The Stutors

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started? [Return to Top]

Give us a call at 650.283.3636 or stop by our learning center at 139 Forest Ave, Palo Alto, 94301. We'll be happy to discuss your tutoring needs and tell you more about our program.

After business hours e-mail info@thestutors.com; we will contact you the next business day. Please include your phone number and the best time to reach you.

How does scheduling work? [Return to Top]

Tutoring is available afternoons, evenings, and weekends. We set a consistent weekly schedule, and allow adjustments when necessary with 24-hour notice.

How does billing work? [Return to Top]

We do not charge an enrollment fee. Families purchase tutoring credits before meeting for lessons. Parents can log into their online tutoring account anytime to read lesson notes, check balances, and make payments.

To Pay Online:

Login at http://www.thestutors.com/login.php

To Pay by Check:

Make checks payable to: The Stutors, 139 Forest Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301.

How do I track my student's progress? [Return to Top]

We post lesson notes after each session, detailing what we accomplished and what our students should focus on during the week. Parents stay in touch with the learning process by reading lesson notes online, reviewing their student's work, and talking to us. Our students usually see improvements in their tests and coursework after 3-6 weeks of tutoring

Do you offer assessment tests? [Return to Top]

Knowing that students take more than enough tests at school, we do not give additional formal exams. Assessment is ongoing and integrated; we continually monitor our students' progress. As we identify problem areas, we teach students the skills they need to master the material.

Do you help students with learning challenges? [Return to Top]

Yes. We work with many students with Dyslexia, ADHD and other learning differences. However, we are not experts at identifying learning disabilities or creating specialized plans for students with learning challenges. We follow the programs outlined by our students' parents, teachers, and educational specialists.

Is the Stutors Program right for me? [Return to Top]

Consistency is the foundation of effective teaching and learning. The Stutors program is a good match for students who are committed to practicing effective study habits by working with us on a consistent weekly basis.

Because we focus on cumulative learning, we do not offer intermittent ("as needed" or "emergency") lessons. Our program is not a good match for students who cannot commit to a consistent weekly schedule.

Do you teach study skills? [Return to Top]

Yes. We want you to develop the study habits you need to manage your education and succeed on your own: Course Planning, Time Management, Exam Preparation, Organization, Note Taking, and Review. We show you how to use these study tools in the context of your coursework, and encourage consistent practice, so you can develop life-long habits.

Will you contact teachers for us? [Return to Top]

No. In order to keep communications between parents, students, and teachers clear and simple, we do not contact teachers for families. We encourage families to obtain course information early on in the tutoring process, we will incorporate this information into your study plan.

Managing student-teacher communication is an essential study skill. We encourage students to take charge of their learning, by teaching them the communication skills they need to work effectively with their teachers.

How do you select instructors for your team? [Return to Top]

Stanford affiliation is just a minimum requirement for applying to join our team. Our strong reputation within the Stanford community gives us the luxury of choosing from a large pool of highly qualified applicants. Instructors are selected after careful review of resume and application, a rigorous two-hour interview, including presentation of a sample lesson, and reference checks.

Hiring criteria:

• Expertise: Our tutors only teach subjects in which they specialize.
• Experience: Our tutors have a passion for teaching - and it shows. Many members of our team began their teaching careers at a very young age!
• Teaching Skill: Our tutors are clear, organized, and responsive to diverse learning styles.
• Leadership: Our instructors are dedicated professionals. Each has the ability to instill confidence, and the capacity to engage and inspire.

Consistency and communication are fundamental to a strong educational program. We provide ongoing professional support, monitoring student-tutor success through lesson notes and regular communication with families, students and tutors.

What if my first tutor is not the right match? [Return to Top]

The best tutoring relationships are ones in which the student is comfortable asking questions, discussing problems, and actively engaging in the work. We are committed to making sure that you are in a comfortable and effective tutoring relationship. If you think you could learn more effectively with someone else on our team, we will work to find you the best fit.

Do you offer summer programs? [Return to Top]

Yes. Summer is a good time for students to build foundational skills and prepare for exams.

• Stay on top of your summer school courses with Academic Tutoring.
• Prepare for standardized test with our customized Test Preparation.
• Pursue areas of interest in a tailored one-on-one Enrichment Tutorial.

Call us to get started!