In a typical classroom setting with a 19.3:1 student-teacher ratio, teachers must deliver one-size-fits-all instruction to diverse learners. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to adapt teaching methods in real-time—using multisensory techniques, breaking concepts into smaller steps, or adjusting pacing based on what works best for that specific student. This flexibility is crucial for students with learning differences, as it removes the pressure to keep up with peers and focuses entirely on building confidence and mastery.

The first session is typically an assessment and relationship-building conversation. The tutor will learn about the student's learning style, strengths, challenges, specific diagnoses (if applicable), and academic goals. They'll ask about what strategies have worked in the past, current frustrations, and what the student hopes to improve. This foundation allows the tutor to design a customized approach and create a comfortable, judgment-free learning environment where the student can thrive.

Students often struggle with reading fluency and comprehension (dyslexia), math facts and problem-solving (dyscalculia), organization and task completion (ADHD), or following multi-step directions (auditory processing). Many also experience frustration, low confidence, or avoidance of challenging subjects after years of struggle. Personalized tutoring addresses these challenges by building foundational skills, teaching compensatory strategies, and rebuilding the student's belief in their ability to learn.

Progress looks different for each student and goes beyond test scores. Measurable improvements include increased reading fluency, faster math fact recall, better organization and task completion, improved confidence, reduced anxiety around academics, and ability to apply learned strategies independently. Tutors track progress through regular assessments, skill benchmarks, and student feedback. Parents often notice changes in attitude—students becoming more willing to attempt challenging work or expressing less frustration with homework.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have specialized training and experience working with students who have learning differences like dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, and others. When you describe your student's needs, learning style, and any diagnoses, we match them with a tutor whose expertise aligns with those specific challenges. This ensures your student works with someone who understands their learning profile and knows evidence-based strategies to help them succeed.

Yes. Tutors work with students to understand their accommodations (extra time, read-aloud tools, etc.) and help them use them effectively. Beyond accommodations, they teach metacognitive strategies like breaking tasks into steps, using graphic organizers, color-coding, or multisensory techniques to encode information. These strategies empower students to become independent learners who can advocate for themselves and apply what they've learned across different subjects and settings.

Parent involvement is valuable but varies by student age and preference. Many tutors provide regular updates on progress, share strategies parents can reinforce at home, and involve parents in goal-setting. However, tutoring sessions are primarily student-focused time where the student can build independence and confidence. The best approach is collaborative—tutors and parents work together to support the student's success both in tutoring and at home, without the student feeling caught between different expectations.