Your first session is focused on understanding your student's current level, learning style, and specific goals—whether that's improving essay writing, preparing for the AP exam, or building foundational skills. The tutor will assess which areas need the most support and create a personalized plan tailored to your student's needs and pace. This foundation ensures every session afterward is targeted and productive.

Tutors work with students across Philadelphia's diverse school districts and curricula, whether you're following Pennsylvania standards, preparing for state assessments, or working toward AP/IB exams. During the first session, tutors learn what your student is studying in class and build lessons that reinforce and extend that material. This alignment ensures tutoring complements classroom learning rather than duplicating it.

Yes—this is one of the most valuable outcomes of personalized History tutoring. Tutors teach students how to construct thesis statements, use evidence from primary and secondary sources, and build persuasive arguments. Through practice and feedback, students develop the analytical writing skills that are essential for success in high school History, AP exams, and college-level coursework.

Tutors create targeted study plans that cover content review, exam-specific strategies, and timed practice with real or realistic questions. Whether preparing for AP U.S. History, AP European History, AP World History, or Pennsylvania state assessments, personalized instruction allows tutors to focus on your student's weaker topics and build confidence in areas of strength. Regular practice and feedback help students develop both content mastery and test-taking skills.

In a typical Philadelphia classroom with a 14.4:1 student-teacher ratio, teachers must move at a pace that works for the whole class, leaving some students behind and others unchallenged. Personalized tutoring adapts to your student's learning speed, focuses on their specific gaps, and uses teaching methods that match how they learn best. This targeted approach often leads to faster progress and deeper understanding than classroom learning alone.

Tutors working with Varsity Tutors have strong backgrounds in History—many hold degrees in History, education, or related fields, and many have classroom teaching experience. They understand curriculum standards, exam formats, and effective teaching strategies. All tutors are vetted for expertise and teaching ability, ensuring your student gets instruction from someone who truly knows the subject.

Contact Varsity Tutors to describe your student's needs, grade level, and goals. We'll connect you with a tutor who's the right fit for your student's learning style and objectives. You can then schedule your first session at a time that works for your family, and start seeing progress right away.