5 places to find free or low-cost tutoring

Some tutors charge $60 per hour or more. But you can find experienced tutors who charge much less. And with more tutoring options moving online, you can skip the huge fees without ever leaving home. 

Here are five free or low-cost tutoring programs. Details about each may be helpful for students who learn and think differently.

Before you dive in, check with your child’s school to see if it offers free tutoring. Do you live near a college or university? Call their education or psychology department to see if they offer free tutoring for kids. Your child’s school and nearby colleges may also have lists of local groups or people who do free or low-cost tutoring. 

1. Your local library

How it works: Many public libraries offer free homework help. They team up with sites like Tutor.com to give free one-on-one help from a live, online tutor. You’ll need your library card and an internet connection. Some libraries also offer free one-on-one tutoring in person.

Cost: Free

Keep in mind: Some libraries don’t offer online tutoring. And some offer it, but it’s hard to find on their website. (It may be listed under “Services.”) Call your local library to ask for help.

2. Children’s Dyslexia Centers

How it works: Kids with dyslexia in grades 1–12 get free one-on-one tutoring twice a week. Tutors are trained in the science of reading. There are more than 40 Children’s Dyslexia Centers in 13 states. The centers are funded by the Scottish Rite, Northern Jurisdiction of Freemasonry.

Cost: Free

Keep in mind: Kids must be formally tested for dyslexia before you contact these centers.

3. Learn to Be

How it works: This nonprofit offers free, one-on-one, online tutoring to underserved students. The tutors at Learn to Be are volunteers who are background checked. Students tend to have one or two tutoring sessions a week.

Cost: Free

Keep in mind: Applicants may be accepted based on financial need. The application has questions about household income, and free or reduced-price lunch. You can also mention if your child has an IEP or a 504 plan.

4. Power Hour at the Boys and Girls Club of America

How it works: This afterschool program helps kids and teens with homework. In some locations, the Power Hour program includes one-on-one tutoring. Tutors and volunteers are trained to help students with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences. 

Cost: Free to Boys and Girls Club members. Membership fees may vary. Financial assistance is available.

Keep in mind: Not all clubs offer tutoring as part of the Power Hour program. 

4. Club Z Tutoring

How it works: This one may cost more than the other groups on this list. But Club Z is one of the few tutoring sites advertising that it helps students with ADHD and learning differences. There are more than 400 locations, so chances are good you can sign up for in-home or online tutoring.

Cost: Not specified. Depends on the location.

Keep in mind: Some tutors have more experience than others in helping kids with ADHD and learning differences.

Ready to contact a tutoring program? Use this list of questions to ask to help you find the right tutor for your child.