Frequently Asked Questions

How much does tutoring/classes cost?

Please see Fees & Policies page.


How do I know where my child should begin? 

Email me and we can talk about it! If you have a struggling or reluctant writer, always choose a class slightly easier than your student's ability. We can always add more challenges once confidence levels rise. If your child is particularly precocious, bump them up to a higher "grade" level. We use the term "grade" pretty loosely around here!


Is my deposit refundable? 

Your deposit (your first months' tuition) is not refundable, but if you decide to withdraw from a class before it begins, your tuition can be put toward a future class. If a class is cancelled, you will receive your first months' tuition back. Beginning in the fall of 2021, seats will be reserved with first month's tuition.


My child is behind! How do I catch up? 

Behind whom? Every student learns at a different rate. No worries! As stated before, "grade" levels are used loosely around here, so your student can be placed where he or she feels comfortable. 


My child has special needs. Can you help?

I’m not an expert but I will do my best to help each student excel.  I try to incorporate a variety of learning styles - auditory, visual, and sometimes kinesthetic - in each lesson. For students who need repetition, the lesson will be recorded. Students can play the lesson back as many times as needed!   Assignments can also be varied or modified in order to meet the needs of each learner. The benefit of IEW is that it provides systematic and repetitive practice that benefits ALL learners, from gifted students to those who think differently and experience learning challenges. Parents who want to learn how IEW can help their SPED students, please visit https://iew.com/learning-differences and listen to one of the many encouraging podcasts.


How are online classes conducted/managed?

We use the Zoom platform for videoconferencing, and Google Classrooms for assignments and class management. Classes are best accessed through a laptop rather than from an iPad or phone, since some functionality is lost. Students taking online classes are expected to attend class with video turned on to ensure maximum participation and 


Do you provide grades for classes?

While I do provide a grading sheet for high school students, most of my students are private homeschoolers and grades are generally left up to parents. My own personal philosophy is that grading can sometimes interfere with the learning process. We want to focus on learning the techniques and utilizing the skills, not on grades. While grades can represent progress, they do not always reflect true learning. 

I am happy to consult with parents to provide feedback about assignments, student progress, or credits for high school transcripts. At the end of the year, I will provide achievement reports that aligns students' work with ELA Common Core standards for those who may need to transition to public school or for those who need transcript information for college entrance. 

Any further questions? Click the link below to email me: