Our Mission
Our mission is to help students build the skills, confidence, and independence they need to succeed in school and beyond through personalized tutoring that meets them where they are.
Our story
As a local, owner-led tutoring practice, Shining Students Tutoring is proud to be part of the community we serve. Our clients are more than names on a schedule — they are our neighbors. Because we work closely with local families, we can develop the long-term relationships and deep understanding that meaningful learning often requires.
We believe learning works best when it feels personal, relationship-based, and connected to students’ real lives, goals, and experiences. That’s why we take the time to understand each student’s learning style, personality, academic environment, and individual needs. Whether their goal is to deepen understanding, gain confidence and independence, or develop stronger academic habits, we provide thoughtful guidance that helps students grow both academically and personally.
We also believe in the benefits of strong communication and collaboration. By partnering with families, educators, and students themselves, we strive to be a trusted resource and source of support throughout each student’s educational journey.
Academic Growth
& Stronger Grades
ACT/SAT
Score Gains
Confidence
& Motivation
Why Families
Choose Us
We support our students through personalized instruction and a collaborative approach with families. Our families frequently report growth in the following areas:
Who We
Work With
We support a wide range of learners, including:
-
Students needing academic support or remediation
-
Students with ADHD and executive functioning challenges
-
College students seeking academic support
-
Gifted, honors, and advanced students
-
Neurodivergent learners and students with learning differences
-
Students preparing for the ACT and SAT
Dan Pfeifer, MBA
Founder & Co-Owner, Tutor
Dan specializes in high school mathematics and science, ACT/SAT preparation, and executive functioning skills.
Meagan Pfeifer, M.A.
Co-Owner, Tutor
Meagan uses her interdisciplinary academic background and relationship-based approach to support students across a wide range of ages, subjects, and learning styles.
Michelle Gerlinger, M.A.
Tutor
Michelle uses a structured, individualized approach to help students build confidence, independence, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of mathematics.
Our Team
Behind Every Successful Learner is a Dedicated Tutor
at ease learning environment
Space to Learn and Grow
Shining Students Tutoring offers both online and in-person tutoring. Our home-based learning environment is designed to help students feel comfortable, focused, and at ease. Our dedicated tutoring space features two private classrooms and a cozy parent waiting area, creating a calm and personalized setting that supports meaningful learning without the distractions of a large commercial center. We believe students do their best work when they feel safe, relaxed, and cared for—and our space was intentionally designed with that in mind.
We take time to understand each student’s needs, goals, personality, schedule, and learning preferences. Then we match them with the tutor we believe will be the strongest fit. Whenever possible, we also try to accommodate each family’s needs when considering schedule, format, and tutor fit.
Sessions are built around the student’s needs and goals. Some sessions focus on current schoolwork and upcoming tests, while others target foundational skills, study habits, or long-term growth. Many students benefit from a combination of both.
We often use the student’s current classwork, assignments, study guides, and teacher materials so tutoring connects directly to what they are learning in school. When needed, we also add targeted practice to close foundational gaps.
We offer both in-person and online tutoring. In-person sessions take place at our Huntley location, and online sessions are held through Zoom. We work with families from Huntley and surrounding communities, including Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Hampshire, and Gilberts.
No long-term contract is required. We recommend consistent sessions for the best results, and we work with families to find a schedule that fits their needs and our availability.
Our standard individual tutoring sessions are one hour. For younger students who may have difficulty sustaining focus, 30-minute and 45-minute sessions may be available upon request.