Online tutoring is growing quickly in Canada. According to market analysts, the Canadian online tutoring market generated roughly US$971 million in revenue in 2024 and is projected to grow to US$2.25 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8 %. Globally, the online tutoring market was valued at US$8 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to reach US$18.2 billion by 2030. Analysts attribute this growth to improvements in video and interactive technology, artificial‑intelligence‑powered personalisation, wider adoption of digital learning platforms, and the need for continuous academic support. In Canada, the COVID‑19 pandemic exacerbated learning gaps; Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results show that between 2018 and 2022 Canada’s average scores dropped 13 points in reading and 15 points in mathematics, equating to nearly a year’s worth of lost learning. Families are turning to tutoring to fill these gaps, but the rapid expansion of services has attracted providers of varying quality. This guide outlines how to choose a reliable online tutor in 2026.
Understanding Your Learning Objectives
Before browsing tutor profiles, clarify why you need a tutor. Are you hoping to boost your grades in a single course, build general academic confidence, or help your child catch up after learning disruptions? Evidence from the Future Skills Centre shows that tutoring provides personalised instruction and timely feedback, allowing students to catch up and fully benefit from classroom instruction. High‑dose tutoring—multiple sessions per week—has a particularly strong impact on academic achievement. Write down specific goals (e.g., “raise my math grade by 10 percentage points” or “prepare for the Grade 10 literacy test”) and share them with prospective tutors.
Assessing Your Learning Style
Understanding your or your child’s learning style helps match you with a tutor whose teaching methods align with your needs. Educational research often describes four broad learning styles:
Most people use a combination of styles. Discuss your preferred style with tutors so they can tailor sessions accordingly.
Evaluate Tutor Credentials
Qualifications vary widely among tutors. The Future Skills Centre report notes that tutoring delivered by certified teachers produces the strongest effects, although paraprofessional tutors and graduate students can also be highly effective. When evaluating credentials:
- Formal education and certification – For high school or university‑level subjects, look for tutors with a degree in the subject area or a teaching licence. Some provinces maintain registries of certified teachers. For example, Alberta’s education registry, British Columbia’s teacher regulation site, Ontario’s College of Teachers registry and Saskatchewan’s teacher’s registry allow parents to verify that a tutor is legally qualified and in good standing.
- Criminal record checks – Reputable services require tutors to complete a criminal record check and submit regular offence declarations. Ask potential tutors whether they have completed a vulnerable sector check.
- Professional references – High‑quality providers obtain references from administrators or colleagues to verify a tutor’s teaching style and reliability. You can also request references from previous students.
- Experience and training – The FSC report emphasises that program outcomes depend on the tutor’s training, supervision and program design. Ask about the tutor’s years of experience, familiarity with the local curriculum and any specialised training (e.g., working with neurodiverse learners).
A credible tutoring company will vet tutors through interviews, background checks and ongoing quality monitoring. For instance, some Canadian services record sessions for quality control and provide administrators—not tutors or other families—access to the recordings to ensure professionalism.
OFFSET: To find more info on how to choose the right tutor for you, check out our blog: How Much Does a Tutor Cost Per Hour in Canada?
Consider Tutoring Platforms and Technology
Online tutoring platforms offer different types of services and technologies. The Canadian market’s fastest‑growing segment is on‑demand tutoring, which accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024 and is expected to expand the most quickly. Structured tutoring (scheduled sessions with the same tutor) is also growing.
When choosing a platform:
- Credibility and safety – Ensure the platform screens tutors and provides clear policies on privacy and session recording.
- Technology requirements – Ask whether the platform uses standard video tools like Zoom or proprietary software. Reliable services should explain system requirements and costs for any required software.
- AI‑powered and interactive tools – Market reports show that growth is driven by advances in video technology, interactive tools and AI‑powered personalisation. Modern platforms may offer adaptive learning features, gamified lessons and multilingual interfaces.
- Course offerings and specialisations – Look for platforms that align with your subject needs (STEM, languages, test preparation) and age level. Many services offer both K‑12 and adult education modules.
- Cost and trial sessions – Clarify pricing, package options and cancellation policies. Some providers offer free consultations or trial sessions, which can help assess fit.
Reading Reviews and Testimonials
Reviews provide insight into a tutor’s professionalism, teaching style and reliability. Look for feedback that mentions the tutor’s communication skills, flexibility, and subject expertise. Newer tutors may not have many public reviews, but credible platforms can often connect you with references from past clients. When reading reviews, focus on aspects that matter to you—such as punctuality, ability to explain concepts, or experience with specific learning needs.
Analysing Communication and Compatibility
Once you narrow down candidates, organise interviews or consultation calls. A tutor’s ability to communicate clearly and respond to questions is as important as their subject knowledge. Prepare to discuss:
- Educational background and teaching experience – Ask about their degrees, certifications and years of tutoring.
- Experience with your age group or learning needs – Inquire about experience with young children, teenagers, adult learners or special‑needs students.
- Teaching methods and tools – Discuss how they adapt sessions to different learning styles and what tools they use (whiteboards, screen sharing, interactive software).
- Availability and scheduling – Ask about session length, preferred frequency, flexibility for rescheduling and whether they offer on‑call assistance outside scheduled sessions.
- Trial sessions – High‑quality tutors often offer a free or low‑cost trial so you can assess compatibility.
Research shows that high‑dose tutoring (three or more sessions per week) is almost twice as effective as weekly tutoring, so discuss scheduling that aligns with your goals.
Assessing Availability and Flexibility
A good tutoring arrangement fits your schedule and budget. Be transparent about your availability and financial constraints. Some tutors require weekly sessions, while others offer flexible or on‑demand scheduling. Clarify payment options, cancellation policies and whether there are discounts for long‑term commitments. If your schedule is unpredictable, seek tutors with flexible policies and consider on‑demand platforms.
10 Final Thoughts
The online tutoring marketplace in 2026 is larger, more sophisticated and more regulated than ever. Growth is fuelled by advancements in technology and a pressing need to address learning gaps, as evidenced by declining PISA scores and students’ desire for new ways to learn. With so many options, families must do more than choose the first available tutor. They should define clear goals, understand learning preferences, verify credentials, compare platforms and ensure privacy compliance. By leveraging the latest technology responsibly and practising consistent, high‑dose tutoring, students can achieve significant academic gains. Finally, staying informed about emerging trends—such as AI integration, new assessment models and evolving privacy legislation—will help you make choices that not only improve grades but also develop digital literacy and critical thinking. With careful selection and proactive engagement, online tutoring can be a transformative tool for Canadian learners in 2026 and beyond.
FAQs
Involve your teenager in the selection process. High‑school students should feel comfortable with their tutor’s personality and teaching style. Ensure the tutor has subject expertise, experience with the grade level, and the flexibility to accommodate exam preparation. High‑dose tutoring multiple times per week may be necessary for subjects like math and sciences.
Check out our blog: How to Prepare for High School: Essential Tips for a Smooth Transition
Check for formal education or teaching licences in the relevant subject. Verify credentials using provincial teacher registries, and ask about experience, ongoing training and professional references. For younger students, experience engaging children online and training in special education may be more important than advanced degrees.
Read testimonials and watch their introductory video. During the trial, observe how the tutor explains concepts, responds to questions and adapts to different learning styles. Ask about the tools they use and how they measure progress (e.g., formative assessments, homework feedback).
Relying on a credible source for finding tutor profiles is essential. Read online reviews of tutoring websites, ask for testimonials from any tutors you choose to interview with, and trust your gut. You can read more about how we hire Tutorlyft tutors on our vetting process page.
For early grades, enthusiasm, patience and experience engaging young learners are key. For high school and university subjects, subject expertise becomes more critical. Effective tutors combine mastery of the subject with the ability to explain concepts clearly, tailor instruction to individual needs and build confidence.
Don’t hesitate to interview multiple tutors or use trial sessions to find a good fit. Share your learning goals and preferred style, and ask about the tutor’s approach. High‑quality services offer free consultations or short Meet‑and‑Greet sessions to assess compatibility.
