Best Tutoring Companies

Read our guide to learn about the best tutoring company for you or your child’s learning style and budget. We compared web-based and in-person tutors that specialize in a variety of subjects, including STEM education, language arts and test preparation.
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Compare Reviews for Top Tutoring Companies | ||||||
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| Offers personalized college and test prep, tutoring, homework support and more. Provides online and in-person support. Prices start at $44 per hour. Financial aid and scholarships available. Customizable plans and options. | ![]() | Learn More | |||
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| Free live online classes and study resources. One-on-one tutoring and at-home learning solutions. Lessons align with academic standards. Instant tutoring available. Money-back guarantee on SAT tutoring. | ![]() | Learn More Call Center Open (888) 870-9414 | |||
Established in 2010, Chegg is a web-based company that offers educational services for college and high school students. Its website features textbook rentals and sales, help with homework and online tutoring. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Great for students looking for personalized tutoring, Tutor Doctor uses in-depth assessments and a specialized matching process to pair a qualified tutor with your child based on academic needs and personality traits. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
TutorZ is an online referral service that helps students/parents locate professional tutors in their area. The service is 100% free for parents/students, while a nominal referral fee, per job is charged to tutors. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Exam prep for standardized tests. Offers live, online and classroom courses. Most courses available for 100 days from time of enrollment. Prices range from $950 to $1,850. Enroll online. Live chat support available. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Teaches study and organizational skills in addition to school subjects. Promotes cognitive development for better understanding. Programs for preschool through college prep. All tutors have post-secondary education. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Read Author Review | Great for high-school seniors needing to improve college essays, A-List Tutoring is one of the few services that works with international students. The site focuses on tutoring in the areas of test-prep and college admissions. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | With a program that is completely online, Eduboard helps students connect with tutors anywhere, anytime. Tutors are available for lower grades and many college courses, and Eduboard lets students choose the tutor they want. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | Great for students who prefer to do everything on their iPads because eTutor has an app for that. Focusing strictly on K-12, eTutor offers traditional learning modules or an "unplugged" and less formal program through its app. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent |
What are the advantages of tutoring services?
Test-taking strategies
Many tutoring services help students boost their test-taking skills so that they increase their confidence and their chances of passing standardized tests.
- Sample test questions: Tutoring sessions sometimes offer students the ability to practice answering similar questions to what they will see on a test.
- Focus on strategy rather than knowledge: Test-taking sessions help students learn strategies for successfully answering questions rather than focusing on what they actually know.
- Different strategies for different formats: Test-taking strategy sessions focus on how to answer multiple choice, short answer and matching questions correctly and may also focus on strategies for answering questions in a particular subject area.
Special needs modifications
Students with special educational needs such as those with ADHD, autism and other disabilities may not be able to grasp information the way it is taught in school. Tutoring services often present information in alternative ways for these students.
- Tutor expertise in certain disabilities: Tutors may be specially trained to work with students who have certain conditions.
- Distraction-free environment: The tutoring environment may be set up to minimize distractions for ADHD and other special needs students.
- Shorter assignments, manipulatives and other modifications: Tutoring centers may offer modified assignments or special tools to help special needs students learn successfully.
Focused sessions
Typically, each tutoring session focuses on one topic or theme. Tutors work with the student on this area to make sure he or she understands all major concepts.
- Practice sessions: Sessions may consist entirely of practice questions or drills to help solidify concepts.
- Redirection: If the student asks off-topic questions or engages in irrelevant discussion, the tutor redirects his or her attention.
- Homework assignments: The tutor may assign homework to help solidify concepts.
Progress reporting
The tutor regularly tracks the student's progress so that the student--or the student's parents--can see what is being accomplished.
- Online reporting systems: Some tutoring systems allow students and their parents to set goals and check progress online.
- Mini-goals: Tutors may report progress towards small goals as the tutoring relationship progresses.
- Student/parent conferences: The tutor may meet with students or their parents before or after a tutoring session to discuss progress.
Regular contact
The tutor must stay in regular contact with the student in order to maximize progress towards goals.
- Online chat and email: Some tutors email students or chat with them online between sessions to make sure all their questions are answered.
- Regular sessions: Tutoring sessions are usually once or twice a week and follow a consistent schedule.
- Video sessions: Some tutors meet regularly with students over video chat.
Curriculum-aligned teaching
Students are often required to demonstrate mastery of state educational standards; thus, tutors need to be able to teach in alignment with specific school curricula.
- Knowledge of state educational standards: Tutors often demonstrate superior understanding of state educational standards.
- Consultation with teachers: Some tutors consult classroom teachers about curriculum so they can match their sessions to what's being covered in class.
- Practice test questions based on standards: Tutors can focus test taking practice sessions on helping students demonstrate mastery of state standards.
What are different types of tutoring services?
In-person tutoring
The tutor meets with the student one-on-one in person. Most in-person sessions take place in tutoring centers, though some may take place at the student's home or school.
Video tutoring
Video tutoring requires and Internet connection and web camera. The tutor conducts the session via Internet video chat, allowing the student to stay in his or her own home.
Group tutoring
Some tutors work with small groups of students to help them achieve specific goals. Group tutoring usually takes place at a tutoring center.
Who can benefit from tutoring?
College-bound teenagers
Teens who want to go to college may want tutoring to help them pass the SAT, ACT or other standardized tests. Tutoring may focus on test taking strategies for the specific exam as well as on gaining knowledge needed to pass the exam.
Special needs students
Special needs students may have a hard time understanding concepts the way they are taught in class. Tutors present material in alternative ways that they can better understand.
Kids who are failing
Students who are failing one or more subjects may use a tutor to help them learn material and improve their grades. Tutors help these kids review material, develop test taking strategies and increase their knowledge of the subject matter being taught.
Kids who are taking state exams
If a student is required to pass a state exam in order to be promoted to the next grade, tutoring can help ensure a high enough score. State exam tutoring focuses on test taking strategy and mastering state standards.
Tutoring FAQ
Is there free tutoring?
Yes, students can access free tutoring through:
- Supplemental education services at their schools
- Volunteer tutoring organizations
- Local library programs
Students interested in supplemental education services need to follow their school district’s instructions to qualify and apply for tutoring.
Free tutoring services may also be available online, depending on the subject you need assistance with. Several other online tutoring services offer free trials, as well.
How much does online tutoring cost?
The average rate for one-on-one tutoring is $45 to $80 per hour, but the cost of online tutoring varies depending on the company, program and pricing structure. Tutoring companies charge by the minute, half-hour, hour or week. Private tutors tend to charge more due to the additional travel, labor and specialized instruction the job requires.
How do I find a tutor in my area?
Check out our tutoring company picks to help you find tutors in your area.
You can also inquire with your local library, teachers and school counselors about area tutors who are accepting new students. Consider asking friends and family for tutor referrals, as well.
Will tutoring help my child?
Tutoring helps children with a variety of academic skills, including:
- Subject comprehension
- Self-esteem
- Improved study and schoolwork habits
- Learning management
- Critical thinking
While tutoring can’t guarantee results, children usually walk away with new skills to help them in school.
What are the qualities of a good tutor?
A good tutor demonstrates the following qualities:
- Complete comprehension of the subject
- Effective communication skills
- A patient, empathetic and respectful demeanor with students
- The ability to adapt tutoring techniques to the student’s preferred method of learning
Some tutors also have specialized knowledge they use to coach students through standardized tests and prepare them for college.
What's the difference between a tutor and a teacher?
Tutors and teachers have different credentials and responsibilities.
- A teacher must obtain a college degree along with specific, state-regulated licenses in order to teach in their area. They are then responsible for the education of multiple students for an entire school year.
- A tutor provides one-on-one instruction to paying students, but they do not necessarily need a degree or license.
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Compare Reviews for Top Tutoring Companies | ||||||
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Read Author Review | Learning Ally is a non-profit organization that provides materials to help blind, visually impaired and dyslexic students in their educational endeavors. The company offers the world's largest collection of audio textbooks. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | Great for parents and students looking for tutors with real classroom experience and college degrees. MindLaunch uses a system that custom matches students with the ideal tutor to build rapport and ensure academic success. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | This digital tutoring platform gives you access to highly educated tutors who are trained in over 300 subjects. Monthly plans start at $39/month, or pay-as-you-go for $1/minute. Sign up for a free 30-minute tutoring lesson. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | Good for families in the San Diego area looking for an in-home tutor with a background in education and psychology. TutorTutor offers help with the sciences, math, foreign languages, language arts, test prep and study skills. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | A clearinghouse connecting tutors with students, WyzAnt is great for those who like to have control and options when choosing their tutor and process. Other students review and star the tutors, and tutors set their own rates. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent |
Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
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