free homework help near me

Learn it Together

On-demand + recurring sessions, free virtual tutoring for middle and high school students.

Learn It Together is an educational nonprofit committed to closing the academic opportunity gap that disproportionately affects low-income students and students of color by providing free, accessible, and engaging virtual tutoring sessions.

Staffed and run by college students and recent graduates , we're here to serve. We boast a team of talented volunteer tutors from all over the country who specialize in homework help and test prep.

2,000+ sessions since march 2020., 15+ subjects. absolutely free., signing up is easy just click "book session," and follow the listed prompts. your account is made after your first booking..

Select your subject.

Select a specific tutor or "Any tutor."

Pick the date and time you want your session for.

Add the event to your calendar, and check your email for a confirmation email with an attached Zoom link.

Use the attached Zoom link to join your session!

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 5 best homework help websites (free and paid).

Other High School , General Education

Listen: we know homework isn’t fun, but it is a good way to reinforce the ideas and concepts you’ve learned in class. But what if you’re really struggling with your homework assignments?

If you’ve looked online for a little extra help with your take-home assignments, you’ve probably stumbled across websites claiming to provide the homework help and answers students need to succeed . But can homework help sites really make a difference? And if so, which are the best homework help websites you can use? 

Below, we answer these questions and more about homework help websites–free and paid. We’ll go over: 

• The basics of homework help websites
• The cost of homework help websites 
• The five best homework websites out there 
• The pros and cons of using these websites for homework help 
• The line between “learning” and “cheating” when using online homework help 
• Tips for getting the most out of a homework help website

So let’s get started! 

The Basics About Homework Help Websites–Free and Paid

Homework help websites are designed to help you complete your homework assignments, plain and simple. 

What Makes a Homework Help Site Worth Using

Most of the best sites allow users to ask questions and then provide an answer (or multiple possible answers) and explanation in seconds. In some instances, you can even send a photo of a particular assignment or problem instead of typing the whole thing out! 

Homework help sites also offer more than just help answering homework questions. Common services provided are Q&A with experts, educational videos, lectures, practice tests and quizzes, learning modules, math solving tools, and proofreading help. Homework help sites can also provide textbook solutions (i.e. answers to problems in tons of different textbooks your school might be using), one-on-one tutoring, and peer-to-peer platforms that allow you to discuss subjects you’re learning about with your fellow students. 

And best of all, nearly all of them offer their services 24/7, including tutoring! 

What You Should Should Look Out For

When it comes to homework help, there are lots–and we mean lots –of scam sites out there willing to prey on desperate students. Before you sign up for any service, make sure you read reviews to ensure you’re working with a legitimate company. 

A word to the wise: the more a company advertises help that veers into the territory of cheating, the more likely it is to be a scam. The best homework help websites are going to help you learn the concepts you’ll need to successfully complete your homework on your own. (We’ll go over the difference between “homework help” and “cheating” a little later!) 

You don't need a golden piggy bank to use homework help websites. Some provide low or no cost help for students like you!

How Expensive Are the Best Homework Help Websites?

First of all, just because a homework help site costs money doesn’t mean it’s a good service. Likewise, just because a homework help website is free doesn’t mean the help isn’t high quality. To find the best websites, you have to take a close look at the quality and types of information they provide! 

When it comes to paid homework help services, the prices vary pretty widely depending on the amount of services you want to subscribe to. Subscriptions can cost anywhere from $2 to $150 dollars per month, with the most expensive services offering several hours of one-on-one tutoring with a subject expert per month.

The 5 Best Homework Help Websites 

So, what is the best homework help website you can use? The answer is that it depends on what you need help with. 

The best homework help websites are the ones that are reliable and help you learn the material. They don’t just provide answers to homework questions–they actually help you learn the material. 

That’s why we’ve broken down our favorite websites into categories based on who they’re best for . For instance, the best website for people struggling with math might not work for someone who needs a little extra help with science, and vice versa. 

Keep reading to find the best homework help website for you! 

Best Free Homework Help Site: Khan Academy

• Price: Free!
• Best for: Practicing tough material 

Not only is Khan Academy free, but it’s full of information and can be personalized to suit your needs. When you set up your account , you choose which courses you need to study, and Khan Academy sets up a personal dashboard of instructional videos, practice exercises, and quizzes –with both correct and incorrect answer explanations–so you can learn at your own pace. 

As an added bonus, it covers more course topics than many other homework help sites, including several AP classes.

Runner Up: Brainly.com offers a free service that allows you to type in questions and get answers and explanations from experts. The downside is that you’re limited to two answers per question and have to watch ads. 

Best Paid Homework Help Site: Chegg

• Price: $14.95 to $19.95 per month
• Best for: 24/7 homework assistance  

This service has three main parts . The first is Chegg Study, which includes textbook solutions, Q&A with subject experts, flashcards, video explanations, a math solver, and writing help. The resources are thorough, and reviewers state that Chegg answers homework questions quickly and accurately no matter when you submit them.  

Chegg also offers textbook rentals for students who need access to textbooks outside of their classroom. Finally, Chegg offers Internship and Career Advice for students who are preparing to graduate and may need a little extra help with the transition out of high school. 

Another great feature Chegg provides is a selection of free articles geared towards helping with general life skills, like coping with stress and saving money. Chegg’s learning modules are comprehensive, and they feature solutions to the problems in tons of different textbooks in a wide variety of subjects. 

Runner Up: Bartleby offers basically the same services as Chegg for $14.99 per month. The reason it didn’t rank as the best is based on customer reviews that say user questions aren’t answered quite as quickly on this site as on Chegg. Otherwise, this is also a solid choice!

Best Site for Math Homework Help: Photomath

• Price: Free (or $59.99 per year for premium services) 
• Best for: Explaining solutions to math problems

This site allows you to t ake a picture of a math problem, and instantly pulls up a step-by-step solution, as well as a detailed explanation of the concept. Photomath also includes animated videos that break down mathematical concepts to help you better understand and remember them. 

The basic service is free, but for an additional fee you can get extra study tools and learn additional strategies for solving common math problems.

Runner Up: KhanAcademy offers in-depth tutorials that cover complex math topics for free, but you won’t get the same tailored help (and answers!) that Photomath offers. 

Best Site for English Homework Help: Princeton Review Academic Tutoring

• Price: $40 to $153 per month, depending on how many hours of tutoring you want 
• Best for: Comprehensive and personalized reading and writing help 

While sites like Grammarly and Sparknotes help you by either proofreading what you write via an algorithm or providing book summaries, Princeton Review’s tutors provide in-depth help with vocabulary, literature, essay writing and development, proofreading, and reading comprehension. And unlike other services, you’ll have the chance to work with a real person to get help. 

The best part is that you can get on-demand English (and ESL) tutoring from experts 24/7. That means you can get help whenever you need it, even if you’re pulling an all-nighter! 

This is by far the most expensive homework site on this list, so you’ll need to really think about what you need out of a homework help website before you commit. One added benefit is that the subscription covers over 80 other subjects, including AP classes, which can make it a good value if you need lots of help!  

Best Site for STEM Homework Help: Studypool

• Best for: Science homework help
• Price: Varies; you’ll pay for each question you submit

When it comes to science homework help, there aren’t a ton of great resources out there. The best of the bunch is Studypool, and while it has great reviews, there are some downsides as well. 

Let’s start with the good stuff. Studypool offers an interesting twist on the homework help formula. After you create a free account, you can submit your homework help questions, and tutors will submit bids to answer your questions. You’ll be able to select the tutor–and price point–that works for you, then you’ll pay to have your homework question answered. You can also pay a small fee to access notes, lectures, and other documents that top tutors have uploaded. 

The downside to Studypool is that the pricing is not transparent . There’s no way to plan for how much your homework help will cost, especially if you have lots of questions! Additionally, it’s not clear how tutors are selected, so you’ll need to be cautious when you choose who you’d like to answer your homework questions.  

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Homework Help Sites?

Homework help websites can be a great resource if you’re struggling in a subject, or even if you just want to make sure that you’re really learning and understanding topics and ideas that you’re interested in. But, there are some possible drawbacks if you don’t use these sites responsibly. 

We’ll go over the good–and the not-so-good–aspects of getting online homework help below. 

3 Pros of Using Homework Help Websites 

First, let’s take a look at the benefits. 

#1: Better Grades Beyond Homework

This is a big one! Getting outside help with your studies can improve your understanding of concepts that you’re learning, which translates into better grades when you take tests or write essays. 

Remember: homework is designed to help reinforce the concepts you learned in class. If you just get easy answers without learning the material behind the problems, you may not have the tools you need to be successful on your class exams…or even standardized tests you’ll need to take for college. 

#2: Convenience

One of the main reasons that online homework help is appealing is because it’s flexible and convenient. You don’t have to go to a specific tutoring center while they’re open or stay after school to speak with your teacher. Instead, you can access helpful resources wherever you can access the internet, whenever you need them.

This is especially true if you tend to study at off hours because of your extracurriculars, work schedule, or family obligations. Sites that offer 24/7 tutoring can give you the extra help you need if you can’t access the free resources that are available at your school. 

#3: Variety

Not everyone learns the same way. Maybe you’re more of a visual learner, but your teacher mostly does lectures. Or maybe you learn best by listening and taking notes, but you’re expected to learn something just from reading the textbook . 

One of the best things about online homework help is that it comes in a variety of forms. The best homework help sites offer resources for all types of learners, including videos, practice activities, and even one-on-one discussions with real-life experts. 

This variety can also be a good thing if you just don’t really resonate with the way a concept is being explained (looking at you, math textbooks!).

Not so fast. There are cons to homework help websites, too. Get to know them below!

3 Cons of Using Homework Help Websites 

Now, let’s take a look at the drawbacks of online homework help. 

#1: Unreliable Info

This can be a real problem. In addition to all the really good homework help sites, there are a whole lot of disreputable or unreliable sites out there. The fact of the matter is that some homework help sites don’t necessarily hire people who are experts in the subjects they’re talking about. In those cases, you may not be getting the accurate, up-to-date, and thorough information you need.

Additionally, even the great sites may not be able to answer all of your homework questions. This is especially true if the site uses an algorithm or chatbot to help students…or if you’re enrolled in an advanced or college-level course. In these cases, working with your teacher or school-provided tutors are probably your best option. 

#2: No Clarification

This depends on the service you use, of course. But the majority of them provide free or low-cost help through pre-recorded videos. Watching videos or reading info online can definitely help you with your homework… but you can’t ask questions or get immediate feedback if you need it .

#3: Potential For Scamming 

Like we mentioned earlier, there are a lot of homework help websites out there, and lots of them are scams. The review comments we read covered everything from outdated or wrong information, to misleading claims about the help provided, to not allowing people to cancel their service after signing up. 

No matter which site you choose to use, make sure you research and read reviews before you sign up–especially if it’s a paid service! 

When Does “Help” Become “Cheating”?

Admittedly, whether using homework help websites constitutes cheating is a bit of a grey area. For instance, is it “help” when a friend reads your essay for history class and corrects your grammar, or is it “cheating”? The truth is, not everyone agrees on when “help” crosses the line into “cheating .” When in doubt, it can be a good idea to check with your teacher to see what they think about a particular type of help you want to get. 

That said, a general rule of thumb to keep in mind is to make sure that the assignment you turn in for credit is authentically yours . It needs to demonstrate your own thoughts and your own current abilities. Remember: the point of every homework assignment is to 1) help you learn something, and 2) show what you’ve learned. 

So if a service answers questions or writes essays for you, there’s a good chance using it constitutes cheating. 

Here’s an example that might help clarify the difference for you. Brainstorming essay ideas with others or looking online for inspiration is “help” as long as you write the essay yourself. Having someone read it and give you feedback about what you need to change is also help, provided you’re the one that makes the changes later. 

But copying all or part of an essay you find online or having someone write (or rewrite) the whole thing for you would be “cheating.” The same is true for other subjects. Ultimately, if you’re not generating your own work or your own answers, it’s probably cheating.

5 Tips for Finding the Best Homework Help Websites for You

Now that you know some of our favorite homework help websites, free and paid, you can start doing some additional research on your own to decide which services might work best for you! Here are some top tips for choosing a homework help website. 

Tip 1: Decide How You Learn Best 

Before you decide which site or sites you’re going to use for homework help, y ou should figure out what kind of learning style works for you the most. Are you a visual learner? Then choose a site that uses lots of videos to help explain concepts. If you know you learn best by actually doing tasks, choose a site that provides lots of practice exercises.

Tip 2: Determine Which Subjects You Need Help With

Just because a homework help site is good overall doesn’t mean that it’s equally good for every subject. If you only need help in math, choose a site that specializes in that area. But if history is where you’re struggling, a site that specializes in math won’t be much help. So make sure to choose a site that you know provides high-quality help in the areas you need it most. 

Tip 3: Decide How Much One-On-One Help You Need 

This is really about cost-effectiveness. If you learn well on your own by reading and watching videos, a free site like Khan Academy is a good choice. But if you need actual tutoring, or to be able to ask questions and get personalized answers from experts, a paid site that provides that kind of service may be a better option.

Tip 4: Set a Budget

If you decide you want to go with a paid homework help website, set a budget first . The prices for sites vary wildly, and the cost to use them can add up quick. 

Tip 5: Read the Reviews

Finally, it’s always a good idea to read actual reviews written by the people using these homework sites. You’ll learn the good, the bad, and the ugly of what the users’ experiences have been. This is especially true if you intend to subscribe to a paid service. You’ll want to make sure that users think it’s worth the price overall!

What’s Next?

If you want to get good grades on your homework, it’s a good idea to learn how to tackle it strategically. Our expert tips will help you get the most out of each assignment…and boost your grades in the process.

Doing well on homework assignments is just one part of getting good grades. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about getting great grades in high school in this article.

Of course, test grades can make or break your GPA, too. Here are 17 expert tips that’ll help you get the most out of your study prep before you take an exam.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

How to find free tutoring for your child

by: Carol Lloyd | Updated: December 13, 2023

Print article

Decades ago, under the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, some children were eligible for free tutoring, though many children never received it. Now under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), each state gets to decide what kind of educational services it offers. But no matter what state you live in, you can still find free tutoring (or at least low-cost) from kindergarten to college.

What are the benefits of tutoring?

Decades of research suggest that tutoring is one of the most effective ways to support a struggling student . Whether it is individual tutoring or learning in a small group, your child will likely benefit from getting personalized support on their math, reading, or another academic subject. In addition, if your child is struggling with study skills or organization, a tutor can also help refocus your child and help them catch up on their school work.

Even though most public school teachers are required to have teaching credentials, the same is not typically true when it comes to tutors. In fact, a lot of tutoring programs employ college or high school students to support younger students. This means that parents need to do their homework to make sure their child receives tutoring that is truly helpful. Research shows that although the most effective tutoring is done by teachers or other trained experts, peer tutoring can also work well as long as the student tutors have been trained.

If you find a tutoring program connected to your school or district, ask school officials and tutoring service providers whether a tutoring program follows your district’s program of instruction. It’s also important to know whether a tutor will regularly communicate with your child’s teacher and with you. Don’t assume this will happen: always ask.

How to find free tutors near you

In many cases, access to free tutoring is based on your family income. For instance, if your child qualifies for a free or reduced-price lunch or attends a Title I school (where more than 40 percent of the students are from low-income families), your child may have access to special services at your child’s school or district. These services may take place during school hours or after school at your child’s school, or at another local public school. The best way to find out is to ask your child’s school about any free tutoring services offered by your school or the district.

Another important source of free tutoring is your local public library. Many libraries have after-school programs, college counseling programs, and tutoring programs in reading and math. Some of these programs offer individual tutoring in person. Others have arrangements with large national tutoring services, like Tutoring.com to give all children that use their library access to free tutoring. In this case, the tutoring would be online and you would need both an internet connection and a library card number to sign in.

Beyond schools and libraries, who provides affordable tutoring?

Before you begin looking for a tutoring program, first consider what fits your child’s needs and your budget. Read Need to Get a Tutor? Here are Questions You Should Ask for ideas about what to ask when you’re considering a tutor. Tutoring providers can be for-profit companies, nonprofit groups, private individuals, or colleges. Some are large national organizations with hundreds of tutors; others are quite small with just a handful of tutors. Whatever the case, you want a tutor who is a good fit for your child and for your family.

What’s better: Online tutoring vs in-person tutoring?

This is a question you need to ask your child. If the answer is in-person, you should search google for “free tutoring near me” or “free tutoring in [your town or city].” That way you can find out about small, in-person tutoring opportunities that a more general search will not turn up. Some national nonprofits also offer programs with free in-person tutoring.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America

In many locations, this national nonprofit offers “ Power Hour ,” an after-school program that helps kids and teens get their homework done. In some locations, it even includes free one-on-one tutoring. Joining the club involves an annual fee of $5 to $50 dollars, but families can apply for financial aid.

YMCA is a national nonprofit that offers a range of services for families, including academic support like low-cost and free after-school homework programs and tutoring . Find the closest YMCA and see what programs they offer. Some YMCAs hire certified teachers in their programs, while others are more like after-school clubs.

How to find free online tutoring

If you decide to search for an online tutor, there’s a wide variety of options to explore. It all can be overwhelming because the No Child Left Behind law created a huge market in online tutors – and some of them haven’t survived. What’s more, some tutoring services are designed only for special groups of students, such as students with learning disabilities. So as you look for online tutors, make sure your child qualifies before you apply.

Tutoring for all children

Bored of boredom.

This ambitious program offers free tutoring for K-12 students. Although it began in Los Angeles, this student-led service now operates nationwide and engages thousands of tutors.

CovEducation

Drawing on thousands of volunteers from universities across the country, CovEducation provides free tutoring and mentoring by partnering with local organizations or school districts. They then match children served by those organizations or districts with one of their volunteer tutors. Check where they operate near you and see if your child can get access to their services.

Schoolhouse.world

This online platform for students at least 13 years old offers free peer-to-peer tutoring in live sessions for 5 to 10 students. Founded by Khan Academy ’s Sal Khan, the program is available to students nationwide.

425 Tutoring

This is another free service that draws on the talents of student volunteers. The platform engages high school students by providing group tutoring sessions in multiple subjects, including math and English, for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Tutoring for students from low-income families

Learn to be.

This volunteer organization provides free tutoring to students who come from underserved communities and uses a pay-what-you-can model. The organization offers one-on-one tutoring in all K-12 subjects.

As a nonprofit organization, UPchieve has set a goal that by 2030 it will be able to support all 8 million low-income high school students in the nation. High school students from eligible families can get free online help in math, reading, science, and writing, as well as SAT and college prep.

Pandemic Professors

This nonprofit offers K-12 students from low-income households in 18 states free tutoring through an online platform. Check their website to see if it’s available near you.

For students with learning differences

Children’s dyslexia centers.

Dedicated to supporting children with learning differences, these centers offer free in-person individual tutoring in reading to students with dyslexia from grades 1 through 12. All tutors get training in the science of reading. Please note: Your child will need a formal diagnosis to receive services.

For students from military families

This for-profit company provides free online tutoring for children from U.S. military families, including service members, civilian personnel, and their dependents. This special program, which offers students homework help 24/7, can be accessed around the world wherever families live.

Homes Nearby

Homes for rent and sale near schools

The best way to study for tests, according to science

4 things that make kids more likely to succeed

40 up-and-coming careers that don’t require a 4-year college degree (and 9 to avoid)

42 up-and-coming careers that don’t require a 4-year college degree (and 10 to avoid)

Yes! Sign me up for updates relevant to my child's grade.

Please enter a valid email address

Thank you for signing up!

Server Issue: Please try again later. Sorry for the inconvenience

Free Online Tutoring and More with Brainfuse

Get free online homework help from one-on-one tutors, daily from 2–11 PM. Available in English and Spanish, from early elementary through high school grades, in core subject areas. Video content and other resources are also available 24 hours a day. (En español)

Access Brainfuse with Your New York Public Library Card

Start learning with the Library's partner in one-on-one tutoring, Brainfuse . Log in with your library card number for access. Please note: library cards must have a home library selected. If you need to select a home library, log into your account and click on Settings to set your Preferred Pickup location. If you sign up for a card through SimplyE , you must complete this step once your barcode has been emailed to you.

Families and students without a New York Public Library card can apply for a digital library card using the SimplyE app. This app has been uploaded to all iPads issued by the Department of Education. Learn more about how to apply for SimplyE: 

If you need assistance with Brainfuse, please contact Ask NYPL .

Live Support

Get live, virtual expert help with these subject areas:

• Mathematics (including Basic Skills through Calculus II)
• Science (including general through specialized topics like Organic Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology)
• Reading/Writing assignments
• Social Studies (including Economics and Statistics)
• Foreign Language Lab: Spanish
• English as a Second Language
• Writing and essay feedback and assistance
• Academic Skills building

More Resources Available 24/7

• Explore video content and other interactive tools for support with core concepts.
• Online Writing Lab: Submit essays and other forms of writing for constructive feedback.
• Homework Question Center: Submit homework questions for expert guidance.

For Older Students: Test Prep and Career Services

• Study materials and practice tests for PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP, and GED exams, and state-standardized tests
• Career support for cover letter and resume writing and interviewing resources

Get Started With SimplyE

If you don’t have an NYPL library card, New York State residents can apply for a digital card through the Library’s SimplyE app (available on the App Store or Google Play). Once you’ve received your barcode and PIN, explore SimplyE to discover hundreds of thousands of e-books, plus visit our website to find many more digital resources. You can also find your library card number by logging into your library account with your SimplyE username and pin. The 14 digit library card number is displayed underneath your name.

Patrons 13 years and older can apply for their own library cards. Patrons 12 and under will need a parent or caregiver to create an account. Note: These accounts cannot be restricted to only children’s materials.

After registering, it may take a few hours to receive your barcode in order to access the Library’s digital resources. Once you sign up for a card through SimplyE, you will need to select a home library after your barcode has been emailed to you. Log into your account and click on Settings to set your Preferred Pickup location.

If you have questions, please email [email protected]

Note About Privacy & External Websites

Please note: This web page contains third-party links. By clicking on the website links above, you will leave NYPL’s website and enter a website not operated by NYPL. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of every third-party website or service that you visit or use, including those third parties with whom you interact through our Library services.

For more information about these third-party links, please see the section of NYPL's Privacy Policy describing "Third-Party Library Services Providers . Note that children under the age of 13 should not submit any personally-identifiable information (e.g., name, email address, etc.) to any online website, per federal COPPA requirements.

Explore National School Choice Week

• State Guides
• Types of Schools
• What is School Choice?
• Find Schools Near Me
• 7 Step Guide
• Start with a Quiz
• Media Resources
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Privacy Policy

School Choice in Your State

• Celebrate School Choice Week
• Your Ultimate Guide to NSCW 2024
• National School Choice Week 2024 Key Information
• Telling Your School’s Story during National School Choice Week
• School Choice Week Proclamations
• Digital Backpack for Partners
• Digital Backpack for Schools
• Digital Backpack for Parents

How to Find Free Tutoring and Homework Help Near You

• Share this page:

Posted on January 8, 2022 Modified on March 26, 2024  Posted by National School Choice Week Team

As parents navigating the ever-changing landscape of education, we understand the importance of providing your children with every opportunity to excel. Whether you’re supporting your child’s academic journey, helping them prepare for exams, or encouraging them to explore new skills, the internet has evolved into a treasure trove of free tutoring resources near you that can be a game-changer.

In essence, this guide will help you navigate the sea of free tutoring resources, giving you the tools to steer your child’s education towards success.

How to Find Free Tutoring

If you know the right places to look, you can easily keep tabs on tutoring options in your community. We’ll walk you through a few places you can quickly search for options. You can also jump straight to our lists below for some of the national and state-specific tutoring options available at no cost to families.

Among the most common places you can find free tutoring are libraries, YMCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs . Checking the websites or calling your local branches of these organizations can help you locate in-person homework help, tutoring, and sometimes even mentoring.

You’ll also want to check with your current school and district to ask whether they can arrange free tutoring for your child. Many offer in-school tutoring and some partner with nearby colleges or universities where undergraduate students offer homework assistance for K-12 students.

As a bit of background context, under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act from 2002-2015, low-performing and low-income schools were required by law to offer free tutoring services to eligible children. Today, under the Every Student Succeeds Act, it is up to states and schools to decide whether to offer free tutoring. Many schools have decided to continue to offer tutoring services and maintain their partnerships with tutoring providers.

Additionally, you can search for stand-alone tutoring non-profits by Googling your city and “free tutoring.” Many college and even high school students were inspired to start local tutoring initiatives during the pandemic, and some of those remain active and thriving.

Finally, don’t discount the value of in-person learning assistance from your own personal network. Do you have a friend or family member who may be able to provide homework help for your student?

Does Tutoring Work?

But hold on, does tutoring even work? Well, the short answer is yes! Many parents, educators, and researchers attest that tutoring can have tangible benefits for kids’ learning. For example, researchers writing for the Brookings Institute called tutoring “ remarkably effective at helping students learn ,” and said that “tutoring can reliably help students catch up.” As they go on to describe, the impact of tutoring can be more or less effective depending on who is doing the tutoring, what grade level the student is in, and other factors.

Tutoring is generally defined as one-on-one or small group class. According to that definition, the University of Toronto, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the Diversity Institute at Ryerson University, studied the impact of academic gaps during the pandemic and the effects of tutoring. According to this research, it is important to understand tutoring as a complementary effort, distinct from learning in the classroom. Most evidence in this study focuses on literacy programs for young children, but there is strong positive evidence of tutoring’s effectiveness in middle and high school, especially in math.

However, the evidence for online tutoring is mixed and still emerging. This is an area that requires more research, however, two new research from Spain and Italy offer encouraging signs that tutoring online can work to help children complete unfinished learning.

MIT found that tutoring programs show positive impacts on learning processes and are beneficial for students. Also, a recent pilot program, implemented by California University, evaluated the results of online tutoring for K-12 students and the results have shown positive results.

Of course, every child is unique. Not every tutoring resource may work well for your child. If an online tutoring experience makes your student uncomfortable, for example, you may want to evaluate whether your library or a family friend can offer in-person homework help instead.

How to know if my child needs Tutoring?

Every child is different, however, the most obvious way to identify if your child needs support is if there is a change in the usual grades your kid use to have. Is your kid failing in all classes or a specific one? There are so many factors that could influence your child’s academic performance; the environment, mental health, distractions, health problems, or difficulty learning specific topics. But don’t worry! All of this is normal and it is important to access the tools that are out there to help your child. 

Other signs parents should pay attention to is if your child is having trouble organizing the assignments, experiencing anxiety about going to school, melting down over homework or spending too much time on assignments. All of this could be a clear sign of the student encountering challenges and it’s important to take actions and find solutions. 

With everything students (as well as parents and educators) have faced in the last few years, it’s particularly important to identify when your child may need tutoring support. Luckily, we’ve rounded up options for free tutoring in your state.

Tips for Using Free Tutoring

If you decide to use free tutoring, keep in mind that tutoring groups differ in the subjects they cover and approaches they use. Some are small group sessions while others are one-on-one. Some are online or hotlines while others are in-person. Some have learning games and tools they provide for students, while others require students to bring their homework and specific questions.

To make the most of the tutoring experience, help your student prepare well. Work with your student to identify what topic or subject they’d like extra help in and write down questions in advance, if possible. If you are using an online platform like Zoom for the tutoring session, double-check that the technology is working before the meeting so that your student can make the most of their time with the tutor.

Experts recommend that before seeking a tutor, it’s a good idea to connect with your child’s teacher to identify the issues they think need work. Other recommendations involve creating a comfortable space to ensure your child has a space without distractions for their tutoring sessions. Also, stay involved in the process; ask about your student’s progress and how you can help at home to obtain better results. On other hand, not all tutoring modalities or tutors are a good fit for all kids, so it is important to maintain open communication with your child. 

Also remember that each tutoring organization has its own requirements for tutors. Many, but not all, require background checks. If child safety policies are not listed on a tutoring program’s website, you can always ask for a copy of these policies.

Finally, some tutoring groups are staffed specifically by trained teachers or by college students, while high schoolers or even middle schoolers participate as tutors in other cases. Don’t write off homework help just because it isn’t from someone with a graduate degree! Instead, focus on finding a tutor who can explain and practice concepts well with your child.

“One of the things that makes it easier to be a tutor than to be a classroom teacher is that you’re doing a specific task with kids with materials that are designed to support that. A much broader range of people can do that… Classroom teaching is a much more complicated job.” Robert Slavin, education researcher

National Free Tutoring

Bored of Boredom: Bored of Boredom is a Los Angeles-based, student-led tutoring service for kids in grades K-8. It operates nationwide and has even had international students use its resources.

CovEducation: With more than 6,000 volunteers from hundreds of universities around the U.S., CovEducation partners with local organizations to provide free tutoring and mentoring. The organization also offers limited options for 1:1 mentor matching for families who are not part of partner organizations or school districts.

Learn to Be: Learn to Be is a national nonprofit that uses a pay what you can model to act as a free or affordable option for all families. Learn to Be offers 1:1 online tutoring in all K-12 subjects. Students can bring the school work or topics they are struggling with and receive personal support.

Pandemic Professors: Pandemic Professors serves K-12 students in more than 15 states and counting. The online tutoring non-profit primarily serves students (for free) from low-income communities.

Schoolhouse.world: Founded by Sal Khan of the acclaimed Khan Academy , Schoolhouse.world is a platform for free, online, peer-to-peer tutoring. Students can receive live help in sessions with 1-10 students. Currently, Schoolhouse’s classes center around math and SAT Prep and are available to students nationwide who are at least 13 years old.

UPchieve: UPchieve is a non-profit that provides free online 1:1 high school tutoring to those who need it. Tutoring is currently available in math, science, reading & writing, SAT and college prep. The organization’s goal? To scale Upchieve to all 8 million low-income high school students in the U.S. by 2030!

Varsity Tutors: Varsity Tutors offers large group classes online for free, including classes on elementary reading and phonics to help students become more independent readers. Varsity Tutors also offers 1:1 individualized tutoring for a fee. Click the “Free” filter to search exclusively for free offerings.

Wave Learning Festival: Wave Tutoring is a free tutoring program that takes place via Zoom. Students can bring questions to free sessions in math, science, language, or humanities and have them answered by veteran tutors.

425 Tutoring : Founded in Seattle, 425 Tutoring is a free, student-led tutoring service with tutors across the country. Talented high school students provide group tutoring sessions in math, English, and other subjects for K-6 students over Zoom or Google Meet.

Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families : Service members, civilian personnel, and their dependents can receive free online tutoring, wherever they live. This program is a partnership with Tutor.com that provides military-connected students with online homework help 24/7.

In addition to these tutoring-specific options, free educational videos are available at Khan Academy , Sylvan Math Prep , HippoCampus , and more.

Sign up to learn even more about School Choice in your state!

" * " indicates required fields

State-specific Free Tutoring

Click on your state on the map to learn about options near you. Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of state options. Rather, it offers a sampling of available options and suggestions for where to discover more.

Statewide: Homework Alabama provides free online tutoring through Tutor.com for all Alabama students in grades K-12. Homework Alabama is available through local public libraries throughout the state. Learning Express Library is another statewide online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Jacksonville : The Teaching / Learning Center at Jacksonville State University gives teacher candidates firsthand experience while helping local students with their tutoring needs. Elementary and secondary students can receive 1-4 hours of free, one-to-one tutoring per semester week with teacher candidates.

Tuscaloosa: The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse Lift (Learning Initiative and Financial Training) provides eight weeks of free one-to-one tutoring via Zoom for youth and teens.

Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.

Statewide : Live Homework Help provides free online tutoring through Tutor.com for all Alaska students in grades K-12. Live Homework Help is available through local public libraries across the state. Learning Express Library is another free, statewide online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Statewide: Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Tucson / Pima County: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. It is available through local library branches.

Statewide: Arkansas Tutoring Corps offers free tutoring during the school year through qualified schools in Arkansas. As of 2023, Arkansas has passed the LEARNS Act that allows families to use state funding to pay for qualifying educational expenses including tutoring services.

Central Arkansas Library System : Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

California:

Statewide: Harvey Mudd College operates a Homework Hotline during the school year to help students with math and science questions. The Homework Hotline welcomes callers from any city and county in the state of California. A third statewide option is MasteryHour. Founded by a teacher, MasteryHour provides free, online math tutoring for K-12 students, led by volunteer students from top colleges and universities. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring through your local library.

Bakersfield: Do the Math California allows students to call a hotline or email their math questions for free academic support.

East Palo Alto: Stanford’s Haas Center for Public Service partners with a few local schools to provide free academic support and mentorship to students.

Los Angeles County Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Napa County Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

San Diego Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Southern California: School on Wheels provides one-on-one online tutoring for families experiencing homelessness or students living in a group home.

Torrance Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Statewide: Tutors 4 Change offers tutoring in subjects such as math, science, english, history, and SAT/ACT Math. The suggested “payment” is 99 cents per hour, as the nonprofit’s mission to provide everyone with affordable access to a good education.

Boulder Public Library and Boulder Valley School District students : Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Jefferson County Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Longmont Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Connecticut:

Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Hartford Area : Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.

Bridgeport: Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders offers tutoring for students in grades 3-8 during the school year.

Greater New Haven Area : New Haven Reads offers free, one-on-one literacy tutoring to any student in grades 1-12 who is struggling with reading.

Delaware County Libraries: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Statewide: As of 2023, Florida has since unveiled the Family Empowerment Scholarship that that allows families to use state funding to pay for qualifying educational expenses including tutoring services.

Broward County Library: Live Tutoring is available for students in grades K-12, in both English and Spanish.

Metro Atlanta Area (Fulton County Public Library, Atlanta Public Schools, Cobb County Public Library): Fulton County Library System offers free tutoring resources for students in grades K-12.

Statewide: The Online Learning Academy at the University of Hawaii at Manoa provides free online math and science tutoring for Hawaii public school students in grades K-12. Hawai’i Tutoring provides year-round tutoring services to students in grades K-12.

Boise Public Library: Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Twin Falls Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Danville, Chicago, LaGrange, Freeport, Palatine, Collinsville, Springfield : Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.

Elmwood Park Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Statewide: AskRose Homework Help serves students in grades 6-12 in math and science tutoring.

Indianapolis: Children’s Dyslexia Center provides free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.

Bettendorf Public Library : Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

West Des Moines Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Hays Public Library: Hays Public Library has partnered with Fort Hays State University to offer tutoring services to students of all ages.

Kansas City: The Learning Club offers in-person homework help with one-on-one volunteer tutoring. Students are primarily in grades 1-6, but can be older. Also, families in the Kansas City area can access Brainfuse through the Kansas City Public Library. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

“Although virtual tutoring may not be quite as effective as in-person sessions, the positive results point to a potential solution to the growing educational gap.” Philip Oreopoulos, Professor of Economics and Public Policy

Boone County Public Library: Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Jessamine County Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Lexington Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Scott County Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Statewide: Homework LA provides free online tutoring through Tutor.com for all Louisiana students in grades K-12. Homework LA is available through local public libraries throughout the state.

Bangor, Portland: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.

Baltimore: The Dyslexia Tutoring Program offers free, one-on-one tutoring to eligible low-income children in reading, writing, and spelling. Also, families in the Baltimore area can access Brainfuse through the Baltimore County Public Library. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Massachusetts:

Statewide: School on Wheels provides one-on-one online tutoring for Massachusetts families experiencing homelessness or students living in a group home.

Boston Public Library: This library offers free homework help to students in grades K-8. Homework help is provided by high-achieving high school students. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Boston North, Central Massachusetts, and Greater Boston: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.

Statewide: GVSU K-12 Connect Virtual Tutoring offers free, virtual one on one tutoring and homework support for students in grades K-12.

Ann Arbor District Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Canton Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Great Lakes Bay Region; Southeastern Michigan: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.

Highland Township Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Novi: Connect Me provides free online test preparation, help with skipped topics due to COVID-19, and general tutoring for low-income students and students with essential worker parents.

Waterford Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Hennepin County Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Saint Paul Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Scott County Library: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Mississippi:

Madison County Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Midcontinent Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Scenic Regional Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

St. Louis County Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

University City Public Library: Free tutoring and homework help is available through this library. Tutoring is provided by student members of the National Society of Black Engineers.

Bozeman Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Lincoln City Libraries: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Omaha Public Libraries: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Las Vegas Clark County Library District: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Las Vegas Clark County Area: Andson Academies offers free after-school tutoring and homework help for students in grades K-12. Tutoring is delivered by licensed school teachers and aides in a small group format.

Las Vegas Valley : After-School All-Stars provides free after-school programming, which includes homework help, for at-risk youth.

New Hampshire:

Nashua, Seacoast: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.

New Jersey:

Statewide: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Use any New Jersey library card to access this resource.

Burlington, Hasbrouck Heights, Northfield, Scotch Plains, Tenafly : Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.

Jersey City Free Public Library:   Learning Express Library provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Short Hills and Basking Ridge: Middle and high school students at an independent school in the region founded TutorX to provide free homework help for other students in grades K-12.

New Mexico:

Albuquerque and Bernalillo County Public Libraries: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

New Mexico State Library : Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Brooklyn Public Library: This library provides one-on-one and small group homework help in math, science, social studies, and more.

Central New York: Empower CNY provides free tutoring and leadership enrichment for students local to Central New York. Tutoring currently takes place online. But, the program is currently working to offer in-person opportunities by partnering with community centers, local libraries, and other non-profit organizations.

Central New York, Rochester: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.

New York City: Common Denominator offers one-on-one math tutoring for below-level New York City kids in grades 5-8. Additionally, the Community of Volunteer Educators (COVE ) supports students with free tutoring in preK-12 subjects, including science, math, social studies, foreign languages, and more. Families in the New York City area can also access Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse through their library. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Suffolk County Libraries: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

North Carolina:

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Forsyth County Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Guilford County Schools: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. The district has also created a district-wide tutoring program, staffed by graduate and undergraduate students, that it will expand in the 2021-2022 school year.

North Dakota:

Statewide: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12. North Dakota residents can access this resource with their local library information.

Cleveland Public Library: This library offers free, in-person one-on-one and group tutoring in partnership with Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University.

Columbus: The Central Community House provides tutoring after school for children ages 5-11.The Ohio Hispanic Coalition provides an afterschool program with homework help for Latino/Hispanic students. Additionally, the Columbus Metropolitan Library offers “Virtual Reading Buddies” to help students in grades K-3 practice reading. Families in the area can also access Brainfuse through the library. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Norwood, Southeastern Ohio: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.

Eastern Oklahoma Library System: Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Pioneer Library System: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Southern Oklahoma Library System: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Tulsa City-County Library: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Multnomah County Library: This library offers a variety of free tutoring services, such as tutoring by volunteers and college students for K-12 students.

Beaverton City Libraries: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Washington County Cooperative Library Services: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Pennsylvania:

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Central Pennsylvania, Lancaster, Lehigh Valley, Pittsburgh, Reading, Western Pennsylvania: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.

West Philadelphia: The West Philadelphia Tutoring Project is a program at the University of Pennsylvania that provides a high-demand weekly tutoring program for Philadelphia students.

Rhode Island:

Cranston: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.

South Carolina:

Statewide: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12. South Carolina residents can access the resource with their library information.

South Dakota:

Statewide: Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Statewide: Tennessee’s Homework Hotline offers over-the-phone tutoring for students in grades K-12 in a great variety of subjects. Tutors are available to offer help in seven different languages.

Knox County Tennessee Public Library : Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Spring Hill Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Statewide: Texas A&M’s Aggie Homework Helpline provides free online tutoring to students in grades pre-K-12. Tutoring can take place via phone or Zoom, and tutors can help with homework, test review, reading practice, and more.

Austin Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Brazoria County Library System: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Dallas: Beacon Hill Preparatory Institute provides after school math and reading tutoring at all grade levels.

DeSoto Public Libraries: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Fort Bend County Libraries: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Houston Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Statewide: Learning Express Library is a free homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science. It is available through Utah’s Online Public Library.

Salt Lake County Library Services: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Statewide: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring and is available through the Library of Virginia.

Central Rappahannock Regional Library : Brainfuse HelpNow provides free online tutoring in English and Spanish for students of all ages.

Northern Virginia Area: GIVE Youth is a student-run non-profit that provides free tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Richmond Public Library : The library’s Homework Help offers tutoring sessions for students in grades K-5.

Washington:

The Seattle Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Sno-Isle Libraries: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

425 Tutoring: Founded by Washington students, 425 Tutoring aims to support K-6 students with free virtual tutoring.

West Virginia:

Kanawha County Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.

Madison, Milwaukee, Upper Wisconsin: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.

Milwaukee Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.

Where to look: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.

Free Online Resources for Families

100+ Education & Parenting Podcasts

Free Learning Assessment Tools

Checking in on Your Child’s Learning Progress

Share on Mastodon

Governor Newsom Announces Free Online Tutoring Available to All Californians, $254 Million in Grants to Improve Libraries Across the State

Published: Sep 12, 2022

Statewide pilot led by State Library provides live, 24/7 online tutoring and homework help in every K-12 subject 

Grant funding is part of California’s largest-ever investment in public libraries

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that every Californian can now access free online tutoring available 24/7 through a new initiative offering homework help in every K-12 subject and skill-building resources for adult learners. The Governor also announced $254 million in grants to public libraries in 172 cities across 34 counties to renovate and improve facilities across the state. This is the first round of the California State Library’s $439 million Building Forward Library Improvement Grant Program – the largest investment in public library infrastructure in California history.

Real-time homework assistance can now be accessed 24/7 here and on the websites of any of the 1,130 local public libraries around the state – click on the “HelpNow” link to reach a one-on-one tutor. The pilot program led by the State Library offers assistance in Math, Language Arts, and other core K-12 subjects in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. There’s no age limit to who can use the service. Adult learners can also access writing assistance, citizenship resources and other tools.

“With historic investments to give the youngest Californians a strong start in life, enrich our schools and expand supports like tutoring, we’re building on our commitment to create more opportunities for every child in our state to thrive, ”said Governor Newsom. “Public libraries are the hearts of communities across the state and our hubs of learning, discovery, and oftentimes – safety. While states across the nation are banning books, California is awarding $254 million in grants for our historic public libraries – an investment to make books more accessible by repairing and modernizing libraries throughout the state.”

The 234 projects in this initial round of funding under the Building Forward Library Improvement Grant Program range from $14,300 to $10 million and include efforts to make libraries safer and more accessible, including their ability to be cooling centers for underserved communities. The City of Porterville, whose only library was destroyed in a 2020 fire that took the lives of two firefighters, will receive $7.2 million.

“Libraries are hubs of community activity – they are a safe haven, an escape into the wonders of reading, a place to find a meal when you need one, to create, to vote, to enrich children, to learn a new skill, and so much more,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Strengthening our libraries’ infrastructure – their ability to safely and effectively meet the needs of the community – is such a critical investment in the community members who rely on them.”

First priority for grants was given to the state’s least-resourced communities and projects that address long-delayed critical life and safety facility needs including seismic safety, heating and air system replacement, building security, and improved Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility.

“There are lots of reasons 24 million Californians have library cards. Local libraries are cornerstones of their communities and critical parts of California’s education system,” said Greg Lucas, California State Librarian.  “Strengthening public libraries strengthens California and helps make it easier for all Californians to get the information and assistance they need to succeed and thrive.”

Live, real-time homework assistance from tutors familiar with state curriculum and standards is available 24 hours a day by laptop, tablet, or phone from tutors familiar with state curriculum and standards. The State Library is working with the Pacific Library partnership to make “HelpNow” by Brainfuse available throughout the state.

“Not every family can afford a private tutor. Now through the CA State Library Brainfuse HelpNow program, every Californian can get free online tutoring. HelpNow tutors will assist all learners from Kindergartners on up build thinking and problem-solving skills. Tutors work with students through their homework challenges, and guide them to the right solution, without giving the answer,” said Jack Rothstein, Brainfuse Library Services Director.

A full list of projects to be funded in this round of grants under the Building Forward Library Improvement Grant Program can be found here . Questions about the grants may be addressed to [email protected] .

9 Best Homework Help Websites

July 22, 2023

When I was in high school, resources for extra homework help weren’t exactly abundant. If you were struggling with a Shakespeare sonnet, you could always run to the bookstore and pick up a CliffNotes guide. SparkNotes was also gaining in popularity. But these early homework help resources had limited catalogs and were focused primarily on literature. Today, I imagine students suffer from the opposite problem—having too many choices when it comes to homework help websites. When the options are seemingly endless, knowing what to look out for takes on an added importance. Below, I’ll go through a list of 9 stand-out homework help websites and briefly discuss what makes them worth a visit.

Homework Help Websites – The Basics

The best homework help websites do more than just spit out an answer to that tricky math problem. They actually help students learn the material. Common features of homework help websites are educational videos and lectures, practice tests and quizzes, study tools like flashcards, and Q&As with experts. Many sites offer features that allow students to ask specific questions and get real-time feedback. There are also a number of services that offer one-on-one tutoring. Some homework help sites are free, while others require a paid subscription.

1) Khan Academy

Khan Academy is an amazing resource for students of all ages. It’s free, and it really is an academy—it offers full courses in a wide array of subjects, from pre-K math to high school physics. The courses consist of readings, video lectures, practice exercises, and quizzes. The breadth of material is impressive. In math alone, I see course listings for Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Statistics, Multivariable calculus—you get the idea. Khan Academy also offers a wide variety of AP courses, state-specific curricula, test-prep programs, and life skill courses, like personal finance.

It’s important to note that Khan Academy isn’t a one-on-one tutoring platform. But because of their extensive library of material, the search function is especially powerful. Try it out. I did a search for argumentative essay help, and found a comprehensive guide to writing argumentative essays that was a part of a larger writing course.

Chegg is a paid homework help service. Unlike Khan Academy, Chegg isn’t built around specific courses. Rather, it offers a variety of homework-support resources. Among those resources are plagiarism and grammar checkers, a proofreading service, and a “math solver”, which allows students to enter a problem and get back both a solution and a detailed step-by-step explanation of how the problem was solved. Perhaps the most powerful tool Chegg offers is its “Expert Q&A” feature. This service allows students to take a picture of their homework problem, upload it to the site, and get a detailed response in return. Chegg’s emphasis on process and explanation make it a valuable educational resource for students—not just a way to get a quick answer.

Best Homework Help Websites (Continued)

Quizlet is a well-known and worthwhile study resource. It offers a variety of courses, and it also has an expert-response feature. But Quizlet’s best feature, in my option, is the flashcards tool. Students can create their own digital decks of cards and practice them on Quizlet—just like an old fashion set of index cards. I had a ton of success using Quizlet’s flash card feature to help me memorize words for my foreign language requirement in college. It’s a simple but powerful tool. Although often maligned as a learning method, rote rehearsal and spaced repetition are effective ways to encode information . Quizlet’s flashcard feature is a great way to put those techniques into practice.

4) Socratic

is an AI-powered homework support app that allows students to type or take pictures of questions and receive solutions right away. Since it works with AI, it relies on the web’s vast stores of accumulated knowledge—you’re not interacting with a human tutor. Nonetheless, I found it to be an extremely helpful tool. I tried it out first using a specific math problem. In just a few seconds I was provided with the solution and an explainer with relevant formulas, plus a graphic to help visualize the underlying logic. There were also suggested links to additional resources. For example, when I asked Socratic to explain how the German genitive case works, it suggested a YouTube video and a number of articles from blogs and other language-learning sites.

Since Socratic doesn’t feature courses or one-on-one tutoring support, I wouldn’t lean on it if I were really struggling in a particular class. But as a tool to check your work, make sure you’re on the right track, and become aware of additional resources, it’s worth a download.

5) Photomath

Photomath is, as you might have guessed, a site for math homework help. Like other homework help websites, Photomath allows students to take a picture of a problem and receive an instant, step-by-step solution. Included along with the solution is an explanation of relevant concepts and formulas, plus videos covering mathematical concepts. Photomath does offer a few basic courses, too. So if in addition to homework-specific help you want to brush up on the basics, they’ve got you covered in arithmetic, algebra, and calculus crash courses.

6) Studypool

Studypool is a paid homework support service that provides solutions to specific questions. Studypool offers support in all the major subjects, with a particular emphasis on science. Students can ask questions on everything from anatomy to physics. Like other services, students upload their exact questions or problems directly to the site. But Studypool’s payment model is a bit different: instead of paying for tutoring time or a monthly subscription, students pay for solutions to each question they submit. When a student submits a question, tutors submit bids to answer them. The student then can select which tutor/price option works best. After students select the price and tutor they want, they’re connected with the tutor and given the solution and explanation via messenger.

The draw of Studypool is that it gives students access to real (i.e., human) tutors who are experts in their field. The downside is that pricing isn’t transparent, and students pay per question.

7) College Info Geek

College Info Geek is the study-support website that I wish I knew about when I was in high school and college (they didn’t pay me to write that, I swear). The site focuses not on specific courses or questions, but on how to become a more effective learner. Here it’s all about “learning how to learn”—study tips, memorization and note-taking techniques, and much more. The articles are well-researched, clearly-communicated, practical, and comprehensive. For example, the article on how to improve your memory includes a breakdown of the different types of memory processes, memorization techniques, and even a discussion of how nutrition affects memory. College Info Geek is a great resource for everyone, not just high school and college students.

8) SparkNotes

Yes, Sparknotes made the list! The site offers lessons in a whole bunch of subjects—biology, chemistry, computer science, history, philosophy, math—but its specialty is literature. SparkNotes provides summaries and analyses of novels, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction, from The Canterbury Tales to Toni Morrison, Saul Bellow, and Junot Diaz. SparkNotes breaks down books into sub-sections and provides synopses and analyses for each section. There are also separate pages for character breakdowns, discussions of themes and motifs, and explanations of important quotes. I’d caution against using SparkNotes if you’re trying to “hack” a novel or poem and get simple answers about what it “means.” But as a way to supplement your own understanding and interpretation, it’s a great resource. Shmoop is also worth checking out for extra support in literature, poetry, mythology, and the history of literary movements.

9) Grammarly

I’m not sure if Grammarly is an obvious or unexpected choice to round out the list. Either way, it deserves a mention here. Grammarly is a writing tool. It checks and suggests corrections for incorrectly spelled words and misused punctuation. But Grammarly also scans and corrects for things like clarity and vocab usage. It flags sentences that are vague, or overly wordy, and alerts you if you’re using that flashy vocab word incorrectly. It even gives suggestions if it thinks your writing is a bit bland. I don’t see Grammarly as a crutch, but rather as a tool. It can help you master those pesky recurring grammar and usage issues. Always mix up effect and affect? Grammarly will continue to course correct until you’ve got it down yourself.

Homework Help Websites – Final Thoughts

None of the above homework help websites should be seen as a panacea. Each has benefits and drawbacks, strengths and weak points. The list is far from exhaustive. And the sites don’t have to be used in isolation. Try a few out, mix and match. College Info Geek is an excellent supplement to any study regimen. Socratic can be used as a tool to check answers for math homework, and at the same time you can use Grammarly to describe your problem to a tutor on Chegg. At their best, these sites are more than quick fixes to stubborn homework problems—they’re aids to genuine learning.

Additional Resources

You should also check out College Transitions’ “ High School Success ” blogs for help with a number of common high school assignments, including:

• Lord of the Flies Summary & Analysis 
• The Great Gatsby and The American Dream
• Analysis of Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” Speech
• Robert Frost’s Road Not Taken Analysis 
• High School Success

Dane Gebauer

Dane Gebauer is a writer and teacher living in Miami, FL. He received his MFA in fiction from Columbia University, and his writing has appeared in Complex Magazine and Sinking City Review .

• 2-Year Colleges
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Essay
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• Graduate School Admissions
• High Schools
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Private High School Spotlight
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Student Parent Counselor Educator Other First Name Last Name Email Address Zip Code Area of Interest Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Submit

If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

For every student, every classroom. Real results.

We’re a nonprofit with the mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.

Learners, teachers, and parents:

Why Khan Academy works

Personalized learning

Trusted content

Tools to empower teachers

Differentiate your classroom and engage every student.

We empower teachers to support their entire classroom. 90% of US teachers who have used Khan Academy have found us effective.

You can learn anything.

Build a deep, solid understanding in math, science, and more.

Every child deserves the chance to learn.

Across the globe, 617 million children are missing basic math and reading skills. We’re a nonprofit delivering the education they need, and we need your help. You can change the course of a child’s life.

Join Khan Academy today

Key supporters.

Free, 1-on-1, online tutoring

One student. One tutor. Every week.

Apply online, get matched, money shouldn't dictate access to education., 1 student. 1 tutor., 100% online, free online tutoring since 2008, what our community is saying, join the learn to be family.

US South Carolina

Recently viewed courses

Recently viewed.

Find Your Dream School

This site uses various technologies, as described in our Privacy Policy, for personalization, measuring website use/performance, and targeted advertising, which may include storing and sharing information about your site visit with third parties. By continuing to use this website you consent to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

   COVID-19 Update: To help students through this crisis, The Princeton Review will continue our "Enroll with Confidence" refund policies. For full details, please click here.

• Homework Help
• Find a Tutor
• How It Works
• Pre-Med GPA Booster
• Need a test prep tutor? Call us: 888-231-7737

Improve Your Grades Today

Expert online homework help is available 24/7 in over 80 subjects. from math and science to foreign language and ap courses, our online tutors have got you covered., get free homework help for the following subjects:.

Master calculus concepts and improve your understanding of statistics with help from our online math tutors.

• Linear Algebra
• Trigonometry
• Pre-Calculus
• Calculus AB
• Calculus BC
• Calculus - Multivariable
• Discrete Math
• Finite Math
• Elementary (Grades 4-6)
• Mid-Level (Grades 7-8)
• Intermediate Statistics

Walk step-by-step through bio, chem and physics questions with our online tutors to ace your science class this year.

• Physics Algebra-based
• Physics Calculus-based
• Earth Science
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Elementary (Grades 4-8)
• Organic Chemistry
• Microbiology

Hand in your paper after it has been proofread and perfected. Find help with vocab and literature, too.

• English (4th-6th Grades)
• English (7th-8th Grades)
• English (9th-12th Grades)
• College English
• Essay Writing
• Async-ELL-Essay Review
• Essay Writing (College Level)
• Proofreading
• ESL (8th-12th Grades)
• ESL (College Level)
• Reading Comprehension (3rd-8th Grades)
• Reading Comprehension (9th - College Level)
• Social Studies

Brush up on details the night before an exam or review papers to ensure your historical references are accurate.

• U.S. History
• World History
• European History
• Civics and Government
• Intro to Psychology

AP® Support

AP courses are tough. Get help from expert tutors throughout the year all the way up to exam day.

• AP ® Calculus AB
• AP ® Calculus BC
• AP ® Statistics
• AP ® Biology
• AP ® Chemistry
• AP ® Intro to Psychology
• AP ® Physics Algebra-based
• AP ® English Language
• AP ® English Literature
• AP ® U.S. History
• AP ® World History
• AP ® European History
• AP ® Government and Politics

International Baccalaureate®

You won't get your IB Diploma or Certificate by studying less! Work with our team of experts all year to be ready for your IB exams.

• Language A: Language and Literature
• Language A: Literature HL
• Language A: Literature SL
• Mathematics HL: Calculus
• Mathematics HL: Discrete Math
• Mathematics HL: Pre-Calculus
• Mathematics HL: Statistics
• Mathematics SL: Calculus
• Mathematics SL: Pre-Calculus
• Mathematics SL: Statistics
• Computer Science: C++
• Computer Science: Java

Business and Technology

Excel in class and improve your grades with help from expert business tutors.

• Microsoft PowerPoint ®
• Microsoft Excel ®
• Microsoft Word ®
• Computer Science: Python

Foreign Languages

Work with a tutor and impress your teacher and classmates with your vocabulary and grammar skills.

Spanish Language Tutoring

Improve your grades with the help from Spanish tutors and study without any language barrier.

• En Español Math
• En Español Math - Algebra
• En Español Math - Calculus
• En Espanol Math - Calculus BC
• En Español Math - Geometry
• En Espanol Math - Pre-Calculus
• En Español Math - Statistics
• En Español Math - Trigonometry
• En Español Science
• En Espanol Science - Anatomy and Physiology
• En Español Science - Biology
• En Español Science - Chemistry
• En Español Science - Earth Science
• En Español Science - Physics
• En Español Social Studies

*AP is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.

Enrollment Advisor

1-800-2REVIEW (800-273-8439) ext. 1

1-877-LEARN-30

Mon-Fri 9AM-10PM ET

Sat-Sun 9AM-8PM ET

Student Support

1-800-2REVIEW (800-273-8439) ext. 2

Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM ET

Sat-Sun 8:30AM-5PM ET

Partnerships

• Teach or Tutor for Us

College Readiness

International

Advertising

Affiliate/Other

• Enrollment Terms & Conditions
• Accessibility
• Cigna Medical Transparency in Coverage

Register Book

Local Offices: Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM

• SAT Subject Tests

Academic Subjects

Find the Right College

• College Rankings
• College Advice
• Applying to College
• Financial Aid

School & District Partnerships

• Professional Development
• Advice Articles
• Private Tutoring
• Mobile Apps
• Local Offices
• International Offices
• Work for Us
• Affiliate Program
• Partner with Us
• Advertise with Us
• International Partnerships
• Our Guarantees
• Accessibility – Canada

Privacy Policy | CA Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information | Your Opt-Out Rights | Terms of Use | Site Map

©2024 TPR Education IP Holdings, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University

TPR Education, LLC (doing business as “The Princeton Review”) is controlled by Primavera Holdings Limited, a firm owned by Chinese nationals with a principal place of business in Hong Kong, China.

Experience math in a completely new way

Free interactive lessons from award-winning Harvard instructors

• Flipped classrooms
• Getting ahead in class
• Self-learners
• Homeschooled students

You may have seen us in...

The best online learning experience.

Khan academy.

Private tutor

School Yourself

Why sign up?

Free, unlimited access to lessons

Don't ever be stuck watching another boring 10-minute video again — you learn best by doing , not watching.

Our unique interactive lessons cover math subjects ranging from algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to precalculus and calculus.

Smart recommendations

Personalized assessments

The Princeton Review and Tutor.com are thrilled to introduce High-Dosage Tutoring! Our research-based program helps students make significant, accelerated learning gains. Learn more.

3,000+ Expert Tutors in 250+ Subjects

Tutoring that improves student outcomes, partner with us.

Promote Student Success

Extensive data, expert tutors, exceptional support, effective methodology.

Real-time analytics

with insightful, actionable information

On-demand, online tutoring

and drop-off review with 250+ subjects available

3,000+ highly qualified experts

with rigorous screening and ongoing development

Uplifting, multimodal instruction

with empathy and privacy

Learning students will love

A partnership you will love, outcomes everyone will love.

Post-Session Surveys

See what our learners had to say, are glad their institution offers tutor.com, say tutor.com helps them improve their grades, say tutor.com helps with homework completion, would recommend tutor.com to a friend, average rating of tutor.com, out of 5, learn more about.

Data from 2022 post-session learner surveys

Proudly Serving

Data Protection Statement | Privacy Policy | CA Privacy Notice | Terms of Use

©2024 Tutor.com / The Princeton Review. Not Affiliated with Princeton University

Tutor.com is controlled by Primavera Holdings Limited, a firm owned by Chinese nationals with a principal place of business in Hong Kong, China.

News 🎉 COVID-19: Buddyhelp & Betterhelp pledge to give away $2 million of professional counseling You Deserve to Feel Your Best

• 100% FREE Chat with a Volunteer Listener
• Affordable Get Matched with a Counselor

Free emotional support for those moments when you just need somebody to talk to.

• 91% of users feel meaningfully better after talking to a listener.
• 79% of people believe listeners are able to help people with mental health struggles
• 80% of users indicated that they would happily recommend it to others.

3 Simple Steps

You don’t want yet-another platform to sign up to, let alone yet-another-app to install. All you need to do is press chat - that’s it! We work with the tools you already have. And our active listeners receive your message anonymously on their messenger of choice - Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp or Telegram. We built this to be completely frictionless, and allow for rapid scaling - in order to support as many people as possible, and be there when the world needs us the most.

• 100% Free Chat with a Volunteer Listener

For When You Need More

• Limited offer Get 2 Weeks FREE (worth up to $160)

Frequently Asked Questions

We are here for you, whenever you need someone to talk to.

• 100% free Chat with a Volunteer Listener
• Affordable Get Matched with a Counsleor

Join Our Cozy Newsletter

Be part of our family who we send regular insights and tips to, on how to maintain resiliency and mental fortitude.

Learn & Get Inspired

Read our latest blog posts and gain valuable insights

Is It Real Love? How to Tell If Your Relationship Is Toxic 11 min read

What are the red flags you keep ignoring while being in a relationship?

7 Types of Abuse and How to Recognize Them 8 min guide

Learn to distinguish the different forms of abuse and their characteristics

Understanding Trauma and Ways to Approach Someone with PTSD 14 min read

What is trauma? How does it affect you? How to help people cope with it?

Anxiety disorders: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment 7 min read

We all feel a little anxious sometimes. For many people, though, that ...

What is Bipolar Disorder And 5 Myths About it 10 min read

Getting to know what Bipolar Disorder is: what are the types and criteria for diagnosis?

An Introduction to Personality Disorders; Fighting Stigma 8 min read

An overview of Personality Disorders according to DSM-5 and an ...

• Discover more in our blog

Get in Touch

Our excellent customer support team is ready to help.

Advertisement

Supported by

Can’t Find Eclipse Glasses? Here’s What to Do.

You can watch a projection of the eclipse using some common household items.

• Share full article

By Katrina Miller

Follow our live updates on the total solar eclipse .

Reliable paper-framed glasses are by far the most popular option for safely watching the total solar eclipse on Monday. But they’ve gotten more difficult to find in some places ahead of the event.

If you’ve checked everywhere — your local planetarium, public library and even online — fear not: There is still a way to watch the eclipse safely, using items around the house. Here are a few options.

Use your hands

Palms up, position one hand over the other at a 90-degree angle. Open your fingers slightly in a waffle pattern, and allow sunlight to stream through the spaces onto the ground, or another surface. During the eclipse, you will see a projection of the moon obscuring the surface of the sun.

This method works with anything with holes, such as a straw hat, a strainer, a cheese grater or even a perforated spoon. You will also notice this effect when light from the partially eclipsed sun streams through leaves on a tree.

Set up a cardstock screen

For this option, you need a couple of white index cards or two sheets of cardstock paper. First, punch a small hole in the middle of one of the cards using a thumbtack or a pin.

Then, facing away from the sun, allow light to stream through this pinhole. Position the second card underneath to function as a screen. Adjust the spacing between the two cards to make the projection of the sun larger or smaller.

Make a box projector

If you’re up for a bit of crafting, you can make a more sophisticated pinhole projector . Start with a cardboard box — empty cereal boxes are often used, but you can use a larger box, too. You’ll also need scissors, white paper, tape, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack.

Cut the piece of paper to fit the inside bottom of the cardboard box to act as a screen. Use tape to hold it in place.

On the top of the box, cut two rectangular holes on either side. (The middle should be left intact — you can use tape to secure this if needed.)

Tape a piece of aluminum foil over one of the rectangular cutouts. Punch a tiny hole in the middle of the foil with the tack or pin. The other cutout will serve as a view hole.

With your back to the sun, position the foil side of the box over your shoulder, letting light stream through the pinhole. An image of the sun will project onto the screen at the bottom of the box, which you can see through the view hole. A bigger box will create a bigger image.

Enjoy the show through any of these makeshift pinholes. And remember, during totality, you can view the sun directly with your naked eye. But you should stop looking at the sun as soon as it reappears.

Katrina Miller is a science reporting fellow for The Times. She recently earned her Ph.D. in particle physics from the University of Chicago. More about Katrina Miller