Hiring a Math Tutor? Some Things to Consider!

If you're planning to hire a math tutor for your child, there are several important things to consider. As a former high school math teacher and now full-time tutor/math coach, I've done face to face tutoring and now exclusively online math tutoring for seven years. Hiring a math tutoring can be a fantastic investment and household stress reliever —but only if it's done with purpose and a clear plan. Here are some key points to keep in mind.

1. Decide on the right frequency.

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is how often your child should meet with their tutor. A common and effective rhythm is a weekly session, either 30 minutes or an hour. Meeting consistently helps your student stay caught up on homework, get help before tests, and build momentum. Regular support makes a real difference.

2. Choose someone who’s taught the right math classes.

It’s not just about finding someone who’s “good at math”—you want a tutor who’s taught the specific course your student is in or one closely related to it. If your child is in Algebra 2, a tutor who has taught Algebra 2—or even better, someone who’s taught Precalculus or Calculus—will understand what foundational skills need to be in place and where your student is headed. This also means your tutor can stick with your child through future classes and support them over time. Some of the most rewarding tutoring experiences I've had are when I've stayed with a student through many years from algebra, thru calculus, and even into college!

3. Look for experience with online tutoring.

With today’s busy schedules, sports, and after-school activities, online tutoring is often the most practical option. A skilled online tutor can use shared screens, interactive tools such as Desmos and virtual graphing calculators such as the TI-84, and face-to-face video to create an experience that feels just as personal as in-person tutoring. Plus, students are already doing much of their math work digitally in online math platforms such as McGraw Hill, Khan Academy, DeltaMath, or ALEKS, so it makes sense for tutoring to take place in that same environment. Students can share their screens during the session when necessary, and the tutor can as well.

4. Consider group tutoring as an option.

If your student is self-motivated and doesn’t mind working alongside others, group tutoring can be a great, budget-friendly alternative. Some tutors—like I do at T3R Tutoring—offer group sessions that include access to an online community, shared resources, and live interactive lessons. Group settings also give students a chance to learn from each other and hear different approaches to solving problems.

5. Avoid tutor dependency.

One of the biggest pitfalls to watch out for is when students begin to rely too heavily on the tutor. They may start putting off their homework or not reviewing material on their own, expecting to "just figure it out" during their next session. Tutoring works best when students come prepared, already having attempted their work and knowing what they need help with. That’s how real progress happens.

6. Find Out What Extras the Tutor Offers.

A great tutor doesn’t just teach during the session—they offer support that extends beyond it. Find out if your tutor provides a session summary to keep you in the loop. These quick recaps should let you know what topics were covered, whether your student stayed focused, how well they grasped the material, and what the next steps are. It’s also worth asking if the tutor will provide supplemental materials or extra practice, especially if your child’s classroom instruction isn’t meeting all their needs. Another bonus? Session recordings. Some parents find it incredibly helpful to review recorded sessions—either to reinforce the concepts themselves or to help coach their child between meetings. For example, I offer my students and their families a free weekly one-hour Q&A session on Zoom, where students can drop in, ask questions about their homework, and get extra support in a low-pressure setting. These kinds of “extras” show a tutor’s commitment to the student’s success—and can make a big difference in the overall value of the tutoring experience. For some of my classes I tutor I also offer online asynchronous communities where students can explore more resources that I provide.

Final Thoughts

When tutoring is approached thoughtfully, it can make high school math more manageable—not just for the student, but for the entire household. Math struggles often create a ripple effect of stress, frustration, and tension at home. But with the right tutor and a solid plan, that stress can be replaced with structure, progress, and confidence. Remember, stress in one class can begin to affect the student's performance in other classes. With the right tutor, students begin to feel more in control of their learning, and parents can breathe a little easier knowing their child is supported. Over time, this consistency often leads to stronger grades and better performance on high-stakes exams like district or state assessments—and of course, the SAT and ACT, where a higher score can open doors to college admissions and scholarship opportunities. With the right tutor, math doesn’t have to be a source of stress—it can become one of your student’s biggest academic wins.

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Mr. Rich is a University of Florida graduate in engineering and former high school math teacher and engineer who now coaches students full-time in all levels of high school math, including Algebra 2, AP Precalculus, AP Calculus, and AP Statistics. He specializes in ACT and SAT math prep, helping students build both skill and confidence for classroom success and college admissions. He is owner and founder of T3R Tutoring, LLC, and can be reached at tom@t3rtutoring.org.