Finding the Right Tutor

What type of tutor is right for my child?

Inside this article...

Tutoring centers
Private tutors
Student tutors

Once you decide to hire a tutor, there are several courses of action. The one you choose will depend on which one you -- and your child -- are most comfortable with.

Tutoring centers

As the government increases standardized testing and more parents are pushing their children to excel academically, tutoring centers are popping up everywhere.

PROS	CONS
Tutors are skilled and specialized.	Attention may be less personal.
Easy-to-keep regular schedule.	A one-size-fits-all approach.
Variety of services and focus areas.	Setting may feel too much like school.
Extensive staff and resources.	Might not be easy to change appointments.
Costs are fixed.

Private tutors

More private tutors are teaching professional certification and committing their lives to tutoring, rather than viewing it as a part-time job.

PROS	CONS
Personalized attention.	Personal conflicts may arise.
A better chance of flexible schedules.	Atmosphere might not be formal enough.
Most make house calls.	Additional resources could be limited.
Many are highly proficient in one area.	Hourly rates may be higher than "package" deals, and most will not offer a money-back guarantee.
Less school-like atmosphere.
Costs may be negotiable.

Student tutors

Student tutors are teaching on the side, as they continue their studies. They can have any level of education, from high school to a Ph.D.

PROS	CONS
One-on-one attention.	May have less experience.
Most will make house calls.	Personal conflicts may arrive.
May be more "in-tune" with your child, due to age.	Little to no formal teaching experience.
Flexible schedules.	Limited access to additional resources.
Often specialize in one subject.
Cost Less

The bottom line

What works for one child might not work for another. Explore all the options and choose the one your child seems most receptive to.