While classroom teachers work with 20+ students at varying levels, personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to adapt pacing, teaching methods, and materials specifically to how your student learns best. Tutors can use multisensory techniques, break concepts into smaller steps, and provide immediate feedback—approaches that are harder to implement in a traditional classroom setting. This targeted approach helps students with learning differences build skills faster and develop stronger foundational understanding.

The first session focuses on understanding your student's learning style, strengths, challenges, and academic goals. Tutors will assess current skill levels, discuss any diagnosed learning differences, and ask about what hasn't worked in the past. This information helps create a customized learning plan that plays to your student's strengths while addressing specific skill gaps—setting the foundation for meaningful progress.

Students often struggle with reading fluency, math computation, organization, focus, and confidence—challenges that compound when instruction doesn't match their learning style. Personalized tutoring addresses these by using evidence-based strategies like multisensory reading approaches, manipulatives for math concepts, explicit organization systems, and frequent practice with retrieval techniques. Many students also experience a significant confidence boost when they finally understand material presented in a way that works for their brain.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have expertise in your student's particular learning difference—whether that's dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, or other conditions. When you describe your student's needs, you'll be matched with someone experienced in evidence-based strategies for that specific difference. This expertise ensures your student gets support grounded in research, not generic tutoring.

Progress looks different for each student, but you'll typically see improvements in specific skill areas (like reading fluency or math fact fluency), increased independence with assignments, better organization, and growing confidence. Tutors track progress through regular assessments, skill benchmarks, and observations of your student's engagement. Many parents also notice their student becomes more willing to tackle challenging work and less frustrated with schoolwork—meaningful signs that the personalized approach is working.

Yes. Tutors can reinforce strategies outlined in your student's IEP or 504 plan, help them practice using accommodations independently, and build the foundational skills that make accommodations more effective. For example, if your student has extended time on tests, tutoring can improve their test-taking strategies and content knowledge so they use that time wisely. Tutors also communicate with you about what's working, which can inform future accommodation discussions.

Tutors can focus on specific subjects where your student struggles most—like reading, math, or writing—while applying learning-difference-specific strategies throughout. Many students benefit from targeted support in foundational skills (like phonics or number sense) that transfer across subjects. You can discuss your priorities with your matched tutor to create a plan that addresses both the learning difference and the academic areas where your student needs the most help.