Award-Winning 5th Grade Vocabulary Tutors

America's #1 Tutoring Platform

Who needs tutoring?

FOXNBCCBSUS NewsTIMEUSA Today

TUTORS FROM

  • YaleUniversity
  • PrincetonUniversity
  • StanfordUniversity
  • CornellUniversity

Award-Winning 5th Grade Vocabulary Tutors

Kate

Certified Tutor

Kate

Masters, Environmental Engineering
Kate's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus

I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When ...

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Masters, Environmental Engineering

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Jessica

Certified Tutor

Jessica

PHD, Medicine
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Honors Chemistry

I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writ...

Education

Nova Southeastern University

PHD, Medicine

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelors, History

University of Pennsylvania

undergraduate

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Jai

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Jai

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Jai's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Electrical Engineering
ACT Writing

I'm a recent Stanford graduate (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and have been working at a major Management Consulting firm for a few years now. I personally scored a 2360 (out of 2400) on the SAT and 35 on the ACT and was successful in gaining admission to several top universities. I'...

Education

Stanford University

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Test Scores
SAT
1590
ACT
35
Jeffrey

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Jeffrey

Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering
Jeffrey's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra

I am enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Rice University which will begin Fall 2020, and I am hoping to return to academia as a professor after earning my PhD. In the meantime, I am looking to share my passion for gaining knowledge, specifically in STEM, by educating the up and com...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor of Science

Rice University

Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
34
Erika

Certified Tutor

Erika

Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Erika's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am available to tutor middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am...

Education

Harvard University

Master of Public Policy, Public Policy

Test Scores
ACT
32
Rhea

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Rhea

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Rhea's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

I am a current student at the University of Chicago. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I am on the pre-medical track. I am extremely passionate about tutoring, and I have several years of experience tutoring students in my high school's learning center in various...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1550
ACT
36
Charles

Certified Tutor

Charles

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Charles's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Trigonometry

I am a junior Mechanical Engineering major at Yale, and I hope to become a Naval Aviator after college. I am also a varsity sailor, and enjoy playing music with friends when I can get some free time. I have been tutoring my fellow students throughout my entire academic career, and I would best descr...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1440
ACT
34
MaryAnn

Certified Tutor

13+ years

MaryAnn

Bachelor of Science, English, Psychology
MaryAnn's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Reading
SAT Writing and Language

I am a published author who has enjoyed “coaching” our daughter, as she navigated through high school, college and graduate school. I mentor college juniors who are seeking careers in financial services, and I serve as a peer resource to professionals who are transitioning from private industry to t...

Education

University of Pittsburgh

Bachelor of Science, English, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1520
Tony

Certified Tutor

Tony

Bachelor of Science in Biology
Tony's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Biology
High School Biology

I am a recent graduate of Yale University and incoming first year medical student at Columbia University. Originally from the DC area, I have always had a passion for science and medicine and pursued a degree in Biology while at Yale. During the 2008-2009 academic year, I tutored science, math, Engl...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Matthew

Certified Tutor

Matthew

Bachelors in Human Biology (concentration in Bioinformatics and Stem Cell Science)
Matthew's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Arithmetic

I'm a highly creative person who works best with visual thinkers. Very recently graduated from Stanford University, I majored in Human Biology with a concentration in Bioinformatics and Stem Cell Science. Technical though my background may be, I am currently gigging as a singer/songwriter/composer i...

Education

Stanford University

Bachelors in Human Biology (concentration in Bioinformatics and Stem Cell Science)

Test Scores
SAT
1510

Meet Our Expert Tutors

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Samuel

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am a freshman at Caltech majoring in Applied and Computational Mathematics. My favorite subject to tutor is math because I find it very rewarding to simplify complex topics to aid in understanding. I have lots of tutoring experience. In high school, I ran and taught an SAT prep class and was vice president of my school's NHS chapter where I ran our tutoring program, and I, myself, tutored. I also was a teaching assistant in the summer of 2020 for a class in discrete mathematics through a program called PACT (Program in Algorithmic and Combinatorial Thinking). I love learning and hope to make the process enjoyable for you!

View Profile

Zachary

Trigonometry Tutor • +35 Subjects

I am passionate about teaching and tutoring and I thoroughly enjoy helping students gain an understanding and a drive for their studies. I have a long history of working with students of all grade levels and abilities (elementary school through college), and I have a good understanding of strategies to excel in both general academics and standardized tests.

View Profile

Sami

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +19 Subjects

I am a Duke University graduate in Economics and Computer Science. I am currently pursuing an MBA degree at the Yale School of Management. I have worked in the financial field, both at a management consulting firm and a fortune 500 company. My hobbies include playing and coaching soccer. Hobbies: reading, writing, art, books, music

View Profile

Tiffany

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +56 Subjects

I am available to tutor a broad range of subjects, I am passionate about test preparation, Accountancy, and Algebra.

View Profile

Quinn

Calculus Tutor • +17 Subjects

I am willing to address any issue with an open mind and I try to develop strategies that play to a student's strengths. I would like to think I am very approachable and personable, and I have had very positive experiences with many students in the past using this philosophy. Outside of academics, I love playing basketball and watching sports, as well as chilling with friends, listening to music, and keeping up with politics and current affairs.

View Profile

Pinelopi

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +25 Subjects

I am a Duke University graduate with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I have experience tutoring all levels of Spanish language, all sections of the SAT, as well as algebra, pre algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus! I love kids & I have a very flexible schedule and a lot of patience! Let me help you :)

View Profile

Annie

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +28 Subjects

I am currently a second year medical student. I was a Physiological Sciences major at UCLA (class of 2015), and pursued research during my gap year between undergrad and medical school.

View Profile

Samantha

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

I'm a first-year medical student and recent graduate from Duke University, where I studied Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions. From running a piano program at a nonprofit children's theatre to private tutoring in math, science, and standardized test prep, I enjoy helping my students become confident and self-sufficient learners! Hobbies: photography, travel, reading, music, writing, running, art, books, traveling

View Profile

Earnest

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects

I am comfortable with either setting. I'm confident that I can help you (or your student) achieve to the best of their ability, so please don't hesitate to get in touch!

View Profile

Sharon

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, and I will be starting a graduate program at Columbia in August. I am about to complete a year of service with City Year, an education non-profit that places young adults into under-served schools. As a City Year member, I worked full-time in the classroom with middle-school students who were in approximately the 10th percentile for math (meaning they score lower than 90% of students). One-fourth of those students were able to grow around 15 percentile points by the end of the year! Hobbies: reading, cooking, gardening, music, art, nature, books, writing

View Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Fifth graders often struggle with multi-meaning words (like "bank" or "plant"), understanding context clues to determine word meaning, and applying academic vocabulary across different subjects. Many students also find it difficult to distinguish between similar words (synonyms and antonyms) and to use new vocabulary naturally in their own writing and speech. A tutor can target these specific gaps with targeted practice and real-world examples.

Tutors teach students to identify surrounding words and sentences that hint at a word's meaning, rather than relying solely on memorization. Through guided practice with age-appropriate texts, students learn to recognize signal words like "because," "however," and "for example" that clarify unfamiliar vocabulary. This strategy becomes invaluable as texts grow more complex in middle school and beyond.

Academic vocabulary includes words commonly used in textbooks and classroom instruction across subjects—words like "analyze," "summarize," "infer," and "conclude"—that differ from conversational language. Fifth graders need explicit instruction in these terms because understanding them is essential for following directions, comprehending texts, and expressing ideas in writing. Tutors help students recognize and use academic vocabulary consistently across math, science, social studies, and language arts.

Research on learning shows that spaced repetition and retrieval practice work best—reviewing words multiple times over days and weeks, rather than cramming. Effective tutors use strategies like word mapping (connecting new words to related words and concepts), creating sentences with new vocabulary in context, and applying words across different subjects. This approach helps vocabulary stick and become part of a student's active vocabulary.

Understanding common roots (like "port" meaning "carry" or "graph" meaning "write") and prefixes (like "un-," "re-," and "pre-") helps students decode unfamiliar words independently. Fifth grade is the ideal time to build this foundational knowledge, as it allows students to unlock the meaning of dozens of words they haven't explicitly learned. A tutor can teach students to apply these patterns strategically when encountering new words.

When students have access to more precise and varied vocabulary, their writing becomes clearer, more engaging, and more persuasive. Instead of using the same basic words repeatedly (like "said" or "nice"), students can choose words that better express their ideas. Tutors help students practice incorporating new vocabulary into their own sentences and paragraphs, making the connection between vocabulary knowledge and writing quality concrete and practical.

Tutors assess where each student is starting—whether they're building foundational vocabulary, working at grade level, or ready for advanced challenge—and tailor instruction accordingly. A student who struggles with basic sight words needs different support than one ready to explore sophisticated synonyms and nuanced word meanings. Personalized instruction ensures every student is appropriately challenged and building confidence.

Yes—strong vocabulary is directly linked to reading comprehension and overall test performance on assessments like state standardized tests. Many test questions require students to understand word meanings in context and to recognize synonyms or antonyms. By building both vocabulary knowledge and test-taking strategies, tutors help students approach these assessments with greater confidence and accuracy.

Connect with 5th Grade Vocabulary Tutors

Get matched with expert tutors in your subject