How to Choose a Tutor for Your Child

A good tutor can turn "I hate math" into "I get it!" and give a struggling child their confidence back. The right match depends on what your child needs, so before you start calling, talk with the teacher. Is it homework help, a gap in one skill, test prep, or staying organized? Once you know the goal, these questions will help you find the right person.

Questions to ask a tutor

What is your experience with this subject and grade level? A great high school chemistry tutor may not be the right fit for a first grader learning to read. Many excellent tutors are not certified teachers, so ask about real experience too.
How will you figure out where my child is? A good tutor starts with a short assessment instead of jumping straight into homework.
How will you track progress and keep me posted? Ask for regular updates, and whether they are willing to talk with your child's teacher.
How often and how long are sessions? Ask what schedule they recommend for your child and why.
One-on-one or small group? In person or online? Some kids shine one-on-one, others enjoy a small group, and online works well for some children and not for others.
Have you had a background check, and where do sessions happen? Ask about background checks and center policies, and choose open spaces like a kitchen table, library or learning center.
Can my child try one session first? Your child's comfort matters. A child who likes their tutor works harder.
What does it cost, and what is the commitment? Ask about hourly rates versus packages, cancellation policies and how long any contract runs.
Does my child need more than tutoring? If reading, writing or attention struggles keep coming back, ask the tutor about their training with learning differences. You can also request a free evaluation from your public school in writing under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Red flags

Guaranteed jumps in grades or test scores.
The tutor does the homework for your child.
Pressure to sign a long contract or prepay before you have seen a session.
No updates, no goals, and no clear sense of what they are working on.
Unwillingness to meet in an open space or let you check in.

How to check a teacher's North Carolina license

If a tutor tells you they are a licensed North Carolina teacher, you can confirm it with the NC Department of Public Instruction's Public License Lookup, linked from the Educator Licensure page at dpi.nc.gov. Search by name to see the license and the subjects and grades it covers. A license is a plus, not a must, so weigh it along with experience, references and how your child connects with the tutor.

Local tutoring in the Kids' Directory

Show me ones near:

North Charlotte

Psychological Services of Charlotte - Charlotte, NC 28262

South Charlotte

Joyful Learning - Charlotte, NC 28270

Several locations

Learning that sparks curiosity

Sometimes a child needs a spark more than a tutor. These programs make learning fun outside the classroom:

Terrific Scientific - hands-on science, robotics and STEAM programs for ages 5-14
The Knight School - chess classes and camps for kids

For a closer look at how your child learns

Psychological Services of Charlotte - psychological testing and counseling for children and families in Charlotte

These businesses advertise with me in the Kids' Directory. Use the questions above to find the right fit, and please tell them you found them in the Kids' Directory!

Where this comes from

More guides: How to Choose a Preschool in Charlotte · How to Choose a Pediatric Dentist in Charlotte · How to Choose a Speech or Occupational Therapist for Your Child ·