Students struggling with math at West Chicago Community High School have a new option for the 2026-27 school year: help from classmates who completed the same courses.

The school's mathematics division launched a peer-tutoring program, pairing juniors and seniors with students during Den, the school's built-in academic support period. Mathematics division head Steve Balhan created the program and recruited upperclassmen who had completed Algebra 2.

The department's goal is to raise the number of students earning an A, B or C in math, Balhan told the Wildcat Chronicle, the school's student newspaper, in a story published Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Math teacher Aaron Hayes told the Wildcat Chronicle that the extra hands mean students get help faster. Hayes said a peer who recently completed the same course can sometimes explain a concept differently than a classroom teacher would.

The program is open to all math levels. Balhan asked tutors to commit to one semester. If spots open, additional students may join in the second semester. Eligible tutors can count their hours toward National Honor Society service requirements.

The launch coincides with a broader District 94 initiative. Board materials from the district's Aug. 4 Committee of the Whole meeting listed expanded Den Time academic support as a goal for the 2026-27 school year. The materials did not name the peer-tutoring program specifically.

The same board documents outlined a 90% maximum score cap on summative retakes as part of updated grading practices for 2026-27. Superintendent Kurt Johansen said at the Aug. 4 meeting that the district saw an increase in graduation rates and that new programs for the 2026-27 school year would help engage students who might not connect with core classes.

Students interested in tutoring or receiving help can visit Den academic support during the school day.