PUBLICATION
As a parent, choosing a private tutor for your child—especially for something as important as summer academic support—can feel overwhelming. You might be asking yourself:
Should I hire a self-employed tutor or go through an agency?
Do I need to conduct background checks or ask for identification?
How do I know the tutor will truly support my child’s unique learning needs?
These are excellent—and important—questions.
Let’s explore how to navigate private tutoring safely and effectively, and why working with an organization like Evolved Education Company can provide peace of mind, clarity, and the best possible outcomes for your child.
Hiring a Self-Employed Tutor: What to Consider
Hiring a tutor who operates independently can be cost-effective and convenient, but it also puts more responsibility on your shoulders as the parent. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Do a Background Check
If you are hiring a tutor not affiliated with a vetted organization, it’s wise to conduct a background check. This can include:
Asking for and checking references.
Requesting and making a copy of their ID.
Using services like Checkr, GoodHire, or even your local police department’s background check services.
Observe Their Interactions
Request a trial session or observe a lesson if possible. Look for:
How the tutor connects with your child.
Their ability to communicate and adjust teaching strategies.
Whether your child is engaged, curious, and building confidence.
Clarify Goals and Expectations
Before starting, define what success looks like. Are you looking for support with reading and math fundamentals? Executive functioning? Confidence building? A clear agreement around goals, frequency, and progress monitoring is critical.
Virtual Tutoring: A Good Option?
Virtual tutoring can be a great alternative, especially for families with busy summer schedules or limited access to local professionals. But just like in-person tutoring, quality varies widely.
The key to success with virtual sessions is structure, engagement, and strong communication. With the right fit tutor—one who is trained to work in a virtual environment—online sessions can be just as effective as in-person ones. Look for communication that assures you that your student is learning skills – ask, “How will we know if my child is gaining the skills being taught?”
There isn’t one way to do this, but rather, an opportunity to create a system for remembering skills taught that works best for your child. Some students remember skills best through “working them out” or doing them. Others need to talk them through. Still others may like to video tape themselves doing a new skill and watching it later.
Why Work With a Company Like Evolved Education?
At Evolved Education Company, we take the guesswork and risk out of hiring a private tutor. We don’t just provide tutors—we build customized, whole-child learning experiences that reflect the way your child learns best.
Here’s what makes our approach different:
Whole-Child Focus
Our mission is to ensure each student learns and lives well. That means we don’t just look at test scores—we look at the whole student. We may assess diagnostically, formatively, and in summative ways to deeply understand where your child is now, and how they can grow.
Tutoring Programs Focused On Teaching Skills
Evolved tutoring programs partner with tutors who are curious about your child’s learning style. They work alongside students to build skills that are retained and generalized—not just crammed and forgotten. Sessions are interactive, goal-oriented, and built on a strong foundation of respect, rapport, and relevance.
Academic Results + Lifelong Skills
Whether your child needs help preparing for standardized tests, keeping up with curriculum, or managing time and organization, our tutors address both immediate academic objectives and long-term growth as a learner.
A Team That Understands the Big Picture
Our Director of Student Services, Amy Nathan, is a Master’s Degree level special educator with over a decade of experience in supporting students in a myriad of systems including – public, private, and charter systems. Families who work with Evolved benefit from Amy’s holistic partnership and guidance. She’s available to talk through the bigger picture of your child’s support plan and help you design an education strategy that works at home and school.
This is part of our Total Education Process—a framework unique to Evolved that supports the whole students’ learning at home and at school.
“Working with Amy at Evolved helped me to define what my child really needed in terms of support. What I thought coming into that initial call turned into something much more focused and efficient.” – Evolved Client
What You Gain Working With Evolved
Expertise: All tutors have training and degrees and are experienced in tutoring and teaching.
Customization: Tutors are matched to your child’s academic, social-emotional-physical, and logistical needs.
Support: Ongoing collaboration with a Director of Student Services who helps your family build and refine a strong educational plan.
Peace of Mind: You don’t have to manage all the logistics or worry if you’re “doing it right.” We’re here to help every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Whether you hire a self-employed tutor or partner with a professional organization, the goal is the same: to support your child’s learning in a meaningful, effective way.
At Evolved, we believe students thrive when they’re seen, understood, and taught in a way that makes sense to them. That’s why every tutor, every plan, and every session is designed to help your child not just succeed this summer—but grow into a more confident, capable, and independent learner.
Ready to learn more or schedule a consultation? Book a Call With Amy Nathan to get started.
Let’s make this summer one that builds lasting skills—and sets your child up to thrive.