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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.
What parents are saying: A parent on Google says, “Since setting my son up for tutoring initially during his junior year, we’ve been able to access additional tutoring sessions when the going got rough in chemistry and math. UT has been able to accommodate last-minute requests which is so appreciated. … So glad we’ve been able to have this relationship with UT through the years.”
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.
What parents are saying: A Yelp reviewer reports, “Our daughter’s standardized math (MAPS) scores had been on a downward trend for a while, so we hired Alyssa at Liddane for weekly tutoring sessions. … Since starting there, she’s never complained about having to go to tutoring (which is A Big Deal) and in fact she’s always in good spirits when she goes in and comes back out.
“On top of that, her MAPS math score that just came out was a 93 (an increase of 14 points from her previous score) and I’ve no doubt that Alyssa’s help was a large part of the reason for that increase.”
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.
What parents are saying: On Google a parent reports, “Eric at Emergent Education has been a life saver. My daughter went from being confused in Advanced Algebra to getting an A and understanding the concepts. … Highly recommend!”
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.
What parents are saying: A recent Google reviewer says, “I have been bringing my son (who is level 2 autistic) to this place for 2 years. We’ve had several tutorers and each one has been incredible. The owners are excellent at finding the right fit and the service is just fantastic. Highly recommend.”
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.
What parents are saying: One parent commented on Yelp, “Ben is super personable and creative leveraging that with his in-depth understanding of how diversely wired brains work in helping my rad and struggling kiddo make peace with getting through math and studying.”
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.
What parents are saying: A yelp reviewer notes, “We’ve recently started tutoring services with Kim, to support our (entering) 3rd grader’s reading, and handwriting progress over the summer.
“She is patient, well prepared and good at engaging children by incorporating their specific interests. We are very satisfied in our experience so far and recommend her to local families seeking learning support!”
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.
What parents are saying: A parent on Yelp posts, “Our 8th grader has been with KWAE for just a handful of lessons and already he got a great grade on a recent math test and his current quarter grade went up by two whole grades! Jhon was a big help in this grade turn-around and our son doesn’t complain about attending tutoring sessions with Jhon, which is huge for our son…I think our son actually enjoys the sessions. Thank you Jhon! Our family is very grateful for you.”
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.
What parents are saying: On Google, “Both of my children have been attending this academy since 2021. It has not only helped them maintain strong grades at school, but I also really appreciate the individualized 1:1 attention they receive, allowing lessons to be tailored to each child’s pace.”
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.
What parents are saying: From a Google review, “What truly sets Best Brains apart is the teachers. They focus deeply on building strong core concepts instead of just rushing through assignments. You can clearly see the difference in how confidently kids understand and apply what they learn.
“The motivation and encouragement from the teachers is incredible. I’ve noticed a huge shift in my child’s attitude toward learning — they’re now self-motivated and even excited to complete homework on their own!”
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.
What parents are saying: A parent on Yelp thinks, “My senior needed assistance with college essays and applications. We were able to tailor the services to our needs and adjust accordingly. We had an excellent experience working with Christina. She was able to pull together a lot of thoughts to direct my daughter in expressing herself through her essays. Would highly recommend.”
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.
What parents are saying: Although most reviews were from students, one parent notes on Google, “C2 Redmond has been a great experience for me. The tutors are knowledgeable, supportive, and really take the time to explain concepts clearly. I’ve seen real improvement in my grades and confidence since starting. The study plans feel personalized, and the staff genuinely cares about helping students succeed. I definitely recommend C2 to anyone looking for extra academic support!”
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.
What parents are saying: On Google, a parent notes, “My son was struggling and after tutoring with DS, he made significant progress and did well on his final exam. This boosted his confidence which was the best part!”
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.
What parents are saying: A recent Yelper writes, “Noel has been a great tutor for my daughter. After covid, on 2022, [my child] was diagnosed with ADD and was struggling at school (5th grade). We started with Noel several month ago. It took some time to adjust but with A LOT of patience and dedication we are making progress. I can see it when we do homework, she has definitely improved and her attitude has changed too.”
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.
What parents are saying: A Google review says, “Reasonable price. Our tutor was great – my son was able to go from a C- to all A’s in his math class. Keon was very patient and I would highly recommend!”
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.
