Best online tutoring options for kids: comparison guide

The value of online tutoring

Education is about more than just passing exams or getting the next grade–it's about fostering a love for learning and equipping children with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate our world.

As parents, we want to provide the best opportunities for our children to do this; this is where online tutoring can play a big part.

Whether your child needs a little extra help with their algebra homework, wants to advance their reading level, or explore a new interest like coding, online tutoring offers many advantages over traditional, in-person tutoring.

It provides the same level of personalized instruction that’s tailored to your child’s learning style but in a far more flexible way.

Rather than traveling somewhere for every session, they’re held in the comfort of your own home on a schedule that fits your life. No more rushing out the door - that time (not to mention the cost of the actual travel) is reinvested back into your day. 

The at-home dynamic can make the tutoring experience more appealing to kids, too, especially if they feel uncomfortable being dropped off somewhere they’re not familiar with. Learning happens best when a child is happy, relaxed, and open. There’s often no better place for encouraging that headspace than home.

Online tutoring also opens up a much larger world of possibilities than in-person tutoring, which is limited to the experience, skillsets, and offerings of only those who are close to where you live. 

Online, your child can learn anything from algebra to zoology from tutors anywhere in the world. It creates a wonderful dynamic–connecting with people from different places adds an extra layer of richness to a learning experience.

The cost weigh-up is also compelling. In-person tutoring costs vary widely, but they often sit around $60-$80 an hour. The more specialized and experienced the tutor, the higher the price. 

Some tutors charge upward of $150 an hour for in-person time. But online tutoring–where the averages are closer to $50 an hour, without any other associated costs like travel. So, it’s usually much more cost-effective, especially if you plan on making tutoring a consistent part of your child’s educational journey.

With all that said, it’s clear that online tutoring can bring your child personalized, convenient, interesting, and comprehensive learning opportunities. But in a sea of options, what are the best ones for your family?

Let’s take a look.

Breaking down the options: the best online tutoring platforms

The demand for online tutoring has sky-rocketed in recent years, and so has the number of platforms and services out there filling that need. To help you find the best option for your child, we’ve curated a list of the best options and broken them down in detail.

Outschool pros and cons

Outschool offers a unique, community-based platform for learning. Although widely known for its small-group classes, it also provides a tailored, 1-on-1 tutoring service for learners aged 3-18, connecting students with dedicated educators across a wide range of subjects. 

Our platform maintains its signature focus on interactive and relationship-based learning, providing a personalized approach to supplement and enrich traditional education.

Pros:

• Outschool provides a wealth of vetted, 5-star teachers across a wide range of subjects, including maths, English, writing, reading, test prep, music, coding, and more, making it a one-stop-shop for all your major tutoring needs.
• The platform prioritizes the relationship between the learner and their tutor, fostering a deep connection that enhances the learning experience. This connection is often highlighted by families as a critical aspect of their Outschool experience.
• A diverse range of educators on the platform bring a broad spectrum of knowledge and teaching methods. This diversity not only enriches the learning environment but also allows students to explore traditional and non-traditional topics in innovative and engaging ways.
• Outschool makes convenience a priority. Unlike other platforms that may require sales calls or contracts, Outschool offers a hassle-free approach to finding the right tutor.
• The platform is acclaimed by users, boasting excellent reviews both on its site and Trustpilot, assuring you of its quality and reliability.
• Despite the quality of service, Outschool maintains affordable pricing, making it a cost-effective solution for personalized online tutoring.

Cons:

• While Outschool's wide variety of vetted, 5-star teachers ensures there is a perfect match for every student, parents may need to invest time exploring the extensive options to find the best tutor for their child's specific needs.

ArborBridge pros and cons

ArborBridge is an elite test preparation company that offers bespoke, 1-on-1 tutoring to students around the world. Known for its personalized approach, ArborBridge tutors are selected for their teaching experience and ability to connect with students on an individual level.

Pros:

• ArborBridge offers highly personalized tutoring, which is ideal for students who need a tailored learning plan.
• Tutors are experienced and skilled at helping students improve their test-taking abilities.
• ArborBridge is globally recognized, which could be a confidence boost for some families considering the platform.

Cons:

• While they offer very high-quality services, their focus is narrower than other platforms, primarily offering test preparation. This could be a disadvantage for families seeking support across a broader range of subjects and interests.
• ArborBridge's bespoke, elite services come at a premium price, making it a less accessible option for many families.

Wyzant pros and cons

Wyzant is a digital marketplace designed to connect students with independent tutors. The platform covers a broad spectrum of subjects, with each tutor bringing their own unique approach and expertise to their tutoring sessions.

Pros:

• Wyzant provides a robust platform that connects learners to tutors in more than 300 subjects.
• The platform allows families to select the perfect tutor based on their specific needs and budget, providing a lot of flexibility.
• Wyzant also offers tools to track progress and manage lesson scheduling, which adds a level of convenience for both students and parents.
• It offers both online and in-person tutoring, providing options to accommodate different preferences.

Cons:

• The platform relies on independent tutors, so the quality of instruction can vary.
• The wide range of tutors and prices can be overwhelming, and finding the perfect tutor might require considerable time and effort.
• There may be a lack of consistency in teaching methods, as each tutor brings their own style and approach.
• Unlike Outschool, Wyzant does not provide curated classes and learning experiences.

Varsity Tutors pros and cons

Varsity Tutors is a live learning platform that connects students with personalized instruction in a variety of academic and enrichment areas. They offer both in-person and online tutoring, providing a hybrid option for families who want the best of both worlds.

Pros:

• Varsity Tutors offers a comprehensive catalog of both classes and private tutoring sessions covering a broad range of subjects.
• It provides both in-person and online tutoring, offering a hybrid option for families who want the best of both worlds.
• The platform provides personalized learning plans and 1-on-1 tutoring, focusing on individualized attention for students.
• Their advanced platform features interactive tools like digital whiteboards and document sharing, making the learning experience dynamic and engaging.

Cons:

• Their service is on the more expensive side compared to other online tutoring platforms.
• The platform can be complex to navigate for first-time users.
• Some reviews suggest customer service can be slow to respond to issues or queries.
• Parents and students need to commit to a certain number of hours, which may not provide the flexibility some families need.

Preply pros and cons

Preply is a global platform that connects learners with private tutors from all over the world, offering classes in a multitude of languages. It is particularly renowned for language learning and offers a high degree of personalization and tutor choice.

Pros:

• Preply specializes in language learning with a vast range of languages offered.
• The platform has a large selection of tutors, allowing users to choose one that fits their learning style and budget.
• Tutors on Preply come from various parts of the world, providing a rich, authentic learning experience.
• Preply provides a user-friendly interface with easy scheduling and payment options.

Cons:

• Preply's focus is predominantly on language learning, so it might not be the best option for other academic subjects.
• Some users have reported issues with customer service and tutor reliability.
• While there are many tutors to choose from, the quality can vary significantly.

As you can see, each of these platforms brings its own unique flavor and strengths to the table. The best choice for your family will depend on your child's specific needs, interests, and learning preferences and your family’s lifestyle, budget, and schedule.

We always want the best for our children, and that’s especially true when it comes to their education. Online tutoring offers a wonderful opportunity to help our kids dive deep into something they’re interested in, lift them up in an area where they’re struggling, and boost their confidence.

While all the platforms mentioned above provide quality services, Outschool stands out for its unique approach to online learning, huge variety of options, relational focus, diversity in educators, convenience, and price.

Outschool exists to empower every child to develop their unique potential and help them fall in love with learning.

When you’re ready, come see it for yourself.