SPRINGFIELD, Missouri (edited press release/KY3) – The Better Business Bureau is offering advice on hiring a trustworthy tutor for your child this school year.
Each student’s academic needs are unique, but for many children, a tutor can help them stay motivated and learn. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of tutoring options available to provide personalized attention to each student: tutors can specialize in different subjects, offer short- or long-term tutoring, and meet students virtually or in person.
To ensure your child gets the support he or she needs, BBB recommends doing your research before hiring a tutor or other service.
“BBB can help you find the tutoring options available for you and your child,” said Michelle L. Corey, president and CEO of BBB St. Louis. “You can search for each tutoring service on BBB.org to see if it is BBB-accredited and view other information, such as reviews and complaints, that can help you make an informed decision.”
BBB received over 58,000 inquiries and 750 complaints about tutoring companies in 2023—about twice as many complaints as in 2022. The most common complaints include charges for sessions that tutors did not attend, dissatisfaction with the quality of lessons, subscriptions that are difficult to cancel, or problems with refunds.
In the spring of 2023, a St. Louis County consumer reported to the BBB that she had attempted to cancel her membership with a local tutoring service multiple times after the tutor failed to show up for sessions or respond to messages. The tutoring service had verbally agreed to cancel her subscription and refund her money, but at the time of her report to the BBB, she had not yet received the refund.
BBB tips for hiring a tutor:
- Know your child’s needs. Before you start looking for tutors or tutoring services, establish some guidelines. You should focus on candidates who have experience with children your student’s age and the subject they need to learn. Some tutors are better at homework help, others focus on long-term learning, and still others are excellent at quick test prep – ask potential tutors how they typically work and consider whether that matches your child’s needs.
- Ask around. Perhaps relatives, friends or other families at your child’s school have had good experiences with a tutor they can recommend. You can also ask school staff or your child’s favorite teacher for a recommendation.
- Do your research. Search for tutors in your area on BBB.org and view the company’s BBB business profile before signing a contract or paying any money. Ask the tutor about their qualifications and work experience. Ask for references and call to ask about their experience with the tutor.
- Specify the details. Before you pay or sign a contract, clarify the tutor’s availability, the cost and frequency of the tutoring sessions, and the total length of time you will need their services. Discuss what happens if your child needs extra support – for example, can you schedule extra lessons before an important exam?
- Involve your child in the recruitment process. Your child is likely to learn more effectively with a tutor they trust and like. Make sure your child feels comfortable with the tutor you hire, and check in regularly after classes begin to make sure their needs are being met.
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