K. Hanson
My 6 year old daughter can’t wait for her Mathnasium sessions! Mathnasium does a great job of creating indepe...
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Mathnasium of Lake Forest IL's personalized algebra tutoring programs are designed to support students at every stage of their math journey.
Our caring tutors help students make the leap from concrete arithmetic to abstract thinking, mastering integers, fractions, order of operations, and variables that form the foundation for Algebra 1.
Using proven teaching techniques, we guide students through multi-step equations, linear functions, graphing, and word problems, transforming this high-stakes course into a confident stepping stone toward future math success.
Students master fast-paced, complex concepts—factoring polynomials, quadratics, exponentials, and logarithms—with targeted support that builds the advanced problem-solving skills required for Precalculus and college preparation.
At Mathnasium of Lake Forest IL, our specially trained math tutors help students of all skill levels excel in Prealgebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2, as they master key topics from introductory expressions to advanced functions and equations.
We provide personalized, face-to-face instruction in a caring and fun small-group environment. Our tutors use clear, everyday language, meet students where they are, and help them develop the understanding and confidence they need to succeed in algebra.
We use the Mathnasium Method™, our proprietary teaching approach designed to help students truly understand how algebra works. This approach strengthens critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and long-term retention.
Our tutors combine proven interactive techniques with personalized learning plans tailored to each student’s needs and learning style. We make algebra clear, meaningful, and easier to apply both in the classroom and in everyday situations.
Each student begins their Mathnasium journey with a diagnostic assessment to identify current skills and knowledge gaps in algebra. Using assessment-based insights, we create a personalized learning plan that targets exactly what each student needs.
Once the plan is created, our tutors deliver targeted instruction, evolving according to each student’s learning style to close any learning gaps, strengthen their baseline foundation in algebra, and build lasting confidence every step of the way.
Our Results
94%
Math Skills
of parents report an improvement in their child’s math skills and understanding.
93%
Attitude
of parents report improved attitude toward math after attending Mathnasium.
90%
Success
of students saw an improvement in their school grades.
Our Results
The Proof Is In The Numbers
Math Skills
of parents report an improvement in their child’s math skills and understanding.
Attitude
of parents report improved attitude toward math after attending Mathnasium.
Success
of students saw an improvement in their school grades.
Algebra Tutors Near You
Mathnasium’s specially trained algebra tutors work with students across the 60035, 60040, 60044, 60045, 60064, and 60088 zip codes. We proudly serve families throughout Lake Forest and nearby areas, including:
Specially Trained and Caring Team
Javier Steve Santacruz
Owner and Managing Director
Javier holds a B.S. in Accounting and a law degree from DePaul University. His passion for helping children succeed brought him to Mathnasium, where he fell in love with the program’s ability to make math make sense. He describes his journey with Mathnasium as “one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
Javier and his wife, Karen, are enjoying time together after raising their two sons, Austin and Dylan. Outside of Mathnasium, he loves reading, spending time in the countryside, and following his second passion—baseball.
Karen Santacruz
Owner
Karen graduated from Western Illinois University with a B.S. in Physical Education and holds a Master’s in Exercise Science and Cardiac Rehabilitation. Before joining Mathnasium, she taught physical education and served as Head Athletic Trainer at Stevenson High School.
While raising her two sons, Karen taught part-time, coached youth sports, and volunteered with Boy Scouts. She is passionate about helping kids build confidence in math. “The Mathnasium Method does this so well—it allows kids to ‘work out’ their minds while building a love for learning.”
Betty Wang
Director of Operations
Betty graduated from New Trier High School and earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomechanical Engineering from Northwestern University. Her passion for learning and problem-solving brought her to Mathnasium, where she helps create nurturing learning environments for students.
Betty loves Mathnasium’s individualized learning plans, which help students make sense of math in a supportive setting. She believes that when students feel confident, they thrive—not just in math, but in life.
Whether they would like to attend sessions in-center or online, students can take 3 easy steps to enroll at Mathnasium.
All students begin their Mathnasium journey with a diagnostic assessment that pinpoints what they already know and the algebraic concepts they still need to learn.
FAQ
Meet our algebra tutors at Mathnasium of Lake Forest IL, located at 514 N Western Ave, Lake Forest, IL 60045, easily accessible from both N Western Avenue and N Bank Lane, offering a quiet and convenient setting in the heart of Lake Forest.
Students can work with our tutors in person at the center or by joining live, face-to-face sessions with them online.
We proudly serve students from Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Knollwood, Great Lakes, and North Chicago. Local schools and districts we support include:
Deer Path Middle School
School of St. Mary
Lake Forest Country Day
Lake Forest High School
Lake Forest School District 67
Lake Forest School District 115
And more
Our tutors help students learn and master any algebra topic, including:
Expressions, equations, and inequalities
Functions, graphing, and systems of equations
Quadratic equations and factoring
Polynomials, exponents, and radicals
Rational expressions and advanced algebra concepts
Students follow personalized learning plans so they can focus on building the skills they need to advance on their math journey.
Our enrollment process begins with a diagnostic assessment that helps us understand each student's current algebra knowledge, identify learning gaps, and clarify their goals. The assessment is free and designed to feel engaging, so students can relax and interact with us in a stress-free environment.
We use these insights to create a personalized learning plan that provides exactly the level of support each student needs.
At Mathnasium of Lake Forest IL, we use the Mathnasium Method™, a proprietary teaching approach that pairs personalized learning plans with proven techniques to help students build deep, lasting understanding of algebra.
Our tutors meet students where they are, address gaps in their foundational knowledge, and introduce new concepts step by step so algebra begins to make sense.
Yes! We work with students of all skill levels.
Our tutors meet students where they are, identify and fill in foundational gaps, and guide them through challenging algebra topics step by step.
By teaching concepts in a way that makes sense, we help students rebuild understanding and confidence, which often leads to improved performance in the classroom.
Absolutely! We support students enrolled in honors or accelerated algebra courses, those preparing for more advanced coursework, and students looking for enrichment beyond the classroom.
We also help students strengthen the algebra foundation needed for college entrance exams such as the PSAT®, SAT®, and ACT®.
Yes. Our tutors set aside time during each session to help students with their algebra homework, using this as an opportunity to reinforce the concepts they're learning at school and empowering them to complete their schoolwork independently.
Yes. Mathnasium of Lake Forest IL creates personalized learning plans and can align instruction with Illinois classroom expectations when needed.
We help students prepare for quizzes, unit tests, final and state exams, and standardized assessments that include algebra content, including the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR).
Yes. Students who prefer to learn from home can join live, face-to-face online sessions with our Lake Forest tutors.
Online students work through the same personalized learning plans as their in-center peers, with the same caring guidance from our specially trained tutors.
Yes. Our tutors understand the Illinois Learning Standards for Mathematics and the expectations of local schools in Lake Forest and surrounding communities.
When appropriate, we align personalized learning plans with state standards and classroom goals to support both school performance and assessment preparation.
Mathnasium of Lake Forest IL provides premium-value math tutoring for a flat monthly membership fee. Pricing depends on your student's individual plan and session schedule.
For specific pricing information, please contact our center directly. We are happy to walk you through the options and find a plan that fits your student's goals and your family's needs.
Getting started is simple! Contact us or schedule an assessment to get started.
The assessment will help us understand your child's skills and goals so we can build their personalized learning plan.
Most students begin regular sessions within just a few days.
Mathnasium is the place to be for fun math enrichment for your child! Schedule a Free Assessment ...
Contact UsKnowledge Hub
Feb 14, 2024
Jan 15, 2024
Dec 15, 2023
Nov 15, 2023
Oct 15, 2023
Sep 15, 2023
Aug 15, 2023
Jul 20, 2023
514 N Western Ave, #D
Lake Forest, IL 60045
| Call: | (847) 295-6284 |
| Text: | (847) 295-6284 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
Mon
2:00PM - 6:00PM
Tue
2:00PM - 6:00PM
Wed
2:00PM - 6:00PM
Thu
2:00PM - 6:00PM
Sat
9:00AM - 1:00PM
Mon
12:00PM - 7:00PM
Tue
12:00PM - 7:00PM
Wed
12:00PM - 7:00PM
Thu
12:00PM - 7:00PM
Sat
9:00AM - 1:00PM
| Mon: | 2:00PM - 6:00PM |
| Tue: | 2:00PM - 6:00PM |
| Wed: | 2:00PM - 6:00PM |
| Thu: | 2:00PM - 6:00PM |
| Sat: | 9:00AM - 1:00PM |
| Mon: | 12:00PM - 7:00PM |
| Tue: | 12:00PM - 7:00PM |
| Wed: | 12:00PM - 7:00PM |
| Thu: | 12:00PM - 7:00PM |
| Sat: | 9:00AM - 1:00PM |
Have questions? Contact us.
(847) 295-6284
(847) 295-6284
