4 Things I Learned Tutoring Hundreds of Students (And How to Help Your Child Succeed)

Today, I’m a school founder, teacher, and principal.  But first, I was a tutor for 20 years.  I’ve worked with hundreds of students, each with unique learning styles, strengths, and challenges. Through this experience, I’ve gained valuable insight into the common struggles students face—and more importantly, what can be done to help them thrive. If your child is struggling in school, know that they’re not alone. The good news? There are solutions. 

4 Common Challenges Students Face

1. Not All Teaching Styles Fit Every Student 

Even within the same school, teaching styles vary widely. One teacher may rely on lectures and notes, while another prioritizes hands-on learning or group work. Sometimes, these approaches work well for a student. Other times, they don’t. Unfortunately, many students assume that if they don’t understand the way a concept is taught, they must not be smart enough—when in reality, they may just need the material presented differently.

2. Students Are Afraid to Ask for Help 

A surprising number of students hesitate to reach out to their teachers, even when they’re struggling. Some fear looking “dumb” in front of their peers. Others worry they’ll be bothering their teacher. This reluctance means many students fall further behind, even when help is available.

3. Homework Success Doesn’t Always Translate to Test Success

Many students diligently complete their homework, get the answers right, and still perform poorly on tests. Why? Because homework often allows for notes, calculators, and outside help, while tests require independent recall and problem-solving. As a result, students overestimate how well they understand the material until it’s too late.

4. Kids Struggle to Prioritize Assignments

Middle and high school students especially, often feel overwhelmed by their workload but don’t know how to prioritize their assignments effectively. They may spend hours on tasks that matter less while neglecting high-impact studying or long-term projects.

4 Ways to Support Your Child’s Learning Journey

1. Help Them Find What Works for THEM 

Every student learns differently. Some need visuals, others benefit from hands-on practice, and some thrive through discussion. Helping your child explore different learning strategies can empower them to adapt material in a way that makes sense to them. At AMPed Hybrid Academy, we prioritize individualized learning approaches so that every student can engage in a way that best suits their strengths.

2. Encourage Self-Advocacy and Build a Supportive Environment 

Students need to know that their teachers work for them—not the other way around. Encouraging them to email their teacher, ask questions in class, or visit during office hours can help them take ownership of their education. At AMPed Hybrid Academy, we foster an environment where students feel comfortable seeking help and advocating for their needs.

3. Teach Them to Assess Their Own Understanding 

It’s essential that students have concrete ways to measure their grasp of a subject before test day. Encourage them to:

• Teach a concept to someone else
• Complete practice problems without notes
• Take self-quizzes or use flashcards By integrating these strategies, students gain confidence and avoid the “false mastery” trap that leads to test anxiety.

4. Help Them Plan Before They Start 

Time management isn’t something kids automatically know—it has to be taught. Before your child starts their homework, help them create a plan of attack by:

• Listing assignments in order of importance
• Estimating how long each task will take
• Breaking larger projects into smaller steps At AMPed Hybrid Academy, we provide explicit instruction in organizational methods and executive function skills to set students up for long-term success.