Frequently Asked Questions

Various studies (such as this one discussed in The Atlantic) have determined that the optimal uninterrupted work time for most people is about 52 minutes. However, just as teaching methods should adapt to suit a student’s learning style, so too should session length.

For academic subjects and test preparation alike, we recommend beginning with a length of one hour and then reevaluating based on the student’s needs. For in-person sessions, please note that a one-hour minimum is required due to tutor travel time.

For most students seeking general support and improvement, we recommend one one-hour session per week. Students who are significantly behind may benefit from two to three sessions weekly while they catch up. Less frequent sessions, such as biweekly or before tests, suit students who are doing well but need occasional support. We’ll discuss your child’s needs during the consultation to create a tailored schedule.

Most sessions take place at home.* If you live too far outside our service area, or meeting at home is not a possibility, our tutors are also able to meet at convenient public locations such as libraries or coffee shops.

*NOTE: If the student is a minor, a parent or guardian must be present.

Yes, we offer virtual tutoring sessions via secure video conferencing platforms, typically Zoom.

For math-specific tutoring, our tutors often use virtual whiteboards and other digital tools to ensure sessions are interactive and effective. While virtual tutoring has its challenges, such as adapting to online engagement, a major advantage is the ease of and flexibility of scheduling, as well as tutor availability.

Hybrid tutoring, where students can combine in-person and online sessions, is also available. Contact us to discuss how virtual tutoring can meet your student’s needs!

Although our primary focus is on math, science, and test prep for exams like the SAT, ACT, and SHSAT, our tutors have a wide range of expertise covering subjects from English to history, foreign languages, social studies, computer science, and more.

If you’re seeking help with a specific subject, please reach out—it’s very likely that one of our tutors can assist you. If we can’t help you, we are often able to direct you to one of our trusted partners listed on our Specialists Page.

We do not offer services such as admissions or school selection (college, high school, private schools, etc), specialized coaching (e.g., Orton-Gillingham), executive functioning, or therapy (behavioral, speech, etc).

Please explore our Specialists Page for trusted professionals we recommend.

We begin with a phone consultation to discuss your student’s academic history, understand their challenges, and identify your goals. We may review recent schoolwork or test scores to customize our tutoring plan. For students preparing for standardized tests or specific exams, we recommend establishing a baseline score and provide clear instructions to do so. 

In our experience, one-on-one tutoring offers the most effective learning experience for the student. In group sessions, a tutor must divide his or her time between multiple students, diluting the attention each student will receive and lessening the benefits of highly individualized sessions.

We do, however, offer small-group tutoring (3 students max) for students who are academically on the same level.

Material needs will vary from session to session, so check with your tutor in advance of the session.

Most sessions will require pencils, paper, and some of the student’s previous work or forthcoming assignments. For all sessions, tutors and students will benefit from a clutter-free workspace and low-distraction environment.

If you need some inspiration, check out our article on creating a great study space!

The decision to assign homework will always be a holistic one with input from the student and/or parent/guardian.

As with sessions themselves, homework is effective when it is of high quality and not necessarily high-quantity. If our tutors feel that their students could benefit from additional practice, they will work with the student to assign a manageable quantity of homework.

Sessions cost $145–$225 per hour, depending on a variety of factors, including tutor experience, subject difficulty, prep time, travel distance, and session type. The average in-person session is between $160–$180 per hour; virtual sessions are typically 10% less.

As a simple Google search will reveal, there are myriad tutoring companies, many of whom rely on Ivy-League buzz words to attract ambitious and well-intentioned learners.

We take a different approach, focusing instead on finding great tutors who connect with their students. On top of selecting for proven academic excellence, Brooklyn Math Tutors seeks dynamic individuals who are fun to work with, understanding of student needs, and passionate about their own interests.

Although some of our tutors are certified or licensed teachers, others are not.

Certification is especially valuable for elementary tutors, providing knowledge of curricula, a deep understanding of grade-level standards, and a commitment to best practices. For older students taking more rigorous courses, certification is less important, as subject expertise and effective instruction take priority.

We carefully select tutors for their academic excellence, ability to engage students, and deliver results.

Rather than attempting to train novices, we only work with experienced, independent professionals who are invested in their craft, as effective teaching requires years of developed expertise and strong interpersonal skills. While we do provide occasional support, our tutors tend to pursue ongoing independent training through workshops, self-study, or curriculum updates.

We don’t believe tutoring companies can offer a “special sauce” to create great tutors, as true teaching expertise develops over years. By selecting only proven educators, we ensure your child works with a tutor who will deliver exceptional results from the start.

Yes, some of our tutors have expertise in supporting students with special needs or learning differences, such as ADHD, dyslexia, or autism spectrum disorders. Please share details about your child’s specific needs during your consultation.

If we have a tutor with relevant experience, we’ll carefully match them to your child; if not, we’ll be transparent about our limitations and can refer you to trusted specialists in our network.

Our matching process is parent-driven and begins with a consultation to understand your child’s academic needs, learning style, and preferences.

Using this information, we carefully select tutors who align with your child’s personality and your criteria, including subject expertise, teaching style, and shared interests. You’ll then choose from a curated list of suitable tutors, ensuring a good fit.

To maximize your options, we recommend keeping your availability as flexible as possible, as tutor matching depends heavily on scheduling. A strong personal connection is key, especially for younger learners, as it fosters motivation and supports academic success.

While we achieve a high rate of successful tutor-student matches on the first try, we understand that not every pairing may be perfect.

If the tutor and student are not a good fit after the first session, please contact us to discuss your concerns. In most cases, you will not be billed for that session. We’ll work with you to identify the issue and find a solution, such as adjusting the teaching approach or matching your child with a new tutor.

Our goal is to ensure a valuable and engaging tutoring experience, and we encourage you to share feedback so we can tailor the sessions to your child’s needs.

While learning centers may be helpful for some students, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Learning centers may be a good choice for a student that simply needs more practice, however they often fail at identifying and filling in a student’s conceptual gaps.

One-on-one tutoring is much better suited for this challenge, as tutors can craft lesson plans to address each student’s unique needs.

Absolutely! If you see someone on our Team Page that you think might be a good fit, we are happy to reach out to them and see if they have availability.

TutorCruncher is the software we use to:

• keep track of and schedule lessons
• document lesson summaries
• send lesson reminders
• process payment

Once you’re ready to start lessons, you will receive an email inviting you to create an account.

Our quoted hourly rate is all-inclusive, covering travel, preparation, and other standard costs. In rare cases, such as assignments requiring extensive preparation or outside work, we’ll quote any additional fees upfront.

We do not offer package discounts or payment plans; each session is billed individually and invoiced shortly (usually within a few days) after completion. Sessions must be paid in full upon invoice receipt via automatic billing through TutorCruncher, requiring a valid credit card to remain on file. Failure to pay promptly may result in paused or terminated services.

Once your account is set up, billing is as simple as ensuring that you have a valid credit card on file.

Once your tutor marks a lesson as complete and submits a lesson summary in Tutor Cruncher, an invoice will be sent and the card on file will be charged 48 hours later. If you have any questions about your invoice, please let us know as soon as possible.

We require a valid credit card on file at all times. Unfortunately, we cannot accept cash, checks, Venmo, or PayPal.

Cancellations must be made directly with the tutor 24 hours or more in advance of any scheduled lesson.

Out of respect for our tutors’ time and livelihood, lessons will be charged in full when canceled with less than 24 hours notice, except in the case of an emergency. Rescheduling is at the discretion of the tutor.

For detailed information on our tutoring policies, including sessions, tutors, and billing, please visit our Policies Page.