Is It Time to Hire a Tutor? What Roanoke Parents Should Know

Words by Amanda Danaher

A Parent’s Guide to Finding the Right Tutor in Roanoke

Hiring a tutor can be a game-changer for a child struggling with academics, offering them personalized attention and strategies specially tailored to their needs. But how do you know when it’s time to hire a tutor, and what you should actually look for?

Recognizing the Signs Your Child Needs Help

Addressing challenges early allows your child to receive the support they need to thrive academically. But first, start by ruling out other potential problems. 

Jennifer Bryerton, M.A.Ed., founder of RoanokeFamily and publisher of CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine, recalls how her own daughter’s struggles with the recorder actually stemmed from undiagnosed nearsightedness, a simple fix that didn’t require a tutor at all. 

“If you and the teacher have eliminated possible problems like vision or social issues such as bullying, it is time to get another professional involved,” she says.

Once you’ve ruled out other possible underlying issues, look for these early warning signs that your child might benefit from tutoring:

• Complaining that school is “too hard” or refusing to go to school
• Frustration with homework
• Falling grades
• Low confidence and negative self-talk
• Concerns from teachers 

For some families, the decision to hire a tutor comes when a child begins showing signs of ADHD or focus challenges. Even when schools are providing extra support, many parents want to take a more proactive role at home. And when working with your own child becomes a battle of wills, bringing in someone new with a fresh approach can make all the difference. 

What to Look for in a Tutor

Once you decide tutoring is necessary, the next step is finding the right match for your child. Bryerton suggests starting by evaluating your potential tutor’s qualifications and looking for compatibility with your child.

“Maybe your child needs someone who is an expert in the teaching process or perhaps someone who is a master of the content,” Bryerton explains. “Above all, there needs to be a connection and trust. Both with you and your child.”

Looking for a licensed teacher can also provide you with peace of mind, as teachers have experience with the learning process and also have had a background check. For many parents, finding someone with prior teaching experience who works well with young children is a top priority, and a personal recommendation from someone you trust can go a long way. 

Setting Goals: A Roadmap to Success

After you have selected your tutor, set clear goals as this can not only help clarify what you hope to achieve but also provide a roadmap for you and your tutor to work together. Bryerton emphasizes that having these expectations and goals in place early on can make a significant difference in your tutoring process.

“It is important to have clear goals with your tutor,” Bryerton explains. 

For many families, the first goal is simple: helping their child feel less dread around schoolwork. When the right match is found and goals are clear, the results can be remarkable. Attitude shifts. Grades improve. Kids who once avoided homework start to believe they’re capable. That kind of confidence is often the most lasting outcome of all. 

Don’t Wait to Take Action

Hiring a tutor can meaningfully change your child’s academic path, but you still play a key role in making it work. Bryerton emphasizes the basics: have your child ready on time, fed, and in a space without distractions before each session. 

Her advice on timing is consistent: don’t wait to see what the school can provide on its own. Sometimes a child simply needs a fresh face and someone they can’t negotiate with the way they can with mom or dad. 

“Choosing a tutor is very personal,” Bryerton says. “Above all, there needs to be a connection and trust. Both with you and your child.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of tutoring options are available? Families in Roanoke can choose from several formats depending on their schedule and comfort level. Tutoring centers offer structured, consistent programs in a learning-center environment. In-home tutoring provides one-on-one attention in a familiar setting, while online tutoring offers flexibility for busy families or students with packed extracurricular schedules. Many providers also offer hybrid options, allowing families to combine in-person and virtual sessions as needed.

Where can I find tutoring help in the Roanoke Valley? Roanoke families have several options when it comes to academic support. Many Roanoke City and Roanoke County schools offer built-in intervention time, after-school help, and small-group instruction for students who need extra support.

Outside of school, families often turn to tutoring centers such as Mathnasium of Roanoke, Fit Learning Roanoke, Kumon Math & Reading Centers, and Cultural Arts for Excellence. These programs offer structured academic support in subjects like reading, writing, math, and study skills.

Families looking for more personalized or specialized support can also consider local providers such as Learning & Behavior Specialists, LLC, Strokes of Genius, LLC, Taylor Tutoring Services, LLC, and Not a Math Person Tutoring. These options often provide one-on-one tutoring, academic coaching, and support tailored to a student’s individual learning needs.

What should I look for when choosing a tutor? Start by considering your child’s needs. Some students benefit most from a licensed teacher or subject expert, while others need someone who focuses on study skills, organization, or learning strategies.

It’s also important to look for a good personality match. As local education experts often note, connection and trust between the student and tutor can make a big difference in progress. Many parents also prefer tutors with classroom experience or background-checked credentials for added peace of mind.

How can I make tutoring more successful for my child? Consistency is key. Setting a regular schedule helps students build momentum and confidence over time. It also helps when parents create a distraction-free space for sessions and ensure students are ready to focus.

Equally important is setting clear goals with the tutor from the beginning. Whether the focus is improving grades, building study skills, or increasing confidence, having a shared roadmap helps track progress and keeps everyone aligned.

AMANDA DANAHER is a busy mom of five and publisher and editor of RoanokeFamily Magazine. She is also a contributor to sister publications, VirginiaSummerCamp.com and CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine. For over 17 years, she has focused her work on parent and family magazines, where she draws on her journalism degree to help local families thrive in every season.