When you’re thinking about hiring tutoring support, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about the next steps. Knowing the right questions to ask when hiring a tutor can help you feel confident and ensure your child gets the support they truly need.

Before booking the first session, take a few minutes to reflect on your child’s learning style and personality. For example:

• Are you looking for a tutor with a firmer, structured approach, or someone more gentle and encouraging?
• Is your child a visual learner, or do they respond better to clear verbal explanations?
• Do they mainly need help with a specific subject, or do they also need support building study skills, organization, and time management?

These are important considerations when choosing the right tutor for your child.

When reaching out for the first time, be clear and concise. Mention:

• The subject(s) your child is struggling with
• The specific topics (for example, algebra, essay writing, reading comprehension)
• Your preferred schedule
• Whether you prefer in-person or online tutoring

You may also want to ask:

• What experience do you have with this grade level and subject?
• How do you typically structure your tutoring sessions?
• How do you track student progress?

If your child is shy or anxious around new people, it’s helpful to mention that as well. Many experienced tutors will dedicate time at the beginning of sessions to build rapport and help students feel comfortable.

If your child has a diagnosed learning difference such as ADHD or is on the autism spectrum, ask about the tutor’s experience working with similar students. Finding a tutor who understands diverse learning needs can make a significant difference.

After-school hours (typically 4:00–6:30 pm) are prime tutoring times and often fill up quickly. If you have limited availability, it’s a good idea to mention that early in your communication.

Being flexible with scheduling can sometimes help you secure a tutoring spot, especially if you are trying to arrange a session with a busy tutor.

Online tutoring is often the most convenient method of delivery as it doesn’t involve commuting. If you are unsure about online tutoring, check our How does online tutoring work page.

When hiring a tutor, try not to overwhelm them with excessive academic history right away. There’s no need to send report cards, worksheets, course syllabi, or detailed progress reports unless the tutor requests them.

Focus on your main concerns and goals first.

It’s also important to manage expectations. While tutoring can significantly improve understanding, confidence, and performance, expecting an immediate jump to a perfect grade may not be realistic. Learning is a gradual process, and every child progresses at their own pace. Similarly, meeting once a month is unlikely to produce dramatic results as consistency matters.

Asking the right questions when hiring a tutor helps ensure that both parents and tutors are aligned from the beginning. When expectations, communication, and goals are clear, tutoring is far more likely to be a positive and productive experience for everyone involved.

Taking the time to ask thoughtful questions now can make all the difference in finding the right tutor and setting your child up for success.

Request a TTS tutor today to get a list of qualified tutors.