Freelance Private Tutors

1. They set their own rates which vary greatly depending on how qualified and experienced they are and how much they feel their services are worth.   Most of the time, the more experience and the higher their degree the more they charge for their time.
2. They accept checks and cash upfront or at each session.  However, there isn’t usually any accountable method of record keeping on a monthly basis and rarely will a freelance individual accept credit cards.
3. Their schedules are flexible and they are willing to reschedule make-up sessions.
4. Most freelance tutors are teachers themselves.  If they are a public school teacher then you know the county has run a criminal background check and fingerprint check on them.  However, if they are not, be weary of possible past criminal activities.  Request a background check. 
5. Most tutors are willing to meet in a convenient location, such as a library or bookstore and some will even travel to your home.

Learning Centers

1. There is one rate and there is no haggling.  They offer discounting, but only for a large commitment and long contract of service.
2. Centers have always had great programs for students that are struggling with basic skills and have gaps in understanding concepts.  However, if a student is “stuck” in an area of Algebra, Chemistry, or needs help completing an essay, Learning Centers are not suited for short-term tutoring.
3. Most centers do not have true “one-on-one” tutoring.  Most offer small groups of 3-5 students or they “monitor” students who are working on their own.
4. Tutors are employees and have undergone a criminal background and reference check.  However, they are not always teachers and do not necessarily have college degrees.
5. You have a set schedule and will always have a tutor, but many do not accomodate tardy students or allow make-up sessions.  You must schedule your tutoring sessions around their hours of operation.
6. Travel is required.  Private tutors have become popular because of the convenience factor for today's busy families.
7. Learning Centers require an initial assessment test that last approximately 3 hours and costs roughly $200-$250.
8. Learning Centers typically require you to purchase a long-term program, be careful what you commit to, a promise to help your child succeed is often a cleverly disguised sales pitch.
9. Always READ THE FINE PRINT and take time to review the paperwork before you sign their legally binding contract.
10. Some will finance the tutoring costs and most accept credit cards for payment.

Online Tutoring Services

1. With this type of tutoring you have the obvious difference of human interaction. Online tutors are not in a position to read body language and other non-verbal cues about a student's attitude. This should not be undervalued, as emotions such as frustration and enthusiasm are often expressed through body language and tone of voice, and being sensitive to these things in a student can greatly affect the outcome of the tutoring session.
2. Online tutors can be great for answering questions that students have, but their effectiveness may stop there. Because they are unable to easily interact with the materials that students have, online tutors tend to be limited to a question/answer type of interaction. In person tutors do not have this limitation, and can interact more freely with the student and the materials.
3. Online tutors are generally the cheapest way to get a professional tutor, but depending on the typing efficiency of the student, it may not be cost effective.
4. This service is very different from the teaching or tutoring your student is used to. Students may need help clearly communicating their needs to an online tutor.
5. Most services do not offer tutoring for younger students, especially those needing reading or math basic skills.

Private Tutoring Services

1. Most private tutoring services are competitive in their hourly rates and most are less expensive than Learning Centers.
2. Some services require their tutors to be certified teachers, some hire college students, and some require a minimum of a college degree.  Ask about their tutors' qualifications.
3. Most services run either a local, state, or nationwide criminal background check. Ask for and verify that it is a NATIONWIDE check, local checks may not show any criminal activity if the tutor is new to the area.
4. Most services offer in-home tutoring, however at your request, many tutors will meet in a convenient location such as the library.  Ask about student age limits and their policies for such.
5. Most services do not offer special programs. Tutors are available to help the student with their school work only. However, some services do offer an initial assessment test for an additional charge at the parent’s request.
6. Each private tutoring service is different. Some require a minimum number of hours each month, some require upfront fees on a monthly basis, some actually have a revolving charge on your credit card (beware of these). Some services have no contracts and no minimums...compare contracts very closely and look for hidden charges and missed session policies.