Students often struggle with time management (underestimating how long tasks take), working memory (holding and manipulating information), organization (losing papers, forgetting assignments), and task initiation (getting started on work). Many also have difficulty with planning and prioritization, especially when juggling multiple classes and extracurriculars. These challenges can appear as missing deadlines, incomplete work, or difficulty transitioning between tasks—and they're not signs of laziness or low ability, but rather skills that can be strengthened with targeted support.

In a classroom of 16-20+ students, teachers have limited time to work one-on-one on organizational systems or study strategies tailored to each student's specific challenges. Personalized instruction allows tutors to assess exactly where a student struggles—whether it's planning essays, organizing notes, or managing deadlines—and build customized strategies that fit their learning style and daily routine. This focused approach helps students develop habits and systems they actually use, rather than generic tips that don't stick.

During the initial session, a tutor will work to understand the student's specific challenges: How do they currently approach assignments? Where do they lose track of deadlines? What organizational systems have they tried? The tutor will also observe how the student tackles a task to identify where the breakdown happens—planning, organizing, executing, or monitoring progress. This assessment forms the foundation for building a personalized action plan focused on the skills that will have the biggest impact on their academic performance.

With consistent personalized support, students typically see improvements in assignment completion rates, grade consistency, and reduced late submissions within 4-6 weeks. Over time, they develop sustainable organizational systems, better time estimation skills, and increased independence in managing their workload. The goal is building lasting habits—students should feel more in control of their responsibilities and less stressed about managing schoolwork.

Executive functioning becomes increasingly important as students progress through school. Middle school students often struggle when transitioning from a single teacher to multiple classes and teachers. High school students face heavier workloads and more complex projects requiring planning and sustained effort. College-bound students benefit from developing these skills before the dramatic jump in independence. That said, students at any level can strengthen executive functioning skills with targeted practice.

Absolutely—in fact, they often work well together. A student might receive math tutoring while also working on executive functioning skills like breaking down multi-step problems and checking work systematically. Tutors can coordinate to reinforce the same organizational strategies across subjects, making the support more cohesive. This combination helps students not just understand content, but also manage their learning process more effectively.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have expertise in building executive functioning skills and understand the specific challenges students face. You'll share details about your student's biggest struggles—time management, organization, planning, focus, or task initiation—and we'll match you with someone experienced in addressing those areas. The tutor will develop a personalized plan from the first session, so you'll see a focused, strategic approach from day one.