How do we decide how much tutoring my child needs?
We will work together to create a package that suits your needs, based on the times your child is available, the needs your child has for quick progress, and your family's budgetary constraints.

How do you select a tutor for my child, from your team?

My first concern is finding a tutor that has the personality and skills that be best suited to help your child learn.  Another consideration is the availability of time, on the individual tutors' schedules and, lastly, we may need to consider only tutors on certain Tier-levels, depending on your family budget.  We try to have tutors of various skills, availability and price-point, so that we are more likely to be able to help you find just the right tutor for your child.

What materials must I have, before we start tutoring?
As for specific learning materials, this will be directly related to which curriculum you are wanting instruction to take part in.  We do primarily work in the RightStart Mathematics curriculum, and if you are wanting instruction in that curriculum, you will need your student's appropriate level of worksheet book and a complete RSM manipulative kit.
Your child will need an un-used basic Composition book, like this, to be used as a math Guide book.
You will also need an additional way for your child to log into the zoom call such as an old iphone or smart phone with the zoom app loaded onto it.  This device does not have to have a sim card, or service plan.  It simply needs to be able to access the internet via your household wifi service. 
You will also need a mounting arm, so that this extra camera can display on the screen what your student is doing on their physical desk top.  Here are two links to camera mount arms that I suggest
A gooseneck-style one
An elbow-style one
(The gooseneck one will give you more flexibility in cameral placement, but can be more difficult to 'set'. The elbow-style one will give your more ease in setting it, but less range-of mostion.  It really is up to you, which one you prefer.  You can also shop around for whatever seems like a good solution, to you! )
Either your tutor, or the company lead tutor can get on with you for a tech-check call in the days just before your child's first tutoring session - just reach out, if you want help in this way.


What if my child HATES math?
This is actually JUST the exact type of student that our tutors enjoy working with most.  We love taking a child who is turned off to math, and helping them see the joy and the excitement of actually learning to do well at math!  We are pretty purposeful about building your child's confidence, and helping them 'learn how to learn'.   Because of these things, and many others, we have built a pretty good track record of helping students get their attitude turned around - in fact that is where our company name came from!  We want your child's math journey to have a true turning point, from hatred to -- well, even love!  Here is a story of one student who had an amazingly quick transformation from truly hating math, to actually asking for more lessons per week!

Do we have to use RightStart Materials?
No, while we do primarily use the RSM2 curriculum, because we really do honestly believe that it is the best out there, we are willing to teach your child in whatever curriculum that you are wanting them instructed in.  Please be aware, that because we are a bit biased toward RSM2, we may wish to bring some of the teaching methods and lessons from it, into the instruction we provide in your chosen curriculum.  This may require the purchase of some of the RSM materials.  We would kindly ask that if you purchase materials from RSM you would use our affiliate link. 

Have you ever taught _____ curriculum?
Between our various team members we have taught from no less than 10-15 different curriculums.  Chances are someone on the team has at least some experience with whatever curriculum you are desiring to use.  Again, we would encourage you to consider RightStart Mathematics, if you have not settled on a specific curriculum as yet.  Here is a helpful blog post on selecting math a curriculum and why we think RSM2 is the best there is out there. 

Do you tutor Algebra?
While most of our tutors focus primarily on the elementary years, we do have two tutors who are well-skilled with secondary and even college level courses.  We do not typically advertise in this particular market, but if you know someone who has a need in this area, by all means, pass our contact information on to them, please!

Do you tutor any other subjects, besides Math?
Many of our Tier 2 tutors are actually classroom teachers who have recently stepped away from the classroom for a few years, to be home with their own young children.  This means that they are well-versed in teaching all subjects, if needed.  So if your child needs reading help, or help in any other topic, we can often help you out.  If we can not, our lead tutor is on the leadership team of a rather large tutoring community, and can help you find an appropriate tutor in that community if needed. 

We also have several tutors who are trained in the Barton Reading and Spelling System, or are interested in gaining this training, if you are willing to let them learn on your child (the training involves taking a child through the materials!) please let us know.

What if my child has ADHD?
Many of the students we tutor fall into this prevalent category. We have developed some successful techniques for keeping a student focused.  The RightStart Curriculum also lends it's self to this particular challenge very well, with many multi-sensory activities and engaging lessons that typically include games that are played to strengthen the skills that were learned.

You can also contribute to your child's success, by providing them with a quiet learning environment. Please see this link.

What if my child has Dyslexia?
The RightStart Curriculum was specifically designed with the dyslexic brain in mind.  What does dyslexia have to do with math, you say?  Everything!  Math is a language!  Learning math can be affected by dyslexia almost as profoundly as learning to read is.  Students with dyslexia need purposeful, explicit, multi-sensory instruction that moves at the pace that they set, and no faster.  Mastery of each concept before attempting to build on it is also centrally important!  With proper instructional accommodations, your child can succeed and even exceed your expectations!

What if my child has Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is an often mis-understood version of dyslexia that particularly effects an individual's ability to learn math-related concepts.  Our tutors have specialized understanding of the unique needs that these types of learners have, and have powerful tools to meet your child where they are and help them make progress that you never thought possible!

What if my child is VERY 'behind' where they 'ought to be'?
First of all, behind is an abstract concept that often does not apply in the homeschool setting.  However, having said that, we are well aware that children sometimes need to be transitioned back into a traditional school setting, and may need to be 'caught up' in math, or some other subject, in order to fit into the expectations of the school.  We have, in the past, helped numorous students make this transition successfully, with focused attention on filling the gaps, and setting specific goals, and paying  careful attention to what curriculum/instruction style that the student will be transitioning to.  Here are some success stories of students who made this leap, with help from one of our TurningPoint Math tutors!

What if we are unhappy with the tutor that was selected for our child?
The lead tutor is your go-to resource in a situation like this.  Of course it is always good to bring up concerns with your child's tutor first, but if that is unsuccessful, please reach out to Ms. Sharon directly, and let her know what your concerns are.  She will work to iron out the wrinkles, and if need be, she will work to find a better fit for your child.

What if we miss a session due to sickness or some other unforeseen circumstance?
It is always best to give your tutor at least 24 hours notice of changes that are needed in your schedule.  Missed sessions that are notified of, at least 24 hours ahead will be re-scheduled (typical line of response, to avoid learning loss) or credited (rare, but not out of the question, as a last resort).  Sessions with less than 24 hours notice of changes will be at the tutor's discretion whether they will be charged for or rescheduled.  Credit will not be given for sessions with less than 24 hours notice. 

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Are there any discounts for multiple students or sessions per week?
Our Tier 1 tutors (Premium price-point) have discounted rates for 4 or 5 (or more) sessions per week (which can be shared among family members).  Tutors at the Tier 2 level or Tier 3 level do not carry this discount, as their prices are already considerably lower, and considered to be discounted already. 

Do you ever teach group classes?

We have tried offering classes in the past, and while we found it difficult to fill these classes, we are open to the idea, we simply do not wish to spend the time/energy setting up schedules and doing targeted marketing in order to fill classes.  We believe that one-on-one instruction carries a significant advantage for the student and primarily choose to provide tutoring in that model.  However, if you were to have a (small) group of students who were well-suited to be instructed together, and approached us with such a group, we are open to providing group instruction, in order to save money for the families.

Do you offer scholarships or sliding scale pricing?
We understand that not every family can easily afford tutoring that their child needs.  We encourage you to pursue finding assistance for your child's tutoring funding via local resources.  Many states have ESA accounts that can be tapped into (we are already vendors in at least 3 of those, and are happy to more whenever we are requested to do so).  Even some local school districts have programs like this.  Family members are also often ready to help, if asked.  We can even set up the invoicing to go directly to whomever is willing to pay the bill.  We want to work with you, as much as possible!  Please reach out, if you need help paying for your child's tutoring.  We are also in the VERY early stages of establishing a (separate entity) non-profit scholarship program, and will make you aware of funds that may be available via a needs-based application process, once that is up and running.