When it comes to finding a learning tutor, it's important to compare your options.

Option 1:  Private Tutor

A private tutor can be a friend, neighbor, family member, student teacher, peer or student, classroom teacher, or professional. Each will provide one-on-one instruction.

Pros

  • Private tutors offer individual attention.
  • The program is tailored to the student's individual needs.
  • The student can develop a strong relationship with the tutor or benefit from an already existing relationship.
  • Lessons can be very affordable, even free.

Cons

  • The quality of the tutor’s lessons can vary depending on tutor's expertise and the length of time spent.
  • Finding a good match can take time.
  • If tutoring happens during the school day, the student could miss class and fall behind in another subject area.
  • If the tutor is sick, the student misses a session.
  • If the tutor is a family member, differences of opinion could strain personal relationships.

Costs

  • Peer tutors (often older students), classroom teachers (including student teachers from a nearby college), neighborhood drop-in tutoring centers, and family members often provide tutoring services free.
  • Professional tutors charge between $20 and $75 per hour; highly experienced subject specialists in such subjects as math or chemistry can charge more.

Tips


Option 2: Tutoring Centers

Tutoring centers include national tutoring companies such as Sylvan Learning Centers, Kumon Math and Reading Centers, and Huntington Learning Centers. Your community may have local tutoring centers too. Kaplan, among others, offers courses to prepare students for high-stakes standardized tests.

Pros

  • Tutoring companies use objective tests to pinpoint students' strengths and weaknesses.
  • Students move through structured levels of achievement that give concrete benchmarks for a feeling of progress.
  • More than one tutor is available.
  • Tutoring companies usually hire trained, certified teachers.

Cons

  • Tutors work with groups of three to five students.
  • Since these are standardized tutor programs, the teaching methods may not suit your student's learning style (see EduGuide Quiz: “What is My Child’s Learning Style?”)
  • The family can't choose a specific tutor.
  • The tutoring assignments are in addition to the student's regular homework; homework support may not be part of the curriculum.
  • The cost is high.

Costs

  • The cost is as much as $150 a week;  payments is expected weekly or monthly.
  • Most tutoring companies accept credit cards.
  • Some companies offer financing or scholarship programs.

Tips

  • Ask if the tutoring business will communicate with the student's teacher.
  • Make sure the center's philosophy matches yours.


Option 3: Online Tutors

Online help includes homework help sites, one-on-one tutoring, and step-by-step software.

Pros

  • Tutoring can fit into your schedule without leaving home.
  • Questions can be posted any time.
  • This is a great option for quick answers.
  • Online tutoring can be fun, particularly for students who love technology.

Cons

  • Little or no mentoring relationship is formed.
  • Online tutoring provides no personal assessment of student needs and progress.
  • The tutor has no contact with the classroom teacher.

Costs

  • Help is free on homework help sites such as mathnerds.com.
  • Some sites charge per minute, per month, or per service—for example per essay or assignment.
  • Expect to pay between $20 and $50 per hour for tutors.

Tips

  • Make sure you get as much information as possible from and about the online tutor.
  • Monitor your student's work. Is he or she learning or just having fun without real thinking?


Option 4: No Child Left Behind

Under No Child Left Behind legislation, families at certain schools are entitled to free tutoring services.

Pros

  • The services are free to qualifying families.
  • Tutors are highly qualified.
  • Tutors will work closely with classroom teachers.

Cons

  • The student's school must be identified as needing improvement.
  • If supply or funding is limited, only the neediest students qualify.
  • Schools can use only services and service providers approved by the state.

Costs

  • Services are free to families in Title I schools that fail to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) for three or more years.

Tips

  • Ask your school's principal or Title I coordinator whether you qualify.