Semi-private online tutoring for kids
Semi-private tutoring means one tutor teaching two students at the same level. At Wren School, a semi-private group of 2 meets live online twice a week for 50 minutes, in math, science, coding or English, for $949 per child per month (about $119 a class, or CAD $1,299). The first class is free.
Your first class is free. No payment details needed.
- Live, never pre-recorded
- Groups of 2, 4 or 8
- US and Canada-based tutors
- Background-checked
- Free first class
One tutor, two students
In a semi-private class the tutor can watch both children work, hear how each of them reasons, and adjust the lesson minute by minute. That is the main thing parents pay for in one-on-one tutoring. The difference is the second student: someone at the same level to compare answers with, explain to and learn from.
At Wren School the two children are matched by subject, grade and current level, meet twice a week for 50 minutes, and stay with the same group so the tutor gets to know them both.
| One-on-one | Semi-private (2) | Small group (4) | Small group (8) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tutor attention | All of it | About half each, with constant check-ins | High | Good; every child still speaks |
| Learning from a peer | None | A study partner | Real discussion | Most ideas in the room |
| Pace | Fully individual | Nearly individual | Set for a matched group | Set for a matched group |
| Wren price per child | Not offered | $949 / month | $649 / month | $399 / month |
Wren prices are per child per month for 8 live 50-minute classes. CAD: $1,299, $899 and $549.
What the research says about pairs
Tutoring in general has a strong track record. A 2020 review of randomized studies of PreK–12 tutoring found consistent, substantial gains, with the strongest results from programs run by teachers and paraprofessionals (Nickow, Oreopoulos and Quan, NBER, 2020). Stanford’s National Student Support Accelerator describes high-impact tutoring as groups of no more than four students with a consistent tutor (NSSA).
The evidence on pairs specifically is mixed. A study of online reading tutoring in Texas, reported by The Hechinger Report, found that first graders tutored one-on-one gained the equivalent of about 30 extra school days, while students tutored in pairs did no better than students who weren’t tutored. That was early reading with very young children, where one-on-one matters most. We think it is fair to say: if your child is just learning to read, or needs every minute of a tutor’s attention, one-on-one may be the better choice. For most other situations, a well-matched pair keeps most of the attention and adds a peer.
Who a group of 2 suits
- Closing a specific gap. For example, missing fraction skills before algebra.
- Moving fast. A child far ahead of their class who needs a faster pace than a larger group.
- Gaining confidence. A child who freezes when speaking in front of a bigger group.
- Attention or learning differences that benefit from a tutor adjusting all the time.
If your child mainly wants enrichment or enjoys discussion, a group of 4 or 8 costs less and may suit them better. Our guide Group of 2 vs 4 vs 8 goes through the trade-offs.
Subjects available in a group of 2
Every subject and grade band: math, science, coding and AI, and English and reading, from kindergarten to grade 12.
Questions about semi-private tutoring
What is semi-private tutoring?
Semi-private tutoring is a lesson with one tutor and two students. Each child gets close to one-on-one attention, and they also have a partner to think alongside. At Wren School it is our group of 2.
Is semi-private tutoring as effective as one-on-one?
Not always. Some studies of online tutoring found one-on-one did better than pairs, especially for young children learning to read. A pair works best when both children are well matched in level and the tutor keeps both actively working.
How much does semi-private online tutoring cost at Wren School?
A group of 2 costs $949 per child per month (CAD $1,299) for 8 live 50-minute classes, which is about $119 a class. The first trial class is free, with no payment details needed.
How are the two students matched?
By subject, grade and current level. The free trial class helps us confirm the match before your child joins a group.
Can my child move to a bigger group later?
Yes, subject to space in a suitable group. Many children start in a group of 2 to close a gap, then move to a group of 4.
Try a group of 2, free
Book a free trial class. We’ll match your child with a partner at the same grade and level, and you can see how it feels before you commit.
Your first class is free. No payment details needed.