Last Updated on November 8, 2026 by Successful Black Parenting Staff
This guide looks at tutoring in African American communities: the kinds of tutoring families use, what research says makes tutoring work, where to find free or low-cost help, and how to choose a tutor who believes in your child.
Everyone wants to give their kids a step up and help them reach the next level. Get the grades and qualifications they need to get where they want to be in life. Whether that’s a vocational course, university, or simply finishing high school. Doing so can prove problematic. A lot of schools are failing children, leaving parents to pick up the slack and help their kids get over the line.
However, a lot of parents don’t have the time or energy. Paying the bills can be tough, and finding time to teach your kids can be problematic. Also, without know-how and exam insight, you may end up taking your kids down the wrong path and focusing on the wrong elements of education. That’s where tutors come in. Here we’ll have a quick look at tutoring in African American communities and why it’s helping everyone level up.
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Tutoring On The Up
More African American children are being tutored – in fact, approximately 32% of African American students have participated in some form of tutoring, either through their school or external programs. The need has never been higher. For instance, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) indicates that African American students score on average 25 to 30 points lower in reading and math than white students. There’s a literal need for tutoring to fill the educational gap, but there are different kinds of tutoring – some children react better to some methods than others – let’s check out what they are.
“…approximately 32% of African American students have participated in some form of tutoring, either through their school or external programs.”
Kinds of Tutoring
There are different kinds of tutoring. Most people use these methods of tutoring:
- Standard tutoring – the kind where you find an expert in their niche on a reputable site like Tutorax to tutor your child in a subject you or they think they’re weak in. This is often math or English but can be more specific if your child is trying to pass a certain exam or get into a specific course.
- Parental Tutoring: A lot of parents use this if they can’t afford standard tutoring, or indeed, if they’re feeling up to the challenge. It can be difficult because the parent will need to learn not only the subject but also how exams are taken and what’s likely to be taught in class. Also, the more advanced the exam, the less likely the parents will be able to help. Even so – it’s a logical and positive method of tutoring.
- School Tutoring: Sometimes schools realize they may be falling short, or that certain students are struggling in certain areas and organize on-site tutoring for their students. This is often done in conjunction with at-home tutoring.
- Mentoring/Tutoring: Usually conducted by an older student or a student from college/university. This can be quite powerful because the student who’s doing the tutoring would have recently taken the same course and exam. The downside is that they may not have educational insights and/or be able to use specific teaching techniques that your child may respond to.
There are also some hybrid approaches but those listed above are the typical methods of tutoring most parents use and pay for. You may need some trial and error to determine what works for you and your child, but eventually, you’ll find the best method for your child.
Finding the Perfect Tutor
Selecting the right tutor for your child is a critical decision that can significantly impact their academic progress and confidence. The perfect tutor not only possesses the necessary subject expertise but also aligns with your child’s learning style and personality. A compatible tutor can foster a positive learning environment, making complex subjects more accessible and engaging.
According to a study by the National Tutoring Association, students who work with a tutor they connect with are 50% more likely to show improvement in their grades and overall academic attitude. One online tutoring company is Top IB Tutors, which can help to increase your child’s test scores. Remember, the perfect tutor may not practice the method you have in your mind. Be open-minded to find the perfect tutor.
“According to a study by the National Tutoring Association, students who work with a tutor they connect with are 50% more likely to show improvement in their grades and overall academic attitude.”
When searching for the ideal tutor, consider the following factors:
- Qualifications and Experience: Ensure the tutor has a relevant educational background and teaching experience in the subject area.
- Teaching Style: Look for a tutor whose instructional approach matches your child’s preferred way of learning.
- Communication Skills: A good tutor should be able to explain concepts clearly and be patient with questions.
- References and Reviews: Check testimonials or ask for references from other parents to gauge the tutor’s effectiveness.
- Availability and Flexibility: The tutor’s schedule should align with your child’s availability to maintain consistency.
Investing time in finding the perfect tutor is essential because it lays the foundation for a successful tutoring relationship. A well-matched tutor can not only help your child overcome academic challenges but also inspire a lifelong love of learning.
What Research Says Makes Tutoring in African American Communities Work
Not every tutoring program gets the same results. The National Student Support Accelerator at Stanford University describes “high-impact tutoring” as having a few key elements:
- Regular sessions, three or more times a week for at least 10 weeks
- Small groups, ideally one-to-one and no larger than one tutor to four students
- A consistent, well-trained tutor your child gets to know
- Lessons guided by what your child already knows and still needs
- Materials that connect to what your child is learning in class
The Accelerator reports that programs built on these elements produce roughly 3 to 15 months of additional learning. Whether you hire a private tutor, sign up for a school program, or lean on a mentor, you can use this list to judge whether the plan is strong enough to make a real difference.
Free and Low-Cost Tutoring Options to Ask About
- Your child’s school: Ask the teacher or counselor whether the school offers tutoring during the school day or after school.
- Your public library: Many libraries offer homework help, study space, and free online tutoring with a library card.
- Community groups: Churches, community centers, fraternities and sororities, and nearby colleges often run tutoring and mentoring programs.
- Free online practice: Sites such as Khan Academy offer free lessons and practice in math, reading, and more.
For more ideas, see our list of places to find homework help.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Tutor
- How will you find out what my child already knows?
- How will you connect our sessions to what my child is doing in class?
- How and how often will you share progress with me?
- What do you do when a student gets frustrated or shuts down?
- Can we start with a trial session?
A tutor who sees your child’s strengths, not just their gaps, can make all the difference. Our guide on how to choose the best tutor for your child walks through the decision step by step, and if you are weighing virtual sessions, read why online tutoring is changing the way we learn. If math is the sticking point, these tips on building math confidence in Black children can help at home, too.
Tutoring in African American Communities: Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my child see a tutor?
If your child is working to catch up, research on high-impact tutoring points to three or more sessions a week. If your child is on track and just wants extra support, once a week may be enough.
Is online tutoring as good as in-person tutoring?
It can be, when sessions are live and interactive, the tutor stays the same, and your child has a quiet space and reliable internet.
How do I know if tutoring is working?
Give it several weeks. Look for better classwork and test results, and watch for growing confidence. Ask your child’s teacher whether they see a difference, too.
Push for Engagement
It can be hard to persuade your child to engage sometimes. Try incentivizing the tutoring session, for example, exchanging game time for tutoring time. The best approach is finding a tutor who engages well with your child, someone they respect and look up to. Often parents find this part difficult if there aren’t boundaries in place for learning.
Many times, tutoring can be found and hired based on referrals, but trial and error may be necessary to find a tutor who has a synergy with your kid. In the end, you’ll know your child best, and you’ll know who they’ll get on with best. Use this information to find someone who will give your child a helping hand and spark engagement.
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