The best tutors in San Francisco, CA

Yes. California students take the CAASPP Smarter Balanced tests in English language arts and math in grades 3–8 and 11, plus the California Science Test in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school. Filter by Math or Reading to find tutors who work on these skills, and ask whether a tutor knows your district's curriculum (SFUSD, San Mateo-Foster City, Oakland, Berkeley, San Ramon Valley and so on).

Lowell is SFUSD's academically selective high school. Its admissions policy has changed several times in recent years, including a period of lottery-based admission, so check SFUSD's current enrollment rules for the year your student applies rather than relying on older advice. Tutoring for Lowell applicants usually focuses on grades and coursework in middle school rather than a single entrance test.

Most San Francisco and Marin independent schools ask applicants for grades 5–12 to take the ISEE, and some accept the SSAT, especially boarding schools. Many Catholic high schools use the HSPT. Families usually apply in the fall for the next school year, and tests are taken from fall into winter. Several providers listed here offer ISEE, SSAT or HSPT prep.

Not for UC admission. The University of California is test-free and doesn't use SAT or ACT scores in admission or scholarship decisions, and the CSU system no longer uses them for admission either. Many private and out-of-state colleges still accept or require scores, and the PSAT is used for National Merit, so SAT/ACT prep remains common for students applying beyond the UC and CSU systems.

Bridges, BART and freeway traffic make travel time a real factor in the Bay Area. Several companies listed here send tutors to homes in Marin, the Peninsula and Contra Costa County, and most also offer online sessions. Centers on West Portal Avenue, Shattuck Avenue, Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Crow Canyon Place suit families who pass them every day. Filter by In-home or Online to see providers who come to you.