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There’s more to hiring a tutor than a perfunctory Google search and seeing whose rates match your budget. In fact, before you even start your search, it’s important to take stock of your child’s learning needs and education objectives. From there, you can weigh options, consider finances and vet candidates.
“It’s important to have an idea of your goals before hiring a tutor,” notes Dominique Padurano, founder, president and head coach of Crimson Coaching, a boutique tutoring, test prep and college consulting firm. “That said, an experienced tutor will be able to give you an idea of whether your goals are reasonable in light of the time frame and budget you have available.”
For example, continues Padurano, most experienced tutors should be able to explain that certain objectives — like raising a student’s SAT score by 300 points in two weeks — aren’t realistic.
From setting goals, vetting candidates, gaining insights on rates and more, here’s how to hire a tutor from start to finish, according to Padurano and other experts.
Key takeaways
- Hiring a tutor starts with understanding your child’s needs and setting clear, realistic goals.
- Look for signs like academic struggles or low confidence, and choose a tutor who fits both your goals and budget.
- The right tutor boosts both performance and your child’s enthusiasm for learning.
What are the signs it’s time to hire a tutor?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, according to Armany Mathias, senior director of education at Mathnasium, but there are a few indicators that a tutor could be beneficial.
Mathias recommends looking for patterns in both academic performance and emotional cues. “Maybe your child is avoiding homework more than usual, becoming easily frustrated by assignments or making broad statements like, ‘I’m not good at this!’” she explains. “These are more than just fleeting comments; they’re often early signals that your child is feeling lost or disconnected from the material, says Mathias.
In some cases, it’s not about grades at all, adds Mathias. “A child might be doing ‘OK’ on paper but still struggling to keep up or not engaging in class the way they used to,” she notes. “A shift in confidence, especially in subjects like math where concepts build upon each other, can lead to gaps that grow over time.” In this scenario, she adds, a tutor can provide personalized support that helps a child regain a sense of capability and joy in learning.
Other signs, per Lisa Speransky, founder of Ivy Tutors Network, may include:
Consistent struggling in a particular subject, such as math or reading. “If a child is not improving in these key areas with extra attention from the teacher and parents,” Speranksy notes, “a tutor can be a key component of a child’s education team.”
Persistent frustration. When a child doesn’t want to engage in school or shows frustration towards it, a tutor can be helpful. A great way to gain insight on this is by talking to their teacher. “Teachers are often the first to notice when a child may be struggling, so asking for feedback from them can be especially helpful,” Speransky notes. “Children who lack confidence in their academic abilities may be hesitant to participate in class or complete assignments independently.”
Organizational issues. For some kids, the issue isn’t necessarily academics, but staying organized. “If a child is struggling to stay organized in their tasks — with or without a formalized ADHD diagnosis — specialized tutoring services can make a significant positive impact on their current academic success and teach them the skills necessary to fuel their own academic success in future,” says Speransky.
Finally, tutoring can also be for kids who are consistently going above and beyond in school or for specific, one-off situations.
“If your child brings home grades that are consistently way above average, they might need a tutor for enrichment,” Padurano notes. “Additionally, some academic rites of passage like the SAT and ACT aren’t explicitly taught in school. For this reason — as well as students’ desires for top scores and to overcome test anxiety — families often consider a tutor as a supplement to the instruction they receive during the school day.”
Cost considerations when you hire a tutor
Tutors aren’t generally cheap (more on rates below), but when determining your budget, Mathias notes that it’s important to keep the big picture in mind.
“Focus on value, not just the actual price,” she says. “You’re not just investing in sessions; you’re investing in your child’s confidence, long-term academic growth and their relationship with learning.”
To that point, she adds, tutoring programs or private tutors for children should offer more than quick fixes. “They should provide a personalized plan, regular progress updates and instruction that helps your child make meaningful strides.” With a strong setup like this, she adds, the return on investment is incredibly high.
“Focus on value, not just the actual price. You’re not just investing in sessions; you’re investing in your child’s confidence, long-term academic growth and their relationship with learning.”
— Armany Mathias, a corporate training executive in the tutoring industry
How much do tutors generally cost?
Tutors exist at every price point. Certain subjects will cost you more (with test prep generally being the most expensive), but location and experience affect rates, as well.
“Private, one-on-one tutors might charge anywhere from $40 to over $100 per hour,” Mathias notes. “Online tutors can be slightly more affordable, but often with less consistency or individualized planning.”
Group tutoring lessons are generally more affordable, notes Speransky, while Padurano adds that “high school students tutoring friends or as community service might be free.”
To get a better idea of the cost of tutoring, check out:
Types of tutors
There are various types of tutors, and finding the right fit depends on your child’s needs. “Some tutors specialize in a single subject, like math or reading, while others provide support across multiple areas,” Mathias explains. “There are tutors who focus on test prep, and others who work specifically with students who have learning differences or attention challenges.”
Here, Speranksy offers a quick breakdown of the different types of tutors:
- Subject-specific tutors. These tutors help with a particular area like math, reading or chemistry.
- Multi-subject or generalist tutors. Multi-subject tutors are best-suited for younger students and homework assistance.
- Test prep specialists. Exam-focused help; think SHSAT, SAT/ACT, SSAT/ISEE, APs, etc.
- Executive functioning coaches. For kids who don’t necessarily need help with academics, but instead need assistance in areas like study skills, organization and time management.
- College admissions coaches. Different from learning-based tutors, college admission coaches provide guidance to students and parents with application strategy, essays, and interviews.
- Enrichment tutoring. These tutors can be an excellent resource for providing “gifted children” extra challenges and the opportunity to explore their favorite subjects in greater depth.
Where to look when searching for a tutor
You want to do your due diligence when looking into private tutors for children, as it’s an “unregulated industry and anyone can say they’re a tutor,” notes Speransky.
The best place to start, according to Padurano, is with people you know. “Parents can ask their children’s teachers or guidance counselors, as well as other parents in their community, for tutors who have proven results of working with students,” she says. “Another good option is to consult community Facebook groups for parent recommendations.”
If you’re looking for a more structured experience, tutoring centers are an option. “These programs typically provide assessments, progress tracking and a team of trained instructors,” Mathias notes.
“Online platforms can work too,” she continues, “though you’ll want to be extra careful to verify credentials and teaching style to ensure a strong match.
How to vet tutoring candidates
One of the best ways to vet a tutor is through the recommendations of people you know who have hired that tutor before, notes Padurano. “If that’s not possible, then be sure to check out the tutor’s Google reviews and website to make sure that they run an established service with generally satisfied customers.”
If you’ve found someone on your own, Speransky recommends asking to speak with past clients, along with inquiring about qualifications, experience and specialties. “Additionally, ensure they offer diagnostic assessments and inquire about a trial session or satisfaction guarantee,” she says. “Also, establish clear communication around scheduling and payments.”
Read more:
Tutor interview questions: 23 key questions for parents to ask
How can parents know if they found the right fit?
It’s important to take a holistic approach when looking for a tutor, according to the experts we spoke to. “The right fit tutor will not just help your child to achieve their academic goals,” says Padurano. “They’ll also bolster your child’s self-esteem and belief that they can achieve the goals they’ve set for themselves.”
Another telltale sign of a good tutor is seeing that your child feels at-ease and empowered around them. “Parents will know if they found the right fit if their child feels comfortable, encouraged and sees improvement in academic performance or confidence,” notes Speransky. “Further, there must be measurable progress tracking and direct communication. Ultimately, children should start looking forward to their tutoring sessions and see the tutor as someone who is ‘in their court.’”
The bottom line on hiring a tutor
Finding the right tutor takes some work, but in the end, it pays dividends.
“When a child starts to say, ‘I understand this now,’ or even, ‘This is kind of fun,’ that’s when you know the work has paid off and you’ve found someone who’s teaching in a way that truly makes sense to them,” Mathias says. “That’s what every child deserves.”
