How much does tutoring cost?
In person is $75/hour for all subjects except Statistics, which is $90/hour. Remote tutoring over Zoom is $60/hour for every subject. The first hour with a new student is half off: $35, $45 and $30. There is a one-hour minimum; extra time is prorated, though I'll add a few minutes at no charge to finish something important. See rates.
Is there a contract, registration fee or assessment fee?
No. It's pay as you go. I'm also not a fan of up-front assessments: any accomplished tutor can quickly get a good idea of what a student does and doesn't know, and keeps refining that picture over time.
What if I'm not happy with the tutoring?
If you're not happy with the instruction provided, you don't pay. It works session by session: scheduling another appointment means you were satisfied with the previous one.
Do you tutor in person or online?
Both. In person I come to your home or meet at a library or coffee shop near Aurora and Centennial, Colorado. Online sessions run over Zoom, for students anywhere in the world who speak English, with a second camera on my paper so you see the work written out live. I think in-person tutoring is more effective, but remote works well for motivated students. More about remote tutoring.
What is the travel charge?
It's per trip, not per hour: $0 within 3 miles of S Parker Rd & S Chambers Rd, $10 for over 3 up to 5 miles, $20 for over 5 up to 8 miles, measured by driving distance. Farther is considered case by case. The charge is waived at Smoky Hill Library and Mission Viejo Library (Aurora).
What should we bring to a session?
Your textbook, your class notes, and the problems you've attempted. The session isn't wasted without them, but it's a hundred times better with them. For remote sessions, email the material to me ahead of time.
Will you do my homework or take my test?
No. I'm a teaching tutor. I'll work problems with you, explain them and coach you through your own, so you can do the real thing yourself.
Why do you charge more for Statistics?
Statistics is harder to teach well. It needs strong algebra, and students often arrive without it, so I end up teaching algebra inside the hour. It also varies by book and teacher. More on Statistics.
Do you tutor Calculus III, differential equations or linear algebra?
Possibly, with honesty up front. These are at the edge of what I keep sharp. I need your materials in advance, I prepare between sessions at no charge, and if I'm not helpful you don't pay. Details here.
Can my child share sessions with a friend?
Yes, at no added fee; the hourly rate is simply split. Groups work best when the students have similar skills and learning pace and study together between sessions. Forming the group is up to you, and I'll tell you honestly whether it's likely to work.
How is working with you different from a tutoring center?
With me, your student has the same tutor every time, and that tutor is me. There's no contract, no registration fee and no assessment fee. Centers typically have a tutor-to-student ratio around 1 to 3 and can't guarantee the same tutor each time. They have real overhead to cover, and I think the business side tends to get in the way.
Why do tutoring rates vary from $15 to $100 or more?
Experience, subject level, location, and business overhead all play a part. I explain how I think about my own rate in my essay why tutoring rates range so widely.
Why would you stop tutoring a student?
Only if a student repeatedly shows no effort. Students who struggle but try always get my help. Read more.
How do I pay?
Venmo is easiest, and cash is fine too.
How soon can we start?
Usually quickly. I schedule first come, first served, and I try to be flexible. My calendar (Denver time) is on the contact page. Pick a time that looks open and send a request.