In a classroom with a 22:1 student-teacher ratio—typical across Las Vegas schools—teachers must teach to the middle of the class. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction focuses entirely on your student's specific challenges, strengths, and learning preferences. Tutors can slow down, repeat concepts differently, use alternative strategies, and adjust on the fly in ways that simply aren't possible in a group setting.

The first session is an assessment and relationship-building conversation. Tutors will learn about your student's learning difference, current academic struggles, goals, and what approaches have or haven't worked in the past. This foundation helps tutors create a customized plan and identify the most effective teaching strategies for your student's specific needs.

Students often struggle with reading fluency, math computation, organization, test anxiety, and confidence. Tutors use evidence-based strategies like multisensory learning, breaking tasks into smaller steps, explicit instruction, and frequent positive reinforcement to build both skills and self-esteem. Over time, students develop compensatory strategies and see measurable improvement in both grades and academic confidence.

While tutors aren't special education specialists or legal advocates, they can reinforce strategies outlined in your student's IEP or 504 plan and help build the foundational skills needed to succeed with those accommodations. Many families find tutoring valuable alongside formal special education services to accelerate progress and provide targeted support in specific subject areas.

Progress looks different for each student and might include improved reading fluency, faster math fact recall, better organization, increased assignment completion, higher test scores, or simply greater confidence and willingness to try challenging tasks. Tutors track progress through regular assessments, work samples, and ongoing communication with families so you see concrete evidence of growth over time.

Look for tutors with experience working with the specific learning difference your student has, training in evidence-based interventions (like Orton-Gillingham for dyslexia or concrete-representational-abstract for dyscalculia), and a patient, encouraging approach. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have relevant expertise and can explain their strategies in ways that make sense for your student's needs.

Start by reaching out to Varsity Tutors with information about your student's learning difference, grade level, and specific academic challenges. You'll be matched with a tutor who has experience in that area and whose teaching style fits your student's needs. Most families schedule an initial session to make sure it's a good fit before committing to ongoing support.