When your kid needs extra help, here are the vetted options.
Math-specific:
- Mathnasium (multiple DFW) — diagnostic assessment, personalized plan. $200-300/month for 2x/week. Google Reviews consistently 4.8+. Source: mathnasium.com
- Kumon (multiple DFW) — daily worksheets + weekly in-center sessions. $150-200/month. Builds discipline. Source: kumon.com
- Russian School of Mathematics (Plano, Southlake) — rigorous math curriculum. $150-250/month. Source: russianschool.com
Reading/writing:
- Sylvan Learning (multiple DFW) — reading programs, writing, study skills. $40-80/hour. Source: sylvanlearning.com
- Kumon reading program — same model as math. $150-200/month.
Test prep (SAT/ACT/STAAR):
- Kaplan — online and in-person. SAT/ACT prep courses $500-1,500. Source: kaptest.com
- Princeton Review — similar to Kaplan. $500-2,000 for courses. Source: princetonreview.com
- Private tutors via Varsity Tutors — $40-80/hour. Source: varsitytutors.com
Free/low-cost:
- Khan Academy — free everything. SAT prep officially partnered with College Board. Source: khanacademy.org
- Public library programs — Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano libraries offer free tutoring.
- National Honor Society tutoring — check your child's high school. NHS students often tutor for free.
1-on-1 private tutors:
- Wyzant — find local DFW tutors by subject. $25-80/hour. Source: wyzant.com
- Varsity Tutors — vetted tutors, in-home or online. $40-80/hour.
- UTD/UTA/UNT students — post on campus job boards. $15-30/hour. Great for high school subjects.
Sources:
- Tutoring company websites
- Google Reviews for DFW locations
- Parent community recommendations
What's worked for your family?
Khan Academy + consistency beats expensive tutoring for most kids. Free SAT prep is as good as $1,000 Kaplan courses if your kid actually uses it.