During an initial session, a tutor will get to know your student's learning style, strengths, challenges, and academic goals. They'll ask about any formal diagnoses, accommodations already in place, and specific areas where your student struggles most. This foundation helps the tutor create a customized approach that plays to your student's strengths and addresses gaps in a way that works for their brain.

In a typical Hartford classroom with a 14.3:1 student-teacher ratio, teachers must pace instruction for the whole group, making it difficult to adapt for individual learning needs. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to adjust teaching methods in real time, repeat concepts without pressure, use alternative strategies when something isn't working, and celebrate small wins that build momentum. This flexibility is especially powerful for students with learning differences who need customized scaffolding and frequent positive reinforcement.

Absolutely. Tutors can reinforce accommodations outlined in your student's IEP or 504 plan—such as extended time, alternative formats, or specific organizational strategies—and help your student practice using them independently. While tutors don't create or modify official plans, they can work closely with your student's school team to ensure tutoring complements the support already in place and helps your student apply accommodations in real-world situations.

Reading fluency and comprehension are frequent struggles for students with dyslexia or processing disorders, while students with dyscalculia often face challenges with math facts, number sense, and problem-solving. Many students with ADHD struggle with executive function skills like organization, task initiation, and working memory—which affects performance across all subjects. Tutors who specialize in learning differences know how to break these challenges into manageable steps and use evidence-based strategies like multisensory learning, structured practice, and explicit skill instruction.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have specific training and experience supporting students with learning differences in Hartford. When you describe your student's needs—whether it's dyslexia support, ADHD coaching, or dyscalculia intervention—you'll be matched with a tutor whose expertise aligns with your student's profile. You can discuss teaching approaches, ask about their experience with specific diagnoses, and ensure the fit is right before committing to ongoing sessions.

Good tutors establish clear, measurable goals at the start—like improving reading fluency by a certain number of words per minute, mastering specific math skills, or developing better organizational systems. They'll check in regularly on progress, adjust strategies if something isn't working, and celebrate milestones along the way. You should see improvements not just in grades, but also in your student's confidence, willingness to tackle challenging work, and ability to use strategies independently.

Start by describing your student's learning profile, academic goals, and any diagnoses or accommodations in place. Varsity Tutors will match you with an experienced tutor who understands your student's specific needs and learning style. From there, you'll schedule your first session, and the tutor will work with you to create a personalized plan that builds skills, confidence, and academic success.