Junior year is an ideal time to begin tutoring, especially if your student is preparing for the SAT or ACT (typically taken in spring of junior year or fall of senior year), managing challenging AP or honors courses, or struggling with foundational skills. Starting in the fall allows several months to build confidence and improve grades before college application season, while spring tutoring can provide targeted test prep support.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who understand Des Moines school curricula and can work directly with your student's classroom materials, textbooks, and assignments. During the first session, tutors learn about your student's specific courses and learning goals, then tailor instruction to reinforce what's being taught in class while addressing individual gaps or accelerating progress in areas where your student is ready to move ahead.

Juniors often face challenges balancing rigorous coursework (AP/honors classes), standardized test preparation, college planning, and extracurriculars. Many struggle with time management, specific subject concepts (like advanced math or writing), or test anxiety. Personalized tutoring addresses these by breaking complex topics into manageable pieces, building test-taking strategies, and creating structured study plans that fit around busy schedules.

The first session is an assessment and planning meeting. Tutors will discuss your student's current academic standing, identify specific challenges or goals, review relevant coursework, and establish what success looks like—whether that's improving a grade, preparing for exams, or building skills in a particular subject. This foundation allows tutors to create a personalized plan for subsequent sessions.

Tutors typically share progress updates after each session, noting concepts covered, areas of improvement, and recommended focus areas. You'll see tangible results through improved grades on assignments and tests, higher standardized test scores, increased confidence in class participation, and stronger understanding of difficult material. Many parents also notice improved study habits and time management over time.

In a classroom of 20-30 students, teachers must pace instruction for the middle of the class, which means some students move too fast while others fall behind. Personalized tutoring adapts in real-time to your student's learning speed, learning style, and specific gaps. Tutors can spend extra time on confusing concepts, skip material your student has already mastered, and use examples relevant to your student's interests—resulting in deeper understanding and faster progress.

Varsity Tutors matches you with tutors based on your student's specific needs, whether that's SAT/ACT prep, help with AP classes, support in a particular subject, or general academic coaching. You can discuss your student's goals and preferences, and tutors are selected based on expertise, teaching style fit, and availability. If the match isn't perfect, you can easily connect with a different tutor.