Demand for Tutoring Continues to Grow

Demand for academic tutoring continues to grow with education industry analyst firms such as Eduventures estimating the market to be about $2.2 billion. Among the drivers of this demand include: underperformance by American school students in international academic skill tests (especially in English and Math); greater prevalence of standardized testing; and increasing admissions competitiveness to top colleges. These factors are compelling parents to provide their children with an "extra edge" above and beyond what they receive from schools. Studies show that many successful students rely on tutoring services to prepare for tests, complete advanced coursework, or reinforce topics learned at school.

At $50 to $300 per hour - depending on the teacher, subject, and location - few parents can afford personal in-home tutoring. Consequently many parents sign their children up for a classroom-based tutoring program costing $40 to $50 per hour. Unfortunately, with the typical 1:3 teacher-student ratios in a tutoring center, students don't receive sufficient personal attention or a truly customized learning plan.

Web Enables Convenient, On-Demand Help for Students

With the advent of the Internet and advanced communication technologies, a number of students and parents are turning to the Web for help. The Internet today has a rich variety of educational resources including worksheets, practice tests, topic explanations, and software animations.

Online tutoring in particular has grown in popularity over the last two years. The underlying software for online tutoring is not only free but also easy-to-use and reliable. During an online tutoring class, the teacher and student speak with each other through computer headsets using free voice communication software such as Skype. In place of a shared notebook or whiteboard, the teacher and student use a shared electronic whiteboard. In effect, the teacher can "write" on the student's computer screen and talk at the same time. Teachers use an electronic pen and tablet to make it easier for them to write in freehand on their computer screens. As a result, online tutoring lessons are highly interactive and promote learning. Leading online tutoring firms such as provide high-quality, experienced teachers to help students in their academic progress.

Convenience and Effectiveness Fuel Rapid Growth of Online Tutoring

The popularity of online tutoring is growing because of its convenience, effectiveness and low cost relative to classroom or in-home tutoring:
1. Convenience: There is no need to drive to any tutoring center because lessons can be taken from home anytime - right after school, late after dinner, or any time in between - whatever is the most convenient for the student.

2. Effectiveness: Research has shown that one-on-one teaching has a significant impact on academic achievement. Online tutoring firms such as assign exclusive one-on-one teachers for each student to maintain continuity and maximize the impact of each lesson.

3. Low Cost: As compared to in-home personal tutoring lessons or classes at tutoring centers, online tutoring is typically far more affordable. Prices for one-on-one lessons range from $20 to $40 an hour depending on the company, the subject being taught, and the qualifications of the teacher.

4. Safety & Security: Online tutoring is far by the safest of all tutoring alternatives. Classes take place in the comfort and safety of students' homes. Additionally, parents can sit in on a lesson to personally observe students' progress and tutors' capabilities.

Students can today choose from amongst a variety of online academic support services:
1. One-on-One Interactive Online Tutoring: Companies such as provide high-quality, personal online tutoring to K-12 and college students, as well as adults in continuing education programs. A new student is assigned a dedicated personal tutor who conducts a diagnostic test, assesses strengths and development areas, and builds a personalized tutoring plan for the student. Tutoring sessions are fully interactive with the teacher and student speaking via computer-connected headsets and using a shared Internet whiteboard to exchange information.

2. One-on-One Chat-Based Online Tutoring: Some firms offer their students a shared whiteboard and communicate via a chat window. While this eliminates the need for the student to purchase a headset, it also is comparatively less effective than online interactive tutoring.

3. Instant Homework Help: A few firms provide instant help from a teacher on call. This works best for students who want a single session on a particular question or topic but do not need to enroll in an ongoing tutoring program.