Schoolhouse Reviews, Alternatives, Pricing, & Offerings in 2025
Schoolhouse offers free online tutoring. Students can join live help sessions in math, science, SAT prep, and more. In this article we cover what learners say about Schoolhouse, its pricing, how it works, and alternatives like My Engineering Buddy (MEB).
Reviews and Testimonials
Users praise Schoolhouse for its organized, engaging sessions and free access. For example, a parent on the Schoolhouse site said the tutoring was “excellent” with “very organized, useful” help in key topics. Community forums confirm Schoolhouse is legitimate (it was started by Sal Khan of Khan Academy) and free. One user blog notes Schoolhouse provides “free, peer-to-peer tutoring from anywhere in the world”. Tutors on the platform report positive ratings; one SAT tutor profile mentioned having “70 positive reviews through schoolhouse.world”. On the other hand, some note that because tutors are volunteer students, quality can vary by session. Overall, most agree Schoolhouse is a real service offering free help – so is Schoolhouse legit? Yes, it’s a legitimate platform backed by known educators.
Pricing
Pricing Range
Schoolhouse.world does not charge students anything. Tutoring sessions are free to join. In fact, you don’t need to pay for anything; students just sign up for a session or series without any cost. There are no pricing tiers or packages – it is $0 for all users.
What Students Say About Pricing
Many students and parents love that Schoolhouse is free. On Reddit, one user explained that you “don’t need to pay for anything” and can simply sign up for SAT prep sessions at no cost. Others note that the free access is a big benefit compared to paid tutors. Reviews on the Schoolhouse site also thank volunteers for providing valuable help at no charge.
Hidden Costs
There are no hidden fees on Schoolhouse. All tutoring services are offered at zero cost, so students do not pay subscription or extra charges. Since it’s free, there are no surprise costs for materials or time.
How Pricing Works
Because Schoolhouse is free, there is no pricing structure or payment plan. Sessions are funded by donations and volunteers. Tutors and learners simply register and join sessions without any billing. In short, pricing works by always being free.
Free Trial
Schoolhouse does not need a trial – it is entirely free from the start. You can join and use the platform right away without signing up for a trial.
Refund Policy
There is no refund policy because students never pay. Since sessions cost $0, refunds are not needed.
Schoolhouse Alternatives
Besides Schoolhouse, there are many tutoring platforms that offer both free and paid services. Below are some strong alternatives worth considering depending on your learning needs and budget.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors offers one-on-one, on-demand help from rigorously screened professionals. Students can get matched with qualified tutors for various subjects, from elementary school to college-level courses. Prices generally range from $40 to $60 per hour. The platform also includes features like instant messaging, whiteboard sharing, and recorded sessions.
Tutor.com
Tutor.com is another premium service offering 24/7 academic help from certified professionals. It’s backed by The Princeton Review and provides support in a broad range of subjects. Like Varsity Tutors, hourly charges often start at $40, and the service is widely used by schools and libraries across the US.
Wyzant
Wyzant is a tutoring marketplace where students can browse and select tutors based on price, experience, subject, and student ratings. Tutors set their own hourly rates, which typically range from $20 to over $100 per hour depending on their qualifications. Wyzant is popular for its flexible booking and pay-as-you-go model.
Skooli
Skooli connects students to licensed teachers and subject matter experts in real time. It’s great for students looking for academic support in math, science, English, and more. Tutors are paid by the minute, with sessions typically starting around $0.82 per minute (~$50/hr).
Khan Academy
While Khan Academy does not offer live tutoring, it provides a large library of free, high-quality video lessons and practice exercises across subjects like math, science, SAT, and economics. It’s a great self-paced learning platform ideal for students who prefer independent study.
My Engineering Buddy (MEB)
My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is a specialized tutoring platform that focuses on advanced STEM topics for college and university students. Founded in 2008, MEB offers 1-on-1 live tutoring, assignment help, exam prep, and project support in over 100 engineering and math subjects. Tutors are carefully selected for their expertise, and the platform reports a student satisfaction rate of over 97%. Services are especially tailored for students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf countries.
How It Works
Students
Students can join Schoolhouse.world by creating a free account. After signing up, they browse or request tutoring in subjects they need help with. Learners can join scheduled small-group sessions (or one-on-one if available) led by certified student tutors. For example, students often find help in high school math and SAT prep at no cost. Sessions run live via video chat and whiteboard. Students just log in, choose a subject, and attend the free session; no payment or complex scheduling is needed.
Tutors
To become a tutor, one must sign up on Schoolhouse and get certified in a subject. The certification process involves choosing a topic (often a Khan Academy unit), passing a test with at least 90% while recording your work on video. The video and results are then reviewed by peers. Once approved, tutors receive training on how to run sessions. Tutors must be at least 13 years old, but they do not need a formal degree. After training, tutors can host sessions on any schedule. They list topics they know and open live sessions or series for students. As Schoolhouse notes, tutors “host sessions on your own schedule, in topics you know”. The community of volunteer tutors supports each other by peer-reviewing and mentoring. In short, tutors sign up, certify their skills via a quiz-and-video, then open free help sessions for learners.
Tutor FAQs
Q: How do I make money tutoring on Schoolhouse? Schoolhouse tutors are volunteers. There is no pay or payment — sessions are free for learners. Instead of money, tutors gain experience and volunteer hours. Many tutors cite the joy of helping others and the credential (Schoolhouse certificate) as benefits.
Q: Can I set my own hours? Yes. Tutors set their own schedule. Many runs short sessions (often 20 minutes each) with breaks in between. Tutors post a series of sessions at times that suit them. Schoolhouse’s motto is to “host sessions on your own schedule”. This makes tutoring flexible, though you should keep your commitment so students can plan.
Q: Do students leave reviews? Yes. Students can rate and review tutors after sessions. For instance, one SAT tutor noted having “70 positive reviews” from learners on Schoolhouse. These ratings help tutors build their reputation. Tutors often highlight such positive feedback in their profiles.
Q: What are the pros and cons of being a tutor? Pros: You help others and build skills. You earn a recognized Schoolhouse certificate for topics you master. You get experience (and possibly volunteering credentials for college applications) as noted by users. Sessions are short and you choose the time. Cons: There is no pay, and demand can vary. Quality of interactions can differ since everyone is learning. Also, Schoolhouse is not meant for professional tutoring careers—tutoring is for volunteers who enjoy teaching.
Q: Any tips for new tutors? Make sure you complete your subject certification fully. Host sessions regularly and advertise them in the community. Be prepared and friendly during sessions. Using the Schoolhouse training on online safety and communication (required for tutors) will help you run respectful, useful sessions.
Schoolhouse Company Information
Founding: Schoolhouse.world was created by Sal Khan (founder of Khan Academy) and Shishir Mehrotra (founder of Coda) in 2020. It started as a pilot during the COVID-19 pandemic and relaunched in January 2021.
Mission: The platform’s vision is to connect learners worldwide with peer tutoring opportunities. Schoolhouse says it aims to give “learners safe, equitable opportunities to learn, teach, and grow”. In practice, it provides free tutoring and even certificates to students around the globe.
Services and Subjects: Schoolhouse offers small-group live tutoring sessions in academic subjects. Key offerings include SAT prep, college admissions workshops, math labs, science help, and discussion clubs. In fact, learners can attend sessions on “hundreds of topics” from algebra to biology, and earn mastery certificates. The platform also runs special programs like SAT® bootcamps and college workshops. All services are online and free.
Unique Features (USPs): Schoolhouse’s standout features include: no cost to users, global volunteer tutors, and an online certification system. Tutors demonstrate mastery in a subject (via tests) and earn shareable Schoolhouse certificates. These certificates are even accepted by some universities (e.g. MIT and UChicago) as proof of achievement. The peer-based model also builds a community – users often report feeling part of a supportive global network.
Drawbacks: Because all tutors are volunteers, quality varies from one session to another. Some users note that Schoolhouse focuses mostly on high school and test prep subjects, so it may not cover very advanced college topics. Also, there is no guaranteed one-on-one private tutor; most help is in group workshops. Finally, since it is free, there is less formal accountability and no earnings for tutors. In short, it’s great for free peer help, but it may not replace paid tutoring for specialized or advanced needs.
Schoolhouse vs My Engineering Buddy (MEB)
Schoolhouse and My Engineering Buddy serve different students. Schoolhouse.world is free and volunteer-run, focusing on general math, SAT and high-school topics. In contrast, MEB is a paid service specifically for STEM and engineering courses at the college level. MEB claims rigorous, credentialed tutors and has served thousands of engineering students with a 97% satisfaction rate. If you need quick free help or study groups, Schoolhouse is useful. But for in-depth one-on-one help in advanced engineering subjects, MEB’s focused platform and expert tutors may be a better fit.
Customer Support and Policies
Schoolhouse.world provides an online Help Desk for any issues or questions. Users are instructed to contact user support via the Schoolhouse Help Desk if they have concerns. The platform also has clear rules: tutors must complete training on online safety and respectful teaching. All participants agree to terms that forbid cheating or abuse. In practice, sessions and chats are monitored by staff to keep learning safe. Schoolhouse has a published Privacy Policy and Terms of Service (accessible from its site footer) to guide all users.
Global Reach and Localization
Schoolhouse.world is global. As of 2024, it reports over 180 countries of users, with around 18,000 volunteer tutors and 140,000 learners worldwide. The platform is primarily in English, but it aims to serve students everywhere. Tutors and students join from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Gulf countries, and beyond. (For example, Sal Khan noted reaching 100,000 learners across the globe in 2024.) Localizing in other languages may grow in the future, but currently most sessions are in English or with bilingual volunteers.
Future Plans
Schoolhouse is planning more tech and programs ahead. They are already integrating AI to improve learning. For example, Schoolhouse uses AI tools to give tutors automated feedback after sessions and to moderate content for safety. They also run research studies to refine these tools. Beyond AI, Schoolhouse is expanding program offerings: new interactive Math learning labs and college-admissions workshops were launched in 2024. We can expect more similar programs (like AP prep or coding workshops). Other likely developments include mobile apps for learning on the go, more subjects added (like humanities or languages), and deeper partnerships with schools. In short, Schoolhouse plans to use technology (like AI and new apps) and global partnerships to reach more students in coming years.
FAQs About Schoolhouse
Q: Is Schoolhouse.world free to use? Yes. Schoolhouse.world is completely free for students and tutors. There is no subscription or payment required. All sessions cost $0, so students simply sign up and join at no charge.
Q: Who can use Schoolhouse? Any student aged 13 or older can join Schoolhouse.world. You just need an email to sign up. There is no requirement for a degree; high-school and college students alike participate. Tutors must also be at least 13, and many are high-school or college students themselves.
Q: What subjects and services does Schoolhouse cover? Schoolhouse covers a wide range of academic topics. Learners can attend live sessions on “hundreds of topics,” especially math (algebra, calculus), sciences (biology, physics, chemistry), SAT/AP test prep, college admissions guidance, reading and writing, and more. It also offers special programs like SAT bootcamps and college counseling workshops. After sessions, students can earn certificates of mastery in those subjects.
Q: Is Schoolhouse.world legitimate and widely used? Yes. Schoolhouse.world was founded by the team behind Khan Academy, and it has grown fast. As of 2024, over 100,000 learners and 15,000 tutors used Schoolhouse worldwide. The platform is trusted by many educators and schools, and students report real help from sessions. In that sense, it is a genuine free tutoring resource.
Q: How does Schoolhouse compare to My Engineering Buddy? They serve different needs. Schoolhouse is a free peer tutoring platform for general subjects (math, science, SAT prep). My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is a paid service specializing in engineering and advanced STEM coursework. If you need help in college-level engineering or science classes, MEB’s expert tutors and focused services might be better. For quick free math help or SAT prep, Schoolhouse is a strong option.
Q: Do students pay Schoolhouse tutors? No. Schoolhouse tutors are volunteers. Students pay nothing and tutors earn no wages. All teaching is done for free, unlike platforms where tutors set hourly rates. The exchange is purely educational.
Conclusion
In summary, Schoolhouse.world is a free, volunteer-driven tutoring platform with a strong community. Its pros include no cost, flexible scheduling, and special certifications that even some colleges recognize. Many students benefit from its SAT prep and math help. However, sessions depend on volunteer tutors, so the quality can vary, and it’s mainly focused on pre-college subjects. For students needing intensive help in advanced STEM topics, a paid alternative like My Engineering Buddy can be a strong alternative. MEB offers specialized engineering tutoring, highly-vetted tutors, and has high satisfaction. Overall, Schoolhouse is great for free, general peer tutoring, while MEB and similar sites are better when you need expert, one-on-one tutoring in specific fields.
