BBB Tips: Finding a trustworthy tutor for your child

(BBB) — Sometimes it’s hard to find trustworthy tutor for your child.

Read more or hear from Better Business Bureau Regional Director Pamela Hernandez below:

Each student’s academic needs are unique, but many kids benefit from a tutor to help keep them motivated and learning. Luckily, there’s a variety of tutoring options out there to meet the needs of every student: Tutors can specialize in different subjects, offer short- or long-term tutoring, and can meet students virtually or in-person.

To make sure your child receives the support they need, BBB recommends researching carefully before hiring a tutor or service.

“BBB can help you sort through the options available to you and your child,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB St. Louis president and CEO. “You can search any tutoring service at BBB.org to check if they’re BBB Accredited and see other information, like reviews and complaints, that can help you make an informed decision.”

BBB received over 575 complaints about tutors or tutoring companies in 2024. Common complaints include charges for sessions that tutors didn’t attend, dissatisfaction with the quality of lessons, difficult-to-cancel subscriptions or trouble getting a refund. One St. Louis consumer reported to BBB that she signed up for four hours of a tutoring service and was unknowingly charged for an ongoing subscription to the service without her approval.

What’s the best way to hire a tutor?

• Know your child’s needs. Set some guidelines before you start looking for tutors or tutoring services. You’ll want to focus on candidates that have experience with children your student’s age and the subject they need to learn. Some tutors are better at homework help, some focus on long-term learning, and some excel at quick test preparation – ask potential tutors how they typically work and consider whether that aligns with what your child needs.
• Ask around. Family, friends or other families at your child’s school may have had a good experience with a tutor they can recommend. You can also ask school employees or your child’s favorite teacher for a recommendation.
• Do your research. Search for tutors near you at BBB.org, and check out the company’s BBB Business Profile before you sign a contract or pay any money. Ask the tutor about their qualifications and job experience. Request references and call them to ask about their experience with the tutor.
• Nail down the details. Before paying or signing a contract, confirm the tutor’s availability, the cost and frequency of tutoring sessions, and the overall length of time you’ll need their services. Discuss what will happen if your child needs extra support – for example, can you schedule additional sessions leading up to a big test?
• Include your child. Your child is more likely to learn effectively with a tutor they trust and like. Make sure your child is comfortable with the tutor you hire and check in frequently after lessons begin to make sure their needs are being met.
• Keep an eye out for online tutoring scams. BBB Scam Tracker has received reports of tutoring scams happening online, especially when people are looking for exam prep tutors. Use caution and always ask for referrals and references before sending payment. It’s a big red flag if a potential tutor asks for a large payment up front via a payment app.