Shining Students Tutoring
About
Shining Students Tutoring provides personalized K–12 academic tutoring and ACT/SAT test prep for students in Huntley, surrounding communities, and online. We support students in math, reading, writing, science, executive functioning, and test preparation through warm, individualized instruction.
Families choose Shining Students because our tutoring is built around each student’s current schoolwork, learning style, goals, and confidence. Sessions are practical, supportive, and personalized, helping students strengthen academic skills, improve grades, prepare for important tests, and become more independent learners.
We work with a wide range of students, including those who need extra support, students preparing for advanced coursework, neurodivergent learners, and students working toward stronger ACT/SAT scores. Shining Students Tutoring is a local, owner-led tutoring practice with 70+ Google reviews from families.
Tutoring is available in person in Huntley and online. Contact us through our website or call (847) 421-9362 to talk through the best fit for your student.
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our reviews policy.
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Dave D.
Professional approach. Friendly and knowledgeable. A great help for our son
January 02, 2021
•Hired on Tutors
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~Melissa, I.
Mr. Pfeifer takes the time and puts in the effort to make sure each student thoroughly understands the material. He makes learning innovative and fun, and has a personality that keeps students interested and engaged. I highly recommend him if you want your student to get the best personalized educational experience.
December 19, 2020
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~Mark, U.
Mr. Pfeifer understands how not only effectively write a phenomenal essay, but also teach his students how to do so as well. He understands how to structure an essay in such a way that the reader is captivated and yet informed. He has taught me the correct balance between giving detailed information versus clear and concise sentences. My essays have risen an entire tier ever since he worked with me. Would recommend wholeheartedly.
December 19, 2020
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~Andre, I.
Im a homeschooled student of Mr. Pfeifer. I am proud to say that with his help, my work ethic and grades went from Cs to A+s! For anyone thats in northwest Chicagoland and needs a tutor, this is the best guy around.
December 19, 2020
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~Juan, I.
When school was starting to transition to e-learning, I struggled with the formats as well as paying attention to the given videos. When I came in contact with Mr. Pfeifer, he was able to explain things in-depth as well as give me advice for future references. I finished my physics course as well as improved my English skills over the summer and Im looking forward to a fresh start next year!
December 19, 2020
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Jackie H.
I highly recommend Shining Students. Dan is professional and friendly. My daughter has always struggled in school and been resistant to help. She is comfortable with Dan, and is learning from him. I appreciate his teaching methods and his use of technology blended with traditional teaching. We have increased to twice per week to help my daughter during e-learning, which is particularly difficult for her.
November 05, 2020
•Hired on Tutors
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We start with a conversation about the student’s current classes, goals, strengths, challenges, and learning style. From there, we recommend the best fit for tutoring, whether the student needs help with schoolwork, foundational skill-building, executive functioning, or ACT/SAT preparation.
Sessions are personalized and often connect directly to what the student is working on in school, while also addressing gaps, study habits, confidence, and long-term academic independence. As we work with the student, we adjust the plan based on progress, upcoming tests, assignments, and family feedback.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Shining Students Tutoring is led by Dan Pfeifer and Meagan Hubbard. Dan brings more than 20 years of educational experience and holds undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Physics, as well as a Master of Business Administration. He specializes in high school math and science, ACT/SAT preparation, and executive functioning support.
Meagan works primarily with elementary and middle school students in phonics, early literacy, reading comprehension, middle school math, and foundational academic skills. She holds an undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Miami University and a Master’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Academic tutoring typically ranges from $70–$85 per hour depending on the subject, tutor, and format. ACT/SAT test prep is priced by package size because students often need different levels of support based on their starting score, goal score, timeline, and testing plan.
We are a high-quality, individualized tutoring practice, not a one-size-fits-all or bargain tutoring service. Families are welcome to contact us directly to talk through the best fit, current availability, and pricing options.
How did you get started teaching?
Shining Students Tutoring grew from a belief that students make the most progress when instruction is personal, practical, and connected to their real school experience. Over time, our work expanded from individual tutoring into a local, owner-led tutoring practice serving K–12 students in Huntley, surrounding communities, and online.
We continue to focus on relationship-based instruction, confidence-building, and academic support that meets students where they are.
What types of students have you worked with?
We work with a wide range of K–12 students, including students who need extra support, students looking to improve grades, students preparing for advanced coursework, neurodivergent learners, and students preparing for the ACT or SAT.
We support elementary, middle school, and high school students in math, reading, writing, science, executive functioning, study skills, and test preparation.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One recent highlight was helping a student raise his ACT score from a 29 to a 35. That kind of growth can dramatically expand a student’s college options, scholarship opportunities, and confidence heading into the admissions process.
What made it especially meaningful was watching the student’s hard work turn into real opportunity. We love seeing students realize that consistent preparation, strong strategy, and the right support can open doors they may not have thought were possible.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a tutor who takes time to understand the student, not just the subject. Strong tutoring should be individualized, connected to the student’s current schoolwork and goals, and focused on building confidence and independence over time.
The right fit matters. Students are more likely to grow when they feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and working through challenging material with someone who understands how they learn.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Before reaching out, it helps to think about what kind of support the student needs most. Are they struggling with current homework, missing foundational skills, preparing for a specific test, trying to improve grades, or needing help with organization and study habits?
It is also helpful to know the student’s current class, recent grades or test scores, upcoming exams, learning preferences, and any areas where they feel stuck. The more we understand at the start, the better we can recommend the right tutoring plan.
Services offered
Math
Business
Literature
Homeschool
Special Needs
Science
Marketing
Reading And Writing Tutoring
Computer Programming
Test Prep Tutoring