If your child is struggling with homework or understanding concepts in a subject at school, the first point of call should always be talking to the teacher. They may be able to signpost extra support, or help provide context on what might be getting in the way of learning.
However, a tutor is definitely worth considering to provide that bit of extra help which could make all the difference.
But they needn’t just be for kids. Adults too can benefit from the skills of a good instructor, whether it’s picking up a new language or refreshing the memory of topics learnt long ago at school.
It’s likely that you already know someone who is using a tutor, or people in your social network may offer tutoring services themselves. So before hitting the web, ask around your contacts for recommendations.
Failing that, private tutors often advertise their services in Facebook groups like Expats de Lux, Luxembourg Parents and Luxembourg Expats Buy & Sell. If you can’t find someone suitable, consider posting an appeal in a group yourself.
The following companies act as search engines for private tutors, and allow you to filter by location, subject specialism and other criteria:
A range of providers also provide in-house tuition or promise to match you with a tutor that’s perfect for you or your child’s needs:
Rates vary significantly by provider, so it’s worth shopping around. As a rough guide, private lessons - whether via a school or with a tutor operating independently - range from 30 to 60 euros per hour depending on the number of lessons and the teacher’s level of experience. Savings can often be found by block-booking a number of hours in advance or choosing small group or two-to-one tuition.
A number of providers specialise in language tuition (most of the schools listed above also offer language training as part of their general package). For specialists try:
For specialist maths training, try a private tutor or for a different approach, there’s Vedic Maths Luxembourg. Vedic maths focuses on developing fast mental calculation, and is suitable for both kids and adults. It could be worth a try if you or your child are struggling with traditional maths teaching.
If you, or someone you care for, is aged between 12 and 24 and new to Luxembourg, the Department for the Schooling of Foreign Children offers free reception classes teaching German or French language. More details here.
If you’re concerned about a child falling behind at school, extra tuition may not be the best option. Indeed, they may be struggling due to another issue such as undiagnosed learning difficulties or a mental health concern. While speaking to the school should be the first port of call, it’s also possible to contact support services directly:
