For kids who are struggling academically, routine homework assignments and studying for tests can cause anxiety, frustration and tears – and parents may be at a loss about how to help their child. But finding the right tutor can often be a game changer in these situations.
The Indianapolis area is fortunate to have several tutoring options available to families. Check out this guide for a list of options to get started.
TUTORING CENTERS IN INDIANAPOLIS
Club Z! of Indianapolis In-Home Tutoring Services
Club Z! tutors arrange to work with students in their homes. Their service area covers Franklin Township, Broad Ripple, Geist, McCordsville, Irvington, Lawrence Township, Warren Township plus surrounding areas to the north and south. Check http://tutors.clubztutoring.com/indy/indianapolis-local-tutoring/ for more info or call 317-210-4333.
Kumon Afterschool Math & Reading Programs
The Kumon Math and Reading programs cover everything from counting to calculus, and phonemics to Shakespeare. Worksheets allow children to learn new concepts on their own. Kumon programs allow students to progress one small step at a time through daily practice. Multiple locations are available throughout the Indianapolis area. Visit www.kumon.com to learn more.
Lindner Learning LLC
Locally owned and staffed by professionals with degrees in education and speech therapy, this learning center specializes in helping students that may be non-traditional learners. Tailored academic plans are available to assist a wide variety of needs. Located in Fishers. Visit www.lindnerlearning.com for additional information.
Sylvan Learning Centers
Sylvan offers tutoring in math, reading and writing and also help with study skills, homework help and SAT/ACT test prep. Multiple locations are available throughout the Indianapolis area. Visit www.sylvanlearning.com to find a center near you.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Homework help and tutoring opportunities vary widely among libraries – check your local branch to see what opportunities are available. Here is an example of what a few local libraries offer.
Carmel Clay Public Library
Students in grades 4-12 can access the library’s tutor.com feature each evening from 3 -11 pm. Designed to help kids with math, science, English and social studies questions, this tutoring service is available to those with a Carmel Clay Public Library card. Visit http://www.carmel.lib.in.us/child/homework.cfm to participate or call 317-844-3363 for more info. Free.
The Indianapolis Public Library
Students can text IndyPL librarians via the Text-A-Librarian program at 317-333-6877. An email option is also available and librarians are able to answer reference-type questions during business hours and some evenings. See http://www.indypl.org/using/aal/ for details. Free.
Hamilton East Public Library
Librarians in the youth department are available to help students find answers to homework and/or school project questions. There is also a homework hub page that lists websites and apps that students can access at any time. Visit http://hepl.lib.in.us/homework-hub/ for more info. Free.
INDIVIDUAL TUTORS
Indianapolis OASIS
Adults that are 50 years of age and older volunteer as tutors through the Indianapolis OASIS program. These tutors provide one-on-one help at a student’s school during the regular academic day. Several area districts are served including IPS, Greenwood, Pike, Warren, Lawrence, Hamilton Southeastern and more. Parents that are interested in having their child paired with an OASIS tutor can call 317-396-3751 or visit http://www.oasisnet.org/Indianapolis-IN/Tutoring. Free.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s Homework Hotline
Tutors are available over the phone to help students in grades 6 -12 with math and science homework. Students can call from 7:00 – 10:00 EST every Sunday through Thursday during the months of September – May. Call 1-877-ASK-ROSE. Free.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis
The Finish Line Boys & Girls Club, located at 3870 N. Post Road in Indianapolis, offers Power Hour tutoring as part of the facility’s after school program. Kids receive help with completing homework assignments and can earn points that they can use toward prizes. Call 317-672-3410 to enroll. Check http://bcgindy.org for additional locations. Cost is $15 per academic school year and includes all club programming.
Children’s Dyslexia Center of Indianapolis
This program offers one-on-one tutoring to kids with dyslexia and is available to students in kindergarten through high school. Parents must submit an application and prospective students need to participate in an assessment prior to admittance. Read more about the process at http://cdcoi.org. Free.
ONLINE/ APP HELP
Khan Academy
Available as an app or online, Khan Academy offers online classes and lessons designed to help students of all ages practice for upcoming tests. Several subjects are available and they are organized by grade level. Visit www.khanacademy.org. Free.
World Book
Also referred to as World Book Online, this website of encyclopedia information is a resource for kids that need to research specific topics. Visit http://worldbookonline.com and click on either the Kids or Students section. Both include detailed information about a wide variety of topics that can be used to answer homework questions. Free option plus paid subscriptions.
Splash Math Learning Game
This is an app that teaches math skills with interactive games, quizzes and customizable worksheets. A separate app is available for each grade level from 1st through 4th and the math concepts taught meet the standards for Common Core. Free options or $9.99 per grade level for the full version.
Finding a tutoring option that works well for your child can go a long way in helping him or her become a confident student. Consider your child’s needs, your family’s schedule and budget, and take advantage of the many resources available in our area for help.
