Top Online Math Tutoring Programs
Brighterly Brighterly provides personalized 1-on-1 learning programs for math and reading with proven results for students in grades K–12. The platform has hundreds of expert math tutors available and offers gamified, interactive lessons that make learning both fun and engaging. While Brighterly uses AI, it never replaces human tutors—instead, it’s used to create customized learning materials, so the tutor you’re paying for has more time and energy to devote solely to your child’s progress. The strategy works so well that Brighterly was named a finalist in the EdTech Awards for both math and tutoring solutions. What makes Brighterly our #1 pick? Affordable lessons beginning under $20 for a 45-minute session Carefully vetted tutors rated on parent feedback, student progress, and teaching quality Interactive learning tools and games Flexible scheduling Unique learning materials, created with the help of AI Free demo lessons and back-to-school discounts available Want to learn more about how Brighterly works? Check out this feature about the platform’s innovative technology and learning strategies in Fast Company!
The Princeton Review Although The Princeton Review is most known for its SAT and ACT math tutors, it also offers tutors for high school math classes (and other subjects). Students can choose between homework help tutoring (great for quick answers to questions or problems) or academic tutoring for more in-depth learning. Why we like it: Direct tutoring equivalent to most high school math classes Fast answers to student questions with the homework help plan No long-term commitments (can be used as a one-time tool)
Learner Learner is a great resource for high school-level math and also offers SAT math prep. All tutors are vetted by a rigorous screening process, and the platform offers a questionnaire to help match students with the best tutor for their needs. They also offer a free trial lesson with a money-back guarantee if students aren’t satisfied with the service. Why we like it: Dedication to matching students with compatible tutors Can be used on multiple devices for flexibility and convenience 100% free trial session
Wyzant Wyzant has a roster of hundreds of qualified tutors and offers both in-person and online tutoring. Students can read reviews and evaluate each tutor’s specialties to find the best match, and can even chat with instructors to see if they’re a good fit. If you don’t love your first lesson, your first hour of tutoring is free. Why we like it: Flexibility with in-person and/or online tutors Hands-on tutor selection process for the student First hour free with Good Fit Guarantee
Preply Preply matches students with math tutors from around the world and serves elementary school students, middle schoolers, teens, and even adults who just want to learn math. Like many sites, Preply also allows students to screen tutor reviews, watch intro videos, and chat with tutors before a trial lesson (the site offers 25- or 50-minute trials, and students can switch tutors for free or opt for a refund if they’re unsatisfied). Why we like it: Thousands of available tutors around the world in multiple languages Hands-on tutor selection process for the student Free trial lesson and easy monthly subscription billing
What to Look for in an Online Math Tutor
Look for tutors with the right expertise, teaching style, and availability. When you’re looking for online tutors, the sheer number of available tutors might make your head spin. Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for when you’re evaluating tutors for yourself or your child: Area of expertise: Do you need help with common core math, or specialty subjects like trigonometry? Look for tutors with knowledge in the topic area you need help with. Teaching style: Is your child a visual learner? Do they learn best through repetition or listening? Ask tutors which teaching methods they use to see if they’re a good fit. Availability: Is your tutor free at convenient times for you and your child? A tutor is only effective if they can regularly meet with your child. Personality: Do your child and the tutor get along? Look for tutors who are friendly and professional and who your student feels comfortable learning with. Cost: Costs can vary from tutor to tutor and platform to platform, so double-check hourly or monthly rates to see if they’re in your budget. Reviews: Scan online reviews from other students. Is the tutor rated positively, and do current or former students say they’ve experienced good results and improvement?
Benefits of Online Math Tutoring
Individualized learning for your child One of the most valuable aspects of online tutoring is the 1-on-1 attention your child gets from an experienced tutor. Classroom teachers have to tend to large groups of students of varying ability levels, but a tutor can hone in on your child’s specific needs or gaps in understanding. This is especially helpful in a complex and abstract topic like math! For example, a classroom teacher may be able to answer a few math questions after school, but can’t always review fundamental concepts or offer enough repetition to have a concept “sink in” like a tutor can. This isn’t a reflection on their teaching ability—they just have a lot of students to handle. Online tutoring can also provide interactive tools and games, recordings of lessons, chat support, and other learning tools to help your student process information in the way that works best for them. In-person tutors also provide valuable individualized attention. However, an online session tends to be more comfortable for students since they can learn in their home environment and have more control over the session.
Convenience and accessibility Online learning is perfect for busy students and families who don’t have time to commute long distances to see a tutor, or who can’t access reliable transportation. Scheduling is also more flexible, and many sessions can be planned for a time that works well for the student (and their parents or guardians). In-person tutors who travel to students’ homes can also be very convenient. However, your tutor options are limited to whoever lives in your area (whereas online tutors can come from any region). Plus, it can feel awkward for some students to have an educational or authority figure come into their home.
Supplemental homeschool learning If you homeschool your child, you may or may not feel comfortable teaching the math concepts they need to know for their grade or curriculum level. Online tutoring platforms can fill in your knowledge gaps by providing detailed mathematical knowledge and interactive 1-on-1 sessions on any topic. As Brighterly notes, homeschooled students have higher academic performance scores on average, possibly due to the learning customization that’s possible with a combination of homeschooling and online tutoring. Tutoring through Brighterly can be personalized to fit your educational goals for your student. Lessons and tutors can be selected based on the student’s grade, knowledge level, goals, and other specific learning needs (including ADHD or dyslexia).
Extra support from pandemic learning loss The COVID-19 pandemic may have passed, but students around the world are still catching up on missed instruction time. As Brighterly points out, US students in grades 3–8 are about half a grade level behind 2019 achievement in math (with low-income and non-white students struggling the most to make up lost learning). Thankfully, online tutoring platforms like Brighterly can help students catch up to pre-pandemic math achievement by offering individualized learning and interactive, gamified lessons (your student is more likely to stay motivated if they enjoy themselves while learning!). Chronic absenteeism, mental health challenges, and teacher shortages all contributed to lower-quality learning during the pandemic.
How much is an online math tutor?
Online math tutoring can cost anywhere from $20 to over $100 per hour. Typically, the lowest online tutoring rates you’re likely to find are $20 to $30 per hour, with an average cost around $50 per hour. Each online tutoring service structures its pricing differently, though. Some may charge a monthly fee (depending on how many hours you request), while others may charge different rates for various services (for example, chat sessions may cost less than video tutoring sessions). What affects the cost? The expertise of the tutor can impact the cost (more experienced tutors usually cost more, especially for advanced subjects like high-level math). On the other hand, bulk discounts and trial periods offered by the tutoring service can help drive the price down. Looking for a reasonable price? Brighterly offers some of the most affordable online math tutoring in the US - without compromising on personalized attention or the quality of learning. They charge as low as $17.40 per 45-minute interactive session when you sign up for 12 months of services. (Plus, you can pause your subscription at any time and check out a free trial before you commit—both great ways to save money!) Learn more about their pricing here.
Final Thoughts: Is an online math tutor worth it?
Math is one of the hardest subjects to grasp for many students. Concepts build quickly, and without personal support, it’s easy to fall behind. Online math tutors are a valuable investment in your student’s learning. If your child is struggling in a traditional classroom, isn’t motivated by their assignments, or simply needs more flexibility and attention, online math tutoring can be an affordable, convenient, and grade-saving alternative to help them succeed. Online tutoring can benefit students who do well in classrooms, too. By going beyond a school curriculum, high-achieving students can get ahead in math to prepare for SAT or ACT exams or AP and college courses. Plus, since most online math tutoring services offer a free trial, it’s easy to test out a tutor and see if your student likes it without any financial commitment.
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