The Harker School Tutoring

Harker students often work at an advanced level, and they benefit from a tutor who can keep up. Our tutors are Stanford students with deep knowledge in their subjects, from multivariable calculus to computer science.

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

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We help Harker students go deeper in their classes, prepare for standardized tests and work on college essays. Sessions are one-on-one, at your home or online, whichever fits an already full day.

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
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Raquel

Raquel

StudiesBiology

Tutors Math · Spanish · Writing

  • AP Scholar with Distinction
  • Bilingual teaching experience in Spanish
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Anna

Anna

StudiesNeuroscience

Tutors Biology

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

Daniel

StudiesElectrical Engineering & Computer Sciences

Tutors Math · Physics · Computer science

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

Preston

StudiesApplied Mathematics

Tutors Math · Calculus · Computer science

  • Mathematics research fellow
  • Presented at the Young Mathematicians Conference
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Evan

Evan

StudiesPhysics & Applied Mathematics

Tutors Math · Physics · Calculus

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

Lesly

StudiesMathematics & Computer Science

Tutors Math · Computer science · Spanish

  • Java and Python programming
  • Game development and interactive software projects
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Kathleen

Kathleen

StudiesNeuroscience & Psychology

Tutors Biology · Chemistry · Math

  • Stroke-recovery research in a neuroscience lab
  • Dean’s Honor List
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Sophie

Sophie

StudiesChemical Biology

Tutors Chemistry · Math · Physics

  • National Merit Finalist
  • 5s on 10 AP exams, including Chemistry and Biology
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Oliver

Oliver

StudiesEnglish & Creative Writing

Tutors Writing · History · French

  • Editor-in-chief of a student literary magazine
  • Edited screenplays as a film development intern at Blumhouse
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Ruhy

Ruhy

StudiesSociocultural Anthropology

Tutors Writing · History

  • Fellow mentoring youth in environmental education
  • Camp Kesem volunteer supporting kids whose parents have cancer
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Amy

Amy

StudiesChemical Engineering

Tutors Math · Chemistry · Physics

  • 5s on AP Calculus BC, Statistics and Chemistry
  • Samueli School of Engineering Scholarship
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Connor

Connor

StudiesStructural Engineering

Tutors Math · Physics · Statistics

  • Private AP Calculus AB tutor
  • Co-directed engineering workshops for 4th–6th graders
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Physics first, then chemistry and biology

Harker’s upper school science follows a set order. Every ninth grader takes Physics or Honors Physics, then chemistry in 10th grade and biology in 11th. Honors Physics asks students to build mathematical models from their own lab data, and it’s taken alongside Honors Geometry or a higher math course, so a freshman may be learning new math and using it in physics at the same time. Chemistry the next year builds on that problem-solving, and students who want AP Chemistry in 10th grade complete a summer course first. A Stanford tutor can work across both subjects in one session, connecting the algebra and geometry to the physics problem in front of your student, and help with lab analysis and unit test review so each year starts on solid ground. Learn more about our science tutoring.

Keeping an honors or AP placement

Harker places students in each subject based on the previous year’s work, and its honors and AP sections come with a clear expectation. A student earning below a B during a grading period can be put on Placement Review for about two weeks, or until the next major assessment such as a unit test. If the grade doesn’t come up, the student moves to the grade-level section. Students can also choose to move to a less demanding section until the last week of October.

Moving up works the other way: a solid A in a grade-level course, plus department approval, opens the honors or AP course the next year. Tutoring can help at each of these moments, whether that’s catching a shaky unit early, preparing for the test that matters most, or building the habits a student needs to take the step up.

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
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
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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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
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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
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Math
A note from a parent

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

Diane W.
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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
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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
Finding a match
A note from a parent

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

Paula H.
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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
Math
A note from a parent

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

Alison M.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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Finding a match
A note from a parent

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

Renee A.
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School support
A note from a parent

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

Sandra J.
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Math
A note from a parent

“Our tutor has been a great fit for our family - she’s patient and friendly and explains math concepts in a way that my 10 year old daughter enjoys. My daughter says that her time with her tutor is the highlight of her day. She goes from a state of panic about math to confidence in just one hour.”

Dana R.
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
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School support
A note from a parent

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

Colleen V.
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Finding a match
A note from a parent

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

Wendy G.
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School support
A note from a parent

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

Holly N.
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Confidence & connection
A note from a parent

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

Brenda O.
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Entrance exams for Harker applicants

Harker’s test depends on the grade: applicants to grades 2–5 take the ISEE, and middle and upper school applicants can submit the ISEE or SSAT. Scores are due by January 5, 2027, and Harker considers only the first set you submit. We help students get comfortable with the format and practice the reading, vocabulary, reasoning and math for their level. Learn more about our entrance-exam tutoring.

Learn more about our Cupertino tutoring nearby.

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

Find a Tutor