Ithaca Tutors from Cornell University
Exceptional local tutoring with students from one of New York's prestigious Ivy League colleges
Elite Cornell University students and alumni form the foundation of The Shires Tutoring Company's Ithaca-based program. Drawing from one of the world's leading Ivy League institutions, our instructors deliver exceptional results across every academic discipline—whether your student needs help with calculus and organic chemistry, writing and literature, SAT/ACT preparation, or guidance through the college application process. Beyond academics, we connect families with varsity athletes and accomplished artists who mentor students in sports and creative fields. Our approach emphasizes both rigorous instruction and genuine mentorship that builds confidence and capability. The Shires serves Ithaca, Lansing, Cayuga Heights, Jacksonville, Trumansburg, and communities across Tompkins County.
You can meet some of these exceptional tutors below. This is not the full list of tutors from this college town, and if you need a tutor who teaches specific subjects not offered by any of our current tutors at that college, whether listed here or not, then we will work to find a new tutor for you at the college, using our extensive tutor network and contacts.
Joanne
Cornell University, Class of 2027, majoring in Industrial and Labor Relations with a minor in Business, on the pre-law track
Tutoring subjects:
ACT, SSAT, Math, English, History, Languages (Korean - Native Fluency), Violin (12 years of experience), Creative Writing (Multiple awards from Scholastic Arts & Sciences and other writing competitions in Poetry and Creative Writing)
Test results:
ACT: 35 Composite (Math 35, Science 34, English 34, Reading 36)
AP Scores: European History (4), English Language (4), English Literature (4), US History (4)
Hi! My name is Joanne, and I am a junior at Cornell University, majoring in the Industrial and Labor Relations school on a pre-law track, while also pursuing a minor in Business. I have several years of experience tutoring and mentoring students from elementary through high school, with a primary focus on English, writing, history, and humanities-based subjects. My tutoring approach emphasizes clarity, confidence, and curiosity. I love helping students strengthen their reading comprehension, writing skills, and ability to express ideas thoughtfully and persuasively. Whether a student is working on essays, literary analysis, reading skills, or school assignments, I aim to create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and developing their voice as a learner and writer. I have worked with students in academic and enrichment settings through organizations such as the Immigration Family Services Institute (IFSI) and as a Casey Dunne Achieve Tutor, supporting students across subjects and helping them build strong study habits. While my passion lies in the humanities, I am also comfortable tutoring math and science up to the early years of high school! At Cornell, I continue to serve in various mentorship and teaching roles, including as a Peer Mentor, or as Director of New Member Education for my law review, where I support new staff writers’ academic development and writing skills. I also enjoy working with students on standardized test preparation, drawing on my own performance on exams such as the ACT and SSAT, to teach effective strategies and confidence in test-taking. In addition to academics, I am fluent in Korean and have over 12 years of experience playing the violin, including private instruction and performing with orchestras such as the New England Conservatory Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. I am happy to help students with violin technique, repertoire selection, and audition preparation. I also have a strong background in creative and academic writing, and in high school I received multiple writing awards and essay recognitions, including honors from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. I especially enjoy helping students refine essays, prepare competition submissions, and build confidence in their writing. I bring patience, enthusiasm, and adaptability to every session, and I genuinely love teaching. I look forward to partnering with families to help students build the skills, confidence, and motivation they need to thrive, both in school and beyond!
Jiayue
Cornell University, Class of 2029, majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Operations Research and Engineering
Tutoring subjects:
Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Math, ACT, SAT, English
Test results:
SAT: 1560 (800 Math, 760 Reading)
AP Scores: Calculus BC (5), Chemistry (5), Computer Science A (5), Computer Science Principles (5), English Lang/Comp (5), Physics C: E&M (5), Physics I (5), Physics C: Mechanics (5), Literature (5), Statistics (5), US History (5), World History (5)
Hi! My name is Jiayue, and I am currently an undergraduate at Cornell University studying Chemical Engineering with a 4.0. Teaching has been a consistent and meaningful part of my academic journey, and I am deeply passionate about helping students build both confidence and mastery in challenging subjects. I have several years of tutoring experience, including serving as a Lead Instructor at Mathnasium, where I managed instructors and worked with over 100 students, as well as providing private one-on-one tutoring in mathematics, chemistry, and standardized test preparation. In addition, I authored and published an AP Calculus textbook and developed structured teaching materials for AP Chemistry, experiences that strengthened my ability to break down complex concepts into clear, intuitive explanations. At Cornell, I serve as a teaching assistant for General Chemistry II, reinforcing course material for students. Beyond tutoring, I have been deeply involved in STEM leadership and competition. I served as Captain of my high school Science Olympiad team, earning multiple regional and state medals in various events. I also served as Co-President of the Science National Honor Society, where I helped organize tutoring initiatives and science outreach programs for younger students. At Cornell, I am a member of the AIChE Chem-E-Car project team. Outside of academics, I have played piano for 12 years and have performed in pit orchestras and accompanied numerous ensembles. My goal is to create a supportive, structured environment where students feel challenged, capable, and proud of their progress.
Leyna
Cornell University, Class of 2028, majoring in Biology & Society
Tutoring subjects:
Math (pre-algebra, algebra, pre-calculus, and calculus), as well as introductory biology and chemistry, and Mandarin Chinese
Test results:
SAT: 1470 (670 English, 790 Math)
AP Scores: Biology (4), Calculus AB (4)
Hi! My name is Leyna, and I am a sophomore majoring in Biology & Society at Cornell University. I began tutoring at age 15, initially helping my younger sister with her math and English homework. What started as a family responsibility quickly developed into a long-standing passion for teaching and supporting students. Since then, I have worked with students across a wide range of ages and learning environments. I volunteered as a teaching assistant with the Tzu Chi Foundation, where I helped teach Mandarin and Chinese yo-yo skills, gaining experience guiding younger students in a structured classroom setting. The summer before my senior year of high school, I worked abroad alongside other American students to teach English to elementary school students in rural areas of Taiwan. In this role, I helped design worksheets, games, and interactive lessons to strengthen students’ understanding of sentence structure and vocabulary while keeping learning engaging and accessible. During the spring semester of my freshman year at Cornell, I also tutored middle school students in math and English in central Chicago, providing academic support while helping students build confidence and strong study habits. I am currently enrolled in advanced coursework such as organic chemistry and neurobiology. I am available to tutor math (pre-algebra, algebra, pre-calculus, and calculus), as well as introductory biology and chemistry, subjects in which I have consistently excelled throughout my academic program. I value working closely with students and families to support each child’s individual learning needs. My tutoring approach emphasizes patience, clear explanations, and encouragement, with the goal of helping students develop both confidence and strong academic foundations. I look forward to growing alongside my students and supporting them as they work toward success!
Avery
Cornell University, Class of 2027, double-majoring in Chemistry and Biology
Tutoring Subjects:
AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Math (AP Calc AB/BC, SAT), English/writing (college applications, SAT), AP Economics, SAT preparation
Test results:
SAT: 1570 (Verbal 770, Math 800)
AP Scores: Biology (5), Calculus BC (5), Chemistry (5), English Literature and Composition (5), Environmental Science (4), Macroeconomics (5), Microeconomics (5), Spanish Language and Culture (5), Statistics (4), United States History (5)
Hi! My name is Avery, and I’m a junior pursuing a double major in Chemistry and Biology at Cornell University. I have a strong academic foundation and a genuine passion for mentorship, leadership, and community engagement. As a pre-med student, I’m deeply interested in both the science behind medicine and the human connections that make learning meaningful. On campus, I am in my third semester as an undergraduate teaching assistant across multiple courses, where I support students in mastering fundamental research practices and advanced biochemistry laboratory techniques. Through these experiences, I’ve learned how to explain complex material clearly, anticipate common misconceptions, and adapt my teaching style to different learning needs. In addition, I have several years of experience as a private tutor in AP Biology and college essay writing, and I enjoy helping students break down challenging concepts into structured, approachable steps tailored to their strengths. Beyond academics, my research and leadership experiences have shaped my teaching philosophy. Serving in leadership roles on my club volleyball team and in the Weill Ithaca Network, a pre-medical organization, has strengthened my organization, communication, and mentorship skills. As a longtime taekwondo instructor, I’ve worked with students of all ages, helping them build discipline, confidence, and resilience which are qualities I believe are just as important as academic achievement. My teaching philosophy centers on patience, adaptability, and encouragement. I believe every student learns differently, so I prioritize meeting students where they are and creating a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking questions, taking intellectual risks, and growing in confidence. I am open to 1-on-1, 2-on-1, and small group tutoring, and I would be thrilled to support you or your student through thoughtful, personalized instruction. Please feel free to reach out if you’re interested!
Julie
Cornell University, Class of 2028, majoring in Global Development and Anthropology
Tutoring subjects:
All subjects K-8, English, Writing, Math (Up to Calculus I), Korean (I have native fluency), Piano (13 years), Biology
Test results:
SAT: 1460 (Reading and Writing 740, Math 720)
Hello! My name is Julie and I am a sophomore student at Cornell University studying Global Development and soon, Anthropology as well. I have extensive experience working with younger students in official education organizations and personally as well. I have tutored across all disciplines including english, writing, math, and science. Additionally, I speak Korean with native fluency, and have worked as a teacher assistant in a Korean school for 4 years with students as young as 4 years old to as old as 17 years old. I have seen how my assistance has positively helped students through their educational journey. In my opinion, I believe this was possible because I built a trusting relationship with the student, which allowed them to feel comfortable making mistakes and admitting when they are struggling, and I created a safe environment for them by leading with patience. My main hobby is playing piano (I played classical for 13 years and jazz for 2 years), and am willing to teach it as well. Some other hobbies I enjoy include puzzles and trying new restaurants+cafes!
Robert
Cornell University, Class of 2026, majoring in Applied Economics and Management and
concentrating in Finance
Tutoring subjects:
Math, English, History, Statistics, Physics, All subjects K-8, PSAT, SAT
Test Results:
SAT: 1500 (Math 800, English 700)
AP Scores: Calculus BC (5), Macroeconomics (5), Microeconomics (5), Physics (5), Statistics (5), US History (5)
My name is Robert, and I am a senior at Cornell University studying Applied Economics and Management with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Mathematics. After graduation, I will be joining Citizens JMP as an Investment Banking Analyst in NYC. I have prior internship experience across investment banking, real estate development, capital markets, and accounting/finance roles. I am originally from New York City and attended Brooklyn Technical High School, where I concentrated in finance and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. I scored a 1500 on the SAT, including an 800 in Math, and have taken advanced coursework and have scored 5s on AP exams such as Calculus BC, Statistics, U.S. History, macroeconomics, microeconomics, and Physics. Alongside my academic and professional background, I have extensive teaching experience working with K–12 students. I have taught SAT, SHSAT, and Hunter College High School entrance exam preparation, with a strong track record of measurable score improvement. I have also supported students with essay editing and college application advising, including mentoring international students through the U.S. admissions process. My primary teaching subjects include math, physics, and science, though I am highly flexible and comfortable adapting to a wide range of subjects and learning levels.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How do I request a session with a tutor?
Email Ryan@ShiresTutoring.com and mention you'd like to work with a tutor at your local college. You can mention your preferred tutor or tutors by name, or fill out our Request a Tutor form. We'll follow up within one business day to confirm availability and schedule your first session.
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Q. How quickly can we get started with tutoring?
Usually within a week. Reach out, we'll confirm which tutors are available for you in your town or online, and schedule a first session from there.
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Q. What subjects, sports, and arts do your tutors cover?
Our tutors cover a wide range — academics including math, science, English, history, languages, and test prep (SAT, ACT, AP); athletics including tennis, soccer, lacrosse, and more; and arts including drawing, painting, theater, piano, violin, and creative writing. Each tutor's specific subjects are listed on their individual profile.
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Q. What if the tutor isn't the right fit?
If the chemistry isn't there after the first session, let us know and we'll find you a better match.
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