Students often struggle with time management, procrastination, organization, and breaking large projects into manageable steps. Others have difficulty with working memory—holding and manipulating information—or struggle to shift between tasks flexibly. These challenges can show up as missing assignments, incomplete homework, difficulty starting tasks, or trouble prioritizing what matters most.

In a classroom of 20+ students, teachers have limited time to work one-on-one on organizational systems or study strategies tailored to each student's learning style. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to assess exactly where a student struggles, teach specific strategies that match their needs, and practice those skills in real time. This targeted approach helps students build habits that stick, rather than generic advice that may not work for their brain.

During the initial session, a tutor will assess your student's current strengths and challenges—how they approach homework, organize materials, manage their time, and handle multi-step tasks. They'll ask about specific situations where your student struggles most, then work together to identify which skills to prioritize. This foundation helps the tutor create a personalized plan that addresses your student's actual needs.

You'll likely notice concrete changes like improved homework completion, better organization of materials and assignments, earlier task initiation, and reduced stress around deadlines. Academically, students often see grade improvements because they're turning in work on time and with more care. Many families also report that their student seems more confident and independent in managing schoolwork.

Executive functioning becomes increasingly important as students progress through school. Middle school is a critical transition point where organizational demands jump significantly, and high school requires even more independence with long-term projects and multiple deadlines. That said, students at any level can benefit—elementary students may need help with task initiation and following multi-step directions, while college-bound students often need support with time management and planning complex assignments.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have expertise in teaching executive functioning strategies and helping students build organizational systems. Many have backgrounds in education, psychology, or learning support, and they understand how different students' brains work best. Each tutor brings real experience working with students who struggle with planning, organization, and time management.

Absolutely. In fact, many students benefit from combining executive functioning support with tutoring in a specific subject like math or writing. A tutor can teach organizational strategies while simultaneously helping your student tackle challenging coursework, making the skills feel immediately relevant and practical. This integrated approach often leads to faster improvement because students apply new strategies right away.