Are After-School Tutors Worth the Investment? Here’s What Education Experts Say

So you think your child needs help in school. Whether it's tears about homework, sliding test scores, or just seeing that your kid doesn't get it, you think it's time to hire a tutor. But what if it's not worth it? We speak with multiple education experts to see if hiring a tutor is really worth the investment.

When to Think About Hiring a Tutor

Whether your kid goes to a neighborhood public school or one of the top private schools in America, they aren't going to be the best at every subject. Some kids need help with things that aren't specific subjects, like SATs and ACTs, or even executive functioning.

How can you tell when it's time to spend the extra money and get some extra help? Amy Marshall, M.Ed., Executive Director, President Founder of American Teachers Alliance, advises parents to get help at the first sign of struggle.

“Particularly in math and science… if the student does not understand something, it will be difficult to build on that, since understanding prior concepts is a prerequisite for moving forward,” Marshall says.

Many parents start by asking the teacher if they can provide extra help before or after school. That can be a good starting point, but Marshall, who has been both a teacher and a tutor for several national companies, advises that some teachers may be hesitant to provide the extra time, especially if they have an overcrowded or unruly classroom during the day.

“Teaching students all day can be difficult and draining, and the teacher might be tired from managing behavior in the classroom (depending on the circumstances),” Marshall says. “If the teacher has an ‘extra help' day where she or he stays after school, that can be a good first option if it is not too crowded.”

How to Find the Right Tutor

A lot of factors go into selecting the right tutor. Before you spend money on a service for your child, you want to make sure you find the right fit. Marshall recommends ensuring that the person you hire is qualified in the subject your child needs the most help with. That means having a teaching certificate or a degree in that topic. Even a degree may not guarantee a good fit if they don't have experience teaching or working with students who are the age of your child.

According to the National Tutoring Association, more than 2 million people act as tutors across the country. The Association suggests asking for credentials and letters of recommendation before hiring a tutor. It's also a good idea to ask for a demonstration of how a lesson might go to make sure the tutor clicks with your student. Involving your child in the decision of which tutor to hire is also important. After all, if they don't like the tutor or aren't motivated to put in the work with them, you're unlikely to see the best results.

A good way to start looking for tutors, especially if you want in-person tutoring, is to ask your child's teacher for a list of potential tutors. Some will know of teachers who are looking for extra hours after school, retired teachers, or teachers who are taking a break from full-time teaching for parental leave. You can also find a national tutoring service with a local branch to help with in-person learning.

Online Tutors for Distance Learning

During the COVID-19 pandemic, online tutoring services gained popularity, and they can still be a good option for students today. Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash, CEO and Founder of the online learning platform Bhanzu, says that edtech platforms have been a game-changer for students in need of tutoring over the last 20 years.

“Online tutoring and edtech platforms provide even more flexibility in finding a high-quality tutor or program without the need for it to be within driving distance,” Prakash says. “This also allows companies to create an interactive curriculum while also being able to adapt to an individual child’s needs.”

How Much Should a Tutor Cost?

Tutors come at a range of different prices. Marshall says that depending on where you live and how complex a subject you're studying, tutoring could range from $35-$60 per hour.

For students who can't afford a tutor, a few free tutoring services have recently started around the country. UPchieve has supported more than 40,000 students nationwide in a free, 24/7 online platform with volunteer tutors that can be matched up to students in minutes.

The platform is funded through corporate partnerships and aims to close the gap in college admission between high- and low-income students. Students can also check at their local library or Boys & Girls Club of America to inquire about free or low-cost tutoring.

When and How Will You Know If It's Working?

Sometimes, students are struggling with one concept or problem, and one or two sessions of tutoring with step-by-step instructions resolve the issue. Or a student may need ongoing help to ensure they're staying on the right track throughout the year.

“Signs of success include higher grades, better scores on assessments, and your student telling you they are understanding the content better,” Marshall says. “You can also ask for a session summary from the tutor, including their assessment of how your student did. Sometimes it takes a few tutoring sessions for concepts to solidify.”

Whether it takes one session or a whole school year, hiring a tutor is worth it, Marshall says. “The one-on-one individualized attention can make a big difference in understanding complex lessons.”

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