Award-Winning Tutors
serving Chicago, IL
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Competitive college admissions, rigorous AP coursework, and ACT targets well above the national average of 21 — Chicago families have a lot riding on academic performance. Whether a student is navigating CPS curriculum, honors-track coursework, or standardized test prep, the difference between good and exceptional often comes down to focused, individualized attention that a classroom of nearly 18 students per teacher simply can't provide.
The first session with a matched tutor begins with a real assessment — understanding your student's goals, current level, and the specific curriculum their school follows. From there, Varsity Tutors builds a personalized plan covering everything from algebra and AP sciences to SAT/ACT strategy and college readiness benchmarks. Tutors are background-checked independent professionals matched on subject expertise, learning style, and scheduling needs, so sessions stay productive and consistent.
Award-Winning Tutors serving Chicago, IL

Certified Tutor
2+ years
I'm a third-year PhD candidate at Harvard University studying computational biology. I tutor all elementary subjects, high school subjects including advanced placement level courses and college level chemistry, biology, computer science, and English coursework. More specifically, I am highly qualifi...
University of Chicago
AB

Certified Tutor
2+ years
Harleen
I am a Molecular Engineering major at the University of Chicago, I am currently taking time off to focus on other aspects of my career but I don't want to stop tutoring outside college campus!. I am a child of immigrants and have spent my life tutoring my siblings and younger students, and I loved...
University of Chicago
BS

Certified Tutor
2+ years
I have years of experience teaching writing and literary analysis in the classroom setting, and years of teaching students one on one.
University of Chicago
AM

Certified Tutor
2+ years
My passion for tutoring stems from my experience as a TA, where I discovered that effective teaching goes beyond just delivering content; it's about building relationships and instilling confidence in students. With over two years of tutoring experience in math and computer science, I focus on foste...
Carleton College
Bachelor's

Certified Tutor
2+ years
As a professional educator with over a decade of experience, I specialize in delivering personalized, high-impact instruction across the humanities, test preparation, and college readiness. I've taught everything from early literacy and middle school ELA to AP-level history, civics, and economicsand...
University of Notre Dame
AB

Certified Tutor
2+ years
I hold a Master of Arts in Social Science from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor's in Political Science from Grambling State University. Alongside my academic background, I've worked in education as both a program coordinator and a tutor, supporting students from middle school through college...
University of Chicago
Master's/Graduate
Grambling State University
Bachelor's

Certified Tutor
2+ years
I am a graduate of the University of Missouri at Columbia, where I earned first my Bachelor's and then (some time later) Master's of Science in Mathematics with an emphasis on physics and the theory of computation. The latter degree was a necessary precursor to my next career where my workplace was ...
University of Missouri-Columbia
AM

Certified Tutor
2+ years
I am a patient and results-oriented tutor with a strong academic foundation and a passion for helping students build confidence in their learning. With a background in analytical problem-solving and structured thinking, I focus on breaking down complex concepts into clear, intuitive steps that match...
Northwestern University
MBA
Boston University
MBA

Certified Tutor
2+ years
A student at University of Chicago who scored a 1560 on his SAT, Jason loves sharing all the tips and tricks he has learned over the years doing and teaching the SAT. He can provide all the SAT mock tests that the student needs to practice and succeed in the actual exam. Conducted online, students c...
University of Chicago
AB

Certified Tutor
2+ years
I'm planning on applying to PHD programs in media studies soon. I have been in love with learning all my life, and I hope to be a professor one day. In the meantime, when I am free, I spend a lot of time reading, learning french and watching films. I also like to travel whenever possible, and my fav...
Oberlin College
Undergraduate Degree
Meet Our Expert Tutors
Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.
Katherine
Applied Mathematics Tutor • +23 Subjects
As a Ph.D. student in Computational and Applied Mathematics at the University of Chicago, with a Bachelor's in Mathematics from MIT, I am passionate about making mathematics accessible and engaging for all learners. My experience as a teaching assistant for calculus courses has honed my ability to design effective problem sets and lead dynamic recitations, while also providing personalized support through office hours and one-on-one tutoring. I specialize in subjects such as Algebra I & II, AP Calculus, Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra. I strive to create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring concepts. My teaching philosophy centers on patience, encouragement, and tailored lessons that align with each student's unique goals and learning style. I am dedicated to helping students build both their mathematical skills and their confidence, ensuring they can tackle challenges with a sense of accomplishment.
Karin
PSAT Writing Skills Tutor • +43 Subjects
Karin McKie, MFA, compiles curriculum and personalizes teaching for a broad spectrum of students. I know there is no better, nor more crucial, calling than helping learners communicate their voices and realize their educational dreams. I specialize in tutoring all standardized tests, including the LSAT, SAT, PSAT, ACT, GRE, HSPT, ISEE, Accuplacer, STAAR, TOEFL/IELTS, ASVAB, all AP/IB English and history classes, and more. I also created and published a simple reading annotation system and related strategies specifically to tackle timed tests, as well as teaching critical reading, comparative literature, public speaking, and theater. As a professional writer and editor, I coach students in persuasive writing for schoolwork, college application and supplemental essays, internship and job applications, and the like. For decades, I've taught and lectured at universities, schools, and with individuals in Chicagoland and the Bay Area, and to online students of all ages around the world. I customize study plans with learners and their advocates to utilize existing abilities and add new techniques to reach personal and scholastic goals. I have a BS in Communications and Theater, and an MFA in Creative Writing. I have completed Continuing Education courses at Stanford, Northwestern and DePaul Universities. I'm a professional features writer and culture critic. I've edited Perspective design journal and Reed literary magazine and have performed memoir essays I've written on Chicago Public Radio. I come from a family of teachers and was fortunate to grow up at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, where my anthropologist mom was Education Director. Since early childhood, I've been immersed in multicultural and ELL education. I've devoted my personal and professional time to diversity and storytelling, starting at public TV station WETA in my hometown outside Washington, D.C., where I was certified as a trainer with Sesame Street's Preschool Education Project. I've also taught creativity and teambuilding through improvisation to all ages (as well as creating a kids summer camp), reading for the SAG Foundations BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools) program, plus reading and writing skills to at-risk students through the Park District's Kraft Great Kids Program. I've assisted many of my arts marketing clients, including Barrel of Monkeys and Kidworks Touring Theatre, with youth literacy programs at schools and libraries throughout the Windy City.
Diane
Phonics Tutor • +10 Subjects
I love teaching and know how to make teaching fun as well as effective. I have a positive outgoing demeanor which enables me to relate well to children of all ages and abilities.I have taught all elementary school grades, levels and subjects. My expertise is in teaching reading and language arts. My last teaching job was teaching second grade in the Gifted Program at Bell School in Chicago. I also have experience teaching learners who need extra support. I have been certified to teach in New Jersey, Ohio and Illinois. In Illinois I have been certified as an early education teacher as well as a teacher for grades up to grade 9. In conjunction with my library degree from the University of Chicago I wrote a thesis analyzing children's literature.
Daniel
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +12 Subjects
As a dedicated college student pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Economics at The University of Chicago, I have a strong passion for mathematics, particularly in algebra and SAT preparation. With over two years of tutoring experience, I focus on high school and middle school students, helping them identify their strengths and weaknesses to tailor our sessions effectively. I utilize official College Board materials, ensuring my students engage with real SAT problems. My own experience on the SAT fuels my commitment to guiding others through the college admissions process. I believe in fostering a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions and explore concepts deeply. I am excited to help students achieve their academic goals and navigate their educational journeys.
Dejuan
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +15 Subjects
I attended The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and worked part-time tutoring my fellow students in Precalculus. I graduated from the U of I and received my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Telecommunications and Electromagnetic Theory. After graduation, I started volunteering my time as a tutor and mentor for organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Black Star Project, and Junior Achievement. As a professional tutor, I worked for Huntington Learning Center conducting Math, Science, English, and ACT/SAT prep lessons. While I have tutored a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about Math. Having a clear vision on the importance of attaining a solid understanding of Math fundamentals is one of the keys in building a successful career. And I'm driven to help students reach their academic potential and achieve their goals. In my spare time, I enjoy reading ancient history, playing basketball, and listening to all genres of music.
Karis
Middle School Math Tutor • +28 Subjects
I received a B.S. in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. After graduating, I moved to Nashville where I worked in a lab at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for a year. I then earned my PhD in Biomedical Science at Northwestern University where my thesis focused on developing a gene therapy for Parkinson's disease. I love teaching all things science!
Grishma
Middle School Math Tutor • +69 Subjects
I'm passionate about helping students because I've seen how meaningful support can turn uncertainty into confidence. I graduated in the top 10% of my high school class and completed a rigorous AP curriculum in subjects like Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Calculus BC, English, Economics, and Spanish. I really enjoyed learning from my teachers and know how transformative good teaching can be. I earned my undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, where I studied Neuroscience, Anthropology, and Global Health. Those disciplines deepened my appreciation for how people learn, think, and connect across different perspectives. I now am about to graduate medical school and enter residency later in the summer, but before I start off my busy career as a doctor, I'm looking to make some money so I can travel and tackle bucket list items that I've not had a chance to do yet. Throughout college and medical school, I've tutored students of varying ages and backgrounds in subjects including biology, chemistry, math, and writing, as well as standardized test preparation. My favorite subjects to tutor are biology and biochemistry because I enjoy helping students see the logic and beauty behind how living systems work. My teaching philosophy centers on patience, adaptability, and curiosity. I approach each session as a collaboration, tailoring lessons to each student's needs and helping them build problem-solving skills rather than rely on rote memorization. Outside of academics, I'm passionate about photography and travelboth of which keep me creative, observant, and open-minded, qualities I bring into every tutoring interaction.
Maryam
SAT Reading Tutor • +23 Subjects
Maryam Garba has a track record of successfully teaching and mentoring students of all ages. She grew up in a family of teachers and this inspired her to take on tutoring from a very young age. Maryam is a certified teacher with 12 years of ESL teaching experience along with 6 years of ACT, SAT, LSAT, and TOEFL tutoring experience. Maryam is extremely passionate about helping all students achieve academic excellence. Over the course of her tutoring career, many of her students have become high school valedictorians, AP scholars, Dean's List awardees, scholarship recipients and published authors. However, she also understands that credentials and grades are not everything. Maryam's goal is to inspire a love for learning in all her students. Maryam holds a Master's Degree in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology and African Studies from Stanford University.
Soung
AP Calculus AB Tutor • +29 Subjects
I'm a highly skilled, professional tutor with over 20 years experience. I have an exceptional ability to teach math to students with severe learning challenges. I make all levels of math understandable and foster confidence in the student. I'm also expert in SAT/ACT test preparation and high school admission tests. I have a BA in Chemistry from The University of Chicago and a PhD from Northwestern University. I'm a former research scientist. I enjoy tutoring and have the gift of teaching.
Elijah
Biology Tutor • +19 Subjects
I graduated from the University of Chicago with a triple major in sociology, music, and media arts. I enjoy explaining the nuances of a text based question, whether it involves reading or math, and I am excited to share this passion with others. Throughout my studies, I achieved the status of National Merit Scholar via my PSAT score of 1480/1520, as well as an SAT score of 1580/1600 (a perfect 800 in math). I have also received a perfect score of 5 in classes such as AP Calculus AB, AP US History, and AP Biology. Over the past year, I have worked with middle and high school students on ISEE and SAT test prep in both group and individual settings. I thoroughly enjoy working to fulfill their educational goals, and I look forward to seeing their scores improve over time as a result of our collective dedication. I believe in delving deeply into core concepts to understand the fundamentals of a problem, which I believe is essential to academic growth. I'm looking forward to working with you!
Browse Tutors in Top Illinois Cities
Top Subjects in Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicago's 12 school districts follow Illinois State Standards, which emphasize critical thinking and mastery across core subjects. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps students fill gaps in foundational skills and work at their own pace to meet grade-level expectations. Tutors can align their approach with your student's specific school's curriculum, whether they're in CPS or a neighboring district, ensuring the support directly strengthens performance in the classroom.
Varsity Tutors connects students across Chicago's diverse neighborhoods and school districts with expert tutors who specialize in their specific needs—whether that's test prep, subject mastery, or homework support. Our matching process considers learning style, subject expertise, and availability to ensure a strong fit. With such a large student population, we're equipped to serve learners at every level, from elementary through college preparation.
Chicago's average student-teacher ratio of 17.7:1 means individual students can easily get lost in the classroom, especially those who need extra support or work at a different pace. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction provides the focused attention that larger classrooms can't always offer, allowing tutors to identify knowledge gaps, adjust teaching methods, and build confidence. This targeted support is particularly valuable for students preparing for standardized tests or tackling challenging subjects like math and science.
Chicago students typically seek help with math (algebra, geometry, and test prep), English/reading comprehension, science, and standardized test preparation including the ACT and SAT. Many students also benefit from tutoring in subjects tied to Illinois graduation requirements and college readiness. Varsity Tutors connects students with tutors across all these areas, plus foreign languages, history, and AP/honors coursework.
The first session is an opportunity for the tutor to understand your student's current level, learning goals, and any specific challenges they're facing in their Chicago school. The tutor will assess what's working and what needs improvement, then create a personalized plan moving forward. This initial meeting sets the foundation for productive sessions and helps both tutor and student build rapport.
Expert tutors help Chicago students build test-taking strategies, master content areas, and practice with real exam questions—all tailored to each student's starting point and goals. The national average SAT score is around 1050 (out of 1600), and the average ACT score is about 21 (out of 36), but personalized instruction helps students identify their specific weak areas and improve significantly. Tutors can also help students understand Illinois college readiness benchmarks and plan a test-taking timeline that works with their school schedule.
Yes—tutors help with immediate homework needs while teaching problem-solving strategies and foundational concepts so students can tackle similar work independently. This approach prevents homework help from becoming a crutch and instead builds confidence and competence. For Chicago students juggling multiple classes across different curricula, tutors can prioritize what matters most and connect homework to bigger learning goals.
Varsity Tutors offers personalized tutoring packages designed to fit different budgets and schedules. You can adjust frequency, session length, and focus areas based on your student's needs and your family's situation. Many Chicago families start with 1-2 sessions per week and adjust from there—there's no one-size-fits-all model.
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