How to Choose a Math Tutor for Your Child
A bad tutor is worse than no tutor: money and time spent without closing the gap. Here are selection criteria and red flags.
When a tutor is genuinely needed
- A gap persists over a month despite home practice
- The child falls behind the program by a full topic or more
- Preparing for an exam or olympiad needs systematic coaching
- Sessions with a parent consistently end in conflict
Signs of a good tutor
Explains rather than solving for the child
Watch the trial lesson: does the tutor ask questions or hand over the solution right away? A good teacher leads the child to the answer instead of replacing their thinking.
Diagnoses the gap instead of racing through the curriculum
The first lesson should include a check of foundational knowledge. Without diagnosis, a tutor works blind.
Gives feedback to the parent
After each lesson — a short note: what was covered, what to reinforce at home, where things are heading. Silence after paid hours is a warning sign.
Questions for the first conversation
- "How will you identify exactly where my child struggles?"
- "How often will you report on progress?"
- "What happens if there is no improvement after a month?"
- "Can I sit in on the first lesson?" — the reaction here says a lot
Warning signs
- Refusing a trial lesson — a good tutor is not afraid of one
- Promising "an F to an A in a month" without any diagnosis
- The child leaves sessions discouraged, not energized
- Homework is just "finish these problems," with no explanation of meaning
Alternatives to a tutor
Structured online courses, math clubs, weekend groups — often cheaper than one-on-one lessons and give the same effect for a mild gap.
👨🏫 Start with free diagnosis through play!
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