Award-Winning History Tutors serving Des Moines, IA

America's #1 Tutoring Platform

Who needs tutoring?

FOXNBCCBSUS NewsTIMEUSA Today

TUTORS FROM

  • YaleUniversity
  • PrincetonUniversity
  • StanfordUniversity
  • CornellUniversity

Award-Winning History Tutors serving Des Moines, IA

Joshua

Certified Tutor

7+ years

Joshua

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Joshua's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
College Essays
Literature

Debugging code and analyzing history require the same core skill — tracing a chain of events backward to figure out what actually caused the problem. Joshua's computer science training at Penn State built that diagnostic habit, and he applies it to teaching students how to construct causal arguments...

Education

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

Test Scores
SAT
1560
Jessica

Certified Tutor

Jessica

PHD, Medicine
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Honors Chemistry

I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writ...

Education

Nova Southeastern University

PHD, Medicine

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelors, History

University of Pennsylvania

undergraduate

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Kate

Certified Tutor

Kate

Masters, Environmental Engineering
Kate's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus

I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When ...

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Masters, Environmental Engineering

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Jai

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Jai

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Jai's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Electrical Engineering
ACT Writing

I'm a recent Stanford graduate (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and have been working at a major Management Consulting firm for a few years now. I personally scored a 2360 (out of 2400) on the SAT and 35 on the ACT and was successful in gaining admission to several top universities. I'...

Education

Stanford University

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Test Scores
SAT
1590
ACT
35
Erika

Certified Tutor

Erika

Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Erika's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am available to tutor middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am...

Education

Harvard University

Master of Public Policy, Public Policy

Test Scores
ACT
32
Rhea

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Rhea

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Rhea's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

I am a current student at the University of Chicago. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I am on the pre-medical track. I am extremely passionate about tutoring, and I have several years of experience tutoring students in my high school's learning center in various...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1550
ACT
36
Jeffrey

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Jeffrey

Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering
Jeffrey's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra

I am enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Rice University which will begin Fall 2020, and I am hoping to return to academia as a professor after earning my PhD. In the meantime, I am looking to share my passion for gaining knowledge, specifically in STEM, by educating the up and com...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor of Science

Rice University

Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
34
Charles

Certified Tutor

Charles

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Charles's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Trigonometry

I am a junior Mechanical Engineering major at Yale, and I hope to become a Naval Aviator after college. I am also a varsity sailor, and enjoy playing music with friends when I can get some free time. I have been tutoring my fellow students throughout my entire academic career, and I would best descr...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1440
ACT
34
Sharon

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Sharon

Master of Science, Journalism
Sharon's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, and I will be starting a graduate program at Columbia in August. I am about to complete a year of service with City Year, an education non-profit that places young adults into under-served schools. As a City Year member, I worked full-time in the classro...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Master of Science, Journalism

University of Chicago

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1550
MaryAnn

Certified Tutor

13+ years

MaryAnn

Bachelor of Science, English, Psychology
MaryAnn's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Reading
SAT Writing and Language

I am a published author who has enjoyed “coaching” our daughter, as she navigated through high school, college and graduate school. I mentor college juniors who are seeking careers in financial services, and I serve as a peer resource to professionals who are transitioning from private industry to t...

Education

University of Pittsburgh

Bachelor of Science, English, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1520

Nearby History Tutors

Frequently Asked Questions

Many students struggle with memorizing dates and names without understanding the broader context of events. Others find it difficult to analyze primary sources, compare different historical perspectives, or write essays that connect evidence to arguments. Personalized tutoring helps students move beyond memorization by building critical thinking skills and teaching them how to construct historical narratives supported by evidence.

In a classroom of 20+ students, teachers often focus on covering material rather than deepening understanding. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify exactly where a student is struggling—whether it's analyzing cause-and-effect relationships, understanding historical context, or organizing essay arguments—and target those specific gaps. This focused approach helps students develop stronger analytical skills and confidence in tackling complex historical topics.

Varsity Tutors connects students with tutors who understand Iowa's history standards and the specific curriculum used across Des Moines' school districts. Tutors work with your student's current coursework, whether that's world history, U.S. history, or AP courses, ensuring instruction reinforces what's being taught in class while filling knowledge gaps and building deeper understanding.

Tutors work with students across all grade levels—from elementary students learning about local and state history, to middle schoolers studying world civilizations and U.S. history, to high schoolers in AP U.S. History, AP World History, or specialized courses. Each level requires different skills: younger students focus on sequencing and basic cause-and-effect, while older students analyze sources, evaluate interpretations, and construct evidence-based arguments.

Yes—essay writing is one of the most important skills in history. Tutors help students learn how to develop a clear thesis, organize evidence from sources, and construct arguments that directly support their claims. Through personalized feedback and practice, students develop stronger analytical writing skills that improve grades and prepare them for college-level history coursework.

Absolutely. Tutors help students prepare for unit exams, state assessments, AP History exams, and the SAT/ACT history sections. They teach test-taking strategies specific to history, such as analyzing document-based questions, managing time during essays, and identifying key concepts under pressure. Personalized prep focuses on the student's specific weak areas rather than generic review.

During the first session, the tutor will assess your student's current understanding of history, identify specific challenges (whether it's note-taking, essay structure, source analysis, or content knowledge), and learn about their learning style and goals. This foundation allows the tutor to create a personalized plan that addresses gaps and builds confidence in the subject.

Varsity Tutors makes it easy to get matched with qualified history tutors for students in Des Moines. Simply tell us about your student's grade level, specific challenges, and goals, and we'll connect you with an expert tutor who's a great fit. You can start with a single session to see if it's the right match, with no long-term commitment required.

Connect with History Tutors in Des Moines

Get matched with local expert tutors