateur juggler and an avid chess player. Hobbies: running, art, books, writing, reading, music

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Asta

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +74 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago where I received my undergraduate degree in political science. Right after graduation, I worked as an academic and test prep tutor as well as admissions consultant in Hong Kong. For the past two years, I worked with a number of students to help prepare them for college in the United States.

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Matthew

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +26 Subjects

I am a rising Sophomore at Princeton University. I am majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, most likely with a minor in Computer Science. During my Junior and Senior years of High School, I tutored a few students on a regular basis. I specialize in Math and Science. More specifically, my strongest subjects are Algebra 1/2/3, Geometry, Trigonometry and ACT Science. I have always found the maths and sciences to be both the most interesting subjects, but also the most applicable to real world problems - this is why I chose to major in what I did. Because I usually tutor in Math, I often tutor in the style of showing how to do a few problems step by step, and then having the student try a few more difficult problems, asking questions along the way. I do this because in my experience, this is the best way to learn and prepare for Math related exams. Outside of academics I play Viola, enjoy running and exercising to stay healthy, and listening to all kinds of music.

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Claire

Arithmetic Tutor • +47 Subjects

I am an experienced and dynamic language instructor with a background in literature, history, and math. I have taught students in Spanish, French, and English as a Second-Language, using highly visual and interactive techniques to engage students in the fun and challenge of learning a language. I have lived in Spain, France, and Chile, as well as various parts of the United States, so I bring cultural insight into each lesson. Hobbies: art, books, writing, reading, music

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Catherine

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +42 Subjects

I am a graduate student in the humanities who is lucky enough to teach, read, and write for a living. I am passionately committed to educational access and helping young people reach their full potential. It has been my privilege to work with dozens of bright and talented students over the years, ranging from fifth grade to university level. I especially enjoy helping students with test prep and am qualified to teach all sections of the SAT and GRE, including math. I would also love to tutor in history, literature, and writing. Hobbies: reading, cooking, music, running, art, travel, books, writing

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Jason

College Algebra Tutor • +50 Subjects

I'm a fourth year medical student at the University of Pennsylvania who is applying to pediatrics residency programs. I graduated in 2006 from Yale University with a bachelors degree in History. I subsequently completed a post-baccalaureate program at Bryn Mawr College to complete the premedical course work and matriculated into Penn's medical school. I took a year off from medical school between my third and fourth year to get a masters degree in education focusing on medical education but also learning a tremendous amount about K-12 education as well. Hobbies: art, outdoors, books, writing, reading, music

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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.

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