Classes


Math    /     CS    /     Physics    /     Chemistry    /     Biology        

Math

Algebra - Enrichment

This course focuses on the basics of algebra. These include order of operations, solving linear equations (single & multi-variable), ratios & proportions, graphing, inequalities, polynomials, sequences & series, and more. We will cover these topics in depth within a 16-week span.



AMC 8 - Competitive Math

The AMC 8 is a nation-wide mathematics competition with students from Grades 8 and below competing. It is a 25 problem, 40 minute test including challenging problems that cover geometry, algebra, combinatorics, counting, probability, and more. Although there is no contest after the AMC 8 for high scoring students, doing well on this exam is a good indicator of success in other mathematics competitions. This course will cover topics that will be tested as well as a large majority of questions on the contests. Students need no previous knowledge other than a solid understanding of the math courses that they have covered in school, including pre-algebra, algebra, and for some, geometry. We will build on previous knowledge as well as provide a multitude of new strategies and topics that will help students succeed on this contest.

More information about the American Mathematics Competitions can be found here.



AMC 10 - Competitive Math

The AMC 10 is a nation-wide mathematics competition with students from Grade 10 and below competing. It is a 25 problem, 75 minute test including challenging problems that cover arithmetic, algebra, counting, geometry, number theory, probability, and other secondary school mathematics topics. If one scores high enough, they will qualify for the prestigious AIME contest, or the American Invitational Mathematics Examination. This course will cover topics that will be tested as well as a large majority of questions on the contests. Students will need an adequate understanding in most of the tested areas. We will build on previous knowledge as well as provide a multitude of new strategies and tips that will help students succeed on this contest.

More information about the American Mathematics Competitions can be found here.

Computer Science

USACO Bronze - Competitive Programming

USACO is a worldwide, online computer science competition that involves thousands of students. Every school year, four online competitions take place and those who score well in these competitions ascend in rank, with every student beginning in Bronze. The highest ranking this year is Platinum. Students who are able to reach the highest level can possibly be chosen into a top-24 student team and compete to be a part of the United States team, which then competes in the International Olympiad of Informatics. Prerequisites for this course include a laptop which you can program on. No previous computer science knowledge is needed to apply for this course, as our tutors will cover basic computer science principles to students who do not have any prior experience.

More information about the USA Computing Olympiad can be found here.



USACO Silver - Competitive Programming

USACO is a worldwide, online computer science competition that involves thousands of students. Every school year, four online competitions take place and those who score well in these competitions ascend in rank, with every student beginning in Bronze. The highest ranking this year is Platinum. Students who are able to reach the highest level can possibly be chosen into a top-24 student team and compete to be a part of the United States team, which then competes in the International Olympiad of Informatics. Prerequisites for this course include being in the Silver division of the USACO contest.

More information about the USA Computing Olympiad can be found here.

Physics

Physics - Preparation

The primary goal of this class is to help students learn elementary concepts in physics, specifically focusing on classical mechanics. This will also help students perform well on physics contests such as the USA Physics Olympiad’s F=ma exam. Our class will focus on ensuring that students gain a strong understanding of the fundamental concepts, while also solving many practice problems from various sources including past F=ma contest problems when applicable. No past experience with physics is required, but experience in algebra is necessary and experience with trigonometry is recommended (but trigonometry will be reviewed in the class as well).

More information about the F=ma exam can be found here.

Chemistry

Chemistry - Preparation

The CalTutors Chemistry Preparation Class is targeted towards middle school students and high school underclassmen who aim to reach proficiency in a high school-level chemistry class. Topics covered include fundamentals of chemistry, stoichiometry, periodic trends, electron configuration, and thermochemistry. These subjects will be explored in depth over the course of twelve weeks.

Biology

Biology - Preparation

The primary goal of this class is to introduce middle school students, as well as struggling freshmen to the principles of biology. We will be covering topics like ecology, molecular biology, cell biology, as well as some anatomy. Through doing so, we aim to prepare them for 9th-grade biology class and hopefully inculcate in them a lasting love of biology.