Math, Writing & Chemistry Tutor in Lake in the Hills, IL
One-on-one tutoring with Michael Neaton — built around how you actually learn, not a fixed curriculum. In-person near Chicago, or online anywhere.
What I tutor
Pick a subject, or bring me a hard one.
This is the short list. For the full breakdown — including graduate-level topics and an honest list of what I don't teach — see the full topics page.
Math
Algebra through calculus, plus database & quantitative coursework.
Writing
Essays, theses, and grammar — elementary through graduate level.
Chemistry
General and organic chemistry, lab concepts included.
Test Prep
ACT, SAT, GRE, LSAT, NCLEX — over 20 standardized tests taken personally.
Something else?
If it's not listed, call — I enjoy a challenge more than most.
How a session works
Built around one student at a time.
- Lesson prep beforehand, including any materials needed
- A full hour-long session — longer if we agree it's needed
- Homework created for you, with notes attached
- Homework checked, if it's sent before the session
Beyond regular sessions
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Placement testing
A full diagnostic to see where a student stands. About 2 hours in person; shorter online if materials are sent ahead.
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Group sessions
Run before for groups of ~30, mainly for test-prep cohorts.
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Checking only
Essay, thesis, or homework review without a live session — at a discount. I'll check your work, not do it for you.
Location & availability
Based in Lake in the Hills, IL.
In-person sessions usually happen at the Lake in the Hills area, or near the Whitney M. Young library in Chicago on Saturdays. Online works anywhere with a stable connection.
| When | Mode |
|---|---|
| Mon–Fri, daytime | Online |
| Mon–Fri, after 7:30pm | Lake in the HillsOnline |
| Sat, before 5:00pm | ChicagoOnline |
| Sat, after 7:30pm | Lake in the HillsOnline |
| Sunday | Lake in the HillsOnline |
This ignores any currently scheduled students — exact open times need a quick call or text.
Qualifications
Four degrees. One firm belief in personalized teaching.
Full detail — including the standardized test scores — is on the qualifications page. I also publish a few free tutoring materials, if that's useful before you reach out.
Cost
Personalized work, personalized pricing.
- 10% off when a regular student prepays for a month before it starts
- 10% off per referral, additive with no cap — 9 referrals makes tutoring free
- Multiple students cost more than one, but not linearly — let's just talk pricing
GRE cram, five sessions a week — high frequency earned a steep discount.
Master's thesis review in political science — reading a 50-page draft weekly meant heavier prep.
FAQ
Questions worth answering up front.
What subjects do you tutor?
Math (algebra through calculus), writing (essays and theses, elementary through graduate level), and chemistry (general and organic). I also prep students for over 20 standardized tests, including the ACT, SAT, GRE, LSAT, and NCLEX. If your subject isn't listed, call anyway.
How much does tutoring cost?
The median base rate is $72/hour for one student. It moves up or down depending on prep time, session frequency, and number of students — a high-frequency GRE cram has run as low as $40/hr, while heavy-prep thesis review has run $100/hr. Prepaying a month ahead saves 10%, and referrals stack an additional 10% each, with no cap.
Do you tutor online, or only in person?
Both. Online works anywhere with a stable connection. In-person sessions happen in Lake in the Hills, IL most of the week, and near the Whitney M. Young library in Chicago on Saturday afternoons.
How do I book a session?
Call or text 612-703-5607 — that's the fastest way to get a real answer about open times. Email works too, but expect a reply within the week rather than the day.
What payment methods do you accept?
Zelle, sent to the phone number or email listed above.
What ages do you work with?
Anywhere from about 4 to 60 years old. Sessions are built around the individual student, not a fixed curriculum, so age matters less than where someone actually is and where they're trying to go.
Can you review an essay or thesis without a full session?
Yes — checking-only service is available at a discount versus a live session. I'll mark up and return the work; I won't write it for you.
Get in touch
Fastest way in, slowest way out.
Payment is by Zelle, sent to the phone number or email above.