Best Online Tutoring Platforms for Students and Parents
While 44% of public school students fall behind their grade level in at least one academic subject, only 11% of them participate in high-dose tutoring provided by the school. This means that students and parents have to resort to finding tutoring options on their own to bridge the knowledge gap, ensure academic success, and make higher education a feasible opportunity.
This article ranks the 6 best online tutoring platforms for students and parents. These websites offer on-demand tutoring services in a wide range of K-12 subjects that are able to deliver noticeable results to students who are struggling academically or who need a bit of extra help to reveal their full potential. Services are generally available across the US, and rates are competitive to ensure that families from different backgrounds can afford them.
The top 6 online tutoring platforms for K-12 students include:
For flexible, strong-impact online tutoring services in most K-12 subjects tailored to the needs of your child and delivered by state-certified teachers, check out iTutor.
How to Choose the Best Online Tutoring Platform for Your Child
Selecting the right platform and tutors for the specific needs of your child is crucially important for boosting academic results via online tutoring. You have to find tutors that are qualified, reliable, engaging, and available when your child needs them. Moreover, you need to make sure that they can help with both general tutoring and homework help when required. Finally, you should find an affordable option that your family can cover for as long as your child needs tutoring.
So, when choosing the best online tutoring platform for your child, you should focus on the following criteria:
- Services: Search for on platforms that offer tutoring and homework assistance for comprehensive services.
- Available subjects: Look for a website that provides online tutoring in various K-12 subjects in case your child’s needs change over time.
- Availability: Ensure that services are present in your location and that on-demand tutoring is available at most times of the day.
- Teacher background and qualifications: Focus on tutors that are state-certified to ensure compliance with your child’s academic curriculum.
- Cost: Look for affordable rates so that you can afford the services in the long run.
- Online reputation and customer reviews: Check out customer reviews of a few different platforms on reputable websites (such as Trustpilot and BBB) to see what other parents think about the quality of services and the provided value.
- Value for money: Choose the tutoring website that offers the best value for money and has the potential to bring the best results for your child.
Now, let’s take a look at the services, coverage, pricing, and terms of use of the best online tutoring platforms for parents and students:
1. iTutor
iTutor is a top-ranked platform that provides high-quality, flexible online tutoring services across different subject areas to all students from ages 3 and up. As part of Fullmind, iTutor provides access to the same qualified, state-certified teachers in all US locations as the parent company.
Harry Aurora founded iTutor in 2014, with headquarters in Jericho, NY. The company mission is to provide every child with access to an exceptional education.
iTutor Services for Students and Parents
iTutor offers online tutoring services directly to parents and students so that students can catch up with their peers and enhance their knowledge and skills in a wide range of academic subjects. Instruction is tailored to the specific needs and learning style of each child and is provided via live video sessions that are highly interactive and engaging. Tutoring is delivered at the times that are most convenient for the student.
iTutor Subject Coverage
iTutor covers the vast majority of K-12 academic subjects including but not limited to:
- Math
- English
- Computer Science
- History
- Biology
- Foreign Languages
- Art
- Musical Instruments
- Music Production
- AP Tests
- SAT Tests
iTutor Student Age/Grade Eligibility
All students from ages 3 and up can benefit from iTutor services.
iTutot Tutor Qualifications and Salaries
What makes iTutor the best online tutoring platform is the fact that all tutors are state-certified teachers who are licensed to work in their subject(s), in their state, and with kids of the respective age group. Moorever, they are qualified to work with students with special learning needs and disabilities.
iTutor staff members are carefully vetted and undergo a rigorous background check as well as interview process to guarantee student safety.
Tutors who work with iTutor make $32/hour or more after the platform commission.
iTutor Geographical Availability
The iTutor platform can be used by students in all locations, in all 50 US states. Services are available to students from all public and private schools and school districts. Children outside the US can also benefit from tutoring services.
iTutor Cost and Fees
Most iTutor tutors charge $40/hour, which is below the average in the industry for access to educators with higher qualifications.
iTutor Cancellation Policy and Terms of Use
iTutor runs a subscription-based model for students and parents. The platform collects payments after each session and handles the tutor fees. This means that families do not need to arrange payments with tutors.
The technology used by iTutor works on all devices.
How to Get Started with iTutor
To get started with iTutor, you can schedule a matching session with our team to discuss your needs so that we find the best tutors for your child.
2. Tutor.com
Tutor.com, a service of The Princeton Review, is one of the largest and most popular providers of online tutoring services to K-12 as well as college and university students. The platform works with over 3,000 tutors who teach various academic subjects across all fields.
George Segale established Tutor.com in 1998, with headquarters in New York, NY, making it one of the oldest online tutoring platforms. The company mission is to instill hope, advance equity, and catalyze achievement in schools and communities.
Tutor.com Services for Students and Parents
Tutor.com offers on-demand and high-dose tutoring via partnerships with K-12 schools and districts, colleges, universities, libraries, benefit programs, and other institutions. Parents and students can also purchase tutoring services directly from the platform.
Tutoring sessions happen in an online classroom which runs in a web browser on the student’s device. Homework assistance is available.
Tutor.com Subject Coverage
Tutor.com services cover hundreds of subjects taught at K-12 schools, colleges, and universities as well as career advancement courses.
K-12 subjects include more than 80 options including:
- Math
- Science
- English
- Social Studies
- Foreign Languages
- Spanish Language Tutoring
- Business and Technology
- AP
- IB
For grades 6-8, skill tutoring is available in English and Spanish. 9-12 grade tutoring covers AP and IB subjects and college admission support as well.
Tutor.com Student Age/Grade Eligibility
Tutor.com works with K-12 students, college and university students, and company, non-profit, government, and association employees.
Tutor.com Tutor Qualifications and Salaries
Tutor.com hires tutors that are qualified in their subjects. During the vetting process, they undergo education verification, multiple background checks, a subject matter exam, and an interview. Online tutors include teachers, professors, adjuncts, PhD students, and industry professionals. However, teachers are not necessarily state-certified in their subject(s).
Third-party sources report the average salary for Tutor.com tutors to be around $20/hour.
Tutor.com Geographical Availability
The online tutoring platform can be used by students across the US market.
Tutor.com Cost and Fees
Students whose schools are part of the Tutor.com program can access tutoring services for free.
Otherwise, parents and students can choose between one-time and subscription tutoring. One-time Tutor.com sessions cost from $350 for 10 hours to $1,450 for 50 hours over the course of 6 months. This translates into a rate of $29-$35/hour.
Subscriptions cost from $40 for 1 hour/month to $180 for 5 hours/month, or an hourly rate between $36 and $40.
Tutor.com Cancellation Policy and Terms of Use
Families can choose between one-time and monthly subscription-based Tutor.com plans. Students can switch between plans and cancel at any time. Upon cancellation, they can finish the current month and will not be charred afterwards. No long-term commitment is needed.
Tutor.com online tutoring services are available 24/7, and students can usually get help within minutes.
How to Get Started with Tutor.com
To get started with Tutor.com, you can contact the team to learn about the best option.
3. Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors, a Nerdy Company, is another top online tutoring platform for students of all ages. The website connects learners in any subject, anywhere, anytime with experts.
Chuck Cohn started Varsity Tutors in 2007, with headquarters in St. Louis, MO. The company mission is to transform the way people learn through technology and to leverage technology including AI to match learners of all ages to experts in a way that delivers value on both sides of the network.
Varsity Tutors Services for Students and Parents
Varsity Tutors offers online tutoring services to students and parents directly as well as to schools and districts. During the application process, the platform takes into account over 100 variables to create a personalized learning plan matching the needs of each individual student with the right tutor. Homework help is also available.
Varsity Tutors Subject Coverage
Varsity Tutors covers more than 3,000 subjects. Options for K-12 students include but are not limited to:
- English
- Math
- Science
- Humanities
- Foreign Languages
- Tech and Engineering
- AP
- Test Prep
- College Admissions
Varsity Tutors Student Age/Grade Eligibility
Varsity Tutors has the capacity to provide online tutoring to all grades K-12 plus to college students and adults/professionals.
Varsity Tutors Tutor Qualifications and Salaries
Varsity Tutors works with tutors who have a history of academic excellence, exceptional teaching skills, and great communication skills which get checked during the interview process. In addition, they are able to develop and teach individualized learning plans. All tutors go through a background check, but they don’t necessarily hold a state license.
Third-party sources quote a range between $17 and $40/hour for the rates that Varsity Tutors pay to tutors.
Varsity Tutors Geographical Availability
All US students can access online tutoring from Varsity Tutors, regardless of their geographical location.
Varsity Tutors Cost and Fees
Third-party sources place the hourly cost of one-on-one online tutoring provided by Varsity Tutors between $70 and $100. This is rather expensive and can be unaffordable for a lot of families.
Varsity Tutors Cancellation Policy and Terms of Use
Learners need to have a membership to access tutoring services from Varsity Tutors. To do this, it’s needed to create a learner profile which covers personal details, learning goals, and preferred subjects. The, Varsity Tutors team helps students and parents choose the right membership based on their profile. The platform algorithms match learners with the most compatible tutors for their needs. The tutor contacts the student to arrange timing, and tutoring is delivered via real-time, online sessions. No special software or equipment is needed.
How to Get Started with Varsity Tutors
To get started with Varsity Tutors, you can contact the team via the online form available on the website to share your needs and find the best solution.
4. Skooli
Skooli is another popular online tutoring platform that helps K-12 and college students in core subjects. Services include one-on-one tutoring, drop-in support, and 24/7 essay and assignment reviews.
Dave Frey founded Skooli in 2014, with headquarters in Dover, DE. The company aims to help students learn difficult concepts and get better grades by connecting them with professional teachers in a digital classroom.
Skooli Services for Students and Parents
Skooli offers individual online tutoring for students that want expert help with their studies. Services are available in all core subjects and include homework support.
Skooli Subject Coverage
While Skooli tutors can help with the following subjects:
- Math: Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Trigonometry, and Calculus
- Humanities: English, Writing, Reading, and History
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science
- Languages: ESL, Spanish, French, and Chinese
- Business: Economics, Accounting, Marketing, and Finance
Skooli Student Age/Grade Eligibility
Skooli is able to provide online tutoring to elementary, middle, and high school students as well as college students.
Skooli Tutor Qualifications and Salaries
Skooli online tutors include professional teachers and subject-area experts. They need to have one of the following:
- Government-issued teaching license
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in the field
- Specialized instructor qualification
Tutors who are verified by proving their credentials and submitting a clean background check get denoted with a purple shield badge to highlight their qualifications.
Third-party sources report the average rate that Skooli pays to tutors at $25/hour.
Skooli Geographical Availability
Skooli tutoring services are available in a few dozen cities in a number of US states but not nationwide.
Skooli Cost and Fees
Skooli requires neither subscriptions nor monthly payments. Students and parents can choose from 4 pay-as-you-go plans that range from $49 for 1 hour to $1,248 for 32 hours that can be used within 1 year from the date of purchase. This means that the hourly rate is between $39 and $49.
Skooli Cancellation Policy and Terms of Use
Skooli pay-as-you-go plans are valid for 1 year after the purchase date. Unused plans can be canceled and receive a full refund within the first 7 days.
In case students cancel a session 1-12 hours before the start, they will be charged a $3 fee. The fee is $10 for cancellations of 30 minute-1 hour before the session. No-showups are charged the full price of the session, for up to 1 hour.
How to Get Started with Skooli
To get started with Skooli, you can sign up for an online account.
5. Wyzant
Wyzant is an online tutoring platform that connects people who need to know with the experts who can teach them. It operates as an online marketplace that serves more than 3 million students and 65,000 expert tutors.
Andrew Geant and Mike Weishuhn launched Wyzant in 2005, with headquarters in Chicago, IL. The company aims to provide accessible, affordable, and convenient one-on-one learning to all.
Wyzant Services for Students and Parents
Wyzant works as a marketplace that connects students and parents with tutors for personalized, one-on-one online tutoring services. Students get to choose their own tutor from a vetted pool of experts based on their unique needs. They can check out the credentials, see whether a background check has been performed, and request one, if needed. Students can connect directly with selected tutors right on the platform. Finally, they need to schedule their first lesson. In case students or parents are not happy with the first lesson, it’s free under the Good Fit Guarantee.
Wyzant Subject Coverage
Wyzant tutoring covers more than 300 school subjects including but not limited to:
- Algebra
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computers
- English
- Geometry
- Languages
- Math
- Music
- Physics
- Reading
- SAT
- Science
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Test Prep
- Writing
Wyzant Student Age/Grade Eligibility
Wyzant tutors can work with students K-12 grade.
Wyzant Tutor Qualifications and Salaries
Wyzant has a network of over 65,000 independent tutors whose qualifications and expertise vary widely. All experts are vetted to ensure high qualifications, but they are not always state-certified. Moreover, the platform does not conduct a background check on tutors as part of the recruiting process. Background checks are available upon request by students for a fee.
Tutors set up their own hourly rates on the Wyzant online tutoring platform. Most rates range between $35/hour and $60/hour, but higher and lower fees are also possible.
Wyzant Geographical Availability
Wyzant online tutoring services can be used across the entire US.
Wyzant Cost and Fees
The cost of Wyzant tutors varies widely depending on the subject, qualifications, experience, and ranking on the platform. The average hourly rates are $35-$60/hour. In popular subject areas, it’s possible to find tutors that charge $25/hour or less. Tutors in more specialized subjects charge a few hundred dollars per hour.
If students would like to request a background check on any particular tutor, the fee is $15.99.
Wyzant charges a 9% service fee on all lessons, which is added to the tutor rate.
Wyzant Cancellation Policy and Terms of Use
Wyzant doesn’t require any commitment or upfront payments. Students only pay for the amount of tutoring that they get plus the platform commission fee.
It’s important to note that tutors can set up their own cancellation policy. In general, sessions can be canceled up to 24 hours beforehand with no cancellation fee, while later cancellations might be subject to fees. Still, students need to check the specific policy of the tutor before hiring them.
How to Get Started with Wyzant
To get started with Wyzant, you need to sign up for an online account.
6. Air Tutors
Air Tutors is yet another widely used online tutoring platform for students of different ages. The website benefits from a diverse community of educators who are eclectic, brilliant, and fun to work with.
Hasan Ali established Air Tutors in 2015, with headquarters in Los Angeles, CA. The company relies on innovative, engaging technology to connect students with tutors anytime, anywhere.
Air Tutors Services for Students and Parents
Air Tutors offers individualized, online tutoring services to families whose children need extra help to realize their full academic potential. Tutoring is delivered via one-on-one online sessions that do not require special software or hardware.
Air Tutors Subject Coverage
Tutoring is available in all K-12 core subjects as well as AP courses. Air Tutors has bilingual educators for students who need them.
Air Tutors Student Age/Grade Eligibility
Air Tutors works with K-12 grade students.
Air Tutors Tutor Qualifications and Salaries
Air Tutors hires tutors who live inside and outside the US. They might have a high school diploma, associates degree, undergraduate degree, or higher attainment. They don’t have to be state-certified.
Third-party sources quote average tutor remunerations of $20-$45/hour.
Air Tutors Geographical Availability
Students from all across the US market can use Air Tutors online tutoring services.
Air Tutors Cost and Fees
Students and parents can choose between 2 packages: 5 hours for $600 and 10 hours for $1,000. This means that the hourly cost ranges between $100 and $120, which is on the pricey side as most other best online tutoring platforms charge significantly less than that. There is an option to schedule an intro session for $100.
Air Tutors Cancellation Policy and Terms of Use
Air Tutors offers services in packages that can be used on-demand. Students are charged at increments of 15 minutes.
How to Get Started with Air Tutors
To get started with Air Tutors, you can submit an online form via the company website to request information about the right services for your needs.
Bottom Line
These are the 6 best online tutoring platforms for K-12 students and parents across the US. These websites offer on-demand, one-on-one tutoring services that have the potential to help students reach and exceed their grade level in core and elective subjects. When choosing the right platform for your child’s needs, focus on the flexibility of services, the adaptation to your child’s needs, the qualifications of the tutors, and the affordability.
If you’re looking for personalized, one-on-one online tutoring by highly qualified, state-certified teachers, check out iTutor. Most tutors charge $40/hour for individualized tutoring.