One-on-one instruction allows tutors to work at a student's pace, use specialized teaching methods tailored to their learning style, and break down concepts into manageable steps—something difficult to do in a classroom of 20+ students. Research on individualized learning shows that personalized instruction can significantly accelerate progress by targeting specific skill gaps and building confidence. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have expertise in learning differences and can adapt their approach based on what works best for your student.

In the first session, a tutor will typically assess your student's current skills, learning style, strengths, and challenges to understand their specific needs. They'll discuss goals, any formal diagnoses or accommodations, and areas where your student struggles most—whether that's reading fluency, math facts, organization, or focus. This foundation helps the tutor create a customized plan that builds on strengths while systematically addressing gaps.

Yes. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can align instruction with your student's school curriculum, classroom assignments, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Tutors can reinforce what's being taught in class, help your student understand concepts in different ways, and support IEP objectives like reading comprehension or math problem-solving. This coordinated approach helps students succeed both in tutoring sessions and in the classroom.

Students often struggle with foundational skills like phonics and decoding (for dyslexia), number sense and computation (for dyscalculia), sustained attention and task completion (for ADHD), or processing information quickly enough to keep pace with classroom instruction. Many also face confidence and motivation challenges after repeated struggles. Personalized tutoring addresses these specific obstacles through targeted strategies, frequent practice with immediate feedback, and celebrating progress—building both skills and self-belief.

Progress looks different for each student and might include improved reading fluency, faster math fact recall, better organization, increased focus during homework, or higher grades on classroom assessments. A good tutor will track specific, measurable goals—like moving from struggling readers to grade-level fluency—and share regular updates on what's working. You should see meaningful improvement within a few weeks to a couple of months, though the timeline depends on the severity of the learning difference and how frequently your student receives instruction.

Look for tutors with specialized training or certification in learning differences, experience working with students with ADHD, dyslexia, or other specific diagnoses, and familiarity with evidence-based interventions like Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, or structured literacy approaches. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have expertise in these areas and can explain their approach clearly. It's also helpful if the tutor has experience collaborating with schools and understanding IEPs.

Contact Varsity Tutors and describe your student's learning difference, current challenges, and goals. You'll be matched with a tutor who has relevant expertise and availability that fits your schedule. Most students start with a consultation to make sure the fit is right, then begin regular sessions tailored to your student's needs. The process is straightforward—Varsity Tutors handles the matching so you can focus on supporting your student's success.