Tap into range of assistance to find a free or affordable tutor

In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like:

1. Does the school district provide tutoring?
2. How can I find tutors at public libraries?
3. Which nonprofit organizations offer tutoring?

Whether it’s someone explaining a subject in a different way or simply allowing more time for questions, your child may benefit from a tutor. Several resources can assist in your search for tutoring help.

1. DOES THE SCHOOL DISTRICT PROVIDE TUTORING?

One of the best places to look for a tutor is at school, says Tammy Walton, a second-grade teacher for the School District of Palm Beach County. Ask your child’s teacher to refer you to a fellow teacher. Hourly rates vary depending on the subject matter, but Walton charges $45 an hour, for example. 

“The key is to be on the same page,” Walton says. “I’ve asked parents, ‘I see this at school with your student; do you see this at home too?’ Then together we can build an additional plan. I can send extra work home, etc. There are also online tutorials available through the district’s portal. High schools also offer peer tutoring. My son, Hunter, taught other students in the math lab.”

If necessary, parent advocates can help bridge language barriers to communicate needs, Walton says.

2. HOW CAN I FIND TUTORS AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES?

The Palm Beach County Library System points parents to Tutor.com, says Robyn Hemond, children's services coordinator.

Tutor.com is a free online service for all grade levels, intro-level college, adult learners and job seekers. Its tutors are certified teachers, college professors, graduate students and professionals with master’s degrees, doctorates and Ivy League credentials.

The service runs daily from noon to midnight with Spanish speakers starting at 2 p.m. Students can access the services from one of the library locations or remotely using a free county library card.

 “College students are our highest users, followed by school-aged children and adults,” Hemond says.

Also online, AskALibrarian.org offers live chats with librarians to answer factual questions or guidance to online resources to help with homework or research papers.

The Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, at 401 Clematis St., offers a free afterschool homework center for all grade levels. Certified teachers manage the center, which boasts the latest technology and even healthy snacks! Click here for the hours.

3. WHICH NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS OFFER TUTORING?

PROPEL (People Reaching Out to Provide Education and Leadership) is dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth achieve academic success through leadership training, tutoring and life-skills programs. PROPEL works with more than 100 students in its free afterschool and weekend programs, focusing on literacy and SAT/ACT prep. The program has had great success working with students who speak second languages, such as Spanish and Haitian Creole. Call 561-955-8553.

The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County offers free afterschool tutoring in reading for first through fourth grades. For Building Better Readers sessions, call 561-279-9103 or send an inquiry.

Lots of other afterschool programs offer homework help, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, the Achievement Centers for Children & Families in Delray Beach and local BRIDGES of Palm Beach County sites. 

SOURCES:

• Tammy Walton, teacher, School District of Palm Beach County
• Robyn Hemond, children's services coordinator, Palm Beach County Library System
• Tutor.com 
• Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach
• PROPEL 
• Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County