GradePower Learning Reviews, Alternatives, Pricing, Offerings in 2025
GradePower Learning is a tutoring franchise offering one-on-one programs for K–12 students (with a college prep program). It uses a proprietary cognitive learning approach to build thinking skills. This article provides detailed facts about GradePower Learning for students and parents comparing tutoring options in 2025.
GradePower Learning Reviews and Testimonials
GradePower Learning Official Website (Testimonials): The company’s site shows parent testimonials. For example, a parent praised the program for boosting a child’s confidence and coping skills. No negative comments appear on the site, only positive quotes. The site does not list a numerical rating or total reviews.
Indeed (Tutor/Employee Reviews): On Indeed, GradePower Learning is rated highly (around 4.6/5 in reviews by current/former tutors). Tutors praise the supportive culture and training. One tutor said, “Leadership is great and supportive… environment was enjoyable”. They also note perks like options for remote and in-person teaching. The main complaint is that positions are typically part-time: one review mentioned wishing for “full time work” since tutoring is part-time. Overall, employee feedback is positive about management and teaching approach.
Better Business Bureau (Pelham, AL):: The Pelham, AL GradePower center has an A+ BBB rating. No customer complaints are listed. An A+ rating suggests good business practices, but BBB listings do not show actual user reviews, just accreditation status.
Facebook/Yelp Reviews (Various Centers): Many local GradePower locations have social media pages. For example, one Texas center shows 8 reviews (100% recommend on Facebook) and Yelp pages show mostly 5-star ratings. Parents often highlight improved grades and student confidence. We found no common negative themes in these local reviews beyond general comments about price or scheduling. (No reliable link was available for public citation.)
Is GradePower Learning legit? Yes. The BBB profile’s A+ rating and the numerous positive testimonials suggest it’s a legitimate company. It’s a long-running franchise (founded in 1984) and has real, positive student and tutor feedback. There is no evidence of scams. GradePower appears to be a credible tutoring provider.
GradePower Learning Pricing
Pricing Range
GradePower Learning advertises a “competitive hourly rate consistent with industry”. They do not list exact prices publicly. Based on industry norms (often ~$30–60 USD per hour), we estimate GradePower’s rates might fall in a similar range. The cost likely varies by subject, location, and tutor qualification. Payment plans are offered. (Check their pricing page for more info.)
All services (1:1 tutoring, test prep, enrichment) use similar per-session pricing. There is no separate pricing chart for each program. The FAQ notes “programs cover every subject at fair prices”. Thus, a math session costs roughly the same as an English or SAT prep session, set by each local center.
For example, GradePower states its rates match other tutoring services. By comparison, many online tutors charge \$35–60/hr. So GradePower’s pricing appears aligned with these market averages. We did not find any published tutor commissions; as a franchise, it likely pays tutors an hourly wage rather than taking a commission percentage.
What students say about GradePower’s pricing
We did not find major complaints specifically about cost on review sites. GradePower claims its rates are competitive. Given typical tutoring prices (some competitors list \$35–60/hr), GradePower’s fees seem reasonable. In absence of explicit user feedback on price, we infer that most families accept the cost. Anecdotally, online comments focus more on teaching quality than price, suggesting the pricing is generally viewed as fair for personalized tutoring.
Hidden costs
No obvious hidden fees were identified. We saw no mention of a separate registration or material fee. GradePower’s centers accept payment up front or in installments. The main policy note is that they have a 30-day cancellation requirement. In practice, prepaid hours are used first and any unused balance is refunded at the center’s standard rate. We found no evidence of unexpected add-ons; most costs come from the sessions themselves.
How GradePower’s pricing works
GradePower centers accept major credit cards, checks, or payment plans. Families usually prepay for packages (e.g. a block of weekly sessions). There is no pay-later subscription or monthly auto-charge mentioned. We found no reference to group discounts, special rates (for military, etc.), or promotional codes on their site. It appears to be simple pay-per-session or package pricing. (Most locations allow scheduling flexibility but require paying for the hours in advance.)
Free Trial
GradePower Learning does not offer a free trial. Their website makes no mention of trial sessions or free lessons, and we found no third-party offers for a free class. New students typically begin with a paid diagnostic assessment session, which is the normal starting point (no “free first class” is advertised).
Refund policy
Officially, unused prepaid tutoring hours are prorated and refunded upon request. One BBB entry notes that prepaid hours are recalculated at the standard rate and any remainder is refunded per center policy. There is no broad “money-back guarantee” publicly stated. In reviews, some parents reported difficulty getting refunds. For example, one local review (not an official source) said a refund request was handled poorly. Overall, the policy seems to be that any refund is processed through the franchise location, and users should confirm the details with their center. We found no evidence of deceptive overcharging, but because the policy is handled locally, experiences may vary.
GradePower Learning Alternatives
Students often compare GradePower Learning to other tutoring platforms. Here are some popular alternatives:
Wyzant
Pros : Wyzant is a large US marketplace of private tutors with no fixed curriculum. Tutors set their own rates and keep 75% of the fee:. It offers a huge range of subjects (all ages, including college and grad school) and flexible in-person or online lessons. It has a “good fit guarantee” (full refund of the first hour if the tutor isn’t a fit). Students can browse tutor profiles, ratings, and hourly rates directly.
Cons : Wyzant’s rates vary widely ($30–$300/hr), so quality tutors can be expensive. Because it’s a marketplace, tutor quality is inconsistent (reviews note “variable quality”). Wyzant has no structured program or proprietary method – it relies entirely on the individual tutor. Unlike GradePower, there is no diagnostic assessment or centralized curriculum (you just negotiate directly with your tutor).
Varsity Tutors
Pros : Varsity Tutors offers one-on-one and group tutoring across a wide range of subjects, including test prep (SAT/ACT, AP, etc.). They provide structured prep classes and bundles. Pricing is transparent in many cases; private tutoring sessions cost about $70–$100 per hour (often lower if bundled with a class). Varsity has a customer guarantee: if you’re unhappy they will reassign a new tutor. They serve K–12 and college students nationwide.
Cons : Varsity Tutors can be costly. Their one-on-one sessions are generally more expensive than many local tutors (≈$70–$100/hr). They typically require payment in advance for packages or monthly plans. Some users find scheduling and rescheduling sessions less flexible. For basic K–8 subjects, Varsity’s strength is more at the high school/college level, so younger students may find GradePower’s local and cognitive-focused approach more tailored.
UniversityTutor
Pros : UniversityTutor connects students with tutors worldwide (tutors keep 100% of the fee). It covers many college-level subjects (math, science, languages, test prep, etc.) and even high school topics. Tutors set their own hourly rates, typically between $10 and $60, making it potentially cheaper than GradePower. There are no platform fees taken from the tutor’s price. This site is easy to use and has a broad tutor pool.
Cons : Because tutors work independently, the quality and experience can vary widely. There’s no standardized training or curriculum – it’s up to each tutor to teach. Also, UniversityTutor does not provide in-center or offline assessments. It may be better for one-off homework help or college courses, whereas GradePower offers a cohesive, year-long program with monitoring. Payment is pay-as-you-go, which can be good value but requires more planning by the student.
My Engineering Buddy
Pros : My Engineering Buddy (MEB) specializes in advanced STEM and engineering tutoring worldwide. It offers pay-as-you-go online sessions with top-rated tutors. Students on Trustpilot praise the quality: one said the physics tutor “makes tough problems easy to understand”. Another noted MEB’s pricing is “fair and stress-free”. MEB has high user satisfaction (4.7/5) and tutors often have strong academic backgrounds. It also offers flexible scheduling 24/7 and support via WhatsApp, which can be convenient for global students.
Cons : As a newer platform, MEB’s tutor pool is smaller and focused mostly on college-level STEM. It doesn’t cover as many general K–12 subjects as GradePower. Some parts of the world may have fewer local tutors. Also, GradePower has physical centers and in-person support, which MEB does not. Overall, MEB is geared toward university and engineering students, while GradePower focuses on K–12 and cognitive skill building.
In summary, each alternative has trade-offs. Wyzant and UniversityTutor offer more price flexibility but require careful tutor selection. Varsity Tutors provides robust test-prep but at a higher cost. My Engineering Buddy stands out for advanced STEM help and global reach. Students should compare subjects, prices, and teaching style when choosing an alternative.
How it Works?
A. For Students
Students start by contacting GradePower Learning (online or by phone) to arrange an assessment. Every new student takes a “Dynamic Assessment” – a two-hour diagnostic test that identifies the student’s strengths and weaknesses. Based on this, GradePower creates a custom learning plan. Then the student is matched with a qualified tutor who uses the GradePower curriculum.
Tutoring sessions can take place at a GradePower center or online via their Virtual Table™ platform. Parents schedule a series of sessions (e.g. two 1-hour classes per week is common. GradePower centers generally operate after school hours (around 4–8pm on weekdays and Saturday mornings). Students attend regular sessions according to the plan, and tutors report progress back to parents.
B. For Tutors
Tutors interested in joining must apply through GradePower’s Careers page. The company posts openings on its website and directs applicants to a TalentNest application portal. Available positions are usually part-time tutoring roles (as shown by recent postings).
GradePower requires tutors to have strong knowledge in their subject and often a college degree. If hired, tutors receive training in the GradePower Learning system (the company states all tutors are fully trained in its methods). Pay is hourly; according to reviews, tutors earn roughly \$20–\$25 per hour. Tutors then deliver the one-on-one sessions and follow the student’s plan developed from the diagnostic assessment. To get started, tutors can visit GradePower’s Careers page and apply for positions at local centers.
FAQs
Q: Can tutors set up their own fee or is it fixed by the company?
A: Tutors at GradePower Learning are typically hired as employees by each franchise, so they do not set their own hourly rates. Instead, each GradePower center sets tutoring fees and pays tutors an hourly wage (usually around \$20–\$25/hour. This is unlike freelance sites where tutors set rates themselves.
Q: How much can a GradePower tutor expect to earn per hour?
A: Salaries vary by center, but publicly available data suggests tutors earn in the low \$20s per hour. For example, Indeed.com reports GradePower Learning tutor pay around \$20.30/hr (with some variation). Some specialized tutors (e.g. test prep) might earn slightly more, but in general most tutors are paid in the \$20–\$25 range.
Q: How many tutoring hours per month can a tutor get?
A: Tutoring hours depend on demand at each center. Most GradePower tutors work part-time. The company notes that typical students take about 2 one-hour sessions per week. If a tutor teaches three or four students at that rate, they might work ~25–30 hours per month. However, since centers are small, tutors often have only a few sessions per week. Indeed reviews suggest many tutors wish for more full-time hours, implying most roles are limited to part-time (10–20 hours per week maximum).
Q: Is it easy for tutors to get students?
A: GradePower Learning centers usually recruit students and then assign them to available tutors. If you are on staff, you generally get students through the center’s enrollment processes (as opposed to sourcing them yourself). Tutors in small centers might have only a few students each. Some tutors report that active centers will provide students regularly, while others mention some downtime between clients. Building good relationships with parents and performing well can help a tutor get more assignments.
Q: Tips on how to get more students as a GradePower tutor?
A: Focus on teaching excellence and communication. GradePower suggests that successful tutors build trust with parents and deliver noticeable results (improved grades or confidence). Ask for feedback reports from parents to show improvement. Offer to teach additional subjects or extend hours. Participating in center events or open houses can help you meet more families. Since centers often rely on word-of-mouth, getting positive referrals from happy parents is one of the best ways to get more students.
Q: What do tutors like about GradePower Learning?
A: Tutors often cite a positive, supportive environment. For example, one tutor review said the owners and staff “are very caring and helpful to students”. Many enjoy that GradePower provides lesson materials and a clear framework, so tutors can focus on teaching. Reviews mention nice scheduling flexibility (in-person and online options) and the rewarding feeling of helping kids improve. Also, being part of a team with a set curriculum can be helpful.
Q: What do tutors dislike about GradePower Learning?
A: The most common complaint is the lack of full-time hours. Tutors repeatedly note that all positions are part-time; as one review put it, “tutoring is on its own part-time”. Some tutors feel they want more hours or a more stable schedule. Others mention limited career advancement since the centers are small franchises. In summary, most negatives relate to schedule and growth opportunities, rather than the teaching itself.
Q: What grade levels does GradePower Learning serve?
A: GradePower caters to children from preschool through 12th grade. They offer programs like “Little Readers” for ages 3–6 and “Beyond Tutoring” for grades 1–8, plus an “Advantage” program for 9th–12th graders. They also have a College Prep program. So essentially any K–12 student (and some college prep) can be served.
Q: Does GradePower Learning offer online tutoring?
A: Yes. In addition to in-center lessons, GradePower has an online platform called Virtual Table™ where students can meet tutors via video and digital whiteboard. This allows students to receive the same one-on-one tutoring from home with qualified GradePower tutors.
Q: Is GradePower Learning a franchise?
A: Yes. GradePower Learning is a franchise system. It started franchising in the early 1990s. Today there are roughly 150 GradePower centers in the U.S. and Canada. Each center is independently owned but follows the corporate curriculum and methods.
Q: What subjects does GradePower offer?
A: GradePower covers all core school subjects. Their menu lists reading, writing, math, English, and science tutoring. They also provide study skills and homework help. Specialty test prep includes SAT/ACT and SSAT coaching. Essentially, they offer help in any subject a K–12 student would take in school.
GradePower Learning: Company Information
GradePower Learning was founded in 1984 by Nick Whitehead and a team of cognitive scientists and educators. They aimed to create a new way of teaching that emphasizes thinking skills. (Lenka Whitehead currently serves as President) Their mission is to teach students “how to learn,” not just what to learn. They emphasize building lifelong learning skills through their programs.
The company is headquartered in London, Ontario, Canada. It has a franchise network across North America. As of 2020, GradePower had about 153 centers (mostly in the US and Canada). Currently, there are over 20 locations in the U.S. The franchise employees around 25 corporate staff, and the total number of tutors is not stated but likely in the hundreds across all centers.
GradePower offers primarily one-on-one tutoring (in-center and online). Other services include cognitive learning assessments, test prep (SAT/ACT, SSAT), homework help, and group workshops. They call their teaching method “cognitive learning,” focusing on critical thinking, executive function, and learning strategies. All GradePower tutors are specially trained in this method.
Major subjects covered include Reading, Writing, Math, English, and Science, plus study skills and reasoning. (For example, their website shows programs in Reading, Writing, Math, English, Science and homework help) They also offer English language (ELL) tutoring and summer learning programs. The unique feature is the Cognitive Learning System – an interactive teaching approach developed in-house. Each student starts with a Dynamic Assessment to personalize the tutoring.
USP of GradePower Learning
- Cognitive Learning Focus: GradePower promotes a proprietary cognitive learning method that goes beyond regular tutoring. They claim this “GradePower Learning Way” teaches children how to learn and build critical thinking. This matches parent testimonials about confidence and problem-solving gains.
- Personalized Diagnostic Testing: Every student begins with a detailed Dynamic Assessment. This is a unique selling point – the company claims it tailors the program to each child’s needs. User feedback suggests students receive tailored plans (unlike generic tutoring).
- Trained Tutor Staff: GradePower advertises that all tutors are fully trained in their methods. Indeed, tutors note supportive management and use of provided materials, indicating the company delivers on training its staff as promised.
- Wide Subject Range: The curriculum covers basic school subjects plus test prep (SAT/ACT, SSAT, etc). Parents can find help for any K–12 topic under one roof, which the company highlights as a benefit. This versatility generally holds true according to online program listings.
Drawbacks of GradePower Learning
- Limited College-Level Support: GradePower is focused on K–12 education. It offers test prep for college entrance but does not tutor college courses. Advanced university subjects may require finding another service. In that sense it may not meet needs for college or professional exam tutoring.
- Variable Quality Across Centers: As a franchise system, the student experience can differ by location. We found some centers rated highly, others less so. This may cause inconsistency in tutor quality and center management.
- No Transparent Pricing or Guarantees: GradePower does not publish flat rates or a clear refund guarantee. Their pricing is by custom package, which can make it hard to know cost upfront. Anecdotal reviews suggest there is no strong “money-back” promise after services begin.
- Part-Time Tutor Base: Many tutor reviews note that teaching roles are part-time. This limits how many hours a student might get with one tutor and could lead to more turnover or travel between tutors for students.
- Regional Availability: GradePower’s 20+ centers are all in North America. It does not serve other countries. In contrast, some online platforms operate globally.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is a global online tutoring service focused on advanced STEM subjects. Compared to GradePower, MEB typically offers more depth in college-level topics (especially engineering, physics, economics). Students report that MEB’s tutors explain complex concepts clearly – for example, one review praised a physics tutor for making tough problems “easy to understand”. MEB uses a pay-as-you-go model (no required packages), and students call its pricing “fair and stress-free”. By contrast, GradePower uses pre-paid session packages. GradePower does not have a guaranteed global reach – it’s mostly North American – whereas MEB explicitly serves students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf countries. Testimonials for MEB emphasize its knowledgeable tutors and good value. In summary, MEB excels in high-level STEM and flexible pricing, while GradePower offers a structured K–12 program with local center support.
Customer Support and Policies
GradePower provides support primarily through its local learning centers. Students can call or email their center during business hours (we did not find any mention of 24/7 support). The company’s official policy states unused prepaid hours are refunded on a prorated basis, but no money-back guarantee beyond that is offered. In practice, some parents have reported difficulty obtaining refunds (suggesting support may vary by franchise). My Engineering Buddy, by contrast, offers around-the-clock online support (students can contact tutors or staff via WhatsApp), which may be more responsive for international students. GradePower does not have multilingual support – it operates in English in North America – whereas MEB caters to a global audience.
Global Reach and Localization
GradePower Learning is primarily North American in scope. The company has over 20 U.S. centers and an unspecified number in Canada. All services are in English. It does not target non-English-speaking markets or offer translation. In contrast, My Engineering Buddy explicitly supports students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf countries. MEB also recruits tutors globally, so it can connect students with tutors across different time zones. Therefore, GradePower’s platform is regional (primarily USA/Canada) with no international localization, whereas MEB is built for global access.
GradePower Learning’s Future Plans
One notable development is GradePower’s use of AI for personalized learning. A franchise blog describes how tutors are experimenting with AI tools to analyze student data and customize practice exercises. Teachers still review and adapt any AI-generated content, but this shows GradePower exploring AI-driven tutoring aids. Beyond AI, there are no major announced new services. GradePower may continue expanding its existing programs (e.g. more centers or more online resources). However, we found no public announcements of new curricula or technology except the ongoing enhancement of their Virtual Table and cognitive programs.
FAQs About GradePower Learning
How does GradePower Learning compare to My Engineering Buddy?
GradePower focuses on younger students (K–12) with a franchise model, while My Engineering Buddy targets higher-level STEM tutoring globally. GradePower uses in-person centers and a diagnostic assessment, whereas MEB is fully online with flexible scheduling. MEB’s tutors tend to be experts in advanced subjects (engineering, math) and have earned high satisfaction scores. GradePower’s tutors are trained for K–12 learning strategies. In general, students choose GradePower for structured local programs and MEB for specialized college-level help.
Does GradePower Learning offer help for college courses?
GradePower’s offerings are mainly K–12. It provides SAT/ACT and college entrance prep, but not tutoring for regular college coursework. If a student needs help with university subjects, services like My Engineering Buddy or university tutoring sites might be better.
Are GradePower tutors certified teachers?
GradePower tutors are often college graduates and many have teaching experience, but the company does not require formal teaching certificates across the board. They do require tutors to complete training in the GradePower teaching method. Requirements vary by franchise; some centers seek candidates with education or subject majors.
What is GradePower’s cancellation policy?
GradePower states it has a 30-day cancellation policy. Families typically need to give a 30-day notice to cancel continuing lessons. Any prepaid hours would then be used or refunded. Always check with your local center, as franchisees handle cancellations according to their own policy within that guideline.
How many GradePower locations are there?
As of now, GradePower has about 150 centers in North America. Over 20 of these are in the United States. Most other centers are in Canada. The company is mostly regional; it does not have international branches outside the US/Canada.
Does GradePower offer group classes?
GradePower does offer some group programs and workshops (such as summer camps and enrichment classes), but its core service is one-to-one tutoring. Most of the website information and pricing refers to individualized sessions. Group classes (like summer programs) may be available at certain times of year or specific locations.
What technology does GradePower use?
GradePower uses a proprietary online platform called the Virtual Table™ for tutoring sessions. This is an interactive whiteboard/video system that lets students work with a tutor on a shared virtual workspace. They do not currently have a mobile app or AI chatbot service for students (though they are experimenting with AI behind the scenes for planning).
Conclusion
GradePower Learning’s strengths are its well-structured K–12 tutoring programs and cognitive learning approach. It offers personalized attention and has generally positive reviews from parents and tutors. The main weaknesses are its regional focus (North America only) and lack of transparent pricing or guarantees. My Engineering Buddy (and other competitors) often excel in global reach and advanced STEM expertise. For students needing complex subjects or flexible online help, MEB and similar platforms may be better. But for school-age children wanting in-person support and skill-building, GradePower remains a viable option.
