How do I know if a tutor is needed?

If a student is frustrated with subjects like chemistry, physics, or algebra, or if you’ve noticed a decline in both grades and confidence, then a tutor might be the right way to address the issue. Even students who seem to do well may not be getting the challenge that they need from schoolwork alone. A one-to-one tutor can help students remediate weak areas or enhance any subject. Tutors can also help ace standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT.

What are your tutoring options?

You can opt for one-to-one tutoring at your home or other mutually convenient location, or group tutoring. Tutoring For Success specializes in home-based, private tutoring for your convenience. We also offer tutoring for small groups that our students arrange.

Does a tutor's training really matter?

Absolutely. Even children who are in elementary school perform at a higher level when they have tutors who are trained, experienced, and who know the curriculum and testing levels involved. For Kindergarten to College-age students, our tutoring ranges from more general coursework to highly specialized science, math, and English tutoring, all provided by tutors that hold relevant degrees.

What if my child hates homework?

One of the biggest issues with homework, and the biggest source of complaints from students, is one of time management. Students may feel that homework takes too long to complete, and thus cuts into their free time far too frequently. While adults may take time management for granted, children are still developing these skills while also facing academic challenges in school. This is why we also offer students an “educational toolkit” that they can use to manage their homework and to prepare and study for tests, all while reducing the stress and irritation commonly associated with those tasks.

Will tutors work with my schedule?

Of course. You arrange the tutoring schedules ahead of time directly with your chosen tutor. You can also cancel sessions or reschedule when needed.

What if the tutoring isn't working as expected?

It may take a few weeks for an adjustment, both for the student and for the tutor. Speak with your tutor, and see if modifications can be made to address your child’s unique needs. If you can’t find a solution, simply give us a call. We can provide another tutor, or discontinue tutoring at any time.

What is an Academic Coach?

An academic coach, or an educational coach, is someone who can motivate students, teach them organizational skills, and work with them to better organize their homework.

Coaches provide much needed focus and encouragement, along with organizational and time management techniques.

How do you approach different learning styles?

We know that not every child learns exactly the same way, and not every educational challenge is going to have a one-size-fits-all solution. With our one-to-one tutoring services, we offer creative approaches to the unique academic needs that each student faces. Our experienced tutors can quickly pinpoint students’ learning styles and teach them using methods that work best. Research has proven that one-on-one tutoring is faster, more effective, and gets better results in the long term over group instruction for every style of learning.

Is there a long-term contract?

No. You’re free to discontinue tutoring at any time, or switch tutors if you feel it is the right call. Contact our administrative staff at your earliest convenience and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

What types of SAT and ACT prep does Tutoring For Success provide?

Our focus is one-to-one SAT or ACT prep, because it targets each student’s individual needs. We also offer small classes for students and their friends. The priority is making sure that students learn the SAT or ACT, and we accommodate their needs accordingly.

Can tutoring help with home schooling?

Yes! While many parents do an outstanding job of being both a parent and a teacher for students who are home schooled, there may be gaps in expertise and experience that professionals can help to fill in, especially with complex subjects in math and science. We offer complete home schooling as well, for students who do not perform well in traditional classrooms, but whose parents are unable to teach them at home.

What do I do if my child hates to read?

One of the cornerstones of a good education is reading, which is why it can sometimes be alarming when a child doesn’t like to read. It may surprise you to know that when a child does hate to read, it is most often due to poor reading comprehension rather than unwillingness.

A tutor can help your child improve reading comprehension, phonics, and fluency. Our goal is to make reading both an effective tool for learning, and a source of fun for students.

We encourage our students to read for pleasure on subjects that interest them, including newspapers, blogs, and magazines.

Is there anything I can do to help promote learning?

Get interested in what your student is learning at school. Encourage good reading habits with daily family reading time, and by taking children to libraries and bookstores and letting them pick out their own books.

Take advantage of historic sites. Washington, D.C. and the surrounding areas are not only historic, but home to some of the most fascinating and educational museums in the country. They provide positive hands-on learning experiences, and many are free!

Be available. Whether it’s to discuss current events, help with homework, or just give advice on tough educational subjects, children look to their parents for guidance. Even adult children still need their parents’ guidance and advice from time to time.