Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify exactly where a student's understanding breaks down—whether it's visualizing parts of a whole, finding common denominators, or multiplying and dividing fractions. Tutors can use targeted strategies, visual models, and hands-on practice tailored to how each student learns best, building confidence and mastery at a pace that works for them.

Fractions are typically introduced in 3rd grade with basic concepts like halves and thirds, then expand significantly in 4th and 5th grade to include comparing, adding, and subtracting fractions. By 6th and 7th grade, students work with multiplying, dividing, and converting fractions to decimals and percentages. If a student falls behind at any of these stages, early intervention through tutoring prevents gaps from widening—fractions are foundational for algebra, geometry, and standardized test success.

The first session is about understanding where your student is starting from. Tutors will assess current skills, ask about specific challenges (like adding fractions or word problems), and discuss learning goals. From there, they'll create a personalized plan—whether that's building foundational understanding, catching up to grade level, or preparing for a test. You'll leave with clarity on next steps and a realistic timeline for progress.

Research on learning shows that spaced repetition and practice testing are highly effective—rather than cramming, students benefit from regular practice over time with varied problem types. Visual models like fraction bars, pie charts, and number lines help students see what fractions actually represent. Tutors also connect fractions to real-world contexts (cooking, sports scores, money) to make the concept concrete and memorable.

Fractions appear consistently on state assessments, the SAT, ACT, and GRE—they're not just a middle school topic. Strong fraction skills are essential for success in algebra and higher math, where fractions appear in equations, ratios, and probability. Students who struggle with fractions often find themselves behind in high school math courses, making solid foundational understanding a key investment in long-term academic success.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Columbia who specialize in fractions and understand the local curriculum. You'll be matched based on your student's grade level, specific challenges, and learning style. Whether your student needs foundational support, test prep, or enrichment, the matching process ensures a great fit for personalized instruction that works.

With consistent, focused tutoring—typically 1-2 sessions per week—many students see noticeable improvement in 4-6 weeks. The timeline depends on where a student is starting and their specific goals, but regular practice combined with personalized instruction accelerates progress significantly. Tutors will track progress and adjust the approach as needed to keep momentum going.