Middle school · Ages 11-14
Pre-Algebra Tutor: Build the Bridge to Algebra
Integers, fractions, ratios and first equations taught one-to-one, so Algebra 1 starts on solid ground.
Prefer to ask a question first? Chat on WhatsApp
How it works, in short
Pre-algebra tutoring at TaleemSquare is a live, one-to-one lesson of 45 minutes that closes the gaps between arithmetic and algebra: negative numbers, fractions and percents, ratios, order of operations, variables and simple equations. Most students we see in Grades 6 to 8 are missing one or two of these, and everything after depends on them.
A free assessment shows which pieces are missing. Weekly lessons then fix them in order, from $85 a month.
- Format
- Live, one-to-one, online
- Lesson length
- 45 minutes
- Level
- Ages 11-14
- Price
- From $85 a month
What changes after a term of lessons
Confident with negatives and fractions
Adds, subtracts, multiplies and divides signed numbers and fractions without guessing the rule.
Solves first equations
Undoes one- and two-step equations by balancing both sides, and checks the answer by substituting.
Ready for Algebra 1
Starts algebra knowing what a variable means and how expressions are built, rather than memorizing steps.
What we cover
Lessons follow your child's own school or homeschool curriculum. These are the areas we work on most at this level.
Integers and the number line
Negative numbers, absolute value and the four operations with signed numbers, shown on a number line first.
Fractions, decimals and percents
Converting between forms, operations with fractions, and percent increase, decrease and discounts.
Ratios, rates and proportions
Unit rates, scale drawings, solving proportions and recognizing proportional relationships in tables and graphs.
Order of operations and exponents
Evaluating expressions with brackets, powers and square roots in the right order every time.
Variables and expressions
Writing expressions from words, combining like terms and using the distributive property.
One- and two-step equations
Solving and checking equations and simple inequalities, then writing them from word problems.
Intro to graphing
Plotting points, reading coordinates and seeing a simple linear pattern on a graph.
Signs your child could use help
- Still unsure whether two negatives make a positive
- Avoids fractions or converts everything to decimals
- Can't explain what x actually stands for
- Word problems cause more trouble than calculations
- Placed in a lower math group next year
- Homework brings tears or arguments at home
One of these on its own is normal. Two or three together usually point to a specific gap, and finding it is what the free assessment is for.
Taught to your curriculum, wherever you live
Common Core Grades 6-8 (ratios, number system, expressions and equations)
Pre-algebra is often a named course in Grade 7 or 8, or the content is spread across Grades 6-8 math. State tests in Grades 6-8 assess these skills, so we align lessons to your state's standards.
National Curriculum Key Stage 3 mathematics
Years 7-9 cover negative numbers, fractions, ratio and proportion, algebraic notation and simple equations. These are the foundations of GCSE Maths, so gaps here matter.
Level: Years 7-9 (Key Stage 3)
Provincial Grades 6-8 mathematics
Integers, ratios and rates, and early algebra appear across the Grade 6-8 curricula in Ontario, BC and Alberta. We follow the provincial expectations for your child's grade.
Level: Grades 6-8 math
Australian Curriculum: Number and Algebra, Years 6-8
Integers, fractions and percentages, ratios and rates, and linear equations in Year 8. NAPLAN numeracy in Year 7 tests many of these skills.
Level: Years 6-8 mathematics
Inside a 45-minute pre-algebra lesson
One 45-minute session. Tutors adjust the timings to your child.
5 min
Warm-up
Quick mental math on integers or fractions to get going.
10 min
Gap repair
A short revisit of one older skill that today's topic depends on.
12 min
New idea
Taught with a visual model on the whiteboard, then written as math.
13 min
Practice
Mixed questions including one or two word problems.
5 min
Wrap-up
Your child explains the idea back. You get a WhatsApp summary.
How we teach pre-algebra
Find the oldest gap first
If a child struggles with equations because fractions never clicked, we start with fractions. Order matters more than speed.
Pictures before rules
Number lines, bar models and balance scales show why the rules work before your child memorizes them.
Words into math
Every lesson includes translating a short word problem into an expression or equation, the skill tests reward most.
Small wins, often
Middle schoolers who feel behind need early success. We pitch practice so your child gets most questions right, then raise the bar.
Simple monthly plans
$85a month for 2 one-to-one math lessons a week
- Free 45-minute assessment first
- No contract, cancel any month
- No registration fee
- 4-class money-back promise
- Switch tutor at no cost
- WhatsApp update after every class
Starter
2 lessons a week, best for keeping up with school
$85/mo
GrowthMost chosen
3 lessons a week, best for catching up + building confidence
$119/mo
Intensive
4 lessons a week, best for exam prep & fast improvement
$149/mo
Common worries, honest answers
“My child is in Grade 8 and still struggles with fractions. Is that a problem?”
It is common and fixable. Fractions are the most frequent gap we see at this age, and they are worth fixing before Algebra 1 because almost every algebra topic uses them.
“Should we wait until algebra gets hard?”
It is easier and cheaper to fix pre-algebra gaps now than to rescue an Algebra 1 grade later. The free assessment will tell you honestly whether help is needed yet.
“My child gets anxious about math.”
Our tutors start below your child's frustration point and build up. Anxiety usually eases once a child has a few weeks of getting things right.
Frequently asked questions
What is pre-algebra?
Is pre-algebra the same as 7th grade math?
How do I know if my child is ready for Algebra 1?
How much does an online pre-algebra tutor cost?
Can tutoring help my child move into a higher math group?
What if my child doesn't like their tutor?
Book a free 45-minute assessment
Your child meets a tutor for a real one-to-one session. You get an honest read on where they are and what would help, even if the answer is that they don't need tutoring right now.
- 1
We reply on WhatsApp
Usually within 10 minutes, to find a time that suits your family.
- 2
Your child meets the tutor
A relaxed 45-minute session to see their level and how they learn.
- 3
You decide
You get a recommendation and a plan. No card details, no pressure.