Can Tutoring Really Help My Child? Here’s What the Research Says.
By Khadejah Artis | June 1, 2025 | charmcityeducation.com
If your child needs more support—but doesn’t quite qualify at school—don’t wait. The earlier we intervene, the easier it is to close gaps and build momentum.
At A Glance
It’s normal to weigh the options when it comes to free tutoring or paid tutoring.
High-impact tutoring is a research-backed intervention that improves kids’ grades, scores, and confidence.
Think about it.
You’re an involved parent. You check in with teachers, help with homework, and your child is doing just fine in most classes. When they’re stuck, you step in. Sometimes you crack the code. Other times… not so much.
That’s when the questions start.
Should I reach out to the school? Can my child get more support? Will they qualify for it?
Even when you ask for help, there’s no guarantee that additional instruction will be available, especially if your child is performing “well enough” across the board.
So, you do what any proactive parent would do: You start searching. Maybe that’s how you landed here, wondering:
Can tutoring actually make a difference? Is it worth investing in support outside of school if I can help at home?
The short answer: Yes.
But not all tutoring is created equal. The real game-changer is high-impact tutoring—a research-backed approach proven to boost academic growth, self-confidence, and motivation.
So what makes tutoring high-impact? These four key ingredients:
1. Group Size Matters
Smaller is smarter.
In high-impact tutoring, fewer students means more attention and faster progress. For younger kids, one-on-one sessions are especially powerful. As students get older, small groups of 2–3 can be beneficial—offering both academic support and peer connection.
2. Consistent Timing
Once a week won’t cut it.
According to 2024 research, tutoring once a week doesn’t significantly move the needle. The sweet spot? Three to four sessions per week, each under an hour.
Students who met that benchmark improved their math scores by 16% compared to their peers.
3. The Power of a Professional
Not all tutors are trained teachers—but they should be.
While paraprofessionals and volunteers are helpful, a certified educator brings expertise in lesson planning, progress monitoring, and adapting instruction. They don’t just follow a script—they teach your child based on what they know, what they need, and how they learn best.
4. The Tutor-Student Relationship
This is the secret sauce.
An effective tutor is more than just a teacher—they’re a coach, a cheerleader, and a consistent adult who believes in your child.
When students feel seen, heard, and supported, their confidence soars—alongside their grades.
School districts across the country are catching on and investing in high-impact tutoring. But here’s the catch: those services are often reserved for students performing below grade level.
If your child needs more support—but doesn’t quite qualify at school—don’t wait. The earlier we intervene, the easier it is to close gaps and build momentum.
👉 Contact us today for a personalized academic assessment.
We’ll help you determine if tutoring is the right fit—and how to make sure it counts.
