| How is Bright Star Tutoring Services
different from a learning center?
At Bright Star Tutoring Services,
our tutors come directly to you. You don't need to drive anywhere! Our dedicated
and qualified tutors will design a program for your child that is based on their
school's curriculum, not a pre-determined program that may not relate at all to
what your child is working on in school. We will also interface with your child's
teacher, if necessary; to be sure your child is on the right track. Are
there any assessment tests my child must take before being tutored by Bright Star
Tutoring Services?
No, assessment tests (which can cost up to $200.00
in a learning center environment) are not a prerequisite in order for your child
to be tutored.
Do your tutors know the Everyday Math and Open Court programs?
Yes, many of our tutors are familiar with the Everyday Math program, a teaching
approach that provides “home links” for the student to work on as
homework. Many of our tutors can also tutor the Open Court program - reading and
math.
Does Bright Star Tutoring Services supply any learning materials
for the tutoring sessions?
We highly recommend that your child bring
home their school books or any other materials they are working on in their class
that relates to the subject(s) we are tutoring. In some cases our tutors will
provide materials if it complements what your child is learning. However, we do
not provide a curriculum. We will help you attain materials from your child's
school, if necessary, or direct you to several resources where you can purchase
the appropriate books, etc. Does tutoring always take place in
my home?
Yes, we come to you at your convenience. We require that
a parent or guardian over the age of 21 be at home for the entire tutoring session.
For student's over the age of 16, we offer tutoring at your local library, however,
we highly recommend having the tutor come to you. Ask for more details about this
option during your complimentary in-home evaluation. What are your
tutors' qualifications?
Our tutors are full-time credentialed teachers,
substitute teachers, retired teachers or honors college students with at least
two years of teaching and/or one-on-one tutoring experience. We check all references,
obtain background checks and personally interview every tutor. What
if my child doesn't like the tutor?
If, after the first session is
complete, you do not think the tutor is a good match with your child, you will
not be charged for the session and another tutor will be contacted. Are
there a minimum number of sessions for which I have to commit and how long is
each session?
No, we do not have any long-term contracts, however,
we strongly suggest a minimum of four sessions in order to really see progress.
The minimum amount of time for each session is one hour. Do your
tutors work with learning disabled or special needs children?
Yes,
many of our tutors are Special Needs experienced and/or certified and will be
able to work in conjunction with your child’s I.E.P. or 504 Plan.
I home school my child. Can you help me?
Yes. If the student
is being home schooled, we will provide a credentialed teacher or a certified
tutor, depending on which type of home school program he/she is receiving.
I have more than one child. Can you tutor all of them at the same time?
All of our tutoring is facilitated through one-on-one sessions. In order for our
tutors to be effective, and for the students to benefit, we do not provide group
tutoring. During the in-home consultation, we can discuss the most cost-effective
way for all of the students to be tutored individually. How long
do I have to wait to get a tutor assigned to my child?
After we meet
with you, our Director will contact one of our tutors within 48 hours. We will
call you to tell you about the tutor. The tutor will then call you for an introduction,
get directions to your home and establish a schedule that works for you.
Do you tutor students in college?
Yes, we have tutors who
are very capable of tutoring college level courses. Requests for college level
tutoring have increased dramatically in the last year and we can provide an experienced,
credentialed teacher or professor. College students can be tutored on campus or
in the library. What geographical areas do you service?
We have tutors available throughout Mercer County, New Jersey. Please
refer to our Home page for specific cities
& towns. If your city or town is not listed and you live in the general area,
please contact us anyway, we will do our best to help you find a tutor.
Do you provide test preparation for the SAT and ACT tests?
Yes, we will help your student prepare for both exams. We highly recommend that
you contact us at least six weeks before the test so our tutors have enough time
to help the student prepare. Although we only require one hour a week of tutoring,
our experience has been that two hours a week for test prep is the most effective.
The rate is the same as our hourly rates for tutoring. Do you accept
major credit cards?
Yes. You can give us your credit card number
at the consultation and we can set up automatic monthly or bi-weekly payments.
If you prefer to pay by check, no problem. You always have the option to change
your preferred method of payment... or just call or e-mail us and we’ll
make the appropriate switch. How do I get started?
You can contact us at 609.619.1281, or use our toll free number
for those outside area code 609 call us at
1-888-678.3443, or use our
Contact Us online form. Our Director
will set up a complimentary in-home consultation. This is an informal meeting
with you and your child. Please have all relevant schoolwork, progress reports,
report cards and testing results (if applicable) available for this meeting.
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