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California Tutoring Programs & Resources

Statewide Focus | Our Partners | Measurable Success | Funding Opportunities | Standards Aligned | California Events

California's Focus on High-Impact Tutoring

California continues to prioritize academic recovery and acceleration, particularly for students who have been most affected by unfinished learning. While the state does not currently operate a centralized high-impact tutoring initiative, there is growing statewide momentum behind evidence-based tutoring models.

Through programs such as the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P), the Learning Acceleration System Grant, and the Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant, California is investing in before- and after-school tutoring, small-group academic support, and professional development focused on accelerating learning.

We’re continuing to expand our reach across California to support schools and districts in aligning tutoring programs with the state’s broader goals for equity, recovery, and academic growth.

Source: National Student Support Accelerator

California Schools and Districts We've Supported

We’re proud to support districts across California with high-impact tutoring programs designed to meet students where they are and accelerate academic growth. Below is a sample of those partnerships. Clicking a logo will take you to the district or school's website, where you can learn more about the communities we serve.

Meaningful Growth in California Classrooms

Our work with Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) continues to demonstrate the power of high-impact tutoring, particularly for students who have historically faced the greatest academic barriers.

In partnership with LAUSD’s Office of Parentally Placed Private School Students with Disabilities (PPPSO), we’ve delivered small-group, at-home virtual tutoring to K–12 students with active ISPs. The results speak for themselves:

  • 45.8% average academic growth across subjects

  • 56% increase in math mastery and 33.5% increase in ELA mastery

  • 96.6% of students reported experiencing “productive struggle”—a key indicator of deep engagement

  • Students in grades K–3 gained one month of reading proficiency for every 2.1 hours of tutoring

We continue expanding our programs and compiling additional data sets across California. Check back soon for updates as we share more about the impact of our work in districts statewide.

Funding Opportunities to Support Tutoring in California

California schools can support high-impact tutoring through a combination of federal education dollars and state-level grants. Explore the resources below to see how schools across the state are making tutoring more accessible, sustainable, and aligned with California’s academic priorities.

Federal Education Funding

  • $2.01B in Title I Grants - To raise achievement among students from lower-income families.

  • $2.13B in Special Education Grants - To ensure students with disabilities have the resources and specialized staff they need.

  • $201.7M for Improving Instruction - Assisting in educator recruitment, retention, and class size reduction.

  • $93.3M for Afterschool Programs - Supporting extended learning and tutoring opportunities.

  • $125.1M for Multilingual Education - To help English learners achieve proficiency, and provide all students with opportunities to be multilingual.

  • $122.1M for Student Support & Academic Enrichment - To provide students with access to a well-rounded education, safe and healthy learning environments, and technology.

  • $1,832 per student in federal investment annually

Source: National Education Association - "How Federal Dollars Support Students and Educators in California"




State-Specific Grants and Initiatives

Below is a list of grants that may support tutoring and related services such as core instructional improvement, after-school or summer programming, early childhood education, support for English language learners, or family engagement.

Grant opportunities may vary based on the time of year and state budget cycles. When available, we’ll list relevant funding sources that align with California’s educational priorities.

Need help determining eligibility or incorporating tutoring into a grant proposal? We're happy to assist.

Aligned to Common Core Standards

California has adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) to guide academic instruction in math and English language arts across all grade levels. Cignition’s tutoring programs are intentionally built to support these standards, emphasizing conceptual understanding, fluency, and critical thinking from kindergarten through high school.

Our curriculum team ensures that:

  • All tutoring lessons align to the Common Core State Standards in math and ELA.
  • Content is rigorous, engaging, and instructionally sound for every grade band.
  • Lessons are designed to reinforce classroom learning and support student growth.
  • Tutors deliver targeted support that builds both foundational skills and academic confidence.

To explore how our curriculum aligns with Common Core, you can review downloadable resources that break down our coverage by subject and grade band. You’ll also find the option to try a real sample lesson to see our approach in action.

Source: Common Core State Standards

Connecting with California Educators 

We’re committed to creating meaningful opportunities for California educators to connect, collaborate, and explore what effective, high-impact tutoring can look like in their schools.

Throughout the year, we aim to host a range of events specifically for California district and school leaders, including:

  • Webinars on tutoring best practices and state-aligned implementation strategies.

  • “Lunch N' Learn” conversations with current or former California partners.

  • Appearances at education conferences and regional network events.

Check back often for upcoming events—or reach out to schedule a conversation.

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