In a classroom, teachers must balance the needs of 20+ students with varying abilities, making it difficult to provide the individualized accommodations that students with learning differences often need. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to slow down, repeat concepts using different methods, and adjust difficulty in real-time based on what's working. Tutors can also eliminate distractions, provide immediate feedback, and build confidence in a low-pressure environment—all factors that research shows significantly improve outcomes for students with learning differences.

The first session is an assessment and relationship-building meeting. Tutors will learn about the student's learning difference, current challenges, academic history, and goals. They'll observe how the student approaches problems, identify strengths to build on, and discuss any accommodations or strategies already in place. By the end of the session, tutors have a clear picture of how to structure future lessons and can answer questions about their approach.

Yes. Tutors work with students across Columbus's 89 school districts and can align instruction with specific curriculum standards and IEP (Individualized Education Program) objectives. Whether a student needs support with reading intervention programs, math foundations, or test preparation, tutors coordinate with the student's school goals and can communicate with parents about progress. This ensures tutoring reinforces what's happening in the classroom while filling specific gaps.

Students with learning differences often develop anxiety or frustration from repeated struggles in traditional settings. Tutors create a judgment-free space where mistakes are learning opportunities, not failures. By breaking skills into manageable steps, celebrating small wins, and using strengths-based teaching, tutors help students see progress and develop a growth mindset. Over time, this confidence boost often translates to improved classroom performance and greater willingness to tackle challenging material.

Tutors provide regular feedback on skill development, often tracking progress through informal assessments, work samples, and observation notes. Parents receive updates on what's being worked on, what strategies are helping, and where the student is making gains. Many tutors also help students prepare for standardized assessments or benchmark tests used by Columbus schools, giving concrete data on improvement. Clear communication ensures everyone—student, tutor, and parent—stays aligned on goals and celebrates progress together.

Early intervention is beneficial, but it's never too late to start. If your child is struggling with reading, math, organization, or focus despite classroom instruction and support, tutoring can help. Many parents notice changes after a few weeks of consistent sessions, though more significant progress typically develops over months as tutors refine their approach and students build skills. The key is starting before frustration becomes a barrier to learning.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have experience supporting students with specific learning differences and can match you based on your child's needs, grade level, and goals. When you describe your child's learning difference and current challenges, you'll be matched with tutors who have relevant expertise and teaching strategies. You can also discuss your child's learning style, any previous interventions, and what approaches have or haven't worked in the past.