Why math gaps compound
Math is cumulative. A child who never quite understood fractions will struggle with ratios, a child who is shaky on ratios will struggle with linear equations, and by algebra the gap feels like a wall. The good news is that gaps are usually narrow and specific. A few well-chosen sessions often unlock months of frustration.
Elementary math foundations
In the early grades we focus on number sense: knowing what numbers mean and how they relate, rather than memorizing steps. We cover place value, addition and subtraction strategies, multiplication facts and the ideas behind them, division, fractions and decimals, and word problems. Word problems get special attention, since many children who calculate well freeze when a question is wrapped in a story.
- Number sense and place value, using pictures and objects before symbols.
- Multiplication and division fluency, built on understanding patterns.
- Fractions and decimals, where many students first lose confidence.
- Reading word problems carefully and choosing an operation for a reason.
Middle school: pre-algebra and algebra
Middle school math introduces ratios, proportional reasoning, negative numbers, expressions and equations, and in many schools Algebra I. We teach the why alongside the how, so that solving an equation is understood as keeping both sides balanced instead of a ritual of moving terms across an equals sign. Students practice with their own homework and returned tests, which shows us exactly which kinds of mistakes they make.
For older students, math is part of our SAT prep, and we offer course support for high school classes through homework help and study skills. We do not currently offer Regents prep in math; our Regents track covers ELA and U.S. History.
How sessions work
Every session starts with something the student can do, to build momentum, then moves to the concept that is causing trouble. The student does the work with the tutor beside them, and we stop regularly to have the student explain the step back in their own words. Explaining is the quickest way to find the difference between knowing and nearly knowing.
Parents receive notes after every session, including what to practice before the next one. Practice is short and specific: ten focused problems usually beat an hour of repeating what is already easy.
What to bring to the first session
Bring your child's most recent math homework, a returned quiz or test, and the textbook or worksheet packet if there is one. If the teacher has sent a note about where your child is struggling, bring that too. We do not need a stack of materials, but real work shows us the habits behind the mistakes, such as skipping steps, misreading signs or guessing at which operation to use.
It also helps to tell us how your child feels about math. A child who says they are bad at math usually has a specific gap and a confidence problem layered on top. We address both, because a student who believes they can improve works harder at it.
Format, price and location
Math tutoring is $100 per hour. Online sessions use a shared screen so the student can write out each step while we watch. In-person sessions are available at your home or a nearby public spot in Westchester, the Bronx, Manhattan and the other areas we serve, with a travel fee agreed before booking.