Tutoring vs. After-School Programs: Choosing the Best Option for Math Enrichment

Parents want to give their children the best possible chance to succeed. Sometimes, that means providing extra help when they need it. When it comes to learning math, the support options can feel overwhelming. Should you hire a tutor, or is a structured after-school program for math enrichment a better fit?

Both methods can be helpful, but their approaches are fundamentally different. Here are factors to consider when making the best choice for your child.

What Is Tutoring?

Tutoring refers to the additional academic or skills development support a student receives from a more experienced individual, usually a teacher or instructor, in a specific topic. The goal is to help students grasp and enjoy the subject matter better. The private tutoring market — mostly comprised of parents who can afford to hire tutors — was approximately $24.9 billion in 2021.

There are three types of tutoring formats — one-on-one, small group and learning center. An individualized approach is the most common, allowing the tutor to provide for a student’s specific needs and preferences. A small group has a few learners, ideal for children who prefer learning with their peers. Lastly, a learning center mimics a classroom environment, but the lack of personalization may weaken its benefits.

A high-impact tutoring program leads to significant learning gains but must not replace classroom experiences. These programs usually occur at schools, libraries, dedicated centers and private homes. Many platforms now offer online services, which broaden opportunities for students in rural areas.

Benefits of Math Tutoring

It’s common for kids to struggle with mathematics, and this method can help your child improve their skills and appreciate the subject better. Here are the advantages of tutoring.

Flexible Pacing

Individual tutoring allows students to learn at their own pace. The tutor can adjust the speed and teaching style accordingly if the student needs extra time to solve a problem or understand a concept. Tutors tailor lessons to the child’s strengths, weaknesses and learning style. Immediate and targeted feedback helps address specific gaps or misunderstandings.

Short-Term Academic Boost

Tutoring effectiveness is often measured by improved grades and student confidence. Virtual high-dosage tutoring — usually defined as one-on-one or small group sessions — has been found to boost academic performance in children. It’s an ideal solution if your child struggles with math but has an upcoming exam. It can also help them catch up after absences, transitions or changes in curriculum.

Confidence Builder

Struggling with math can make a child feel like they’re not smart enough, affecting their self-esteem. Once kids feel worried about it, learning becomes more challenging. Anxiety can impact processing speed, attention and memory. A personal tutor can provide the right approach to a complex concept, helping your child build their confidence.

The Limitations of Math Tutoring

This method is not without its challenges. Discover the potential disadvantages of signing up your child for a tutoring session.

Short-Term Focus

Tutoring is often reactive, addressing immediate gaps or preparing for upcoming tests. This method can lead to patchwork learning, where foundational concepts are missed or only superficially understood.

Lack of Curriculum Continuity

Tutors usually follow the school’s curriculum or focus on specific areas of improvement, which can result in inconsistent progression. Oftentimes, there’s no long-term plan for skill enrichment. Without specific, measurable goals, it can be challenging to track progress and identify where the student is struggling.

Limited Social and Collaborative Learning

Tutoring is usually one-on-one, which can feel isolating for a student who thrives in social settings. Meanwhile, in a group setting, the session must progress at the majority’s pace. This can leave slow learners struggling to keep up and faster ones unchallenged.

What Is an After-School Math Program?

An after-school program is a supervised session for students that occurs outside of regular school hours. It allows them to explore math deeper, promoting academic, social and personal enrichment. Unlike tutoring, it has a set of structured activities to turn free hours into meaningful learning time. Children can be exposed to enriching activities that help them understand concepts better and foster life skills.

Programs may focus on reinforcing concepts from the math class, introducing new topics or providing hands-on activities and real-world applications. Think of it as a specialized class that can help your child ease back into mathematical thinking and bridge learning gaps.

Benefits of After-School Programs for Math Enrichment

Aside from improved academic performance and self-confidence, a comprehensive program provides the following advantages.

Comprehensive and Structured Curriculum

Subject experts follow a thoughtfully designed, multi-year curriculum that builds skills sequentially. This ensures students don’t “patch” gaps, but instead develop a lasting understanding of concepts. A stronger foundation in math can help them succeed in current subjects and higher-level courses, such as physics, calculus and advanced statistics.

Long-Term Engagement

Regularly scheduled classes promote progress and reinforce learning over time. Students gain ongoing exposure to complex concepts, and over time, they become easier to master. This sustainable growth is quite challenging to achieve in the sporadic nature of tutoring sessions.

Expert Mentorship

After-school math program instructors are trained educators with deep subject knowledge and experience. They use proven teaching techniques and can adapt lessons to the needs of the students, ensuring every child is supported.

Holistic Development

Enrolling your child in an after-school math program like RSM exposes them to activities that improve critical thinking, real-world problem solving and creativity, promoting holistic development. They also acquire valuable life skills like resilience and perseverance that can benefit them today and in the future.

Challenges of an After-School Program

While after-school programs for math enrichment offer various benefits, parents must consider the following potential challenges and assess whether the structure is ideal for their children.

Cost and Accessibility

High-quality after-school programs can be costly, and not all families can afford them. Pricing depends on the type of program, the format, level of instruction and the provider. Some providers include progress assessments, which can add to the cost but also offer more detailed feedback.

Social Dynamics

Not every child enjoys a group learning setting. A shy student may have difficulty working with teams, while someone who prefers individualized support can feel distracted. Many after-school math programs provide activities that can address these potential issues.

Why RSM Is the Best Choice

RSM proactively addresses the typical challenges of tutoring and usual after-school math programs. Its curriculum is widely recognized and designed to build a deeper understanding, not just procedural skills. Here are reasons why you should enroll your child in RSM:

Structured Approach

RSM offers K-12 math classes that follow a Russian model of education. Professionals specializing in mathematics, child development and education to align with each stage of a child’s cognitive development, ensuring that sessions are developmentally appropriate. Younger children focus on abstract concepts, while older students debate problems with their peers to hone critical thinking skills, confidence and character.

Provides Flexibility

Classes comprise up to 12 students and an expert in an online or in-person class environment. Sessions occur from one and a half hours to four hours per week, depending on the grade level. The institution offers multiple levels in each grade, placing your child in an environment best suited for their learning style and pace. The three levels are:

• Accelerated: This curriculum is designed to meet students where they are, helping them regain confidence in math.
• Advanced: This level is for students who are doing well in math but want more challenging lessons to accelerate their learning.
• Honors: The honors level is for students who want to learn advanced mathematical concepts. Many children at this level participate in competitions.

Focused on Long-Term Growth

Rather than just short-term homework help, RSM emphasizes the importance of the following:

• Early abstract thinking: Introducing your child to abstract concepts early on can help them grasp algebraic foundations easily.
• Challenge: RSM guides students to grow outside their comfort zone, engaging them in unfamiliar problems where they are motivated to provide solutions.
• Mental flexibility: Students learn and collaborate, which opens their minds to the many possibilities of solving mathematical problems.
• Classroom environment: Teachers help students learn how to explain, verbalize and debate their thinking to their peers.

Group Learning Environment

According to RSM co-founder Irina Khavinson, the classroom setting allows students to share and compare their ideas, knowledge, solutions and skills, strengthening learning. It requires students to think quickly and build on others’ ideas, which hones critical thinking skills. When your child learns alongside peers, they benefit from a supportive environment where people help one another.

Proven Results and Parent Satisfaction

RSM’s students have soaring grades and confidence. Its team placed 6th out of 150 in the Harvard-MIT Math Tournament and 1st at YALE MMATHS 2024. The institution has given analytical foundation and mental endurance to be admitted to prestigious engineering programs at MIT, Harvard and Cornell University.

Help Your Child Enjoy Their RSM After-School Math Program

After-school programs for math enrichment are challenging, but the results are worth it. Here are some tips to help your child maximize their experience.

• Teach self-grace: RSM students must use various approaches to find the answers to the problems. However, new participants aren’t accustomed to this environment. Help your child recognize when they are being too hard on themselves. Encourage them to replace negative self-talk with positive and realistic thoughts.
• Communicate: Reach out to your child’s instructor before or after a session to discuss their strengths or weaknesses. RSM staff are more than happy to help your child achieve their best.
• Reinforce the idea that math is great: RSM actively challenges the idea that math isn’t “cool.” Encourage your child to see the subject as valuable and interesting.

Enroll Your Child in RSM

A tutor can provide valuable support for immediate needs, like preparing for an upcoming test. However, a dedicated after-school math program at RSM is ideal for supporting your child’s growth over time. It builds strong skills, confidence and a love for mathematics that lasts.