What to Consider Before Choosing a Tutor?

Whether your child is falling behind, striving for top marks, or just needs a little boost in confidence, choosing the right tutor can make a world of difference. But with so many options out there, how do you know where to start?

At KIS Academics, we know that every child learns differently, and every family has unique needs. So before diving into the first tutoring service you find, here are the key things to consider to ensure your child gets the support they deserve—without the stress.

Table of Content:

1. Understand your Child's Needs
2. Look for Tutors Who Match Their Learning Style
3. Think About Logistics: Online vs. In-Person, Timing, and Frequency
4. Check for Experience, but Don’t Obsess Over It
5. Set Clear Goals Together
6. Ease the Pressure (on You and Them)
7. FAQs

1. Understand Your Child’s Needs 🧠

Start by asking yourself a few questions:

• Are they struggling in a specific subject, or across the board?
• Is the issue academic, or more to do with confidence or study habits?
• Do they need long-term help or short-term support (e.g. exam prep)?

Understanding the root of the issue will help you find a tutor who fits—not just in terms of subject knowledge, but also teaching style and goals.

2. Look for Tutors Who Match Their Learning Style 👩‍🏫

Some students thrive with visual explanations, others prefer real-world examples or hands-on practice. The best tutors adapt to how your child learns — not the other way around.

When browsing KIS Academics tutors, take note of the tutor biographies. Many will mention their teaching approach (e.g. "step-by-step breakdowns," "real-life applications," or "confidence-focused tutoring"). Don’t be afraid to ask questions before committing.

3. Think About Logistics: Online vs. In-Person, Timing, and Frequency ⏰

Online tutoring can be incredibly effective (and convenient), especially with high-quality interactive tools. But for younger students or those needing more structure, in-person sessions might work better.

Also consider:

• How often will tutoring sessions be needed?
• What days/times suit your child’s routine best?
• Does your child need flexible scheduling around sports, music or other commitments?

KIS Academics offer both flexible and structured options, so you can tailor the plan around your life.

4. Check for Experience, but Don’t Obsess Over It ✅

Yes, experience matters. A tutor who’s been teaching for years will have more tools under their belt. But that doesn’t mean newer tutors aren’t excellent.

What truly matters:

• Can they explain things clearly?
• Do they connect well with students?
• Are they enthusiastic, patient, and encouraging?

Reading reviews from other parents and students can help ensure you are getting what you signed up for.

5. Set Clear Goals Together 🎯

Tutoring works best when everyone’s on the same page. Before starting, sit down with your child and define some goals:

• “I want to improve my essay writing by the next assessment”
• “I want to feel more confident in Year 11 Maths”
• “I’m aiming for a Band 6 in HSC Chemistry”

This helps your tutor tailor lessons to your child’s unique needs, and gives everyone a way to measure progress.

6. Ease the Pressure (on You and Them) 🧘‍♀️

Parents often worry: “Am I doing enough?” or “Am I pushing too hard?”

The truth is, tutoring isn’t about pressure. It’s about support. By choosing the right tutor, you’re giving your child the opportunity to feel more confident, capable, and independent.

At KIS Academics, we believe in building academic skills and self-belief. That’s what truly creates long-term success. Book a free 30-minute study skills consultation with a KIS Academics tutor today to see what we mean:

👋 Final Thoughts

Choosing a tutor isn’t just a checkbox; it’s a decision that can shape your child’s relationship with learning. Take your time, ask questions, and most importantly, involve your child in the process. When they feel supported (not judged), tutoring becomes a positive experience rather than a punishment.

If you’re not sure where to start, KIS Academics can help. Our platform makes it easy to compare qualified tutors, read real reviews, and find someone who just “gets” your child. Because at the end of the day, tutoring should feel like a team effort - not a solo mission.

For more study tips and resources, check out these KIS Academics articles:

FAQs

Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor from KIS Academics can make the biggest difference!