How to find a math tutor
A helpful guide to finding the best math tutor for your child—tips, tricks, and advice from experts.
Author
Tess Loucka
Published:
April 2025
Key takeaways
- • Schools often provide free tutoring resources for students.
- • Tutors generally charge between $25-100/hour for math tutoring, depending on their experience and background.
- • Involve your child in the tutor-hiring process to ensure they feel comfortable with their tutor and motivated to learn.
Seeing your child struggle is hard on any parent. It can make you feel guilty and helpless, like there’s nothing you can do but watch them try and fail to stay on track.
No matter the cause of their setback, getting caught back up can take a lot of work—not just for the student but for the parents too!
Whether you don’t have the time, expertise, or resources to help your child yourself, hiring a tutor is a reliable way to get them the help they need. But finding a tutor isn’t always easy.
If you’re wondering whether getting a math tutor for your child is worth it, keep reading! Let’s go over exactly how a math tutor can benefit your child, how you can find a great math tutor without all the hassle, and how much math tutors generally charge.
What is a math tutor?
A math tutor is an educator who helps a student or client improve their skills in mathematics, helping them understand concepts, complete homework and projects, and pass their exams.
The role of a tutor often includes reviewing what students have already learned in class, assisting in completing homework, offering practice questions, and answering any questions or concerns the student or client may have about the subject.
How to find a math tutor?
1. Set goals and expectations
- Identify what you and your child want to achieve through tutoring.
- Write down specific questions to ask potential tutors.
2. Check tutor qualifications
- Ask about credentials, qualifications, and teaching experience.
- Request references or recommendations from past clients or institutions.
3. Ask for recommendations
- Talk to other parents in your child’s class.
- Ask your child’s teacher or guidance counselor.
- Reach out to neighbors, PTA members, or friends with children.
4. Use school resources
- Ask about one-on-one or group tutoring sessions offered by the school.
- Inquire about peer tutoring programs with older students.
- Look into community-based educational services.
5. Explore tutoring companies
- Search for local tutoring centers in your area.
- Ask about single or group sessions and trial lessons.
6. Search online platforms
- Look up “math tutors near me” or online tutoring companies.
- Consider virtual tutoring if your child prefers online learning.
7. Find local tutors
- Check bulletin boards at coffee shops, libraries, or bookstores.
- Ask about trial or discounted sessions.
- Sit in on a session to evaluate the tutor’s teaching methods.
How much do math tutors cost?
If you hire a tutor from a tutoring company, local or online, you’ll likely pay anywhere from $25/hour to $100+/hour. Prices vary depending on how big the company is, how experienced the tutors are, and what area of mathematics your child needs help with. More advanced math tutoring will likely cost more than basic math tutoring.
If you find a math tutor through your child’s school or a community center, you’ll likely pay nothing. So, if you’re on a tight budget, this is the best route for you! Plus, tutors provided by schools and community centers have already been vetted, so you can generally trust them to do their job well.
Do math tutors really help?
Yes! Tutors are one of the best resources for students struggling in class. Whether your child needs help understanding math concepts, finishing their homework on time, or studying for a final exam, a math tutor can be the difference between failing their class and passing with flying colors!
Just keep these in mind:
1. Involve your child!
Your child is going to be working with the tutor, not you, so make sure your child has a say in which tutor you hire! Before hiring a long-term tutor for them, make sure they’re happy and comfortable with your choice. Also, ensure the tutor’s teaching style works for your child.
2. Ask for progress reports
Ask the tutor to provide you with a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly progress report so you can keep track of what your child is learning. This will both ensure that you stay informed on your child’s education and help the tutor keep their sessions structured.
3. Don’t settle!
The first tutor you find may not always be the best choice for you or your child. A good tutor can motivate your child to do their best, while a bad tutor can make your child feel even more helpless in school.
Try out a few good options and pick the one that’s best for you. And remember, spending a little bit more for a good-quality tutor is better than opting for a cheaper, less-qualified option.
Conclusion
If your child is struggling in math class, getting them a tutor can help them get back on track. However, finding a good math tutor can be challenging if you don’t know where to look!
Whether you hire a local high schooler or college student to tutor your child or find a professional with a tutoring company, giving your child that extra push to excel in their academics can boost their grades, improve their mindset, and instill in them an interest in lifelong learning.
But the journey to good grades starts with you. Talk to your child today about their thoughts on working with a tutor. Let them be involved in the tutor hiring process, and always take their feedback and opinions into consideration.
In addition to finding your child a tutor, DreamBox’s math app can provide your child with additional structured learning in a variety of math subjects. Our straightforward lessons, practice problems, and thorough explanations of math concepts are useful tools for K-12 students.
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FAQs
The hourly rate of math tutors varies depending on where you hire them from. School or community center tutors may be free, while local tutors or tutoring companies generally charge between $25-100/hour.
It depends on your child and their willingness to get help. Many students excel with the additional attention a math tutor can provide them. If your child is struggling in class, a math tutor can be a great way to boost their confidence and improve their grades.
No, $30/hour for a math tutor is generally on the cheaper side. Tutors can charge as much as $100 or more per hour. A tutor’s background and experience level will affect their hourly rate.
Start by asking for recommendations from neighbors, friends, or school staff. You can also look online or in your community for good math tutors. Remember to look for credible, highly-rated tutors, and use any free or discounted trial class deals if offered.
About the Author
Tess Loucka
Tess Loucka discovered her passion for writing in high school and has not stopped writing since. Combined with her love of numbers, she became a math and English tutor, focusing on middle- and high-school-level topics. Since graduating from Hunter College, her goal has been to use her writing to spread knowledge and the joy of learning to readers of all ages.
