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With large class sizes and ever-expanding curricula, it can sometimes be challenging for teachers to give individual support to students. For those kids who need extra attention, tutoring might be the answer.
Tutors can help students fill gaps in knowledge, break down difficult concepts into understandable pieces, help students gain confidence and give them a chance to succeed (or catch up) so that they don’t fall behind in the classroom. For students who learn differently, individualized tutoring programs can help them thrive. Tutors can also help gifted students who need an extra challenge. And sometimes, a tutor provides a buffer between parents and kids when they need help with homework.
To help support kids and parents now that school has started, I’ve rounded up a list of tutoring and free homework help options around the Puget Sound area, including programs at local libraries.
Finding the right tutor for your child
When looking for a tutoring or homework help center for your student, there are a few things to consider and questions to ask.
- If your student has learning differences, does the center have programs to support their learning style?
- Would your child rather have a 1-to-1, in-person session or learn in a group? Online or in person?
- If study skills, executive functioning or time management are a concern for your student, look for a center that addresses these issues.
- If your student needs occasional help with homework, math or reading skills, free tutoring through the local library may provide enough support for your student.
- For students who need continued support, consider exploring professional tutoring services that provide a tailored approach, including a detailed assessment and learning plan.
- Many teachers tutor after school hours, or can recommend someone.
Free tutoring services around Seattle, the Eastside and Tacoma
Did you know that your student can get free homework help and tutoring through local public libraries in Puget Sound? Some have both virtual and in-person, and help in other languages. Kids can even gain confidence in their reading skills by reading to volunteers or even service dogs.
Seattle Public Library
Homework Help for K–12 offered in person at various branches. Branch location calendars and times can be found online. Your student won’t need a reservation, but space is limited. Just show up with the homework and textbook. They even have supplies like graphing calculators and laptops, and help in Spanish on select days.
SPL also offers virtual help through Tutor.com. These tutors can help with any subject, plus they will even help with resumes, AP classes and college papers. Live English and Spanish tutors are available from 2 to 10 p.m. daily. Vietnamese tutors are available from 4 to 7 p.m. To access, students will need a library card or library link number and PIN.
King County Library System
The King County Library System offers a program called Study Zone where kids in grades K–12 can get in-person or virtual homework help through volunteer tutors. Students can drop in during tutor time with their homework and textbook. They can filter by tutoring and homework help to find available events in the online calendar.
KCLS also offers homework help via Zoom. Homework can be shared with tutors via email, screen share or a shared folder for virtual help. The 2026 fall schedule can be found online.
To help students build confidence in reading, KCLS offers the Reading Buddies program where students are paired with volunteers to practice reading out loud. The Reading With Rover program, where kids read out loud to a certified therapy dog, also helps to build and support reading confidence.
Pierce County Library System
Pierce County Library offers online professional tutoring from 2 p.m. to midnight daily. Students communicate with a tutor via an interactive whiteboard. Other services include a writing lab, flashcards, games and study guides.
Greater Seattle tutoring services
For a more tailored experience, there are many commercial tutoring centers that can create an individual plan for your student. These centers usually do an intake or evaluation of the student’s needs, then create a plan to help the student catch up or navigate difficult areas. Most offer a free consultation.
University Tutoring, Seattle
University Tutoring can help students from elementary school through college in a variety of subjects, including foreign languages. They also offer tutoring for students who struggle with executive functioning, organization, test anxiety and learning differences.
Cost: The initial intake is $150. A 50-minute session costs $80.
Liddane Tutoring and Learning Services, Green Lake and Columbia City
Andrea Liddane is a former public school teacher who founded Liddane Tutoring and Learning Services because she recognized that a personalized approach is an important factor in student growth. Liddane offers tutoring and test prep through college, as well as specialized help for students with learning differences or those who are learning English as a second language. It has a program to help kids (and adults) struggling with executive functioning. A scholarship program is available.
Cost: Call for pricing.
Emergent Education, multiple locations
Emergent Education provides 1-to-1 tutoring at your home or in public spaces like coffee shops. Tutor specialties include academic coaching, homeschool support, elementary education and IB/AP coursework. They also do test preparation and support students with learning differences.
Cost: Free 30-minute consultation. $500 deposit; $120–$180 per hour for tutoring.
Firefly Tutoring, Wallingford
Firefly is a locally owned family business offering 1-to-1 tutoring in a variety of subjects and test prep for ages K–12. They have homework help in the form of a Homework Club and even pickup from some schools. The tutors have local knowledge of the Seattle School District’s curriculum, making them able to fill gaps in knowledge and help students keep up and get ahead.
Cost: Call for pricing.
Square Peg Learning, Central District
Owner Ben Lidgus is a former high school teacher who recognized that not every student learns in the same way. He now tutors students 1-to-1 and specializes in ADHD, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and autism/pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). He starts with students’ current assignments to give them confidence and then teaches based on individual needs. The first phone or email consultation is free.
Cost: Call for pricing.
Gold Lotus Learning, Mill Creek
Created by Kim Van, a certified K–12 teacher who worked with multilingual and diverse learners, Gold Lotus serves students within a 25-mile radius of Mill Creek. It offers 1-to-1 tutoring and homework help, as well as online tutoring.
Cost: Call for pricing.
Kids With an Edge, online only
Kids With an Edge specializes in math and reading skills for students ages 4–18. It has a flexible format that includes both small group sessions and 1-to-1 tutoring, and offers small-group instruction skills for kids ages 4–7 so they get a strong start in school. The Strong FUNdamentals program is designed to help kids of all ages build math skills. Personal tutoring is available as well.
Cost: Call for pricing.
Tutors in Bellevue and the Eastside
Bellevue Learning Center, Bellevue
Bellevue Learning Center offers 1-to-1 tutoring both in person and virtually for elementary through high school students. It offers a wide range of subjects, including supporting English language learners and students who need help with GPA management. Parents can choose a flexible schedule with the custom package. Packages are priced by quarter, annually or as needed if they are custom built.
Cost: Custom plan for elementary and middle school students, $85–$102 per hour annually. Call for additional pricing.
Best Brains Learning Centers, multiple Eastside locations
Best Brains Learning Centers offer tutoring and other programs from pre-K through high school test prep. Certified teachers work 1-to-1 with students in small groups. Homework help is available for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, as an after-school program; parents choose hours and days for kids to attend. It also offers aftercare and day camps for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. Parents have the option to pay month to month, rather than sign a contact.
Cost: Call for pricing.
Seven Points Prep, Kirkland
Seven Points Prep offers in-person and online tutoring for private lessons and group classes. It also has an after-school program for homework help for kids in any grade. In addition, SAT/ACT test prep and college admissions counseling is available.
Cost: Call for pricing.
C2 Education, multiple Eastside locations
C2 Education offers tutoring for many subjects, from reading to calculus, for K–12, plus college admissions help. They also help with time management, study skills and personal organization. They also have summer boot camps.
Cost: Call for pricing.
Tutoring Services in Tacoma and South Sound
DS Learning Center, University Place, Puyallup and Gig Harbor
DS offers tutoring both online and in person for students in first through 12th grade, plus college. This locally-owned business offers military and family discounts, as well as bilingual tutors. Free assessment is available.
Cost: Call for pricing.
Forte Study Solutions, Tacoma
Founder Noel created Forte Study Solutions after seeing gaps in learning as an elementary school teacher. Forte offers tailored tutoring for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade who need reading, writing and math support, in person or via Zoom.
Cost: Initial consultation, free; 1-hour session is $50.
Club Z Tutoring Services, multiple South Sound locations
Club Z offers in-home, 1-to-1 tutoring for kids across a wide variety of subjects, and also has tutoring for kids with learning disabilities. In addition, they offer support for homeschool, pre-K prep and study skills. They also offer online services.
Cost: Call for pricing.
National tutoring franchises with locations in Puget Sound
Huntington Learning Center
Huntington offers 1-to-1 tutoring for K–12, both in-person and online. They tutor across a variety of subjects, including ADHD, study skills and homeschool tutoring. They also have a program called Huntington Advantage, an 8–10 week program to build skills, confidence and motivation.
Cost: Call for pricing.
Mathnasium
Mathnasium tutors students in-person and online in math, using their proprietary Mathnasium Method. They serve kids from early childhood (ages 4–6) through high school. Teachers make time to help with homework during sessions. They also have summer programs to help students retain skills. Free consultations.
Cost: Call for pricing.
Kumon
Kumon offers tutoring in math and reading skills, both online and in person. They use their own “Kumon” method to help build skills and confidence. Parents can check in on their child’s progress at any time. Book online to schedule a free assessment
Cost: Call for pricing.
Sylvan Learning
Sylvan offers tutoring across a wide variety of subjects, including foreign languages, in small groups, in person and online. They also have tutoring for kids with ADHD, homework and study skills. Flat weekly rate for tutoring.
Cost: Starting at $48 per session. Call for more pricing information.
