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10 Best Math Tutors Serving Chicago

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Chicago's 5 Best Math-Focused Locations

Chicago, a city known for its vibrant cultural scene and stunning architecture, also serves as a treasure trove for math enthusiasts of all ages! Whether you’re a curious learner or a passionate mathematician, the city is dotted with fascinating locations where numbers come to life. From interactive exhibits to extensive libraries, Chicago offers a variety of places where you can explore the enchanting world of mathematics. Discover the charm of numbers and patterns in the heart of the Windy City!

Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
+1 773-684-1414
msichicago.org

This museum sparks scientific inquiry and creativity through its interactive exhibits and displays, emphasizing the intersection of science and mathematics, particularly in its thought-provoking mathematics installations and showcases, making learning a joy for visitors of all ages.

Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
+1 312-922-7827
adlerplanetarium.org

Explore the mysteries of the universe at Adler Planetarium where math meets astronomy. The exhibits are curated to unravel the mathematical concepts underlying the celestial bodies and their movements.

Chicago Children's Museum
700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
+1 312-527-1000
chicagochildrensmuseum.org

This museum is a vibrant space fostering curiosity and learning, with hands-on exhibits introducing children to the foundational concepts in math and science in the most playful and interactive way.

Chicago Public Library
400 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605
+1 312-747-4300
chipublib.org

Chicago Public Library is a treasure trove of mathematical knowledge, offering a plethora of resources, enlightening workshops, and lectures, designed to nurture a love and understanding of mathematics in its visitors.

Illinois Science and Technology Park
4901 Searle Pkwy, Skokie, IL 60077
+1 847-982-0800
illinoisscienceandtechnologypark.com

A hub for innovation and development, the park hosts events, exhibitions, and presentations that often delve into advanced mathematical concepts and their applications in science and technology, making it a great place for math aficionados.

Chicago Math Standards

Illinois adopted the Common Core Math standards in 2010. Additionally, Chicago Heights School District 170 has also incorporated a district-wide "Problem of the Month" (POM), which is part of the South Cook Math Initiative (SCMI). The POM program gives students the chance to see and solve math problems different from typical textbook questions. Each problem is designed to improve reasoning skills and encourage students to work collaboratively to find the answer.

The SCMI is part of the Metro Chicago Mathematics Initiative (MCMI), designed to improve math teaching and learning, especially in grades 6 through 9 in high-needs school districts. The MCMI utilizes research and experience to improve the way teachers present math concepts in the classroom while still complying with Common Core standards.

Through these programs, teachers can work together to improve their classroom skills and teach math more effectively. Students can benefit from new approaches to engage them in math curricula to address their unique academic needs.

Chicago Math Test Scores

A recent study indicates that Chicago has seen positive results in math scores in the decade since Illinois adopted the Common Core standards for math. This study suggests that Chicago students showed significant improvements in their math grades, pass rates, and test scores. Additionally, data indicate that teachers in the district have improved their instructional practices to align better with Common Core standards.

These improvements in math grades and test scores were especially notable in groups of students with low and average initial academic achievement. There was not as much improvement among students who initially displayed high academic achievement. 

Math test scores in the Chicago area have fluctuated in recent years. In 2019, elementary school students in the Chicago Public School district posted the best-yet reading and math scores in the Northwest Evaluation Association's Measures of Academic Progress assessment. 

However, over the next two years, standardized test scores for CPS students dropped, which is primarily attributed to the pandemic. In 2021, only 16% of CPS students met or exceeded expectations in math, which is a significant drop from the 24% pre-pandemic figure. SAT scores for Chicago students displayed a similar downward trend.

Chicago Math Competitions and STEM Events

Chicago is a vibrant center for local math competitions and STEM-related events, providing a plethora of enriching experiences for students at all educational levels. A standout event is MathCON, a nationwide online math competition that culminates in a live championship in Chicago. It’s an excellent opportunity for young mathematicians to challenge themselves and meet other math enthusiasts. Additionally, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) STEM Exhibition offers students a platform to present their STEM projects, promoting interest and proficiency in science and math. While these events may be highly competitive, they deliver invaluable experiences and expose participants to advanced mathematical and scientific concepts.

Chicago Grassroots and Gonvernmental Iniatitives in Math

Chicago is home to a variety of grassroots and governmental initiatives aimed at enhancing math education. One such grassroots initiative is Chicago STEM Pathways Cooperative, a collaborative effort to ensure all youth have access to high-quality STEM learning. This organization works to gather and connect various stakeholders in the STEM community to create a citywide strategy to address systemic barriers in STEM education.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy stands out as a beacon of advanced learning, nurturing the talent of those with a keen interest in mathematics and the sciences. This institution offers programs and curriculums designed to cultivate the next generation of innovators and thought leaders. In a similar vein, Project SYNCERE operates with the mission to combine engineering and art, striving to empower students who are underrepresented and economically disadvantaged, making STEM fields more accessible and inclusive to diverse populations.

Chicago Math Curiosities and Facts

01

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) in Chicago has produced numerous Intel Science Talent Search finalists, a prestigious competition focusing on science and mathematics, reflecting the excellence of math education in the city.

02

The University of Chicago, a cornerstone of higher education in the city, has a renowned mathematics department. Over the years, the department has produced multiple winners of the Fields Medal, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Mathematics," underscoring Chicago's influence in the global mathematical community.

03

The iconic Cloud Gate in Chicago, colloquially known as "The Bean," is not only a marvel of design and engineering but also a fascinating representation of mathematical principles in real-world structures, showcasing the elegance of mathematical symmetry and reflection in its elliptical shape.

04

The design and operation of Chicago's elevated train system, known as the "L," involve complex mathematical calculations and optimizations to manage the intricate network of routes and ensure efficient transportation across the city.

05

Robert J. Zimmer, a University of Chicago mathematician and the University’s 13th president, is noted for his work in geometry, particularly Lie groups, and ergodic theory, where he developed Zimmer's cocycle superrigidity theorem.

Illinois’ SAT Scores

Illinois finds itself with an average SAT score of 981, which is 69 points below the national average of 1050. This places Illinois among the states with the lower scores, specifically in the 43rd position out of 48.

Illinois’ ACT Scores

Illinois holds a noteworthy rank in ACT scores, securing the 10th position with an average composite score of 24.5. This is notably above the national average of 19.8.

Quick Facts

How to find the right online tutor in Chicago

When looking for a math tutor in Chicago, there are several factors to consider. A good teacher must have the knowledge and teaching skills to explain challenging concepts understandably. Plus, you need someone who can offer sessions at times that fit your student's schedule.

With Learner, you don't need to limit your search to tutors who live and work in Chicago. Our online platform is accessible from anywhere, so your student can connect with an expert teacher without the hassle of trying to find a convenient place in the city to meet.

Why work with Learner?

At Learner, we believe in offering every student the very best math education to help them improve their self-confidence. Our math tutors are experienced teachers who can tailor their lessons to address each student's unique needs. Students learn via our online platform, designed to provide a distraction-free environment.

How does Learner tutoring work?

Answer questions about your child's background and unique needs.

Schedule a call with our Academic Advisor to identify learning goals and objectives.

We will custom match the right tutor for your child. Your initial session is commitment-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Math Tutors

Still have questions about online math tutoring? Here are some expert answers to the most common questions.

How does online tutoring work for Chicago math students?

How is online tutoring different from in-person tutoring?

How much does a Chicago math tutor cost?

Is math tutoring tax-deductible in Chicago?

What are the qualifications of your tutors?

Can I choose a tutor for my child?

What happens if my child doesn't like the tutor they're matched with?

When can my child start working with their tutor?

What is your refund policy?

How Chicago students can benefit from working with Learner

Better academic performance

The vast majority of students benefit from one-on-one instruction. It can benefit Chicago students who feel lost and overwhelmed in large, noisy classrooms. Our math tutors target each student's unique challenges to help them gain the skills they need for better grades and test scores.

Deeper understanding

Many traditional textbooks teach students to memorize problem-solving strategies without explaining the reasoning behind each step. Our tutors go beyond the typical Chicago classroom approach to help students improve their understanding of essential math concepts and their real-world applications.

Preparation for the future

We believe in helping students achieve their academic goals, whether that means getting into a Chicago prep school or landing an academic college scholarship. A strong foundation in math can help students succeed beyond high school and college and prepare them to be effective problem-solvers in any career field.

Why Chicago students love Learner

Chelsea from Learner helped me to get a full ride to Duke University.

“Chelsea from Learner was the perfect match for me. She customized the training so that it would push me hard - but not too hard where I would get frustrated. I worked with Chelsea for years because she took a genuine interest in me and my future.”

"Stephanie taught me how to be more organized. I was getting Bs and Cs before I started working with her. I used to get overwhelmed before studying for a test. Stephanie taught me how to create “study guides” so I’d have all the big ideas in one place. I am now getting As and Bs and my parents are much happier."

"When I first started working with Alan, I told him I would never be good at math. I barely passed my first two years of high school math and I needed one more hard math class to graduate. Alan believed in me and worked with me on the basics. Little by little, he built up my confidence to the point where I realized I am good at math and I did well in the class."

Popular math tutoring subjects for Chicago students

Math classes can be challenging for students, especially once they get into middle school and high school and start learning algebra, trigonometry, and other advanced concepts. At Learner, we offer private online tutoring for a wide range of math subjects, including those that are essential for standardized tests and college preparation.

Top Math Locations

Learner’s Annual Women in STEM Scholarship

Scholarship Award: $1,000

The Women in STEM Scholarship is a recurring scholarship that’s open to women who are STEM majors. The next deadline to apply is November 20th, and winners will be announced on December 20th.

About the Women in STEM Scholarship

Women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) play crucial roles in today’s rapidly evolving technological advancements. However, the STEM industry hasn’t always advocated for equal representation, leaving women disadvantaged. With this considered, Learner’s Annual Women in STEM Scholarship strives to encourage and support women pursuing a STEM career, recognizing the boundless potential they bring to global innovation.

The journey to gender equality in STEM fields, although progressing, still has a long way to go. Beyond fairness, the industry as a whole needs bright, young minds to continue its advancement, and we believe women are the key to filling the gap. By offering support to dedicated women pursuing a STEM education, we hope to encourage the next generation of STEM leaders, minimizing financial strain and inequality.

We at Learner recognize the importance of promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Our scholarship is a testament to our dedication to equal opportunities in STEM, aimed at reducing barriers that impede the academic journey of young women in these fields. By doing so, we hope to inspire more women to pursue and thrive in STEM careers, contributing to a richer, more diverse professional realm.

We believe more diverse representation in STEM will fuel innovation, drive growth, and lead to more comprehensive solutions for global challenges. We also envision this scholarship serving as a catalyst to motivate other institutions and organizations to promote gender equality in STEM education and careers.Through Learner’s Annual Women in STEM scholarship, we aim to foster a community of women empowered by knowledge, driven by curiosity, and ready to contribute to the STEM field.

Scholarship Details:

Amount: $1,000
Application deadline: November 20

Winner announcement: December 20
Recurring: Annually

Learner Scholarship Contributions

13
Scholarships Awarded
$14,500
Total Awards

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for this scholarship, please carefully review the following eligibility criteria. Ensure you meet these requirements prior to submitting your application.
  • Woman studying a STEM major

  • All high school senior, undergraduate and graduate students

  • Applicant must be a current U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident

How to Apply:

You can apply for this scholarship on the Bold.org scholarship platform. Follow the directions and submit your application for the Women in STEM Scholarship, along with a short essay answering the following prompts:

  • Why have you chosen to study STEM?
  • How do you hope to make an impact as a woman in STEM?

Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions

When is the scholarship deadline?

The application will be open through November 20.

What is the scholarship prize? 

The scholarship award is $1,000.

When will the winner be chosen and notified?

Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. Recipients will be chosen based on the merit of their application.

How will the scholarship be paid?

The prize check will be sent to the scholarship winner’s college institution in their name and in the name of their institution (depending on the school’s requirements).

Is this a recurring scholarship?

Yes, the Women in STEM Scholarship is an annual scholarship.

How will my application information be used?

Learner manages this scholarship with the support of the Bold.org scholarship platform. Bold.org takes student confidentiality and privacy incredibly seriously. Please refer to the application page on Bold.org for full details.

Things to Look for in a Chicago tutor

What traits make a good tutor? We have some thoughts.

Patient

Motivated

Adaptable

Enthusiastic

Communicative

Empathetic

Humble

Ambitious

Top Benefits of Working With a Private Chicago Tutor

There are many benefits to working with a private tutor, but here are some of the most impactful:

Flexibility

Personalized Instruction

Boosts Confidence

Increased Engagement

Improves Communication Skills

How to Find the Right Online Tutor in Chicago

There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for an online tutor in Chicago:

  1. Consider the subject matter and grade level you or your child need help with.
  2. Take into account things like availability, price, and qualifications. Once you've got a good list of potential tutors, be sure to reach out and ask any questions you may have.
  3. Trust your gut; if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

What are the most common degrees in Chicago?

marchello74 // Shutterstock

More Americans than ever are earning diplomas, which boosts earnings and decreases their risk of unemployment.

Learner analyzed data from the Census Bureau via the University of Minnesota IPUMS to see what the most common college majors are for American workers in Chicago, based on a national analysis. Numbers are rounded to the nearest hundred.

In 2022, 37.5% of adults 25 and older had earned a bachelor's degree or higher, up from around 28% in 2009. The rise may be due in part to a shift in job requirements: Roles that once required just a high school education now call for a college degree. Americans holding bachelor's degrees had an unemployment rate of just 2.2% last year, compared to 3.9% for those with only high school degrees, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

New York Federal Reserve research published in 2019 found that college graduates had a substantial premium over workers with only high school degrees, earning about $30,000 a year more on average. They estimate that for students who complete their degrees, the return on investment for a college degree is around 14%.

Nationally, business is by far the most common undergraduate major. As of 2022, around 8.5 million adults working full-time had a bachelor's degree in a business-related field, while 2.9 million of them also earned some kind of postgraduate degree in the field, such as a master's degree in business or accounting.

Common jobs for business majors include accountants, who make a median income of $80,000 yearly; financial analysts, who make around $100,000; and market researchers, who take home about $75,000, per BLS data. Engineering and education were the next most common fields for full-time workers, with around 4.5 million graduates each.

College is becoming increasingly expensive. However, for some, especially those with an academic aptitude, earning a degree can still make financial sense.

Read on to see what the most common college degrees are in Chicago.

#5. Engineering

- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 24,800

-- Median annual income: $89,900

- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 18,600

-- Median annual income: $113,200

#4. Social sciences

- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 30,500

-- Median annual income: $75,300

- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 30,000

-- Median annual income: $106,400

#3. Fine arts

- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 32,000

-- Median annual income: $52,500

- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 10,800

-- Median annual income: $69,600

#2. Communications

- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 35,500

-- Median annual income: $69,600

- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 10,400

-- Median annual income: $85,000

#1. Business

- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 99,200

-- Median annual income: $81,000

- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 39,800

-- Median annual income: $101,800

This story features data reporting and writing by Wade Zhou and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 35 cities.

This story originally appeared on Learner and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.