Master’s of Liberal Arts
Tali
Chicago, IL
TUTORING SERVICES > Science > Chicago, IL
Top Private Science Tutors In Chicago
In-home, 1-on-1 science tutoring built around your student
Grade Potential connects Chicago students with experienced private science tutors, from K-12 through college, at home, on campus, or at a location that fits your schedule.
The Best Science Tutors Near You
Master’s of Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
Sergio
Chicago, IL
Sergio is a dedicated Graphic Designer and Photographer with a Bachelor of Arts from Instituto Superior de Diseño Industrial. With over a decade of professional experience, including significant roles at Universidad Central Marta Abreu de Las Villas and extensive freelance work, Sergio excels in layout design, corporate identity, and photography. He is passionate about sharing his expertise in digital and print media, helping students master creative software and develop strong visual communication skills.
Bachelor of Arts in English Writing, Bachelor...
Benjamin
Chicago, IL
Benjamin is a dedicated tutor and high-achieving student at Drexel University, where he is pursuing degrees in English Writing and Film & TV Production. Specializing in English composition, he offers comprehensive support in writing, grammar, and reading comprehension. As a former Principal Tutor at Drexel's Writing Center, Benjamin excels at building strong rapport with students, helping them navigate academic challenges while fostering overall literacy development, with particular expertise in assisting ESL learners.
Bachelor of Science: Psychology
Kathleen
Chicago, IL
Kathleen, a University of Houston graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology focusing on Human Development and Family Studies, offers patient and understanding support to students. As a Teaching Assistant at The Baltimore Montessori, she excels in creating engaging learning environments, developing individualized lesson plans, and facilitating small group activities. Kathleen helps students build foundational skills and navigate their academic journey with confidence.
Master's Degree in Human Performance
Laura
Chicago, IL
Laura is an enthusiastic educator with a Master's Degree in Human Performance and an Associate's Degree in Kinesiology. She specializes in tutoring Reading and Writing for K-6 students and Basic Math for K-3 students. With extensive experience as a Lead PE Instructor and Teacher Assistant, Laura is adept at motivating students and adapting her teaching to reinforce learning concepts effectively. She brings a patient and driven approach to fostering academic success and personal development for young learners.
Testimonials & Reviews
What Boston Students & Parents Say
"Our tutor was really awesome - from the first hour, my son really liked her. She explains things in a way kids understand. If it doesn't work one way for the student, she knows how to present the information a different way so the student can process it better."
Isaac B.
Chicago
Science > Chicago, IL
"I am so happy to have gotten the tutor we did with Grade Potential. My daughter not only saw significant improvement but she was comfortable asking important questions. Our tutor was kind, patient, accommodating, and always had another explanation ready for my daughter when the first one didn't make sense. She takes her final tomorrow and couldn't feel more prepared!"
Ania K.
Chicago
Science > Chicago, IL
"Our tutor worked great to fit our schedule. She was very friendly and worked well with our teenage daughter."
Colby G.
Chicago
Science > Chicago, IL
"We are so impressed with my granddaughter's tutor Colleen. My grandchild is so reluctant to behave during sessions but Colleen has been extremely flexible and accommodating, doing whatever she can help us during sessions. We are so grateful to have worked with her!"
Arya W.
Chicago
Science > Chicago, IL
"Leena and I are so very grateful and appreciative of all the tutoring assistance that WandaSue provided for her. WandaSue is very pleasant, patient, kind, and knowledgeable!!!!! She also provides much-needed and timely humor regarding some of the software she helped with. She made a huge positive difference in Leena's success in the 3D Modeling course she took. "
Leena V.
Chicago
Science > Chicago, IL
Why Grade Potential
Private 1-On-1 Tutors That Come To You
No commute, no waiting rooms, no scheduling around a center’s hours. Grade Potential tutors go to you, whether that is your home, your local library, or a nearby coffee shop. Sessions happen where it is easiest for your family.
We Do The Matching, So You Don't Have To
Grade Potential connects students with local subject-matter experts based on their grade, specific challenges, learning style, and your family’s schedule.
100% Verified And Background Checked
Safety is our top priority. Every tutor is screened through multiple background checks, consistent with local requirements and platform standards. You can feel confident knowing who is coming into your home and working with your child.
96% of Families Would Recommend Us
Real results speak for themselves. In a recent survey, 96% of Grade Potential families said they were likely or very likely to recommend us to another family. Every session is built around what your child specifically needs to catch up and get ahead.
Science Tutoring By Subject & Class
Biology
Cells, genetics, ecosystems, and the human body. A strong foundation for life science and health-related coursework.
Chemistry
Atoms, reactions, the periodic table, and bonding. A course where math and science start working closely together.
Physics
Motion, forces, energy, and waves. A course that often requires strong algebra and problem-solving skills.
Earth & Space Science
Weather, geology, oceans, and the solar system. Builds understanding of Earth systems and space science concepts.
Integrated Science
Biology, chemistry, and physics combined into one course. Designed to connect major science concepts across disciplines.
Environmental Science
Ecosystems, climate, pollution, and natural resources. Connects science concepts to real-world environmental issues.
Anatomy & Physiology
Bones, muscles, organs, and body systems. Common for students exploring nursing, health science, and related fields.
AP & College Science Courses
College-level rigor with higher expectations for labs, exams, and independent problem solving.
How It Works
Share Your Unique Needs
Tell us where your child wants to level up and what success looks like for your family. We use that to build a learner profile and match them with the right local tutor.
We Find The Perfect Fit
No sorting through endless profiles and hoping for the best. Grade Potential does the work of connecting your family with an experienced tutor based on your learner’s goals and learning style. We have made thousands of matches. You just have to say yes.
A Background-Checked Tutor Shows Up At Your Door
Once you are matched, your tutor comes to you. Sessions happen on your schedule, in a setting that works for you. Your child gets focused, 1-on-1 support from a qualified professional, right from the start.
Science Standards And Curriculums
Middle School Science
In Chicago Public Schools (CPS), middle school science follows the Illinois Learning Standards for Science, which incorporate the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). To create district-wide equity, CPS rolled out Skyline Science. Developed with Amplify Science, Skyline uses digital simulations and hands-on kits, in which students actively investigate local, real-world phenomena and engage in dynamic, three-dimensional problem-solving.
High School Science
To graduate from a Chicago high school, the Illinois State Board of Education requires three years of science, specifically including laboratory-intensive courses. The most common pathway within the CPS system involves a sequence of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Local schools implement this framework using customized high school modules from the Skyline Curriculum. This rigorous approach prepares students for state-level assessments, like the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA), emphasizing data literacy and engineering design.
College Science
Transitioning to higher education in Chicago, such as at the City Colleges of Chicago or the University of Illinois Chicago, requires strong scientific literacy. College courses move away from standardized state frameworks to focus on deep analytical research. Students must adapt to fast-paced laboratory environments and advanced quantitative reasoning. Science tutoring can help students develop the independent inquiry and evidence-based argument skills they’ll need at this level.
Entrance Exam Scores
ACT Scores
Starting with the 2024–2025 school year, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) officially moved to the ACT as its mandatory exam to gauge graduation- and college-readiness. Testing with the ACT has also been expanded to include 9th and 10th graders. The most common pathway involves 9th graders taking the PreACT 9 Secure, 10th graders taking the PreACT Secure, and 11th graders taking the ACT with Writing.
SAT Scores
For nearly a decade, the SAT served as the primary benchmark for Chicago high schoolers, but it didn’t have a specific science section. Instead, Reading and Writing sections included essential scientific data analysis and text interpretation. While the state recently transitioned away from it, historical data highlights consistent challenges, with average composite scores settling around 950. CPS students can still choose to take the SAT on their own over a weekend for college applications, but many local institutions, such as UIC, UChicago, and Loyola University, do not require the SAT for admission.
Programs and Resources
Early Science Programs
Getting a strong start in science is important for students. To build this vital foundation, Chicago Public Schools implements the hands-on Skyline Science curriculum. The inquiry-based framework helps elementary and middle school students develop the analytical reasoning skills required for high school classes as well as the college admission process down the road.
Science Resources
Chicago offers excellent enrichment resources that bring science to life outside the classroom. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry provides low-cost, highly active Curiosity Day Camps and seasonal design workshops. High schoolers can also find tuition-free enrichment at the University of Illinois Chicago through the UIC Summer College programs. Additionally, Chicago Public Schools runs the CSI Summer of Learning, connecting students to entirely free, community-based field trips and interactive STEM experiences across the city.
Finding A Science Tutor In Chicago
A science tutor provides support as your student studies the classroom material they’re being taught. A tutor can help them understand tough textbooks, solve chemistry equations, and break down physics problems. They can also guide your student through writing lab reports and analyzing data.
As the science units change from one week to the next, a tutor can customize their lessons to target your student’s exact needs for coursework and tests.
You might notice your student’s science grades dropping, but the signs often start earlier. CPS science classes don’t just ask students to memorize definitions. Instead, they require students to explain why things happen and analyze graphs.
If your student seems frustrated by their science homework or feels unsure about an upcoming test or something they learned in class, additional support may be beneficial.
Many science tutors based in or near Chicago can support a wide range of science subjects taught within Chicago Public Schools. For middle schoolers, this includes Physical or Earth Science, while for high schoolers, it includes Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Some experienced science tutors can also guide students through AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics, as well as college-level classes such as Molecular Engineering and Computational Neuroscience.
First, talk to your student’s teacher about where your student might benefit from tutoring. Which science concepts do they find challenging? Once you have that information, you can begin your search.
Grade Potential can connect your student with an experienced science tutor in your area without requiring you to sort through dozens of profiles on your own. We learn about your student’s academic needs and help you get matched with a tutor from Grade Potential’s network who has relevant subject expertise.
Chicago science tutoring rates typically range from $30 per hour to $90 per hour, but the final price depends on the session format (online or in person), the specific subject under consideration, and the tutor’s experience.
For example, online tutoring for an Albany Park 6th grader studying life science may cost less than in-home tutoring for a Solorio Academy senior studying Physics.
Yes, many science tutors can provide support for both coursework and exams. Science homework often shifts between reading assignments, math-heavy problem sets, and detailed data analysis. A science tutor can help your student navigate these transitions.
For exams, a tutor can design custom test preparation based on the class, grade, and material under review. They can teach your student how to write clear answers, complete multi-step equations, and study effectively so they feel confident on test day.
Yes, they can. For instance, science-related questions on college entrance exams often don’t test how many science facts your student remembers. Instead, they require students to read charts, interpret graphs, analyze data, and think logically under a tight time limit.
A tutor in Grade Potential’s network can offer support with test-taking strategies, pacing techniques, and practice questions.
Chicago Public Schools align their science subjects with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). In middle school, the science pathways and standards split into distinct disciplines, such as physical science, life science, and earth and space science.
CPS middle schoolers have to handle complex body systems, algebraic formulas, and unit conversions. Simply memorizing facts no longer works. Instead, students are often expected to apply concepts, analyze data, and explain their reasoning.
A science tutor can support your student as they adapt to these more advanced expectations, including data analysis, scientific reasoning, and lab report writing.
High school science classes are important to your student’s overall academic record and college preparation. The material is dense, meaning a small misunderstanding in September can cause problems when it comes time for final exams.
A science tutor can support your student by reinforcing daily classroom lectures and reviewing assignments, all while reviewing the foundational skills they need for graduation and college courses.
For AP students, a science tutor can provide the deep concept review and advanced practice that a crowded 50-minute school period can’t offer.
Science courses at Chicago-area colleges, such as the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and Northwestern University, move fast.
Science tutoring can provide targeted course support, guidance on fast-paced coursework and assignments, and a safe space for college students to ask questions and clarify complex concepts.
The best preparation blends concept knowledge with smart test-taking strategies. With tutoring, your student can practice working under time constraints and learn how the test makers design questions.
A tutor can also provide support to improve your student’s specific test-taking challenges, which may include analyzing data graphs or eliminating wrong answer choices. This personalized support can help your student feel prepared for the important CPS high school admissions test.
Frequently Asked Questions
We do the matching for you. A vetted, background-checked tutor who knows your child's curriculum comes directly to your door. No marketplace, no sorting through profiles, no guesswork.
Most families are matched with a tutor within 2 to 3 business days, depending on subject, location, and schedule availability. If you have an upcoming test or a tight timeline, let us know during intake and we will prioritize your match accordingly.
Sessions happen where it is easiest for your family. That might be your home, a local library, or a nearby coffee shop. Online sessions are available when in-person does not work.
Grade Potential works with experienced, professional independent tutors who have a track record of working one-on-one with students. Most hold degrees in their field and many are certified teachers or graduate students with specialized subject expertise.
Yes. Before any introduction is made, every tutor completes a SimpliVerified background check consistent with local requirements and platform standards. You know exactly who is coming to your door.
Packages are customizable based on your budget, session cadence, timeframe, and location. Clear pricing is presented before you begin, with no hard sales tactics and no obligation to purchase a long-term package.
No contract and no obligation to purchase a long-term package upfront. Sessions are flexible and pricing options are presented clearly so you can choose what works best for your family.
Reach out to your tutor directly to reschedule. We ask for reasonable advance notice so your tutor can adjust their schedule and your child does not lose momentum.
Refund eligibility depends on the package selected and the timing of the request. All terms are presented clearly before you commit so there are no surprises after the fact.
It happens and it is not a problem. Let us know and we handle the rematch at no additional cost. A new tutor is introduced directly so your child does not lose momentum or have to start from scratch.