Award-Winning Reading Tutors

Private 1-on-1 tutoring, weekly live classes for academic support, test prep & enrichment, practice tests and diagnostics, and more to elevate grades and test scores.

1,000+
Schools &
Universities
98%
Satisfaction
10M+
Hours
Delivered
2x
Growth in
Proficiency
Get Started in 60 Seconds!

Who needs tutoring?

No obligation. Takes ~1 minute.

Tutors from

  • YaleUniversity
  • PrincetonUniversity
  • StanfordUniversity
  • CornellUniversity
FOXNBCCBSUS NewsTIMEUSA Today

Award-Winning Reading Tutors

Tiffany

Juris Doctor, Legal Studies
5+ years of tutoring

I am available to tutor a broad range of subjects, I am passionate about test preparation, Accountancy, and Algebra.

Education & Certificates

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor in Business Administration, Accounting

University of Chicago

Juris Doctor, Legal Studies

ACT Scores

Composite31

Andrew

Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and Theater and Performance Studies
1+ years of tutoring

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, class of 2012. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature and Theater and Performance Studies. Since graduation, I have continued...

Education & Certificates

University of Chicago

Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and Theater and Performance Studies

ACT Scores

Composite32

Molly

Master of Science in Education
1+ years of tutoring

I am an Illinois certified Teacher in grades K-9. I attended Northwestern University and received a Master's of Science in Education. I have ample classroom experience and expertise in elementary Math...

Education & Certificates

Northwestern University

Master of Science in Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, History

SAT Scores

Composite1480

Nathan

Bachelor in Arts, History
4+ years of tutoring

I am currently a student at Rice University studying both History and Neuroscience. Being the oldest of five kids, working with younger students has always been a part of my life. I can tutor a wide v...

Education & Certificates

Rice University

Bachelor in Arts, History

SAT Scores

Composite1530

Rebecca

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (minor in Religious Studies)
1+ years of tutoring

I am a graduate of Northwestern University where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies. I am currently pursuing a masters degree in social work at the Universit...

Education & Certificates

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (minor in Religious Studies)

SAT Scores

Composite1580

Jacob

Bachelors in Literature
1+ years of tutoring

I am eager to help students thrive because I'm still very much a student myself, and will be for the foreseeable future. Though I enjoyed my time as an undergraduate student in Literature, and learned...

Education & Certificates

Vanderbilt University

Bachelors in Literature

ACT Scores

Composite35

Allan

Bachelors, Biological Sciences
1+ years of tutoring

I'm a big Boston Celtics fan and I speak three languages. I can get you the test results you need to succeed because I went through the exams myself and performed well. The first time I took the SAT I...

Education & Certificates

Northwestern University

Bachelors, Biological Sciences

SAT Scores

Composite1540

Chelsey

Bachelors
1+ years of tutoring

I'm a recent graduate of Northwestern University, a native New Yorker, and a recent addition to Varsity Tutors. I grew up in Westchester County, where I volunteered as an assistant creative writing te...

Education & Certificates

Northwestern University

Bachelors

ACT Scores

Composite35

Zach

Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
1+ years of tutoring

I am a Yale University Berkeley College graduate of the Yale Class of 2012 with an Intensive B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Eager for tutoring opportunities, I welcome any of ...

Education & Certificates

Yale University

Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

SAT Scores

Composite1590

Nick

Bachelors, Theatre
1+ years of tutoring

I'm an actor, writer and musician living in New York City. I grew up in Minneapolis, MN (by way of Palo Alto, California). I graduated from Northwestern University in 2014, with a B.A. in Theatre, and...

Education & Certificates

Northwestern University

Bachelors, Theatre

ACT Scores

Composite32

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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

Gary

Calculus Tutor • +38 Subjects

I am a graduate of Brigham Young University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in International Relations with an emphasis in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic. As part of my coursework, I studied Arabic for three years and spent a semester in Amman, Jordan. After graduating, I worked on a U.S. Senate campaign, then interned at a think tank and congressional office in Washington, DC. While at the think tank, I co-authored an article that was published in US News and World Report. I am currently pursuing my juris doctorate (JD) at the University of Georgia School of Law.

View Profile

Ruth

1st Grade math Tutor • +47 Subjects

I am a high school English teacher, currently working primarily with 10th grade students. I have previously worked at middle and elementary schools as well. I graduated from the University of Chicago in 2016 with a B.A. in English and Theatre. I then got my M.S.Ed from Northwestern. I have worked with children of all ages in various capacities, including teaching, and I find that the best way for students to learn is to have fun and engage them. Hobbies: music, dancing, singing, art, books, reading, writing

View Profile

Tom

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +41 Subjects

I am a firm believer that clear, precise communication between student and tutor makes for a productive and fulfilling learning experience. When I work with students, I strive to listen carefully to find out exactly where they are struggling, and to impart corresponding strategies clearly and concisely. I work with them step by step until we zero in on exactly where the problem is occurring, and tailor solutions from there. These collegial and yet very focused discussions go a long way toward helping me to discern where the student needs help and helping the student to master the content he or she must learn, besides ensuring a pleasant and interesting learning experience.

View Profile

Valerie

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago majoring in Classics and Theatre. However, my college uses the core curriculum and as a result, I've had a well-rounded, eclectic education covering everything from math to fine arts. I've won awards in community service, dance, and film, but most notably, 20 writing prizes before I reached eighteen. I was a National Merit Semi-Finalist in high school and I've had a passion for education and the art of learning since I was a child. I hope to instill in my students the love of amassing knowledge, excelling in your studies, and walking out of a test feeling like you rocked it. I especially had a passion for the Critical Reading and the Writing portions of the SAT's and the SAT 2 in Literature. I have teaching experience with everything from stand-up comedy to Emergency Medical Services to tap dancing, and I've been told that I am unmatched in my enthusiasm. In my free time, I like to perform sketch and improv comedy, dance, play the banjo, and volunteer in my local hospital.

View Profile

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

View Profile

Jacob

Calculus Tutor • +31 Subjects

I am an experienced and well-qualified essay coach, and a tutor in language arts and German. I also tutor students who are preparing for the SAT. I earned my B.A. in Comparative Literature from Columbia University and an M.A. in German from UC Berkeley, where I taught college German and received training in foreign language pedagogy. I love to learn, I am drawn to travel, and the experiences I have had enrich my work as a tutor. For me, tutoring is about more than making the grade or getting the right score; I always strive to foster insights and new skills that will help my students take charge of their own education.

View Profile

Juliet

Middle School Math Tutor • +33 Subjects

I'm an upstate NY based tutor, Harvard prefrosh and Interlochen Alumnus. I'm here to make learning simple, engaging, and sometimes (shocking I know) even fun! In all seriousness I think that learning should always be fun, and I'm here to get you there. I am here help out with essays, applications, self presentation, and visual art/drawing. I have a deep love of language, be it comprehension, literature or reading. I also tutor high school Algebra 1 and Geometry. Hobbies: books, music, art, nature, reading, writing

View Profile

Maddy

Calculus Tutor • +62 Subjects

I'm a recent graduate of Harvard University and a natural teacher, and I'd be thrilled to help you build your skills, gain academic confidence, and get results! My B.A. is in American history and literature with a minor in theater. I spent my college years producing and directing student theater, writing plays, giving campus tours, and researching and writing my honors thesis on art criticism in New York City in the late 1960s.

View Profile

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

View Profile

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

View Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading comprehension challenges often stem from a few key areas: decoding fluency, vocabulary gaps, or difficulty with inference and critical thinking. Personalized tutoring targets the specific barrier your student faces. A tutor can break down complex texts, teach active reading strategies like annotation and questioning, and build foundational skills through scaffolded practice. With 1-on-1 instruction, your student gets immediate feedback and can work at their own pace—something that's harder in a classroom setting.

Strong literary analysis requires both close reading skills and clear writing. Tutors teach students how to identify themes, analyze character development, and support interpretations with textual evidence. They then help organize these ideas into well-structured essays with strong thesis statements and coherent arguments. Since tutoring is personalized, students receive direct feedback on their writing, revision suggestions, and guidance on how to strengthen their analytical voice—skills that transfer across all subjects.

Vocabulary grows fastest when students encounter words in context and use them repeatedly. Rather than drilling word lists, effective tutoring embeds vocabulary instruction into authentic reading experiences. Tutors help students learn word roots, use context clues, and apply new words in their own writing and speech. Research on spaced repetition shows that revisiting words across multiple sessions and contexts leads to stronger retention than one-time memorization.

Yes. Varsity Tutors connects students with tutors who have experience supporting readers at all levels, including those with reading gaps, dyslexia, or English as a second language. These tutors use research-backed strategies like multisensory approaches, decoding instruction, and high-interest texts to build confidence and fluency. They also understand how to adapt pacing and materials to match a student's needs, which is critical for readers who have fallen behind.

Absolutely. Reading sections on tests like the SAT, ACT, and standardized state assessments require specific strategies beyond general comprehension—like time management, identifying question types, and navigating dense passages under pressure. Tutors teach test-specific techniques while building the underlying reading skills that matter most. They can also provide targeted practice with past test passages and help students understand why they miss questions, rather than just providing correct answers.

Look for tutors with strong backgrounds in English, education, or a related field, as well as demonstrated experience teaching reading across grade levels. It's helpful if they understand reading science—phonics, fluency, comprehension strategies—and can explain why they're using certain approaches. Beyond credentials, the best tutors are skilled listeners who can identify what's actually holding a student back (is it decoding? vocabulary? comprehension? engagement?) and adjust accordingly. They should also be encouraging and patient, especially with struggling readers.

Progress depends on the starting point and frequency of tutoring. Many students notice better comprehension and confidence within 4-6 weeks of consistent 1-on-1 instruction, especially when tutoring is paired with practice at home. For deeper gains—like improved fluency or stronger analytical skills—expect 2-3 months of regular sessions. The key is consistency; weekly tutoring with targeted skill-building and feedback typically yields faster results than sporadic sessions. Your tutor can set specific, measurable goals early on and track progress along the way.

Let's find your perfect tutor

Answer a few quick questions. We'll recommend the right plan and match you with a top 5% tutor.

Prefer to talk? Call us