Math tutors - how to find one & how much do they cost?
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.
Table of contents
How to find a math tutor?
Are you wondering how to find a math tutor for your child? Finding a good tutor can be tricky, but knowing how to approach the situation can make a world of difference.
First things first, it’s essential that you figure out your and your child’s goals and expectations for tutoring before you start looking for a tutor. As you come up with your list, write down questions to ask potential tutors down the line.
Always ask a tutor about their credentials, qualifications, and experience. You can even ask them for recommendations from institutions or previous clients to ensure they will meet your expectations.
The next best thing to do is to ask for a recommendation.
Tutor recommendations
Chances are, your child isn’t the only one in their class who needs a math tutor. Ask other parents with students in your child’s class if they know any good math tutors. Consider also asking your child’s teacher or guidance counselor.
If your search is still running dry, ask neighbors, parents in the PTA, or friends with children of their own if they know of any good available math tutors.
School resources
Many public schools have one-on-one and group tutoring sessions available to their students for free or can recommend educational services provided by Community-Based Early Childhood Centers or other community centers.
Peer tutoring is another common service in schools. With peer tutoring, your child can be tutored by an older student. This option is a favorite of parents due to its convenience.
Tutoring company
If you live in a big town or city, there is likely a tutoring center or tutoring company near you. Often, these companies hire dozens of tutors who teach a variety of subjects and hold single or group tutoring sessions on-site throughout the week.
These companies usually offer some sort of trial lesson so your child can try out the service before you have to commit to regular sessions.
Online platforms
If you type in “math tutors near me” in your preferred online search engine, you’ll see hundreds of online tutoring companies to choose from.
These companies often primarily focus on virtual tutoring sessions, so if your child would prefer to have an online tutor, this option is for you!
Local tutors
Lastly, local tutors are another great option. If you live near a coffee shop, library, bookstore, or other local business with a community bulletin board, check for any personal advertisements made by math tutors in your area.
Hiring a math tutor from a flyer can be risky, as you may not know who they are or how good of a tutor they are, but they can also be like finding a diamond in the rough.
If you’d like to hire a local tutor, ask if they offer a free or discounted trial session and sit in on it to see whether their tutoring methods are up to your standards.
How much do math tutors cost?
There are various price points you can expect to see depending on your search method, but how much do math tutors cost in general?
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.
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.
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.
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.
