Middle school math · Pre-algebra · One-on-one
Online middle school math tutor, with algebra in sight.
Middle school is where arithmetic turns into algebra, and the habits formed in grades 6 to 8 decide how Algebra 1 goes. As a private online middle school math tutor, Rijul teaches students in those grades one-on-one, along with younger students ready for more, building the fluency with fractions, ratios and equations that algebra will take for granted.
Taught by Rijul, a UC Berkeley Regents’ Scholar
Dual degree in Data Science and Business Administration
Teaches middle school math through AP Calculus, SAT and ACT
Who it’s for
For students who were fine with numbers until the letters arrived.
Middle school math rarely falls apart all at once. It slips in a few predictable places:
Fractions that never settled
Adding, multiplying and especially dividing fractions are taught in fifth and sixth grade, then assumed. A student still guessing at the rules carries the guessing into every unit after.
Negative numbers
Subtracting a negative, or multiplying two of them, looks like a list of rules to memorize. Without a picture of what the signs mean, the rules blur under test pressure.
Ratios and percents
Unit rates, proportions and percent change are the first word problems that can’t be solved by spotting which operation to use.
From numbers to letters
Pre-algebra asks students to write an equation themselves and keep both sides balanced. It’s often where confidence in math first slips.
Work done in their head
Quick students learn to skip steps because early grades let them. Multi-step problems punish that, and writing the work out becomes a skill of its own.
What we cover
Sixth grade through pre-algebra.
Number sense
Factors and multiples, fractions and decimals in all four operations, and estimating before calculating.
Ratios, rates and percents
Unit rates, proportional relationships, scale drawings, and percent increase, decrease, tax and discount.
The number system
Integers and rational numbers on the number line, absolute value, order of operations, and square and cube roots.
Expressions and equations
Writing and simplifying expressions, the distributive property, and equations and inequalities from one step to several.
Geometry
Area, surface area and volume, angle relationships, circles, the Pythagorean theorem, and transformations on the coordinate plane.
Statistics and probability
Mean, median and spread, box plots and histograms, sampling, and simple and compound probability.
Eighth-grade functions
Slope, linear equations and functions, systems of two equations, and exponents and scientific notation.
Starting Algebra 1 in 8th grade, or sitting a placement test for an accelerated track? Sessions can preview the course and close the gaps a placement test looks for. Students preparing for the ISEE or SSAT can work on the math sections too.
How it works
Small gaps, found early and closed.
Sessions run on weekdays after school, until 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and on weekends.
- 01
A free consultation
We go over the latest report card, any teacher comments and recent tests, and how your child feels about math right now.
- 02
A skills check
A short diagnostic across fractions, negative numbers, ratios and equations, matched to your child’s grade, to find where the gaps begin.
- 03
A written plan
Gaps from earlier grades are closed alongside the current unit, so catching up never means falling behind in class.
- 04
One-on-one sessions
Ideas are shown at the board first, often with a picture or a number line, and the practice that follows is written with your child in mind.
- 05
Updates for parents
Plain-language notes, sent regularly, on what’s clicking and what still needs work.
Your tutor
Your child’s tutor: Rijul.
Rijul, who founded Vidansa, teaches every middle school student himself. A Regents’ Scholar at UC Berkeley, he earned a dual degree in Data Science and Business Administration.
Summer internships in analytical roles at Houlihan Lokey and Summit Partners filled his Berkeley years, and he has worked at a leading North American educational consulting firm. With younger students he follows the same order as with older ones: the idea made clear at the board first, then practice built from what the last session showed.
Testimonials
What families say.
“My two kids, now 7th and 5th grades, have been working with Rijul for 2.5 years, and both started well behind grade level. Both my kids wrapped up the previous school year top of their classes. My son was invited to compete in a global math competition as a representative of the school for this current school term. Math has become their favorite subject, they look forward to new concepts and challenges, and tackle them with true confidence.
Read the full note
“Rijul not only teaches them math, but also instills a genuine curiosity and joy for learning. My kids love their tutoring sessions, and actively ask for extra time with Rijul if they have an exam to prep for.
“Rijul truly cares about his students. We started working together in CA, then relocated to Hong Kong. Despite the time difference, Rijul has made sure my kids do not skip a beat in math. My son also often praises that Rijul teaches in ways he can actually understand.
“We are so deeply grateful for all the work Rijul has done.”
TS · Parent of 5th and 7th graders, Hong Kong “Rijul has been an incredible math and science tutor for my daughter. Beyond helping her strengthen her understanding of the subjects, he has helped her become more diligent, confident, and accountable as a student. What really sets Rijul apart is how invested he is in her success — he checks in regularly, follows up on her progress, and genuinely cares about her outcomes. We have seen a meaningful difference in both her confidence and her approach to school since working with him.”
CG · Parent of a 10th grader, Palo Alto, CA
Questions
Middle school math questions.
How much does middle school math tutoring cost?
$150 per hour, one-on-one, the same rate as every course. The consultation that comes first is free, and there’s no obligation afterward.
Do you work with students younger than sixth grade?
Yes. Fourth and fifth graders who need help with fractions and decimals, or who are ready to move ahead, are welcome.
Can sessions follow my child’s school math program?
Yes. Rijul works from the school’s own lessons and homework, whichever program it uses, and fills in the earlier skills each unit assumes.
Is online tutoring a good fit for a middle schooler?
For most students, yes. Sessions are live on Zoom, with a shared whiteboard you both write on, so your child is solving problems throughout rather than watching.
When are sessions?
Weekdays after school, until 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and weekends. Out west, a 6:30 p.m. Eastern start is 3:30 p.m. Pacific.
How do we start?
Use the form below to tell us about your child and the class. Rijul replies within 2 hours during the day (Eastern Time) to arrange the free consultation.
Free consultation
Book a free middle school math consultation.
Tell us your child’s grade, the class they’re in and what’s been getting in the way.
Prefer email?
rijul@vidansaeducation.com