A qualified tutor is someone who gives private lessons to students under specific state laws. This is different from traditional homeschooling, where parents teach their kids directly.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What is a qualified tutor?
A qualified tutor is someone who provides private instruction to a child. This is a legal path that’s different from traditional homeschooling. In states like California, Alabama, Virginia, and Florida, families can educate their kids under a 'private tutor' law instead of homeschooling laws. The main difference? Homeschool laws apply to parent-led education, while tutor laws usually need a certified teacher. Interestingly, families using certified tutors often have fewer requirements. For instance, in Virginia, you don’t need to file an annual notice or do an end-of-year assessment if you have an approved tutor.
Qualified tutor vs. certified teacher
These terms can be tricky. A 'qualified tutor' is usually a certified instructor under state law. But many great homeschool tutors help families without certification. They teach under the family’s homeschool coverage, not the tutor law. Whether you need certification depends on your family's choice. It’s also worth noting that experienced homeschool parents often do better than certified teachers in one-on-one settings. Classroom strategies don’t always work in home learning.
Parent qualification requirements
For parents who lead homeschooling, rules vary a lot. Thirty-six states don’t require any formal qualifications. Eleven states do require a high school diploma or GED, like Ohio, Tennessee, and Washington. Some states have workarounds for parents without these qualifications. The tutor option is a good alternative for families who want to homeschool but don’t meet their state’s parent requirements. It’s also useful for certified teachers who want a simpler way to comply.
The bottom line
Choosing a qualified tutor can be a great but often overlooked option for homeschooling families. If you’re a certified teacher thinking about homeschooling, check if your state’s tutor laws can make things easier. For families hiring tutors for extra help, remember this usually falls under your regular homeschool coverage. Always double-check your state’s specific rules through HSLDA or your state homeschool organization before deciding on a legal path.
