Yes. Chicago's 12 school districts use various math programs, from traditional textbooks to standards-based approaches like Everyday Math and Illustrative Mathematics. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who understand these different curricula and can support your student's specific program. Whether your child's school uses a particular textbook or approach, tutors can align instruction to match what's being taught in class while reinforcing core concepts.

Word problems require students to translate real-world situations into math, which is a skill that takes practice. Tutors work with students to break problems into manageable steps: identifying what's being asked, determining which operations to use, and checking if the answer makes sense. Through repeated practice with different problem types, students develop confidence and learn to recognize patterns, turning word problems from intimidating to manageable.

Math anxiety is common in 6th grade when concepts become more abstract. In a personalized tutoring session, there's no pressure to keep up with a class pace or worry about being judged—students can ask questions freely and work through mistakes in a supportive environment. This builds confidence over time as students see they can understand difficult concepts. Many students who start out anxious discover they actually enjoy math once they grasp the underlying logic.

Showing work helps teachers understand your child's thinking and catch misconceptions early. It's also essential for developing problem-solving skills—students who write out their steps are more likely to spot errors and learn from them. Tutors emphasize this too, teaching students to organize their thinking and explain their reasoning. This habit strengthens math skills and prepares students for more advanced coursework where explaining your process is just as important as getting the right answer.

Fractions, decimals, and ratios top the list for many students because they require shifting from whole-number thinking to proportional reasoning. Multi-step word problems that combine these concepts can feel overwhelming. Tutors break these topics into smaller, connected pieces—showing how fractions and decimals are related, for example—so students build conceptual understanding rather than memorizing isolated procedures. With practice and clear explanations, these topics become much more manageable.

The first session is about getting to know your student and understanding their specific needs. A tutor will assess which concepts are solid, where gaps exist, and what's causing frustration. They'll discuss your student's goals and learning style, then begin working on a topic that needs support. This foundation helps the tutor create a personalized plan for future sessions that targets your child's exact challenges.

This depends on your student's needs and goals. Some students benefit from weekly sessions to stay on track with class material and build confidence, while others might need more intensive support during challenging units. A tutor can recommend a schedule based on your child's progress and the specific areas needing work. Many families find that consistent, regular sessions—even just once a week—create meaningful improvement over time.