After-school sessions fit naturally into your student's schedule and provide a dedicated time to address gaps from the school day while material is still fresh. This timing allows students to reinforce what they learned in class, ask questions they may have been too shy to ask in a classroom of 22+ students, and build confidence before moving on to new concepts. Regular after-school support also helps students develop independent learning skills and reduces homework stress at home.

Tutors work with students using their school's specific curriculum and textbooks, ensuring instruction directly supports what they're learning in class. Whether your student attends a school in one of San Jose's 58 school districts, tutors are familiar with grade-level standards and can help bridge gaps in understanding while reinforcing classroom lessons. This alignment means your student gets support that's relevant to their actual coursework and upcoming assessments.

In a classroom with 20+ students, teachers must move at an average pace that doesn't always match individual learning needs. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction lets tutors slow down for foundational concepts, skip material your student has already mastered, and use teaching methods that match how your student learns best. This customized approach means faster progress and better retention compared to one-size-fits-all classroom instruction.

Many 8th graders benefit from support in one or two key subjects where they struggle most—typically math, English, or science—rather than spreading tutoring across all subjects. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in specific subjects, so you can focus resources where your student needs them most. If your student needs help across multiple areas, you can work with different tutors for different subjects based on priority.

The first session is an assessment and relationship-building opportunity. Tutors will ask about your student's current challenges, review recent assignments or test results, and identify specific skill gaps. They'll also get to know your student's learning style and pace, then create a plan for how to address the most important areas. By the end, your student should feel comfortable and have a clear sense of what to expect going forward.

Progress shows up in concrete ways: improved grades on assignments and tests, increased confidence when tackling homework, and fewer behavioral issues around schoolwork. Many students also show gains on standardized assessments and report understanding material better in class. Tutors track progress regularly and can share updates on which skills your student has mastered and what areas need continued focus.

Start by identifying which subject or skills your student needs support in, then connect with Varsity Tutors to get matched with a tutor who specializes in that area and has experience working with 8th graders. You can discuss your student's specific challenges, school, and learning style to ensure a good fit. Most students meet with their tutor 1-3 times per week depending on their needs and your schedule.