Growing Stars is an online tutoring service founded in 2004. It connects K-12 students with qualified tutors. The company says it has helped thousands of students improve their grades. Many parents report that their children gained confidence and higher test scores after tutoring. In this review we will look at ratings, pricing, and how Growing Stars compares to other tutoring options.
Growing Stars Reviews and Testimonials
Growing Stars has many positive testimonials on its own site. For example, one student said he raised his SAT score by 300 points after five years of tutoring. Another parent said tutors were “patient” and helped her daughter build a solid math foundation. In total, reviews note that tutors are knowledgeable and build confidence. However, some customers report technical glitches and cancellations. On BestCompany, one parent warned of “constant technical issues” and short sessions, while others complained of poor tutors or billing issues. Overall, experts rate Growing Stars as an affordable, legitimate choice for K-12 tutoring. It has a solid track record in grade school math and science, and many families trust it as a real tutoring program
Growing Stars Pricing
Pricing Range
Growing Stars offers monthly tutoring packages. For example, a package of 8 hours per month costs about $120 ($15/hour), and 4 hours costs $80 ($20/hour). These rates are quite low for online tutoring. In general, math and science tutors can charge anywhere from $15 to $80 per hour in the US. Growing Stars tutors all have master’s degrees, so more advanced subjects may cost more. Exact pricing can vary by grade and course. You can view up-to-date rates on the Growing Stars Pricing page.
What Students Say About Pricing
Many parents find Growing Stars pricing reasonable. One review notes that Growing Stars is “one of the more affordable tutoring companies” with “very fair” pricing. Another reviewer said their family was happy with how much they paid for each session. Compared to the industry average (often $40+ per hour), Growing Stars’ packages are lower cost. Some students feel the quality matches the price. However, a few found the subscription model confusing at first. Overall, users think Growing Stars is affordable for a personalized program.
Hidden Costs
Growing Stars is straightforward about fees. There are no sign-up or cancellation charges beyond the hourly rate. The main package cost covers all tutoring time. All sessions use the same monthly package hours. There are no hidden tools fees. If you cancel a lesson early, you lose that time. Growing Stars does have a 100% money-back guarantee for early sessions, which protects you if the service doesn’t work out. Other than regular package payments, we found no hidden costs noted in policies or reviews.
How Pricing Works
Customers pay by credit card or PayPal each month. You choose a set of hours in advance (e.g. 4 or 8 hours per month). The more hours you buy, the lower the hourly cost (e.g. $15 vs $20). There are also discounts for larger bundles. For example, some packages offer about 10% off when you buy a 50-hour block. Tutors are paid out of this fee (Growing Stars keeps a portion). You can upgrade or cancel in your account at any time. The company sometimes runs promotions or seasonal offers for new students.
Free Trial
Yes. Growing Stars offers a risk-free trial. New students get four one-hour sessions at no risk. If you do not continue after the trial, they give a full refund. This trial makes it easy to see if the tutor and style are a good fit. You can find details on their trial program in the FAQs on the site and the “Risk-Free Trial” page.
Refund Policy
Growing Stars has a clear money-back policy. They promise 100% refund if you cancel within the first four lessons or two weeks. This is well-documented on sites that review them. After that trial window, all sales are final (no prorated refunds for unused hours). This policy is stricter than some tutors (many companies do not refund at all). In practice, we saw that Growing Stars honors the trial refunds. Students report that it worked as promised in reviews. There are few complaints about unexpected charges due to this clear trial period.
Growing Stars Alternatives
Students and parents look at other tutoring options for comparison. Here are some top alternatives:
Wyzant
Wyzant is a large US-based tutor marketplace. Students can find tutors for almost any subject. Tutors set their own hourly rates (often $30–$70/hour. Wyzant itself adds a 25% platform fee on each lesson. Pros: very wide selection of tutors and subjects, flexible scheduling, and no monthly subscription fee. Cons: can be expensive due to fees, and tutor quality varies. Trustpilot feedback praises finding a good tutor quickly, but many warn about hidden platform fees and inconsistent teacher quality.
Chegg Tutors (Chegg Study)
Chegg Study is a subscription-based help service. For about $15–$30/month, students get homework answers, step-by-step solutions, and on-demand tutoring. Pros: 24/7 access to help in many subjects (homework, exam prep, writing, etc.). It also offers textbook rentals and college help. Cons: because it’s a flat subscription, students pay the fee even if they use it rarely. Several users complain about unclear charges and auto-renewal issues. Tutor quality also varies. Chegg is more of a self-study and homework resource than focused one-on-one tutoring.
My Engineering Buddy (MEB)
MEB is a platform geared toward higher-level and engineering courses. It serves students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and parts of the Middle East. Users report that MEB’s tutors are specialized for engineering, electronics, and advanced math. One user calls it “a very good platform for all engineering students”. The service claims nearly 100% of referrals come from word-of-mouth, and students rate it 5 stars. Pros: expert tutors in STEM fields, global reach, and reportedly fast support (24/7 helpline). Cons: as a newer/less-known service, it may not cover basic K-12 math or reading. Fees and payment are not as transparent. Overall, MEB excels for college-level technical subjects, while Growing Stars is focused on K-12 and test prep.
TutorMe
TutorMe is an on-demand tutoring site for many subjects. They pair students around the world with tutors instantly. Their online tools include whiteboards, text editors, and video chat. Each session is recorded and saved for review. Pros: 24/7 availability, modern interface, and many “qualified” tutors worldwide. Cons: it can be expensive on an hourly basis, and tutor quality is mixed (many are just college students). TutorMe is best if you need quick help at odd hours. It contrasts with Growing Stars, which uses scheduled weekly sessions and emphasizes consistency and oversight (education managers).
How it Works?
For Students
First, sign up online and describe your tutoring needs (subject, grade, goals). An education manager reviews your profile and matches you with a tutor. You schedule regular sessions (usually once or twice per week) using their online portal or phone. Before each lesson, your tutor is given your textbook and study materials to prepare. During the lesson, you work one-on-one via video chat and an online whiteboard. After each session, the manager tracks progress and sends reports to parents. Growing Stars handles all scheduling and billing automatically. It is very easy for students: just log in, click to schedule, and join the video lesson at the appointment time.
For Tutors
To become a Growing Stars tutor, you apply through their teaching jobs portal and submit your resume. Tutors must have a strong academic background (most have a Master’s or higher in their subject). New tutors train with GS on how to teach online and use the company’s system. They join as independent contractors and set their own hourly rate. Once approved, tutors may be assigned students by managers. Growing Stars tries to match tutors based on subject and student needs. Earnings vary with hours. Tutors can work from home and often teach a few sessions a day in after-school or evening slots. There is no guarantee of full-time hours. Indeed reviews give GS high marks (about 4.5/5 overall) for pay and flexibility. Some tutors report earning a good supplemental income (“payment mode is good”), but others note it may be hard to find steady students. Tips for tutors: be patient, offer extra help, and stay responsive. Good tutors get more referrals from parents. The work is liked for its schedule flexibility and support: one reviewer said, “Time and location flexibility” is a key positive. On the downside, some find the tutor base crowded, so building a reputation takes time. But many tutors enjoy helping kids and say the teaching managers and parents are supportive.
For Tutors – FAQs
- How do I set my tutoring rate? You propose your hourly rate when you apply. Experienced tutors often start around $25-40/hr, depending on subject. GS vetting may adjust your rate.
Expected earnings: Tutors report averages in the mid-$20s per hour. On Indeed, pay ratings are positive (4.2/5). Your actual hours depend on student demand. Many tutors work 10–20 hours/week, more if schedules allow. - How many hours can I work? There is no fixed schedule. You can teach as many hours as you can handle. In practice, demand may be low in summer or midday. One tutor review noted they asked for 15 hours/week but did not get that many students.
- How easy is it to get students? Growing Stars provides the student base (no cold-calling). The company assigns students to you. Building trust with parents is key: tutors who do well often get repeated bookings and referrals. Factors like time zone match and rapport matter. Overall, new tutors may start with a few students and grow from there.
- What do tutors like/dislike? Tutors on Glassdoor/Indeed praise GS for flexible hours and a supportive environment. They like that they can teach online from home. Some tutors say pay and benefits are decent. On the negative side, some wish for more technical tools or more students. A common complaint is having to wait for student assignments or dealing with last-minute cancellations. One review did praise GS as “a great company” with “good payment”. In summary, tutors enjoy the work-life balance but sometimes find the workload unpredictable.
Growing Stars Company Information
Growing Stars, Inc. was founded in 2004 by Biju Abraham Mathew. The company is based in California, USA, and its mission is to deliver personalized one-on-one online learning. It offers live tutoring for elementary through high school (and some AP/IB courses) in subjects like math, science, English, languages, test prep (SAT/ACT). As of now, it serves primarily US students (online). Their tutors are all certified educators with master’s degrees. A unique feature is that every student has an Education Manager to monitor progress. They also provide a parent portal for reports. Growing Stars claims to follow the exact school textbook used in class, keeping lessons aligned with the student’s curriculum. The company emphasizes high tutor quality and custom curriculum. Over the years, it has built a reputation as a proven, affordable tutoring program
USP of Growing Stars
- Master’s-Level Tutors: All tutors hold a master’s degree or higher in their subject, ensuring strong subject knowledge.
- Education Manager Assigned: Each student has an assigned manager to track progress and communicate with parents.
- Aligned Curriculum: Tutors use the exact school textbooks, so lessons match what students learn in class.
- Money-Back Guarantee: A 100% refund is offered if you cancel within the first four lessons, which is rare among tutors.
- Parent Portal: Online access to reports and assignments keeps parents informed of progress (claim on site).
Drawbacks of Growing Stars
- Grade Range: Only offers grades 3–12. No tutoring for Pre-K through 2nd grade or for college-level subjects.
- Online Tools Limited: Provides chat, video, and whiteboard, but lacks some features like file-sharing or tutor texting.
- Not 24/7: Tutors are typically available after school hours and weekends only. There is no on-demand or overnight support.
- Mixed Tutor Quality: While many tutors are excellent, some users report variability. A few parents complained of unprepared or ineffective tutors.
- Cancellation Policy: Sessions canceled last-minute are lost (no pro-rated credit beyond trial period). Some parents noted tech glitches leading to missed time.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is a competitor focused on engineering and college subjects. Compared to Growing Stars, MEB targets a different audience. While GS serves K-12 math, science, and test prep, MEB specializes in advanced engineering and technical coursework. MEB has a global reach (serving students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the Gulf), whereas Growing Stars is primarily US-focused. User reviews suggest MEB tutors are highly knowledgeable in STEM fields: one student called it “a great platform for all engineering students”. In contrast, Growing Stars is often praised by parents for helping school students gain confidence in math and science. Both companies say they use top tutors, but MEB emphasizes 24/7 support and fast refunds. Growing Stars excels in a structured K-12 program with dedicated progress tracking, while MEB excels in flexible, expert help for college engineering classes.
Customer Support and Policies
Growing Stars provides an education manager and regular progress reports, and users often find the support responsive. They have clear refund and trial policies. If issues arise, parents can get prompt help. By contrast, MEB advertises 24/7 helpline support and quick refunds, suggesting very responsive service. However, independent reviews of MEB’s support are limited. In summary, both companies claim strong tutor support, but Growing Stars is better documented on refunds and guarantees, while MEB reviewers mention 24/7 help positively.
Global Reach and Localization
Growing Stars serves students mainly in the United States (English only). Its materials and tutors are focused on US curricula. My Engineering Buddy, by contrast, serves multiple regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Gulf region). It also operates in English, but may cater to international engineering courses. Overall, GS is a US-market service, whereas MEB has a more global footprint. Neither platform currently offers service in other languages besides English.
Growing Stars’ Future Plans
No official roadmap is published, but industry trends suggest GS may add more technology. For example, AI-driven tutoring is on the rise: intelligent tutoring systems can tailor lessons to each student’s pace and provide adaptive tests. Growing Stars may integrate such AI tools to make lessons more personalized. They may also expand subjects (more AP/IB courses) or offer mobile apps. In 2024-2025, online tutoring firms are focusing on virtual classrooms and data analytics. Growing Stars could partner with schools or add college-level programs. We’ll watch for any announcements on new tech or courses. (As of mid-2025, their blog and press releases still highlight one-on-one tutoring and summer programs.)
FAQs About Growing Stars
- Is Growing Stars legit and effective? Yes. Founded in 2004, Growing Stars has helped thousands of students. It is a real, established tutoring company. Customers generally report improved grades and confidence after tutoring. Experts recommend it for K-12 tutoring.
- How much does Growing Stars cost? Pricing is by monthly package. Rates start around $15–$20 per hour for basic packages. Advanced subjects or smaller-hour packages cost more. There are no signup fees. Compare this to typical tutor rates ($30–$80/hr: Growing Stars is quite affordable.
- Does Growing Stars offer a free trial? Yes. They provide up to four one-hour trial sessions. If you cancel during the trial (first 4 sessions or 2 weeks), you get a full refund. This guarantee is uncommon and helps students try it risk-free.
- What subjects does Growing Stars cover? Growing Stars tutors cover K-12 math, science, English, social studies, languages, and test prep (SAT, ACT, AP). They follow common school curricula. The tutor will use the same textbook your child uses in class. They do not currently cover college courses.
- How do I become a Growing Stars tutor? You apply online via their “Teaching Jobs” page. Tutors must have at least a bachelor’s degree, usually a master’s in the subject. After an interview and training, you can start taking students. Pay is per hour you teach; you submit availability and can often teach after school or weekends.
- How does Growing Stars compare to My Engineering Buddy? Growing Stars is tailored for K-12 and SAT/ACT subjects, using certified K-12 teachers. My Engineering Buddy targets college-level engineering courses and has a global student base. Growing Stars has a money-back guarantee and works at scheduled times; MEB offers 24/7 on-demand help with specialized tutors. In short, use GS for grade school subjects and exams, and consider MEB for advanced engineering tutoring.
Conclusion
Growing Stars is a well-established K-12 tutoring service with mostly positive feedback. It offers affordable packages, a clear guarantee, and qualified tutors. Customers praise its impact on grades and confidence. However, some report tech issues or mixed tutor quality. My Engineering Buddy is a strong alternative, especially for college or engineering students. It has a global reach and 24/7 help. In summary, Growing Stars is a legit choice for school-age tutoring, and MEB is a good option if you need advanced STEM help.
