Frequently Asked Questions
Scheduling and Payments
How do I find a math tutor for my teen?
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Look for someone who knows the material well and who your teen feels comfortable asking questions. Credentials matter, but so does fit. I offer a free phone consultation so you can ask me anything and decide whether I'm the right match for your student. If you're comparing tutors, ask how they would approach your teen's specific class and how they keep parents informed.
How do I schedule a tutoring session for my teen?
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The best way to schedule a session for a new student is to send an email with your name and number, and I will get back to you within 24 hours by phone. If you've been referred by a friend or another parent, feel free to use the number they've given you. On our first call I'll answer any questions about scheduling and how best to meet your student's needs. I do not charge for the first phone consultation.
Can I schedule only one session to see how my teen responds?
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Absolutely. This is a good way to introduce tutoring to a student who may be reluctant or unsure. There is no obligation to buy more than one session.
How much does tutoring cost?
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My rates depend on the course. I go over them with you during the free consult. Sessions cost the same over Zoom as in person.
For regular weekly or biweekly students, payment is made up front at the beginning of the month. Any unused sessions are refunded or carried forward to the following month. I take payment through Venmo and Zelle.
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How do I pay for sessions?
What is your cancellation policy?
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I require 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a session without charge. Sessions cancelled within 48 hours are charged the full amount.
Can I change the day or time of my tutoring session?
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Sometimes students need to change their schedule because of seasonal sports, after-school clubs or part-time jobs. I will do my best to accommodate these requests but cannot guarantee an opening at another day or time.
Do you offer summer tutoring?
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Yes. Summer is a great time to prepare for standardized testing, for community college students taking intensive summer courses, and for solidifying the fundamentals from last year's math class or getting a jump start on the next level.
The Tutoring Session
Do sessions happen in person or online?
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I prefer to meet over Zoom, which works well for one-on-one math tutoring. Screen sharing makes it easy to work through problems together in real time, and there is no commute cutting into session time.
I am also open to in-person sessions for families in the Redmond and Kirkland area.
How long is a session?
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Sessions are 50 minutes, and I go over a little if we need to.
Will you come to my home to tutor my teen?
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No, I do not tutor students in their homes.
Will you give my teen extra homework?
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Unless it's summer tutoring or standardized test prep, I generally don't give much extra homework. High school students already feel overwhelmed by what they are assigned. My job is to make sure they understand their homework and can complete it on time.
I do have a large file of practice exercises on all math topics for students who want extra practice.
Will you help my teen do his or her homework?
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Yes, but I expect students to come to the session having made a good start on their latest assignment. If I suspect a student sees having a tutor as a reason not to pay attention in class or put effort into homework, I will work with you and we will decide together how best to handle it.
Do you work with teens who are on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)?
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Yes, I have worked successfully with many students on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). I do not have specialized training in teaching students with learning disabilities, so if your student has an IEP I recommend talking to the proper school representative before deciding to hire a tutor.
Is your tutoring one-on-one only, or do you tutor small groups?
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I tutor small groups of 2-3 students together in addition to one-on-one tutoring. Small groups work best when students are taking the same course at the same school.
About My Tutoring
How often do we need to meet, and how soon will I know what my teen needs?
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Every student starts in a different place. After two or three sessions I have a much better idea of where your student is and how often we should meet.
My teen says they don't connect with their teacher. Can tutoring help?
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It's not unusual for a student to encounter a teacher they can't connect with. These students generally need extra support. This support comes in making sure they are understanding the math concepts and staying on top of the assignments.
I also work with the student to find ways to improve their relationship with the teacher. Most of us have experienced teachers we've struggled to connect with. Learning how to work with them or around them is a good life skill.
Does my teen need to want tutoring?
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It helps a lot if your teen is at least open to it. If they're reluctant, we can try a couple of sessions and see how it goes.
How will I hear how my student is doing?
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You will receive a brief email each week summarizing the session(s), what the student needs to work on, and any other pertinent observations I have.
Is my kid bad at math, or just behind on one thing?
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Almost always the second one. Math classes move fast enough that a single missed week (a school absence, a rushed unit) can look like a broader problem when it's really one specific gap.
How soon will we see a grade change?
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Most families see a shift within a few weeks, once the specific gap is identified and closed, rather than months of general review.