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.

🧠 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 tutor bios. 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 offer both flexible and structured options, so you can tailor the plan around your life—not the other way around.

✅ 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 in their toolkit. 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, we believe in building academic skills and self-belief. That’s what truly creates long-term success.

👋 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—not 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.

Check out how tutoring with KIS Academics works and book a free study consultation today!

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