Cardinal TutorsPeninsula Find a Tutor

Questions Parents Ask Us

Every family asks us for something different: a tutor who skis, a woman role model, someone who took the same honors class at the same high school. Tell us what you’re hoping for, and we’ll find the right person.

The tutor you have in mind

My child prefers a student athlete who understands juggling school and sports. Can you accommodate that?
Yes. About half of our tutors play, compete in or coach a sport, from varsity baseball and college track to fencing and gymnastics. We’ll find you one who knows what a week of practices and games feels like.
Can we ask for a female tutor?
Yes. We match by gender whenever a family asks, and many families want a woman as a role model for older girls.
Can we ask for a male tutor?
Yes. We match by gender whenever a family asks, and many families want a man as a role model for older boys.
Why a college student instead of a teacher or a professional tutor?
Our tutors took these classes recently and remember what was hard about them. They’re close enough in age for your child to look up to, and students listen to them in a way they often won’t listen to an adult. The mentoring matters as much as the homework.
We want a mentor, not just someone who explains homework.
Most of our families do. We choose a tutor your child can look up to, not just someone who knows the subject.
Can you find a tutor who went to my child’s school?
Often, yes. Many of our tutors went to local high schools, and we’ve placed graduates with students at their old schools.
Do your tutors know the exact class my child is taking, even honors, AP or IB?
Usually, yes. We look for someone who took the course or has tutored it, and your tutor works from your child’s own syllabus, textbook and tests.
My child is shy. Do you have someone easygoing?
We do. We match on personality as well as subject, and a warm, patient tutor can do a lot for a shy student.
My child needs someone with energy and a sense of humor.
We have plenty of tutors like that, and we’ll find one your child enjoys working with.
Can you find someone who shares my child’s interests?
Yes. We ask about your child’s interests for exactly this reason. Our tutors include dancers, musicians, robotics captains, game designers and filmmakers. We’ve paired a young skier with a tutor who skis, and a student curious about law and ethics with a tutor who shares that interest.
Do you have a tutor who speaks our language at home?
Yes! Our tutors speak Spanish, French, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Italian, German, Portuguese, Farsi, Hindi, Tagalog and more.
Do you have tutors with teaching experience?
Yes. Some of our tutors have taught in classrooms, worked at learning centers or are studying for a master’s in education.
Who are your tutors?
Our tutors are current Stanford students and alumni. We interview every one of them before they start.
Can we see résumés before we decide?
Always. We send the résumé of the tutor we think fits best, and when more than one is a good fit, we send them all so you can choose.
Can we talk to the tutor first?
Yes. We’re happy to set up a short call.
What if the tutor isn’t the right fit?
This is very rare, but when it happens we’re always happy to find you a better fit! If you’ve bought a package, your remaining hours move to the new tutor.
What if our tutor graduates or goes abroad?
We find you someone new, and your hours carry over.

Your child

My son has ADHD. Can you help?
Yes. Quite a few of our tutors have worked with students with ADHD, and we match for how much structure and support your son needs. More on ADHD coaching and tutoring.
My child forgets assignments and can’t stay organized.
That’s one of the most common reasons parents call us. A tutor helps your child break work into parts, track what’s due and build habits that last. More on academic coaching.
My child has dyslexia, an IEP or a 504 plan. Can you help?
Yes. Many of our tutors have experience with learning differences, and some are studying education. We’ll find the tutor with the most relevant experience, and they’ll build on what your child’s specialists recommend.
My child is autistic or twice-exceptional. Can you help?
Yes. Some of our tutors have worked one-on-one with autistic students or coached executive function, and the résumé we send shows you what they’ve done. More on twice-exceptional students.
My child freezes up on tests.
A tutor works on the material and on how your child takes the test: timing, showing work, staying steady. One-on-one, a student can get things wrong without an audience.
My child understands the material but keeps losing points.
A tutor goes through your child’s tests to see where the points are going, whether that’s careless mistakes, timing or how they show their work, then practices with them until those habits change.
My child has lost all confidence in math.
We hear this often. The tutor starts where your child actually is, not where the class is, and builds from there. Patience is the first thing we look for.
My teenager doesn’t want a tutor.
Plenty of them don’t, at first. Teenagers often take advice from a college student that they won’t take from a parent, and many come around once they meet someone they like.
My child needs help speaking up in class.
We can help. We’ve set up regular conversation sessions for exactly this, so a student gets comfortable with discussion a little at a time.
My child is failing a class.
We can help. A tutor starts with the next test and works back through what was missed.
The teacher isn’t explaining it, and my child is teaching themselves.
Families come to us for this all the time. A tutor fills in what the class didn’t cover and gets your child ready for how that teacher tests.
My child is ahead and bored.
A tutor can go faster, go deeper or prepare your child for an accelerated class. We’ve worked with very young students reading and doing math well above grade level.
Do you work with kindergartners and first graders?
Yes, with tutors who have experience at that age. We keep sessions fun, get kids reading, and go deep on whatever your child loves.
Can someone sit with my child during homework?
Yes. Families have had tutors come as often as five evenings a week to keep homework on track and teach organization along the way.
My child missed school because of an illness or injury.
A tutor helps your child catch up at a pace that works for them.
We just moved here, and school is different.
A tutor gets your child up to speed on what this school expects.
My child is still learning English.
We can help. A tutor finds what’s getting in the way, makes a plan and helps your child get comfortable speaking.
We homeschool. Do you work with homeschoolers?
Yes. The tutor works from your curriculum.
Do you tutor college students?
Absolutely. We help with college and community college courses, and with the organization and time management students need when they’re living away from home for the first time.
Do you work with adults?
Yes. We’ve helped adults with college classes and with English.
Will my child’s grades go up?
Better grades are what we’re here for, and you can read what parents say about their children’s grades and confidence. If the tutoring isn’t working, we’ll find someone else.

What we teach

What subjects do you cover?
Math, science, English and writing, history, languages, computer science and study skills, from elementary school through college. If you don’t see yours, ask. See our services.
We want someone seriously strong in math or science. How advanced can you go?
Through multivariable calculus, linear algebra and beyond. We also have many PhD students, and you’ll see each tutor’s major and coursework on the résumé.
Do you help with biology and chemistry?
Yes, including honors and AP.
Can someone teach writing, not just fix my child’s essay?
That’s how our tutors work. They edit with your child and explain why each change works, so the next essay is better without them.
Do you help with early reading?
Yes. Phonics, comprehension and getting a child to enjoy books.
Can someone teach my child Spanish, Latin or another language?
Yes. Spanish, French, Mandarin, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin and more.
Can you teach coding?
Yes, we have many wonderful computer science tutors. They teach Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, R, SQL and MATLAB, along with AP Computer Science.
My child wants a robotics mentor.
Yes. We’ve matched students with tutors from robotics clubs and with computer science and engineering majors.
Do you prepare students for the SAT and ACT?
Yes, with tutors who scored high themselves. It starts with a practice test to find where the points are, then a plan built around them, then more practice tests. See SAT and ACT prep.
Do you help with private school entrance tests like the ISEE, SSAT or HSPT?
Yes. We build the plan around the school and the test date. See ISEE, SSAT and HSPT prep.
Can someone prepare my child for a private school interview?
Yes. We often do this alongside test prep.
Do you help with AP exams?
Yes, across math, science, English, history and more.
Can you help with a math placement test?
Yes, for both district and private school placement tests.
Can you help with college essays?
Yes. We match you with a tutor who’s strong in writing, and they help your child find the story and tell it well. See college application help.
Will you manage my child’s college applications?
Our tutors help with essays and with the applications themselves, and your child stays in charge of the process. We’re tutors, not an admissions firm.
Can a tutor review an essay between sessions?
Yes. Time spent editing outside a session counts as tutoring time.
Can a tutor make practice problems for my child?
Yes. Tutors often build a practice sheet before a big test.
Do you coach math competitions or olympiads?
Yes. Some of our tutors have competed in and coached math competitions.
My child is curious about something unusual, like philosophy, law or marine biology.
Ask us. Our tutors study all kinds of things, and we’ve matched students on interests like law, philosophy and ethics.

Where and when

Will a tutor come to our home?
Yes. Our tutors come to you. Working at home helps students build study habits they can keep using after the tutor leaves.
Do you serve my town? We live a little far out.
Often, yes. Our tutors travel to families all over the area, and for a longer trip some families cover the rideshare or travel. Online is always an option too.
Do you offer online tutoring? How does it work?
Yes, and many of our families choose it. Sessions run over video, and the tutor works through your child’s actual problems the same way they would in person. See online tutoring.
Can we start online and move in person later, or the other way around?
Yes. Plenty of families mix the two.
Can we meet at a library?
Yes, a library works well.
We don’t live in California. Can you help?
Yes, online. Most of our tutors are in California, and we’ll find a time that works across time zones.
We’re traveling or moving abroad. Can we keep going?
Yes, online. If your child travels for sports, sessions can go on the road too.
Do you tutor during the summer?
Yes, in person and online. Many of our tutors travel over the summer, so write to us early and we’ll line someone up.
What times are tutors available?
Mostly afternoons, evenings and weekends, around their own classes.
My kid’s sports schedule changes every week.
You arrange times directly with your tutor, so sessions can move around practices and games.
How often should my child meet with a tutor?
Most families aim for once a week. Some meet two or three times a week, and others every other week or only before big tests.
Can you help right away? There’s a test this week.
Yes. Send us the date and we’ll move quickly. Online is usually fastest.
Do sessions have to be an hour?
No. You and your tutor decide.
Can one tutor help both of my children?
Yes, either together or back to back.
Can one tutor cover several subjects?
Yes, often. Most of our tutors teach several subjects, and if a combination calls for two tutors, we’ll match you with two.
Do you do small groups?
Our tutoring is one-on-one, and we’ve also arranged sessions for siblings and small groups of classmates. Ask us what you have in mind.

How it works

When was Cardinal Tutors founded? How long have you been doing this?
Cardinal Tutors was founded in 2010.
What happens after we inquire?
You’ll get our welcome email and parent agreement. Once you accept, we find a tutor and send you the résumé. When you’re happy with the tutor, we introduce you by email and you set up the first session together.
How long does it take to find a tutor?
Usually a day or two.
Do I have to sign something?
No printing and no signing. You accept the agreement by replying to our email. It doesn’t commit you to starting.
Can I talk to someone first?
Yes. Ask on the form or by email, and we’ll call you.
What happens in the first session?
Your tutor will already know your goals from us. They get to know your child and start on the work right away.
How do you choose your tutors?
We read every résumé and interview every tutor ourselves. The ones we hire are our employees, not independent contractors.
Do you run background checks?
Yes. We run background checks on all our tutors.
Do I schedule through you or with the tutor?
With the tutor, directly. After our introduction, the two of you set times together.
Can my teenager be on the emails?
Yes. We can include your student on the introduction, and many older students arrange sessions with their tutor themselves.
Can I sit in on sessions?
Yes, you’re welcome to.
How will I know how it’s going?
We check in after the first session, again after a few, and at the start of each school year. You’ll have your tutor’s contact information too, so you can ask them anything directly.
Can the tutor work with my child’s teacher?
Yes. Your tutor works toward the teacher’s goals and follows the syllabus.
We tutored with you years ago. Can we come back?
Yes, and we’d love to have you. Write to us with what your child needs now.

Paying

What are your rates?
Our welcome email has them, and it reaches you right after you fill in the form.
Do we have to buy a package?
No. You can pay as you go and get a bill each month, or buy a package of hours before the first session. You choose after you’ve agreed on a tutor.
Do you offer a free trial session?
No, we don’t, but there’s no commitment to continuing tutoring if you’re not satisfied.
Do package hours expire?
Never. Your hours stay yours, however long it takes you to come back.
Can package hours move to another tutor or subject?
Yes. Your hours can go to a new tutor or a new subject.
How do we pay?
By PayPal invoice, which takes credit cards, or by check.
Do we pay the tutor?
No. You pay us, and we pay the tutor.
How do we know what we’re being billed for?
Your tutor logs each session, and we bill from those records. Ask us and we’ll send you the session dates.
A school, agency or grant is paying. Can you work with that?
Yes. We can send the invoice to whoever is paying, along with a W-9.
We won a tutoring certificate at a school auction.
Send it to us and we’ll get you started.
Will you donate to our school’s auction?
We’ve donated to school fundraisers before. Write to us about yours.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours ahead by telling your tutor, and there’s no charge. Later than that, the session is billed.
Can we pause, or stop at any time?
Yes to both. There’s no long-term commitment, and you can pick back up whenever you like.

Didn’t see your question?

Send it to us on the form, along with what you’re hoping for, and we’ll write back.
Find a Tutor

Meet our tutors.

Samantha

Samantha

Pursuing a Ph.D. inBioengineering

Tutors Biology · Chemistry · Math

  • Research in deep learning for assistive robotics
  • President’s Undergraduate Research Award
Find a Tutor
Raquel

Raquel

StudiesBiology

Tutors Math · Spanish · Writing

  • AP Scholar with Distinction
  • Bilingual teaching experience in Spanish
Find a Tutor
Anna

Anna

StudiesNeuroscience

Tutors Biology

  • Research internship in Hamburg, Germany
  • Governor’s Scholars Award recipient
Find a Tutor
Daniel

Daniel

StudiesElectrical Engineering & Computer Sciences

Tutors Math · Physics · Computer science

  • High-school valedictorian
  • STEM education minor and after-school tutoring
Find a Tutor
Preston

Preston

StudiesApplied Mathematics

Tutors Math · Calculus · Computer science

  • Mathematics research fellow
  • Presented at the Young Mathematicians Conference
Find a Tutor
Evan

Evan

StudiesPhysics & Applied Mathematics

Tutors Math · Physics · Calculus

  • Independent research in machine learning for quantum computing
  • 4.0 GPA in Physics & Applied Mathematics
Find a Tutor
Lesly

Lesly

StudiesMathematics & Computer Science

Tutors Math · Computer science · Spanish

  • Java and Python programming
  • Game development and interactive software projects
Find a Tutor

Our tutors, in parents’ own words

All reviews
Math
A note from a parent

“Our tutor is truly amazing! He is so patient, explains things well, asks great questions, and checks for understanding. Owen really enjoyed working with him and they accomplished so much. This is really a game changer for us! I had high hopes and he exceeded them.”

Meredith K.
Find a math tutor
Math
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“The tutors themselves have been great: well-prepared, thoughtful and on-time. At each level of math needed, we found these Stanford students to be not just helpful tutors but great mentors as well.”

Christy S.Portola Valley
Find a math tutor
Finding a match
A note from a parent

“You connected Leo with a great tutor and made the process seamless.”

Paula H.
Find a Tutor
Reading & writing
A note from a parent

“I have been absolutely impressed by her lessons over the past few months. Lily also loves working with her. She has been making great progress with her programming and writing.”

“I find your tutor quality to be excellent and a perfect fit!”

Vivian C.
Find a coding tutor
Test prep
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“The subsequent long term tutor that we had for pre calc and for ACT tutoring was amazing. She was completely professional, organized, thorough and easy to work with.”

Mel H.Redwood City
Find a math tutor
Confidence & connection
A note from a parent

“You have been a wonderful inspiration for Eli and we are very grateful for having you in the past half-year!”

Irene Z.
Find a math tutor
Finding a match
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“We used Cardinal Tutors and were happy with the level of professionalism and responsiveness we received. The math tutor selected for our son was a good match for him.”

Kerry P.Menlo Park
Find a math tutor
Test prep
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“Our tutor was a senior at Stanford who tutored my son in English, and also SAT preparation. My son received great marks on the SAT exam and also improved his grade in AP English from B to A.”

Janet Y.Menlo Park
Find a writing tutor
Reading & writing
A note from a parent

“The girls have loved their time with her, and it showed: Clara's CAASPP score was excellent and Ruby has done tremendous improvement in her reading from below grade level to at grade level!”

“Thanks for your tremendous partnership over many years!”

The Whitfield family
Find a reading tutor
School support
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“My son had a wonderful experience with Cardinal Tutors when he needed help with his High School math and science classes. It turns out my son also needed help staying organized with all his assignments, something that the tutor helped with as well.”

Amy C.Palo Alto
Find a math tutor
School support
A note from a parent

“Your program really helped us. Henry pulled up his English last year to an A, and his next tutor helped him pull up his math and bio.”

“Everyone is looking for tutors and I said you're the best.”

Laura T.Palo Alto
Find a math tutor
Confidence & connection
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“Fantastic tutoring service. The tutor (who was a Stanford junior) really connected with my son and inspired him to learn. He had some great study tips and was able to help my son raise his grades by quite a bit.”

Pamela T.Palo Alto
Find a Tutor
Math
A note from a parent

“She found a perfect match for my son… He is stellar. My son has grown leaps and bounds in math. Our tutor is not only a subject matter expert but teaches very well, highly prompt, flexible when needed.”

Hannah B.
Find a math tutor
Programming
A note from a parent

“The program has been awesome for us. Theo loves working with our tutor and has learned so much.”

“Our tutor is just outstanding — great with Theo and very communicative with me. Super helpful!”

Rebecca D.Palo Alto
Find a coding tutor
Math
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“My daughter went from a C in Algebra II to an A- in one semester. The tutor was great, she really related to my daughter and made learning fun for her.”

Eduardo S.San Francisco
Find a math tutor
Reading & writing
A note from a parent

“We had an incredible experience with our daughter's previous tutor from Cardinal for a couple of years!… She is doing really well with her reading and comprehension and I think our tutor put her at two grade levels ahead.”

Joanna P.Palo Alto
Find a reading tutor
School support
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“I reached out to Cardinal Tutors and was lucky enough to find the most amazing tutor. I wish I had found him earlier.”

Sharon C.Los Altos
Find a Tutor
Math
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“We used Cardinal Tutoring again in the Spring 2018 for precalculus. Once again, she had a great tutor she really liked and who really helped her this year. My daughter is a senior so we won't need Cardinal Tutoring again, but I highly recommend them!”

Gail F.Palo Alto
Find a math tutor
Math
A note from a parent

“I wanted to thank you for finding our tutor who tremendously helped Sam with his math.”

Diane W.
Find a math tutor
School support
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“We have had an excellent experience with Cardinal Tutors for the past two years. Neil was very responsive whenever we had any questions. We definitely strongly recommend them and plan on using them again in the near future.”

L F.San Jose
Find a Tutor
Math
A note from a parent

“Nora enjoys her sessions with her tutor and it's already helping her confidence with math.”

Alison M.
Find a math tutor
Finding a match
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“CT is awesome-- they found a great tutor for us. Only wish they could find more!”

L W.Menlo Park
Find a Tutor
School support
A note from a parent

“She is doing great at school, on top of her stuff… We loved working with you and will recommend to friends.”

Teresa L.
Find a Tutor
Confidence & connection
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“My son looked forward to his time with his tutor and felt good about his efforts and progress.”

Pat M.Menlo Park
Find a math tutor
School support
A note from a parent

“You and your team are doing an amazing job. Thanks for all the help!”

Natalie R.Milpitas
Find a Tutor
Confidence & connection
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“It was great to find a couple of really smart young women who helped not only with the subject matter, but became great role models.”

Joel S.Santa Monica
Find a math tutor
Confidence & connection
A note from a parent

“Iris loved working with her tutor!! … Also, I have another student for you — a friend of Iris's that needs help.”

Gloria F.
Find a Tutor
Finding a match
A note from a parent

“Your matchmaking service is very clever and provides great options.”

Renee A.
Find a Tutor
School support
A note from a parent

“She's a great tutor who has helped June progress.”

Colleen V.
Find a Tutor
Finding a match
A note from a parent

“Thank you for selecting an excellent tutor for her.”

Wendy G.
Find a Tutor
School support
A note from a parent

“We love our tutor! A great start, she is excellent and has jumped right in.”

Sandra J.
Find a Tutor
School support
A note from a parent

“Our tutor is great! We are very happy with the service.”

Holly N.
Find a Tutor
Confidence & connection
A note from a parent

“It's been a great experience for our daughter with her tutor.”

Brenda O.
Find a Tutor
Online tutoring
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“Their response time is outstanding. Neil responded quickly to my tutoring request for my 15-year-old. Love knowing that I have access to these high-quality services for my children. And, we use them via Zoom since we live in Tennessee. I cannot say enough great things about this business:)”

Pamala H.
Find an online tutor
Confidence & connection
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“Very professional service with excellent teachers. My son loved his teacher, called him the best he ever had! I can very highly recommend it.”

Jeannet K.
Find a Tutor
School support
★★★★★Yelp review ↗

“I am usually not one to write a review, but I wanted to communicate how great Cardinal Tutors was for my child. They had a very flexible plan which helped accommodate my child's needs and I saw a tremendous return (grade-wise) from their services. Could not recommend more highly.”

John Y.
Find a Tutor

Tell us about your student, and we’ll match them with a Stanford tutor who fits.

Find a Tutor