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10 Best Math Tutors Serving Philadelphia

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Philadelphia's Top 5 Math Locations

Philadelphia, a city renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, also offers a wealth of opportunities for exploring mathematics and STEM fields. These educational spaces range from interactive museums and hands-on workshops to innovative programs and organizations dedicated to making math and science both accessible and engaging. Each venue and program is designed not just to educate, but to inspire a lifelong fascination with these crucial disciplines, contributing to the development of future innovators and problem solvers.

Science History Institute
315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
215.925.2222
sciencehistory.org

This venue offers a journey through the history of science and technology, with exhibits that explore the diverse histories behind science. It's a free museum, providing public programming and educational outreach.

The Franklin Institute
222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.448.1200
fi.edu

Known for its innovative approach to science education, The Franklin Institute offers a range of exhibits and experiences that make learning about science and technology engaging and fun.

Independence Seaport Museum
211 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-413-8655
phillyseaport.org

This museum offers educational tours focusing on engineering and navigation, with exhibits featuring a collection of compasses, maps, and navigation objects from the colonial era. A great way to bring mathematical concepts to life!

Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-299-1000
ansp.org

The oldest natural history museum in the U.S. offers an immersive experience in natural history and science. It provides a dynamic learning environment for STEM education through its interactive exhibits. The museum offers educational opportunities for all ages, engaging visitors in the fundamental concepts of science and the natural world.

The Fabric Workshop and Museum
1214 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-561-8888
fabricworkshopandmuseum.org

The Fabric Workshop and Museum in Philadelphia, although primarily focusing on art, offers unique educational programs that blend art with math, focusing on geometry, design, and the mathematics of fabric design.

Philadelphia Math Standards

Since the adoption of the PA Core Standards in 2010, Pennsylvania's math education has prioritized a comprehensive approach to foster student success. The K–5 standards establish a strong groundwork in whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and basic operations, guiding students towards more advanced concepts. Progressing from this foundation, students engage in practical learning in geometry, algebra, and probability, preparing them for eighth-grade algebra.

High school standards further emphasize real-world applications, encouraging students to apply mathematical thinking to address contemporary issues. By emphasizing both procedural skills and conceptual understanding, these standards aim to ensure students acquire and apply the essential knowledge needed for success at higher academic levels.

Philadelphia Math Test Scores

In Philadelphia, the assessment of math standards and student performance relies significantly on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and Keystone Exams. The PSSA, administered to students in grades 3-8, evaluates proficiency in reading, mathematics, science, and writing, with math and reading being the only subjects tested annually at each grade level. 

The Keystone Exams are taken three times by each student, covering different subjects each time. Introduced as a replacement for the 11th grade PSSA, it is pivotal in gauging student abilities in core areas. The 3 areas tested are Algebra 1, Literature, and Biology. These tests are administered to students at or near the end of the corresponding classes.

In the 2022-23 academic year, Philadelphia's district students in grades 3-8 reported a math proficiency rate of 20.4% on the PSSA exams, notably lower than the statewide average of 39.4%, based on data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. To improve on these scores, The Board of Education for the School District of Philadelphia has established “Goals and Guardrails” to outline how students can continue to improve. The goal relating to math testing aims for 52% of 3rd-8th grade students to be proficient on the state math assessment by August 2025. 

Results for the Algebra 1 Keystone exam for 2023 revealed that 25.3% of Philadelphia students achieved proficiency, trailing behind the statewide average of 34.2%.These findings underscore the need for ongoing efforts to enhance academic outcomes within the Philadelphia education system.

Philadelphia Math Competitions and STEM Events

The MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge (M3 Challenge), orchestrated by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) in Philadelphia, is a notable high school math competition. It invites teams of junior and senior students to solve real-world problems through mathematical modeling. Now in its 19th year, the M3 Challenge offers over $100,000 in scholarship prizes and is free to enter, promoting practical math application and inspiring STEM careers. 

The Governor's STEM Competition in Pennsylvania, facilitated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is a notable event that significantly contributes to STEM education in the state. This competition challenges high school student teams (grades 9-12) to design and present a device or project that can improve the quality of life for Pennsylvanians. It emphasizes a student-centered approach, integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in ways that foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Philadelphia Grassroots and Gonvernmental Iniatitives in Math

Coded by Kids, established by Sylvester Mobley, is an impactful program in Philadelphia that offers youth aged 8 to 18 comprehensive education in software development, digital design, programming, and entrepreneurship. Focusing on students from underrepresented communities, its mission is to guide them towards thriving careers in the technology sector, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge for success in the industry.

The STEM Scholars Program at The Franklin Institute is a transformative initiative for high school students in Philadelphia, particularly those historically underrepresented in STEM fields. It's an empowering opportunity for students to explore and grow in STEM disciplines, paving the way for future academic and career successes in these fields.

Philadelphia Math Curiosities and Facts

01

The University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, has a rich history in mathematics education. The first Master in Mathematics at the university was appointed on December 17, 1750​​.

02

William Penn, upon receiving his charter in 1681, offered land investors in Pennsylvania two acres of Philadelphia city lots for every 100 acres purchased in the countryside, not pre-calculating the city's necessary acreage for this plan. As a result Penn had to extend the acreage considered part of the city of Philadelphia. Remember to always double check your calculations!

03

Notable early figures in mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania include The Rev. Hugh Williamson who acted as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and member of the first Congress!

04

Philadelphia is known for its medical sector, with one out of every six doctors in the U.S. receiving training in the city. The city is also home to the first hospital and medical school in the United States!

05

The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia was home to the operation of the first all-electronic computer, called ENIAC, which began in 1945. This marks a significant milestone in the history of computing and technology.

Pennsylvania's SAT Scores

In 2022, Pennsylvania achieved an average SAT score of 1091, outperforming the U.S. average of 1050. Additionally, the state's average Math score of 540 surpassed the national average of 521.While Pennsylvania demonstrated consistent score improvements from 2017 to 2021, 2022 witnessed a slight decline. Despite this, the overall trend remains positive, indicating sustained academic progress in the state

Source: NCES

Pennsylvania's ACT Scores

Nationally, the average mathematics score for the ACT in 2022 was 19.3, a decline from the 2018 average of 20.5. In contrast, Pennsylvania's average ACT math score in 2022 was 23.7, showing an increase from 23.2 in 2018. This data indicates a national downward trend in ACT mathematics scores over the past few years, while Pennsylvania has demonstrated an upward trajectory in the same period.

Source: NCES

January 2024 Report from Learner Reveals Significant Educational Shifts in Philadelphia

The latest comprehensive study by Learner unveils a decade of transformation in Philadelphia’s educational landscape. This report, focusing on math education across Pennsylvania, brings to light both strides and struggles in various facets including graduation rates, teacher salaries, student performance, and educational investments. This analysis reflects the current state of math education in Pennsylvania, painting a complex picture of the state’s educational journey and the divergent experiences of its counties.

Quick Facts

Graduation Rate Increase

2010-2011

83%

2021-22

87%

Teacher Salary Growth

2010-2011

$60,536

2021-2022

$72,248

Increase in SAT Math Scores

2017-18

531

2022-23

540

Increase in ACT Math Scores

2012-2013

22.7

2022-2023

23.7

Decline in SAT Participation

2017-2018

65%

2022-2023

48%

Decrease in ACT Participation

2012-13

18%

2022-2023

7%

Highest Performing Districts
PSSA Math Scores (2023)

COUNTY DISTRICT % PROFICIENT AND ABOVE
ALLEGHENY UPPER SAINT CLAIR SD 80.4
MONTGOMERY LOWER MERION SD 80
ALLEGHENY FOX CHAPEL AREA SD 78.7
DELAWARE RADNOR TOWNSHIP SD 78.3
WASHINGTON PETERS TOWNSHIP SD 77.8

Percent Proficient and above by county

In Pennsylvania, math proficiency among students varies across counties. Notably, Philadelphia County has the lowest proficiency rate at 20%, despite having a large number of students (46,321). This is a contrast to the state-level rate of 39.4%. On the other hand, Union County leads with a 60% proficiency rate among its 1,509 students. Centre County follows closely with a 48% proficiency rate among 4,978 students. These statistics highlight the diverse educational outcomes in different regions of Pennsylvania, reflecting varying levels of success in achieving math proficiency, according to data from the PSSA.

Access the interactive map.

PSSA Results

39.4% of students

of Pennsylvania's students in grades 3-8 achieved proficiency or higher on the 2023 PSSA, closely aligning with pre-pandemic levels.

This marks a significant recovery from 2022 and 2021, where proficiency rates were 34.4% and 32.8% respectively.

Comparatively, pre-pandemic proficiency rates were 42% in 2018 and 42.4% in 2019. The continued improvement in the last few years suggests a positive outlook going forward.

Graduation Rates: Steady Progress

Over a decade, from 2010-11 to 2021-22, Pennsylvania's high school graduation rates exhibited consistent growth. The rate incrementally rose from 83% to 87%, with minor fluctuations. The most significant growth was from 83% in 2010-11 to a peak of 87.4% in 2019-20, followed by a slight dip and stabilization around 87% in the subsequent years, indicating a broadly positive trend in educational achievement statewide.

Graduation Rate Increase

2010-2011

83%

2021-22

87%

These figures signify effective policies and strategies in student retention and education quality.

Teacher Salaries: The Backbone of Quality Education

In the 2021-2022 school year, Pennsylvania's average teacher salary reached $72,248, reflecting significant growth from $59,156 in 2009-2010. However, when adjusted for purchasing power, the 2021-2022 figure falls short compared to a decade prior. In 2009-2010, the adjusted average salary was $76,976, while in 1999-2000, it peaked at $80,498.

Even in 1989-90, the adjusted salary was $74,047, indicating a historical decline in purchasing power. Nationally, only Minnesota saw an increase in average teacher salary adjusted for purchasing power from 2009-2010, the increase was 0.4%.

Educational Expenditures

Pennsylvania's expenditure for K-12 education reached $19,194.72 per pupil in 2019-2020, marking a significant increase from $14,956 in 2010-2011.

Rise in Educational Expenditures (per pupil)

2010-2011

$14,956

2019-2020

$19,194

This level of spending currently places Pennsylvania 8th in spending and 9th in funding among U.S. states.

These financial commitments equate to 3.96% of the state's taxpayer income.

How to Find the Right Online Tutor in Philadelphia

The easiest way to find online math tutors in Philadelphia is by looking online. If you work with us at Learner, we will make the process simple and efficient for you. When looking for math tutors, you need to find someone who understands the ins and outs of the areas your child needs help with so they can provide correct expert knowledge for your student. Additionally, your math tutor should be competent in tutoring and cares about working to connect with your child so they can connect them to the material.

With your child’s grades and future on the line, sometimes it’s easier to work with a service that offers exact and systematic matching like ours so you can ensure your student is in the best hands.

Why work with Learner?

At Learner, we care about our students. We take the time to curate a team that is made up of nothing but the best online math tutors with expert backgrounds and experience in any specific math area. No matter which math concept you or your child is struggling with, we provide a 100% risk-free satisfaction guarantee that you’ll have the best opportunity for success by matching you with the best math tutor based on your specific needs. We provide an innovative learning environment that gives consistent feedback to track your progress.

How does Learner tutoring work?

Answer questions about your child's background and unique needs.

Schedule a call with our Academic Advisor to identify learning goals and objectives.

We will custom match the right tutor for your child. Your initial session is commitment-free.

How Philadelphia Students Can Benefit From Working With Learner

One-on-One Learning

Tutoring supports one-to-one learning for Philadelphia students. Most students are in a class with 20 or more students so it is difficult for a teacher to provide one-to-one assistance to any child.  Private online one-on-one tutoring allows a student as much time as necessary to learn new concepts and ask as many questions as necessary to master a concept.

Boosts Confidence

Tutoring helps students build confidence and self-esteem. One-on-one tutoring in particular, allows a student sufficient time to master a new concept. Once a student masters new concepts and can see the results, either through successful homework results or exams, a student starts to believe that they can accomplish the task at hand and succeed in their academics on their own.

Improves Retention

When students leave school to go on summer vacation or intermittent breaks, they can forget a lot of what they learned throughout the course of the school year, making them vulnerable when they move on to advanced courses in the new year. Online tutoring can help students stay on track with their skills and academics.

We love our Philadelphia students and they love us!

Chelsea from Learner helped me to get a full ride to Duke University.

“Chelsea from Learner was the perfect match for me. She customized the training so that it would push me hard - but not too hard where I would get frustrated. I worked with Chelsea for years because she took a genuine interest in me and my future.”

"Stephanie taught me how to be more organized. I was getting Bs and Cs before I started working with her. I used to get overwhelmed before studying for a test. Stephanie taught me how to create “study guides” so I’d have all the big ideas in one place. I am now getting As and Bs and my parents are much happier."

"When I first started working with Alan, I told him I would never be good at math. I barely passed my first two years of high school math and I needed one more hard math class to graduate. Alan believed in me and worked with me on the basics. Little by little, he built up my confidence to the point where I realized I am good at math and I did well in the class."

Popular Math Tutoring Subjects for Philadelphia Students

Math is an intricate subject that builds on itself as a student progresses through levels of learning. It’s imperative to master one concept at a time in order to successfully grasp the next level of math they encounter. Math teaching styles have changed throughout the years but Learner tutors are vetted to have the most up-to-date teaching methods so they speak your student’s math language.

Top Math Locations

Learner’s Annual Women in STEM Scholarship

Scholarship Award: $1,000

The Women in STEM Scholarship is a recurring scholarship that’s open to women who are STEM majors. The next deadline to apply is November 20th, and winners will be announced on December 20th.

About the Women in STEM Scholarship

Women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) play crucial roles in today’s rapidly evolving technological advancements. However, the STEM industry hasn’t always advocated for equal representation, leaving women disadvantaged. With this considered, Learner’s Annual Women in STEM Scholarship strives to encourage and support women pursuing a STEM career, recognizing the boundless potential they bring to global innovation.

The journey to gender equality in STEM fields, although progressing, still has a long way to go. Beyond fairness, the industry as a whole needs bright, young minds to continue its advancement, and we believe women are the key to filling the gap. By offering support to dedicated women pursuing a STEM education, we hope to encourage the next generation of STEM leaders, minimizing financial strain and inequality.

We at Learner recognize the importance of promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Our scholarship is a testament to our dedication to equal opportunities in STEM, aimed at reducing barriers that impede the academic journey of young women in these fields. By doing so, we hope to inspire more women to pursue and thrive in STEM careers, contributing to a richer, more diverse professional realm.

We believe more diverse representation in STEM will fuel innovation, drive growth, and lead to more comprehensive solutions for global challenges. We also envision this scholarship serving as a catalyst to motivate other institutions and organizations to promote gender equality in STEM education and careers.Through Learner’s Annual Women in STEM scholarship, we aim to foster a community of women empowered by knowledge, driven by curiosity, and ready to contribute to the STEM field.

Scholarship Details:

Amount: $1,000
Application deadline: November 20

Winner announcement: December 20
Recurring: Annually

Learner Scholarship Contributions

13
Scholarships Awarded
$14,500
Total Awards

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for this scholarship, please carefully review the following eligibility criteria. Ensure you meet these requirements prior to submitting your application.
  • Woman studying a STEM major

  • All high school senior, undergraduate and graduate students

  • Applicant must be a current U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident

How to Apply:

You can apply for this scholarship on the Bold.org scholarship platform. Follow the directions and submit your application for the Women in STEM Scholarship, along with a short essay answering the following prompts:

  • Why have you chosen to study STEM?
  • How do you hope to make an impact as a woman in STEM?

Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions

When is the scholarship deadline?

The application will be open through November 20.

What is the scholarship prize? 

The scholarship award is $1,000.

When will the winner be chosen and notified?

Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. Recipients will be chosen based on the merit of their application.

How will the scholarship be paid?

The prize check will be sent to the scholarship winner’s college institution in their name and in the name of their institution (depending on the school’s requirements).

Is this a recurring scholarship?

Yes, the Women in STEM Scholarship is an annual scholarship.

How will my application information be used?

Learner manages this scholarship with the support of the Bold.org scholarship platform. Bold.org takes student confidentiality and privacy incredibly seriously. Please refer to the application page on Bold.org for full details.

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What are the most common degrees in Philadelphia?

Andrew J Simcox // Shutterstock

More Americans than ever are earning diplomas, which boosts earnings and decreases their risk of unemployment.

Learner analyzed data from the Census Bureau via the University of Minnesota IPUMS to see what the most common college majors are for American workers in Philadelphia, based on a national analysis. Numbers are rounded to the nearest hundred.

In 2022, 37.5% of adults 25 and older had earned a bachelor's degree or higher, up from around 28% in 2009. The rise may be due in part to a shift in job requirements: Roles that once required just a high school education now call for a college degree. Americans holding bachelor's degrees had an unemployment rate of just 2.2% last year, compared to 3.9% for those with only high school degrees, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

New York Federal Reserve research published in 2019 found that college graduates had a substantial premium over workers with only high school degrees, earning about $30,000 a year more on average. They estimate that for students who complete their degrees, the return on investment for a college degree is around 14%.

Nationally, business is by far the most common undergraduate major. As of 2022, around 8.5 million adults working full-time had a bachelor's degree in a business-related field, while 2.9 million of them also earned some kind of postgraduate degree in the field, such as a master's degree in business or accounting.

Common jobs for business majors include accountants, who make a median income of $80,000 yearly; financial analysts, who make around $100,000; and market researchers, who take home about $75,000, per BLS data. Engineering and education were the next most common fields for full-time workers, with around 4.5 million graduates each.

College is becoming increasingly expensive. However, for some, especially those with an academic aptitude, earning a degree can still make financial sense.

Read on to see what the most common college degrees are in Philadelphia.

#5. Communications

- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 10,500

-- Median annual income: $57,000

- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 5,300

-- Median annual income: $70,100

#4. Fine arts

- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 10,900

-- Median annual income: $46,200

- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 6,100

-- Median annual income: $57,300

#3. Social sciences

- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 12,100

-- Median annual income: $67,900

- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 11,300

-- Median annual income: $93,200

#2. Medical and health sciences and services

- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 12,600

-- Median annual income: $76,000

- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 8,800

-- Median annual income: $95,800

#1. Business

- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 36,300

-- Median annual income: $69,600

- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 15,800

-- Median annual income: $91,100

This story features data reporting and writing by Wade Zhou and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 35 cities.