A homeschool tutorial blends homeschooling with private schooling. Parents enroll kids in classes led by qualified teachers, meeting weekly while still homeschooling at home.
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. Classical education has seen a surge in popularity, with the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) reporting a 25% increase in member schools between 2020 and 2024 and growing adoption among homeschool families.
What is a homeschool tutorial?
A homeschool tutorial is a mix of homeschooling and private school. Parents sign up their kids for classes taught by experts. These classes usually happen once or twice a week. Unlike co-ops, where parents take turns teaching, tutorials hire professionals. You drop your kids off, and they learn subjects like algebra or chemistry. Between classes, kids do homework at home with parental support. Your family stays officially homeschooling, but tough subjects are handled by qualified instructors.
What subjects work best
Tutorials are great for subjects where parents may feel less confident. High school math, like algebra and calculus, is a top choice. Lab sciences, such as biology and chemistry, benefit from teachers who know how to guide experiments safely. Foreign languages work well too, especially if the parent isn't fluent. Writing, often tricky to teach, is also a common offering. Some tutorials even provide complete academic programs from kindergarten to graduation.
How Classical Conversations works
Classical Conversations is one of the most popular tutorial programs in the country. Their Foundations program, for grades K-6, meets weekly for 3 hours. They cover history, science, geography, grammar, Latin, math, and more. For grades 7-12, the Challenge program offers a six-strand approach, focusing on logic, grammar, research, debate, and reasoning. What sets Classical Conversations apart is its classical education philosophy and structured approach through the trivium stages.
Finding the right fit
Not all tutorials are the same. Some handle testing, grading, and transcripts, providing completion certificates. Others need more parent involvement at home beyond just homework. Before enrolling, ask about program expectations. How much work is needed between classes? What’s the teaching philosophy? Are there religious requirements? What are the teachers' qualifications? Visiting a sample class or field trip can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your family.
The bottom line
Tutorials provide a balanced option between full homeschool independence and traditional schooling. They let you outsource subjects where you may lack time or confidence while keeping your homeschool identity. Yes, they cost more than co-ops because you're paying for expertise. But for families with busy schedules or tough subjects, having a pro teach calculus can be the perfect solution while you maintain the overall educational vision.
