Wyzant is America's largest online tutoring marketplace, connecting students with over 80,000 independent tutors across 300+ subjects through a pay-as-you-go model that lets families choose their own instructors.
What is Wyzant?
Wyzant is an online tutoring marketplace founded in 2005 that connects students with independent tutors for one-on-one instruction. Unlike tutoring companies that employ instructors directly, Wyzant operates as a matchmaking platform where tutors set their own rates, schedules, and teaching approaches. With over 80,000 tutors covering 300+ subjects, the platform offers everything from elementary math to college-level physics, test prep, music, coding, and foreign languages. Sessions occur through Wyzant's Learning Studio, which includes video conferencing, an interactive whiteboard, document sharing, and a code editor for programming subjects.
Key Takeaways
- Tutors are independent contractors who set their own rates, typically ranging from $25-$80/hour for K-12 subjects
- Wyzant adds a 9% service fee on top of tutor rates
- Good Fit Guarantee refunds the first hour with any tutor if it's not a good match
- Background checks are optional, not required—parents can filter for tutors with checks on file
- Offers a free Homeschooling Tutor Concierge Service specifically for homeschool families
How Wyzant Works for Homeschoolers
Homeschool families commonly use Wyzant to outsource challenging subjects—algebra, chemistry, foreign languages—where a parent's expertise falls short. The platform's flexibility suits homeschool schedules; tutors set their own availability, making it easier to find instruction during daytime hours. Many families use Wyzant for targeted help: a few sessions to get past a difficult concept, ongoing weekly tutoring for a subject like physics, or intensive test prep before the SAT or ACT. The pay-as-you-go model means no subscriptions or long-term commitments, and the variety of tutors at different price points accommodates various budgets.
Finding the Right Tutor
Parents search Wyzant by subject, review tutor profiles, check credentials and ratings, then book directly. This self-service model gives complete control but requires time to research options. Tutors include college students, graduate students, working professionals, retired educators, and current certified teachers—offering variety in expertise and price. The Homeschooling Tutor Concierge Service simplifies the process: families provide their needs, and Wyzant matches them with suitable tutors who reach out directly. Important note: background checks are optional (not required), so parents concerned about screening should filter for tutors with background checks on file.
Pricing and Payment
Tutor rates range dramatically—from $15/hour for basic tutoring to $100+ for specialized subjects or highly credentialed instructors. Most K-12 tutoring falls between $25-$80/hour. Wyzant adds a 9% service fee, so a tutor charging $50/hour costs you $54.50/hour. Payment processes after each completed session with no upfront costs or package requirements. This pay-as-you-go structure may work well with Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) since families can document individual sessions as qualified educational expenses. The Good Fit Guarantee refunds your first hour with any new tutor if the match isn't right.
The Bottom Line
Wyzant fills a valuable niche for homeschool families needing expert instruction in specific subjects. The massive tutor pool means you can likely find someone qualified for even unusual subjects, and the pay-as-you-go model provides flexibility that suits homeschooling's variable needs. The tradeoff is time spent finding the right match since you're doing the vetting yourself. Parents who value control over tutor selection and want to avoid subscription commitments will appreciate Wyzant's marketplace approach. Just remember to check background verification status for tutors who will work with your children, as this screening isn't automatic.
