If your kids could benefit from some academic support, how do you find a tutor tailored to their specific needs? Drawing on recommendations from the National Tutoring Association, insights from fellow parents and personal experience, here are some potential sources to consider during your search.
Teachers
Begin your search with your kids’ current teachers. If they have suggested tutoring, they can specify the exact support required. Do your kids need homework assistance or help with improving their classroom performance? Is the problem rooted in one or more academic subjects, or is it a matter of motivation, organization or prioritization? Answering these questions can help you identify the ideal tutor profile.
School Counselors and Parent Coordinators
School counselors and parent coordinators can also be invaluable resources. Even without a personal relationship with your child, school counselors are aware of students’ general academic standing and often maintain lists of vetted tutors. Parent coordinators, the primary points of contact between the school and parents, frequently keep resumes of local tutors. Parent coordinators may even be able to refer you to retired teachers that are offering tutoring. They’ll also know if the school partners with nonprofit organizations that offer tutoring services for free or at a discounted rate, like Club Z, Learn to Be and Power Hour.
Parents, Family, Friends and Neighbors
Consulting other parents, particularly those in your kids’ classes, can also be useful. You might even find families interested in group-based tutoring that your kids can join. Group-based tutoring is often more affordable than one-on-one tutoring and benefits kids who are motivated by peer interaction. Local family, friends and neighbors are likely to have a pulse on reputable tutoring services within your immediate community.
Acquaintances
Don’t limit your outreach to your inner circle. In his influential study “The Strength of Weak Ties,” sociologist Mark Granovetter notes that people often discover more diverse opportunities through acquaintances (weak ties) than through close friends (strong ties). Because friends often share the same social circles and information, they may offer redundant information. To access a broader spectrum of options, ask acquaintances at your gym, local hobby groups and other places for their recommendations.
Local Libraries and Community Centers
Public libraries and community centers are often excellent hubs for academic tutoring. Many offer free or discounted homework help, typically provided by high school or college volunteers. Some libraries also provide patrons with free access to live, online tutoring via commercial platforms through their library card accounts.
Local Colleges and Universities
If you live near a college or university, contact the departments of education, psychology or social work. Many programs require students to provide tutoring as a component of their coursework. While some sessions might take place at the library or community center, your child may occasionally need to travel to the campus for these lessons.
Local Tutoring Centers
If you prefer an established institution over a private individual, research local branches of national tutoring companies like Kumon or Sylvan, as well as independent, local tutoring centers. Request to observe a live session. These places accommodate various grade levels and learning styles, making it likely that you’ll find a program that aligns with your student’s specific needs.
Online Tutoring Review Sites
For those seeking virtual tutoring, education sites like Brighterly, Fullmind and Prodigy provide comparative reviews of major providers. These sites can also help you research large-scale companies like Tutor.com, Varsity Tutors or Wyzant. These sites allow you to filter thousands of candidates by subject, qualifications and price while offering access to peer reviews.
Online Parenting Forums
Finally, local parenting forums hosted by schools or community organizations can be rich sources of word-of-mouth referrals. These platforms allow you to ask specific questions and read reviews of local tutors and tutoring services from parents in your immediate area.
Tanni Haas, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York — Brooklyn College.
