The Priory front-loads its requirements: most students finish the bulk of what colleges require by the end of sophomore year, leaving junior and senior year open for electives and advanced courses. Our tutors are current and former Stanford students who explain the science and math clearly and keep a busy student on track.
Tell us about your student, and we’ll match them with a Stanford tutor who fits.
We tutor Priory students in everything from Algebra I and Physics to Honors Chemistry and AP courses, and help with essays, study skills and the Senior Project. Sessions are one-on-one, at your home or online.
Physics, biology, then chemistry
Ninth graders take Physics or Honors Physics, tenth graders take Biology or Honors Biology, and most students take Chemistry in eleventh grade. Each honors science course has its own way in: Honors Physics and Honors Biology use placement exams, and Honors Chemistry, which leads to AP Chemistry, also weighs the physics grade and a teacher’s recommendation. A tutor builds the algebra physics depends on and helps a student read a science textbook well, so they’re ready for the honors reading and problems. Learn more about our science tutoring.
Middle school humanities and study skills
In the Priory’s middle school, one Humanities teacher teaches each grade both English and history and serves as its homeroom teacher, and sixth graders take a semester of Study Skills. A tutor carries those habits into homework: planning the week, breaking a long assignment into pieces, and writing a strong paragraph about what they read. Learn more about our academic coaching.
What parents say
“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. Not only did her grade in math improve, her study habits improved and she’s doing better in all of her classes.”
Eduardo S., San Francisco
“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. … This is a first class operation.”
Christy S., Portola Valley
“My son was a senior this year and 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
The Senior Project
In the spring, Priory seniors design and carry out an independent project with a mentor and then present it. A tutor helps a senior choose a project they can finish, set milestones, and write and rehearse the final presentation. Learn more about our English and writing tutoring.
Tell us about your student, and we’ll match them with a Stanford tutor who fits.