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Award-Winning 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

I'm a computer science major at Penn State with a lot of application-oriented programming experience, but also academic experience. Some highlights include 1560 on the SAT and 5 on AP Comp Sci A.

Education

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

Test Scores
SAT
1560
Eleanor

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Eleanor

Master's/Graduate

Hello! I'm Eleanor and I currently tutor more than 30 subjects for Varsity Tutors, specializing in linguistics and more English-focused coursework/testing. I am currently a master's student at Columbia University. I have a bachelor's in journalism and mass communication as well as global health stud...

Education

Columbia University

Master's/Graduate

University of Iowa

Bachelor

Elliot

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Elliot

Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Elliot's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics
Calculus
Algebra
College Essays

I am from a small town in Iowa and currently a fourth year student at the University of Chicago studying economics. During my time here I have studied abroad twice. Two years ago in Beijing, China and last spring in Athens, Greece. I can speak English and Spanish fluently and can speak a little Mand...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor in Arts, Economics

Alura

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Alura

BS
Alura's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Algebra
High School Biology

I am a current biological sciences major and bioengineering minor at the University of Notre Dame. As a biology major/bioengineering minor, math and science are my passions, and I love to share the joy I derive from those subjects with students. I have been a math tutor to elementary, middle, and h...

Education

University of Notre Dame

BS

John

Certified Tutor

2+ years

John

Master's/Graduate
John's other Tutor Subjects
College Application Essays

I am a three-time graduate of the University of Notre Dame. I received my Bachelor of Arts in History, and received Master's Degrees in both Education and Educational Administration. I spent 17 years in secondary education, beginning my career as a social studies teacher and then transitioning to ...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Master's/Graduate

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor

Okechukwu

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Okechukwu

Bachelor's
Okechukwu's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
Statistics
Discrete Math
Probability

Currently, I am studying to become an actuary, with a previous background in healthcare consulting. In 2022, I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland, majoring in Economics and minoring in Actuarial Mathematics. In 2024, I graduated from the University of Iowa with a master'...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Dinesh

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Dinesh

PhD
Dinesh's other Tutor Subjects
Inorganic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
College Chemistry

I am a chemistry Ph.D. graduate of the Wayne State University. I have also been tutoring chemistry for more than six years. With my extensive experience, I'm able to help struggling students and improve their knowledge in various fields of chemistry. I enjoy teaching and seeing student's progress. D...

Education

Wayne State University

PhD

University of Ruhuna

PhD

Mary

Certified Tutor

Mary

Bachelor's
Mary's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
ACT Writing
ACT English

I am able.

Education

University

Bachelor's

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
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

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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

Kate

AP Calculus BC Tutor • +53 Subjects

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 I'm not working or studying, I love playing volleyball (indoors or on the beach!) and spending time outside, canoeing or hiking with my dog. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

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Erika

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +36 Subjects

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 not in school myself, I love rowing, equestrian and exploring my new city of Boston! I look forward to meeting and working with you soon!

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Rhea

AP Statistics Tutor • +49 Subjects

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 subjects as well as tutoring private clients in Standardized Test preparation. Given that I graduated high school recently, I have taken several Standardized Tests and high school subjects myself, so I have a comprehensive understanding of not only how to tutor these subjects and exams, but also what it is like to take them. While I have a wide range of interests and am able to tutor various subjects, I am most passionate about tutoring in Standardized Test preparation (including ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP Exams), Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Spanish. I truly believe that students should have the opportunity to learn in the way that works best for them, and I love being able to help them succeed by creating a comfortable tutoring environment in which we can best assess their particular needs and use strategies specific to them. My passion for learning drives everything that I do, and tutoring is the platform that I use to try to spread that passion to others. In my free time, you can find me playing badminton, listening to music, or baking something (hopefully) delicious.

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Jeffrey

Pre-Calculus Tutor • +29 Subjects

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 coming members of such a great field. I have experience tutoring both Calculus and Physics at Notre Dame, as well as experience as a Student Assistant for Differential Equations and Mechanics. I believe the key to learning is much deeper than learning to solve problems and that seeking knowledge is one of the best means for personal improvement.

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Tiffany

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +56 Subjects

I am available to tutor a broad range of subjects, I am passionate about test preparation, Accountancy, and Algebra.

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MaryAnn

Calculus Tutor • +21 Subjects

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 the nonprofit sector. Hobbies: reading, cooking, writing, books, music, art, travel

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Quinn

Calculus Tutor • +17 Subjects

I am willing to address any issue with an open mind and I try to develop strategies that play to a student's strengths. I would like to think I am very approachable and personable, and I have had very positive experiences with many students in the past using this philosophy. Outside of academics, I love playing basketball and watching sports, as well as chilling with friends, listening to music, and keeping up with politics and current affairs.

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Zachary

Trigonometry Tutor • +35 Subjects

I am passionate about teaching and tutoring and I thoroughly enjoy helping students gain an understanding and a drive for their studies. I have a long history of working with students of all grade levels and abilities (elementary school through college), and I have a good understanding of strategies to excel in both general academics and standardized tests.

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Samuel

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am a freshman at Caltech majoring in Applied and Computational Mathematics. My favorite subject to tutor is math because I find it very rewarding to simplify complex topics to aid in understanding. I have lots of tutoring experience. In high school, I ran and taught an SAT prep class and was vice president of my school's NHS chapter where I ran our tutoring program, and I, myself, tutored. I also was a teaching assistant in the summer of 2020 for a class in discrete mathematics through a program called PACT (Program in Algorithmic and Combinatorial Thinking). I love learning and hope to make the process enjoyable for you!

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Sami

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +19 Subjects

I am a Duke University graduate in Economics and Computer Science. I am currently pursuing an MBA degree at the Yale School of Management. I have worked in the financial field, both at a management consulting firm and a fortune 500 company. My hobbies include playing and coaching soccer. Hobbies: reading, writing, art, books, music

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Varsity Tutors connects students from across Des Moines's 77 schools and three school districts with expert tutors. Whether your student attends a school in Des Moines Public Schools, Urbandale, or another local district, we match them with tutors who understand Iowa's academic standards and can support their specific coursework and learning goals.

Your first session is a chance for the tutor and student to get to know each other and identify specific areas where support would help most. The tutor will assess your student's current understanding, discuss their goals, and create a personalized plan tailored to their needs—whether that's catching up in a subject, preparing for a test, or building confidence in a challenging area.

Des Moines classrooms average 14.7 students per teacher, which means individual attention can be limited. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction fills that gap by giving your student dedicated time to ask questions, work through difficult concepts, and get immediate feedback—something that's hard to achieve in a typical classroom setting. This focused support often leads to faster progress and stronger understanding.

Tutors work with students to master Iowa's core standards in math, reading, science, and social studies. Whether your student needs help with Iowa Assessments, grade-level benchmarks, or specific subjects like algebra or writing, personalized instruction ensures they're building skills aligned with what Des Moines schools expect—and what they'll need for success in high school and beyond.

Des Moines students commonly seek support in math, reading comprehension, writing, and science—particularly as they progress through middle and high school. We also work with students preparing for standardized tests like the Iowa Assessments and ACT. Tutors can help with any subject your student is studying, so if there's a specific area of struggle, Varsity Tutors can connect you with someone who specializes in it.

Varsity Tutors offers flexible pricing options to fit different family budgets, and we work with you to find a plan that makes sense. Whether your student needs weekly support or intensive help before a big test or deadline, you can customize the frequency and duration of sessions. We're transparent about costs upfront—no hidden fees.

Varsity Tutors connects students with expert tutors who have deep knowledge of their subject areas and experience working with students at various levels. Tutors understand Iowa's curriculum and academic expectations, and they're skilled at adapting their teaching style to match how each student learns best. We're selective about who we connect with students to ensure quality instruction.

Progress looks different for each student—it might be improved test scores, stronger grades, increased confidence, or a deeper understanding of challenging concepts. Your tutor will regularly communicate about what they're observing and how your student is progressing toward their goals. Many Des Moines families see noticeable improvement within a few weeks of consistent tutoring.

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