Tutored by Teachers (TbT) is a U.S.-based EdTech startup focused on providing virtual K-12 tutoring through schools and districts. It matches high-need students with certified teacher-tutors in small, consistent groups. This article provides an in-depth look at Tutored by Teachers’ reviews, pricing, offerings, and how it compares to other tutoring options. We compare TbT’s services with alternatives and explain the key facts so students and parents can make an informed choice.
Tutored by Teachers Reviews and Testimonials
Trustpilot: Tutored by Teachers has about 25 customer reviews on Trustpilot (average ~4.2/5. Many positive reviews (5 stars) come from parents and schools praising how engaging and effective the virtual classes are. For example, one parent said, “Interactive classes – my child loves it!…fantastic experience”. These reviewers note the qualified teachers and how children enjoy the lessons. On the flip side, several 1-star reviews from teachers report issues.
Tutors complain of strict scheduling, reduced pay, and micromanagement. One ex-tutor review warns: “They are micromanagers…after the fall semester, they abruptly ended my contract”. Another says the program was “untrustworthy and fake”, citing being let go without warning. In summary, customer feedback praises tutor quality and results, but some tutors report management and pay problems.
Indeed (Employees): On Indeed, TbT has a 4.2/5 rating from ~58 reviews. Tutor/employees highlight positive aspects: flexible work-from-home schedule, supportive company culture, and good pay. One teacher wrote “I love working here… the pay is good and another noted “competitive pay”. Many mention TbT’s helpful support team and sense of mission. Drawbacks for tutors include that assignments can be competitive and inconsistent – dozens of tutors apply when a job opens. Still, most Indeed reviewers recommend TbT, noting students are “engaged” and tutors care.
Glassdoor (Employees): Glassdoor shows a 4.1/5 average (45 reviews) for U.S. employees. Tutors echo that pay can be good (one said “$32 per hour”), but some report limited work hours and heavy management. Pros include a meaningful mission and work flexibility. Cons mention occasional lack of advancement and strict oversight in certain positions.
Yelp: A handful of Yelp reviews (about 25) give TbT a 5.0/5 rating. These are mostly from parents. They emphasize the teacher quality and results – teachers are described as “talented, experienced, encouraging and patient”. Parents appreciate clear communication and how students improve over time. Overall, third-party reviews indicate TbT is a legitimate, results-driven program for schools – students and principals praise its impact– though tutors and staff sometimes note internal challenges.
Is Tutored by Teachers legit? Yes. TbT is a funded, mission-driven company with top-tier investors and has earned recognition (TIME’s Top EdTech list). Reviews from schools and parents support its effectivenes. While some former tutors report dissatisfaction, the company clearly operates real school programs with certified teachers.
Summary: We see that parents and schools value Tutored by Teachers’ instruction – children enjoy the sessions and make gains. Tutors generally like the flexibility and mission, but some raise valid concerns about management and pay. Overall, TbT appears to deliver on its core promise of school-based, teacher-led tutoring, making it a trustworthy choice for K-12 support (with the caveat that it does not serve individual families directly).
Tutored by Teachers Pricing
Pricing Range
Tutored by Teachers does not publish standard rates for individual users. Instead, schools request custom quotes. Industry sources note that pricing is determined case-by-case. One report mentioned figures around USD 1,000–1,999 for multi-week tutoring programs, though details aren’t public. For perspective, school-based tutoring services typically cost much more than $25/hr. The price depends on program length, group size, grade level, and teacher qualifications. (For example, typical tutor marketplaces can range $30–60 per hour for experienced tutors.) In practice, U.S. schools pay TbT for entire term programs or bundles. To learn specifics, districts must contact TbT’s sales team. Check TbT’s contact page for info.
If TbT did offer individual tutoring, one might compare: most top tutors charge roughly $30–$60/hr, with experts up to $100. But again, TbT focuses on school contracts rather than per-hour fees.
What students say about pricing: Because TbT works through schools, there are few public comments on pricing. No parents have posted price complaints (since parents don’t pay TbT directly). Comparatively, typical tutoring costs can vary widely by platform. If anything, prospective users might note that TbT’s school programs are likely more comprehensive (and thus more expensive) than a single-session one-on-one session. There is no forum evidence that TbT is unusually overpriced.
Hidden costs
We found no hidden fees advertised by Tutored by Teachers. There is no registration fee for families (they don’t register) nor obvious add-ons. Schools sign an agreement for a fixed program cost. TbT does not list any cancellation or extra-technology fees on its site. In short, customers (school districts) pay one quoted price for the agreed tutoring service.
How Tutored by Teachers’ pricing works
Payments to Tutored by Teachers are handled by school districts or charter networks. Parents do not pay individuals or TbT directly. Tutors are paid by TbT as salaried or contract instructors (some reviews mention ~$32/hr, though actual rates vary). Schools typically pay before or during the program term, according to their agreement. There are no public subscriptions or group discounts for parents. TbT does not require sign-up fees or annual memberships for families because it is not consumer-driven.
Free Trial
There is no free trial offered to individual students or parents by Tutored by Teachers. Since services start only after a school partnership is in place, students don’t get standalone trial sessions. TbT markets itself to schools, so free trials are not part of its model. (Our review did not find any mention of a trial program on their site.)
Refund policy
Tutored by Teachers does not advertise a public refund policy for families or schools. Because each engagement is governed by a custom school contract, any cancellation or refund terms would be spelled out in that agreement. We saw no company webpage for refunds. In reviews and forums, there is no consistent report of refunds (likely because payments go through school budgets). Notably, competitor My Engineering Buddy offers a money-back guarantee for customers, but TbT has not made such a promise for its tutoring programs. In practice, once a school has paid for a program, refunding is presumably a matter for the district and TbT’s contract, not a standard policy.
Tutored by Teachers Alternatives
Students and parents might look at other platforms if TbT’s U.S.-school model isn’t a fit (for example, if they want direct 1:1 help or courses outside Math/ELA). Here are some popular alternatives:
Chegg – A well-known homework-help brand, Chegg offers an enormous library of solutions and the Chegg Tutors service. It covers a wide range of subjects (including college STEM, humanities, languages) that TbT doesn’t offer. Chegg’s tutoring is on-demand and 24/7, with no long-term commitment. Pricing is via monthly subscription (roughly $15–$30/month for study tools, plus any separate tutoring fees). Tutors on Chegg are often graduate students or experts, not necessarily school teachers. Pros: Available anytime and for many college-level subjects; pay-as-you-go helps with flexible budgets. Cons: Quality varies by tutor, answers can be generic, and it lacks the personal consistency and certified-teacher focus of TbT.
Wyzant – A U.S.-based tutor marketplace that lets students pick tutors from thousands of profiles. Wyzant covers K-12 through college subjects and allows tutors to set their own rates (often $30–$100/hour). Pros: Huge subject range including niche courses; flexible scheduling; students see tutor bios and reviews. Cons: Tutors are not vetted by Wyzant beyond basic screening, so quality can be mixed; costs can be higher than TbT’s teacher-led group sessions. Unlike TbT, Wyzant does one-on-one sessions (which may suit some learners).
My Engineering Buddy – A specialized homework-help site for engineering and advanced STEM courses. Pros: Focus on college and advanced math/engineering subjects (Mechanical, Civil, EEE, etc.). MEB offers direct 1:1 help with subject-expert tutors, available globally. It has a strong reputation (4.7/5 rating on Trustpilot). For students in engineering or university STEM, MEB covers topics TbT cannot. Cons: It is narrower in scope (mostly higher education), and more expensive per session than basic K-12 tutoring. Unlike TbT’s structured programs, MEB is on-demand pay-as-you-go. Overall, MEB provides high-quality one-on-one help, making it ideal for advanced college coursework that TbT does not address.
Course Hero – A resource site offering study materials (notes, Q&A archive) and limited tutor support. Pros: Extremely broad subject coverage and searchable homework solutions; can be cheaper as it is subscription-based. Cons: Mostly self-study materials, not live tutoring. Tutors and answers may not be tailored to the individual. This model differs greatly from TbT’s interactive instruction.
Intro: Because TbT serves schools, families often explore alternatives that allow direct tutoring or cover more subjects. The above companies all connect students with tutors or resources, but none operate via school partnerships like TbT. Each has its niche: Chegg and Course Hero excel at homework libraries and on-demand help; Wyzant and University Tutors offer flexible one-on-one lessons; My Engineering Buddy specializes in advanced STEM help.
How it Works?
For Students
Signup process: Students and parents cannot directly sign up on a website like consumer tutoring platforms. TbT works only through partnered schools and districts. If a school signs on, targeted students (often identified via assessments) are automatically enrolled in the program. Families do not create individual accounts – instead, schools provide student rosters to TbT.
Connecting with tutors: Once enrolled, students enter live online classes taught by certified teacher-tutors. Sessions are synchronous video classes (usually 3-4 students per class). Students simply log in at scheduled times. They see the same group of classmates and teacher each term (TbT emphasizes continuity and rapport). The teacher leads the lesson and can adapt it if needed. In short, students connect via the TbT virtual classroom platform provided by their school.
Scheduling sessions: The school or district sets the schedule. Tutoring can occur during school hours, after school, on Saturdays, or in summer, depending on the program. TbT offers flexible scheduling to fit school timetables. Because this is a structured service, students simply attend classes at the assigned times. There is no scheduling by families or extra home sessions unless the district arranges it. The key point is that students “are where they need to be” academically, and TbT ensures sessions align with their school curriculum.
For Tutors
Becoming a tutor: TbT seeks experienced K-12 teachers. Candidates usually need state teaching credentials. To apply, teachers go to Tutored by Teachers’ careers page (the “Become a Tutor” link on their site). There they find open positions. The hiring process involves an application, interview, and often a demo lesson. TbT’s marketing emphasizes that tutors “focus only on teaching – we take care of the rest”, meaning the company handles class assignments and tech.
Onboarding and assignments: Once hired, tutors receive training on the platform and curriculum standards. Tutors then can review and pick from posted teaching opportunities. One reviewer noted that TbT posts job openings that many tutors apply for quickly, so tutors should monitor postings. According to user reports, tutors have flexibility: “you can set your own schedule and job preferences”. Tutors list their availability and subject expertise, and TbT matches them to student groups. Teaching is fully online via video call.
Teaching sessions: Tutors teach live in classes of 3-4 students (or sometimes more in intervention sessions). TbT provides lesson plans and materials. Each tutor works closely with the same group for consistency. Because they work from home, tutors need a reliable internet connection and environment for video calls. If technical or behavior issues arise, TbT has a support team to assist in real time.
Pay and workload: Tutors are paid by TbT as employees or contractors, depending on location. Pay rates vary by state and role. Glassdoor and Indeed reviews consistently say the pay is good – for example, one said “the pay is good at $32 per hour”. Other tutors report competitive rates, especially compared to other tutoring options. However, workload is not guaranteed; sometimes tutors may have many sessions, other times few, as demand shifts.
For more details on joining TbT as a tutor, visit the Tutored by Teachers Careers page where you can apply to open positions.
FAQs
How does Tutored by Teachers compare to My Engineering Buddy? Tutored by Teachers is a K-12, school-focused program (U.S. only, Math & ELA), while My Engineering Buddy is a global homework-help platform emphasizing college-level STEM and engineering. TbT works through school schedules and small groups; MEB offers 1:1 tutoring on demand. MEB covers complex subjects (mechanical, civil, electrical engineering) that TbT does not. MEB also offers a money-back guarantee on its paid sessions, something TbT does not offer. In short, TbT excels at structured K-12 intervention, whereas MEB is tailored for advanced college coursework and direct student service
Can parents sign up directly for Tutored by Teachers? No. TbT provides services only through schools or districts. Parents cannot register a child on their website. A district must partner with TbT, after which their eligible students automatically enter the program. If a child’s school isn’t using TbT, parents cannot independently start sessions.
What subjects does Tutored by Teachers offer? Tutored by Teachers covers K-12 Math and English (ELA) only. They also offer specialized programs like ELL support and SAT prep, but core instruction is limited to Math and ELA. Other subjects (science, history, foreign languages, college courses, etc.) are not available. This focused scope means TbT can concentrate on foundational subjects, but it excludes other courses.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
MEB strengths: My Engineering Buddy offers dedicated help in advanced STEM fields (e.g. engineering, economics, technical subjects) that TbT does not cover. MEB users highlight flexibility – tutors are available 24/7 and sessions are one-on-one with experts. MEB also provides a money-back satisfaction guarantee (as advertised on their site), and their support is oriented directly toward student questions. Because MEB is global, it has tutors for multiple curricula (US, UK, Indian boards, etc.).
Testimonials from MEB users: Students consistently rate MEB highly (4.7/5 on Trustpilot). For example, one reviewer said a tutor “makes tough problems easy to understand” (Physics homework). Another praised how “easy it is to sign up” and how “tutors are very helpful”. Overall, MEB clients emphasize expert tutors and high satisfaction.
Customer Support and Policies
Responsiveness: TbT’s customer support is designed for schools, not individuals. Support inquiries from parents or tutors typically go through school coordinators or the TbT helpdesk. TbT claims to provide real-time support to teachers during sessions. There is no public 24/7 chat or hotline for students, since their clients are schools. In comparison, My Engineering Buddy offers direct chat/email support for students, with quick replies to individual questions.
Refunds and guarantees: TbT does not advertise any student-oriented refund or money-back policy. Since schools pay by contract, any cancellation/refund would be a contractual matter. We found no mention of guarantees on their website. In contrast, My Engineering Buddy explicitly mentions a money-back promise for services (per their marketing), giving students more consumer protection.
My Engineering Buddy advantage: My Engineering Buddy’s support is directly student-oriented, with easy-access help (24/7 tutors, guaranteed answers). MEB’s clarity on policies (including its refund/guarantee) also sets it apart. For example, MEB’s founder notes their services are “value for money” with top-tier tutors. TbT, being school-focused, does not have publicly listed fees or consumer policies.
Global Reach and Localization
Tutored by Teachers: TbT’s platform is primarily tailored to the United States K-12 education system. Its curriculum and tutors follow U.S. teaching standards, and all tutoring is delivered in English. There is no evidence of support for non-English speaking users or other countries. TbT does mention bilingual teachers for ELL, but the primary focus is U.S. schools.
My Engineering Buddy: MEB serves a global student base. It specifically lists students from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf countries. MEB tutors can handle various international curricula and exams. MEB’s platform is English-language but it hires tutors familiar with global academic standards. In summary, TbT is region-specific, while MEB markets itself as globally accessible.
Tutored by Teachers’ Future Plans
AI and technology: TbT has not publicly announced any AI-driven tutoring tools. In fact, their company message emphasizes remaining “human-centered”, with live teachers leading every session. They note that while other companies pivot to AI, TbT’s approach “elevates teachers” rather than replaces them. That said, the rise of AI in education (e.g. Khan Academy’s AI tutor Khanmigo) suggests TbT may eventually explore data-driven tools. For now, we see no specific AI feature from TbT.
Continued expansion: TbT is likely to keep growing its school partnerships. It was recently named a top EdTech company and points to “consistent double-digit academic gains” in partner schools. This suggests they will focus on expanding to more districts and grade levels within K-12.
Teacher development: The company highlights investing in its tutors. For example, it reports paying $24M to teachers so far. Future plans may include growing career development for tutor-educators (e.g., teacher leadership roles).
Data-driven instruction: TbT stresses “data-driven” results. We expect continued emphasis on tracking student progress and using those analytics to refine tutoring. In summary, TbT’s roadmap appears to be scaling its certified-teacher model across more schools, rather than shifting into a consumer or AI-based model.
FAQs about Tutored by Teachers
How does Tutored by Teachers compare to My Engineering Buddy? Tutored by Teachers is a U.S.-focused K-12 program, while My Engineering Buddy (MEB) serves college students worldwide. TbT uses certified teachers and small group tutoring for Math/English. MEB offers one-on-one help in many subjects (especially engineering) and has a direct pay-per-use model. MEB’s higher focus on advanced STEM makes it better for technical subjects, whereas TbT is tailored to structured school programs.
Can I book a private tutor directly with TbT?. TbT does not offer one-off private lessons or allow individual bookings online. All sessions are arranged through school contracts. If you need an individual tutor at any time, a platform like Wyzant, Chegg, or My Engineering Buddy would be the way to go.
What grades does Tutored by Teachers serve? TbT serves Kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) students. They tailor instruction to elementary, middle, and high school Math and ELA standards. They do not offer adult education or college courses.
How are TbT tutors trained or vetted? All TbT tutors are experienced teachers. Candidates go through a screening and interview. The company proudly notes all tutors hold U.S. teaching credentials. Tutors also receive training on the TbT curriculum and technology before teaching. This vetting is stricter than many freelance platforms, so you can be confident TbT tutors are qualified.
Does TbT offer a free trial or demo? No. TbT has no trial lessons for parents or students. Since services start via school agreements, there is no option for a standalone demo session. Schools often run pilot programs internally if they want to test, but there’s no public free trial.
How quickly do tutors get students assigned? It varies. Because TbT is in high demand, new tutors may not get a class immediately. When schools post a need, dozens of tutors apply quickly. Tutors who set flexible schedules tend to get assignments sooner. Some reviews note it takes persistence to get staffed. Once matched, however, tutors are generally booked regularly by the school.
What makes TbT different from other tutoring sites? TbT is unique in its school-based, teacher-led model. Unlike marketplace sites (which may use college students or volunteers), TbT’s teachers are credentialed educators. Every session is a scheduled class with the same teacher and small group, which promotes continuity. They track real academic growth (not just hours)}. So TbT feels more like an extension of a school program, whereas most others are on-demand or one-off.
Conclusion
Tutored by Teachers’ strengths lie in its experienced, certified teacher-tutors and data-driven results in K-12 math and English. It excels at delivering structured, high-dosage tutoring in coordination with schools, with many parents noting student gains. Its weaknesses include limited subject coverage and no direct service for families. In contrast, My Engineering Buddy offers on-demand one-on-one help in a far wider range of subjects (especially technical college courses) and has more flexible student policies. For advanced or college-level coursework and direct student access, MEB is a great alternative. Overall, TbT is solid for its mission, but students needing specialized or immediate help will often find My Engineering Buddy better suited to their needs.
