Q: Can private tutoring help my child? A: Yes, absolutely! Tutoring with me is not only a matter of homework and support, but also for academic advice and guidance. I work with each student and help them plan a pathway throughout their schooling. Adjustments are made several times per school year to make sure that tutoring is supplementing their academic goals.
Q: Is my child too young for tutoring? A: It depends. No child is ever too young for learning. However, some younger children are not suited or prepared for in-home tutoring. Please contact me so that we can discuss your child's individual needs.
Q: Why should I choose Affinity Tutoring as opposed to more established companies like Kumon, Sylvan or Oxford? A: There are several reasons why these established companies cannot compare in tuition quality:
they are more expensive (can average anywhere between $300-800 per month)
they usually provide group tutoring only, so you are paying the same or more each month but your child doesn't receive individual attention
most tutors working at these companies are not familiar with the Ontario curriculum and its guidelines
the company is focused on profits; the tutors are underpaid and have no motivation to encourage your child's learning
students have testified that these company's methods are repetitive, boring and not engaging their personal abilities
these companies are franchises, so the quality of tutoring will vary dependent on location
you have to allocate time to travel to the company's location
Q: Other companies guarantee that my child will improve on their grades. Why do you not provide this guarantee? A: A reputable company should never make this guarantee. This is because there are many factors to a child's performance in school. Companies usually make this guarantee in order to get you to sign a contract with them for the school year. As an experienced private tutor, I make sure to investigate the root problem and manage the situation as needed.
Q: Okay, I've signed up with Affinity Tutoring. How do I prepare my child for the tutoring session? A: Please ensure that you have a discussion with your child before the first tutoring session. Tutoring only works when everyone is on board! For the first session, the student should have stationary, all associated textbooks, school course notes, and homework handouts.
Q: Do you tutor children with learning disabilities? A: Yes. I have many years of experience with students that have different types of learning disabilities, including ADD, ADHD, working memory issues, and anxiety/panic disorders.
Q: What kind of tutoring do you offer? A: I offer options for one-on-one, group and online interactive tutoring. Contact me for more details.
Q: What areas of Toronto/GTA do you cover? A: Generally, I can accommodate students living in Etobicoke, Toronto, East York, Scarborough, and North York. My usual coverage boundaries are: High Park to the west, Victoria Park to the east, Lawrence to the north, and Lake Ontario to the south. Anyone living outside these regions can contact me to discuss tutoring options.
Q: Do I have to sign a contract for tutoring sessions? A: No. However, a client policy contract must be signed to acknowledge the terms of service (mainly regarding payment, scheduling and cancellations).
Q: I do not feel comfortable with a stranger in my house. Is it possible to meet at a neutral location? A: Yes. Usually, I recommend that both the parent/guardian and student be present for the first tutoring session. This way, we can have a sit-down discussion to get to know each other, and also gives me the opportunity to gauge the student's difficulties with the subject. Also, if you are uncomfortable with tutoring in the home environment, the student and I can meet at a public location (such as a public library, school, McDonald's, or a quiet cafe), provided that there is parking available.
Q: Can I claim my child's tutoring expenses on my income tax return? A: Yes, you can claim tutoring as an expense under the Children's Arts Tax Credit as of the year 2011.