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Award-Winning Tutors serving Chicago, IL

Harleen

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Harleen

BS
Harleen's other Tutor Subjects
1st-5th Grade Math (in Spanish)
1st-5th Grade ELA (in Spanish)
6th Grade AP Language Composition
AP Statistics

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

Emma

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Emma

AB
Emma's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Elementary School Math
ACT English
ACT

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

Grishma

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Grishma

Professional (JD, MD, DMD, etc)
Grishma's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Geometry
Algebra
Elementary School Math

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)

Jake

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Jake

Bachelor's
Jake's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math
Geometry

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...

Education

Carleton College

Bachelor's

Karis

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Karis

BS
Karis's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Neuroscience
AP Chemistry
Chemistry

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 ...

Education

Johns Hopkins University

BS

Daniel

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Daniel

Bachelor
Daniel's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Algebra
SAT Math

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, helpin...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor

Stephen

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Stephen

AB
Stephen's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus

I am a graduate of Grinnell College, a private liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa. I have a Bachelor of the Arts in Computer Science from Grinnell's Department of Math and Computer Science. Since graduation I have tutored students of a wide variety of ages and background in a number of...

Education

Grinnell College

AB

Xingyuan

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Xingyuan

Master's/Graduate
Xingyuan's other Tutor Subjects
Mandarin Chinese 4
Arabic
Mandarin Chinese
Japanese

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.

Education

University of Chicago

Master's/Graduate

Jiamin

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Jiamin

Master's/Graduate
Jiamin's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary School Math
ISEE- Lower Level
CogAT
ISEE

I am Jennie Tao, a certified K-6 teacher with a Master's degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Teaching is my greatest passion, and I love helping young learners discover the joy of learning and the confidence that comes from growth. Over the past few years, I have supported stud...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Master's/Graduate

The University of Texas at Austin

Bachelor's

Dejuan

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Dejuan

BS
Dejuan's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
Geometry

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 st...

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

BS

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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

Maya

ACT Writing Tutor • +38 Subjects

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. Through my work as a GEAR UP tutor, I supported middle and high school students by helping them strengthen their reading, writing, and study skills while also building confidence in their academic abilities.

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Shuyi

ESL/ELL Tutor • +2 Subjects

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 each student's learning style. Having worked with learners at different levels, I emphasize not just getting the right answer, but understanding the why behind it. My approach is supportive, adaptable, and goal-drivenI aim to help students improve performance while developing long-term study and critical-thinking skills. I enjoy tutoring because it allows me to make learning feel approachable and empowering, and I am committed to creating a positive, engaging environment where students can succeed.

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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.

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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.

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Shannon

Middle School Math Tutor • +47 Subjects

As a passionate tutor in my fourth year of medical school, I am dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. With over 3 years of experience, I specialize in elementary through high school subjects, including math, reading, writing, and Spanish, as well as standardized test prep, including ACT/SAT and MCAT, and college application essay-writing. My teaching philosophy centers on building strong connections with my students, using interactive methods that cater to their individual learning styles. I find joy in guiding students towards academic success and helping them develop a love for learning. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy exploring all the different foods, music, and cultures that Chicago has to offer! I believe that every student has the potential to excel, and I strive to empower them on their educational journey.

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Curran

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +81 Subjects

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 I've guided students through the full academic journey, from mastering foundational skills to crafting standout college essays and preparing for the SAT, ACT, and AP exams. My background spans elite classrooms and enrichment programs alike: I've taught in college-preparatory high schools, developed curriculum for national nonprofits, and designed one-on-one tutoring plans for students ranging from advanced learners to those seeking targeted support. I bring a calm, structured, and student-centered approach to every sessionhelping students build confidence, sharpen their critical thinking, and reach ambitious academic goals. Whether your child is preparing for a top university or looking to deepen their academic engagement, I offer rigorous, thoughtful instruction with results you can trust.

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Thomas

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +62 Subjects

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

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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.

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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!

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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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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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