I've tried a number of different tutoring options for my son over the years, each one had unique focus, strengths, and short-comings. For our needs this past year, Cardinal Tutoring fit the bill and fit it well.
First, Neil, who founded and runs Cardinal Tutors, is responsive, personable, professional, and runs a first class operation. He took the time to listen to me explain our needs and thoughtfully suggested two tutors explaining their differences and what he thought each would bring to the table. The choice was up to me. From a management standpoint, the PayPal invoicing could not be more convenient.
Second, our tutor connected with my 8th grade son immediately. What we needed was a mentor and homework coach, to engage my son and keep him focused to ensure concepts were cemented in cranking out homework. While the focus was on Algebra, during those sessions when the Algebra homework was completely quickly, the tutor did not hesitate to go beyond and see what other subject he could support. My son looked forward to his time with his tutor and felt good about his efforts and progress.
There are a few things you should know if you are considering Cardinal Tutors. Things that worked well for us, but may not be a fit for others.
1. This is more of a screening and match-making service than a tutoring methodology or researched, documented approach. If you need a structured program or guaranteed (particularly short-term) performance results, this is not for you.
2. On that same note, Cardinal Tutors does not have a bricks and mortar presence. I believe the tutors can be flexible with meeting at your home or on the Stanford campus (like meeting a friend, not sponsored or supported by Stanford), etc. If you need a tutoring center drop-off situation, this is not for you.
2. The tutors are students themselves; tutoring is not their career path, although they do have extensive teaching backgrounds. They are not professionally credentialed educators. If your student has or may have a specific learning disability or you required a certain teaching methodology supported ask for a tutor who can address those specific needs.
3. Again, the tutors are students - think developing brains and busy lives. They each have their own strengths, personalities, and habits. I was able to accommodate our tutor's occasional request for schedule changes and appreciated that he could, generally, accommodate ours. I also appreciated that he would occasionally stay a little longer to wrap up an assignment or leave a little earlier when the work was done and my son needed to check out. I have not experienced this kind of flexibility with other tutors / tutoring services we've used. If your life is tightly scheduled and adjustments throw you off kilter, or alternatively if you need a little flexibility, make it clear before you engage a specific tutor.
For our needs, Cardinal Tutors is a fit, and a good one at that. We will definitely make use of their services moving forward. read more