Free Online Tutoring: Info About Academic Tutoring on the Internet

Learn More About Free Online Academic Tutoring

Both on-site and online tutoring can be great ways for kids to get individualized help on challenging academics because tutors can customize instruction and design programs to meet each student's needs. Online academic tutoring is especially useful for busy kids who are loaded with extracurricular activities.

How Can I Determine What My Child Needs?

Before making a decision about the needs of your child, it's often best to consult teachers, school counselors, educational specialists and sometimes even child psychologists. Every child has different needs, and tutoring may not be the right option in every case. If your child struggles with dyslexia, for example, he or she will have different needs from a child who simply needs to brush up on his or her academic skills.

How Can I Find Free Online Tutoring?

Many libraries provide free tutoring through partnerships with online tutoring companies. If your library has this service, your child usually just needs a library card and an Internet connection to access it. One drawback is that live tutoring sessions may only be available at certain hours of the day.

You can also search for other free tutoring sites; however, these are sometimes staffed by volunteers who may not have the qualifications and training required by paid tutoring services. Some sites offer live sessions. For others, students submit questions and receive an answer via e-mail within a few days, which may not be especially useful in helping with persistent homework problems.

What Are Supplemental Educational Services?

Supplemental Educational Services (SES) may be available for your child. Due to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the federal government requires that the majority of states offer free tutoring services to children in need. These services are usually offered to children who come from lower income households and attend Title I public schools. Get in touch with your child's school or your state's department of education to find out if your child qualifies. If so, your child can receive either on-site or online tutoring at no cost.

What Other Free Options Are There?

In addition to tutoring sites, there are many websites offering free educational resources for kids. Games, activities, flash cards, practice tests and worksheets are available for all subjects and grades online.