Sidestep Schoolwork Shock With A Guide To Baltimore's Tutoring Services
By Lurdes Abruscato
Huntington Learning Center
8804 Belair Rd.
Perry Hall Crossing Shopping Center
Baltimore, Md. 21236
(410) 256-3390
Hours: Mon to Thur:9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Fri: 3-7 p.m., Sat: 8:30 a.m.-3p.m., Sun - closed
Price: Pricing at Huntington centers varies per franchise; at Perry Hall, starts at $44/hr.; student academic evaluation-$195; no contracts
http://perry_hall.huntingtonlearning.com
A mainstay in the world of tutoring centers (eight in the Baltimore metropolitan area), Huntington is a franchise-based system that evaluates students with a comprehensive test to determine the root of any learning issues. It establishes learning goals and timelines with parent conferencing and typically conducts one-on-one instruction until the student's and family's objectives are met. The Perry Hall center employs only state-certified teachers, offers K-12 tutoring, as well as SAT and other test preps, and emphasizes addressing overall learning stumbling blocks vs. on-going tutoring.
C2 Education
5009 Honeygo Center Dr.
Suite 108
Perry Hall, Md. 21128
(410) 256-1523
Hours: School year-Mon.-Thurs.: 1-9 p.m., Sat.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; summer-Mon.-Thurs.: 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Price: Average of $46/hr., can vary based on number of blocks of hrs. reserved
www.c2educate.com
C2 conducts a $95 diagnostic test (this franchise owner provides a $50 coupon off this fee), conferences with families on plans of action, and offers K-12 tutoring/SAT prep/placement testing skills/subject tutoring/various workshops. Fun fact about its instructors: Although employees here don't have to be teachers, they are required to have a college degree and MUST take an SAT test and score 700 or higher in each area to get the job.
Rapid Success Tutoring
In-home tutoring group servicing Baltimore and surrounding areas
(410) 370-3406
Hours: Flexible according to family schedules
Price: Per-hour payment plan varies according to grade level and subject area
Started nine years ago by a mom all too familiar with the stresses of schoolwork, Rapid Success draws on a pool of tutors for one-on-one, in-home tutoring. Instructors work with K-12 and college students on various subjects, as well as prep studies for ACT, SAT, ICISEE and other tests. Recently, the company partnered with Homes for America, a nonprofit dedicated to building homes for the underprivileged, and through funding from M&T Bank, supplied tutors for children involved in this community-based program.
Total Tutoring Services
In-home tutoring group servicing Baltimore and surrounding areas
(443) 604-9358
Hours: Flexible schedules, school days, afternoons, weekends, evenings
Price: $50-55 per hour
www.totaltutoringservices.com
This family-run, in-home service covers the gamut of tutoring, including K-adult, SAT and other test preps, and subject-specific individualized lessons. Parents receive an email progress report after each session. It also employs several certified special education teachers, who can work with students with various special needs.
Morgan State University Tutoring Corps.
MSU's Office of Community Service
1700 E. Cold Spring Lane
Montebello Complex and MSU's Library
Baltimore, Md.
(443) 885-4328 or (443) 885-4329
Hours: During school year, Sats. and Suns., 2-hr. intervals throughout the day; during summer, students pick two times a week for 2-hr. sessions in the evenings and/or Sat. slots
Price: Free
http://www.morgan.edu/Campus_Life/Community_Service/Programs.html
Led by MSU's Office of Community Service, this year-round student-operated group partners elementary and middle school children with a qualified MSU student for any tutoring assistance. The college-aged tutors (approved according to their GPAs and testing) are paid as part of their work study program, thus the service is free to participants. Families must get their children to the campus for their appointed time slots and can register through their schools or by contacting the Office of Community Service directly.
Lurdes Abruscato is a local freelance writer who is always looking to make homework time with her two young children a little less stressful.
