There are just some things in the world you can’t skimp on. One of these essential splurges is proper education for your children. If they need extra guidance, a good tutorial service is a must so he or she won’t get left behind.
But with the fluctuating economy and rising school fees, how much is too much for a tutor?
1. Difference Between Independent and Agency Tutors
There are two types of tutors: agency and private tutors. Both of them are granted by the MoE or Ministry of Education to teach children outside of classrooms.
The difference is, agency tutors have extensive training while private tutors are teachers and can only tutor for a maximum of six hours per student. Since private tutors are teachers, they know exactly how to develop the best tutorial method for your child.
Agency tutors with impressive track records can set you back around $15 - $40 dollars per hour. While private tutors, since they are independent workers, cost higher than agency tutors at around $70 per hour.
2. The Benefits of Tutorial Services
Spending hundreds of dollars on learning outside school has merits. First, they won’t feel peer pressure or have external distractions in a classroom setting.
Second, they are given focus to improve the areas they find hard to understand. This is common with primary English tuition for beginners who are learning their second language.
Third, they absorb more information with an attentive tutor rather than a teacher who handles an entire class. So think of your tutor fees as an investment in your child’s future.
And lastly, students will develop healthy learning habits as they get older.
3. Other Tutorial Costs
When going for a certain tutor, you have to factor in their transportation fee upon hiring them. Or if you’re willing to hire another tutor with great feedback in a nearer district, you can opt to hire them instead to save up on transportation costs.
There are several other costs such as module copies, training kits, etc. But it is solely up to the private or agency tutor which of these will charge you extra.
Michael started out as a school teacher in a top national primary school in Singapore in 1999. After principalships at two international schools in China and Singapore and starting up two other international schools, Michael is Principal and owner of Frankel Tutors, a tuition centre founded in 1996.
