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Award-Winning Tutors serving Chicago, IL

Harleen

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Harleen

BS
Harleen's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
Statistics Graduate Level
Statistics
Pre-Calculus

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...

Education

University of Chicago

BS

Sahibzada

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Sahibzada

MS
Sahibzada's other Tutor Subjects
Linear Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Calculus 3
Algebra

I've been working with students for over seven years, from middle school all the way through college, across subjects like math, calculus, statistics, linear algebra, chemistry, and physics, with a lot of SAT and ACT prep mixed in. My background is perhaps a little unconventional. I have two bachelo...

Education

Northwestern University

MS

Curran

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Curran

AB
Curran's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry
Algebra

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...

Education

University of Notre Dame

AB

Thomas

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Thomas

AM
Thomas's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Geometry
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I have years of experience teaching writing and literary analysis in the classroom setting, and years of teaching students one on one.

Education

University of Chicago

AM

Emma

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Emma

AB

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...

Education

University of Chicago

AB

Karla

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Karla

MBA

Tutoring is one of my favorite things! I love being part of that "aha" moment! I am a certified elementary and Spanish teacher and have been working with students of all ages since 2004. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Spanish from Vanguard University of Southern California, completed the Teacher ...

Education

North Park University

MBA

Vanguard University of Southern California

MBA

Shuyi

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Shuyi

MBA

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...

Education

Northwestern University

MBA

Boston University

MBA

Alexander

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Alexander

AB

I'm a University of Chicago graduate who has spent the last four years working as a local journalist. I'm excited to work with your student on math, writing and reading comprehension, not just building skills but hopefully having fun along the way!

Education

University of Chicago

AB

Maryam

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Maryam

BS
Maryam's other Tutor Subjects
SAT Reading
SAT
Adult ESL/ELL

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, LSA...

Education

Stanford University

BS

Grishma

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Grishma

Professional (JD, MD, DMD, etc)
Grishma's other Tutor Subjects
Geometry
AP Physics 1
AP Biology
AP Chemistry

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...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor

Loyola University-Chicago

Professional (JD, MD, DMD, etc)

Meet Varsity Tutors Experts

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

Liam

Expert Tutor

Graduate of St. Louis University with a Degree in Chemical Biology and Pharmacology I know from experience how difficult chemistry and biology can be. These were not topics that just came naturally for me, and during college I had to spend a lot of time sitting down with these topics and trying to work them out in my head. Because of this, I have a lot of empathy to students struggling in their courses, and I enjoy working as a tutor who can help students who may feel overwhelmed. About lessons: Lessons with me are very flexible. I am willing to: - Create a guided lesson for you reviewing what you covered in class and break down difficult terminology in text-books and slideshows - Create student-specific study materials and study guides if you feel the resources available to you in class are not sufficient -Help guide you through your homework and practice exams If your goals for a course change over time, I will adapt to your needs as a student!

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Karin

TOEFL Tutor • +40 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.

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Xingyuan

Japanese Tutor • +1 Subjects

As a dedicated language tutor with several years of experience, I bring both expertise and enthusiasm to every lesson. I specialize in Chinese, Japanese, and basic Arabic, and I have had the privilege of guiding students of diverse ages and backgrounds through their language-learning journeys.

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Jason

Algebra Tutor • +5 Subjects

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 can expect to go through problems step by step with Jason, using visual learning with customized drills to familiarize themselves with specific concepts. Generally, Jason will tailor his feedback to what the student should work on, both in English and math, and provide examples to show how the student should be working through the problems.

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Jide

Middle School Math Tutor • +9 Subjects

I have studied engineering at UIUC and Oakton college, and am currently working on both my Bachelors and Masters degrees at Depaul University for Secondary Math Education. I have been tutoring for about 4 years as volunteering for a local elementary/middle school. Academics have played a major role in my life, as I was a student who personally struggled and took many steps to overcome the challenges presented during my early education. As somebody who has had to work to find new intuitive ways to learn, I highly value the qualities of patience and out-of-the-box thinking to help my students succeed! I have tutored all fundamental subjects for students in K-12. However, as a student currently pursuing a degree in Secondary Education Math, my affinity for tutoring especially lends itself towards STEM subjects. I believe that a vital component to learning is being able to appreciate and enjoy the presented content. I always hope to achieve this by contextualizing topics learned in the classroom, with the goal of helping students grasp the importance and real-world applications of each subject.

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Karis

Cell Biology Tutor • +8 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!

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Soung

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +27 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.

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Jake

Middle School Math Tutor • +1 Subjects

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 fostering an interactive learning environment where students actively engage with the material. I believe in the power of practice over passive learning, guiding students to identify their challenges and develop effective study habits. As a National Merit Scholar, I've honed my own test-taking strategies, which I enjoy sharing for SAT prep as well. I'm excited to support you on your academic journey!

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Diane

Phonics Tutor • +5 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.

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Elijah

SAT Tutor • +1 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!

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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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