Spirit of Math vs. TutorLyft

For 2026-27, Spirit of Math campuses list $1,165 to $1,200 per 13-week term for SK to grade 8, and $1,405 to $1,440 for grades 9 to 11, plus a $30 registration fee each year. There are three terms, so a full year is $3,495 to $3,600 for SK to grade 8. Classes for grades 1 to 8 run 90 minutes once a week, which works out to about $90 a class, or about $60 an hour in a group. Siblings and students in a second program get a lower rate. Paying by credit card adds a 2.4% fee. Confirm the amounts with your campus before you register.

It depends on what your child needs. Spirit of Math is built for students who are already doing well: it asks for a B+ average or higher, and Spirit of Math itself says it isn't tutoring. Students work through harder problems than school sets, at least 400 competition-level problems a year, with a teacher and a class of peers, plus weekly homework. That suits a strong student who wants more challenge. If your child is struggling, needs help with this term's class or a test, or needs a subject other than math, a 1-on-1 tutor is usually the better fit.

Students in kindergarten to grade 11 with a B+ average or higher at school. Every new student starts with a free placement interview or assessment class to check they're at the right level. Not every grade is offered at every campus. TutorLyft has no entry requirement: tutors work with students at any level, including those catching up.

Not for the term you're in. Spirit of Math's withdrawal rules say there are no partial refunds during a payment term, and once a class has taken place in a new term, that term isn't refunded. To leave, tell your campus at least 5 business days before the next payment date. Later payments you've already made are refunded to your original payment method, and late requests carry a $50 administration fee. TutorLyft has no terms: you pay per lesson and can cancel a lesson for free up to 24 hours before it starts.

They're built for different things. Spirit of Math is one class a week with a teacher and a class of peers, focused on harder problems and contests, for students with a B+ average or higher. Kumon is math and reading worksheets at your child's own level, with two short centre visits a week and practice at home on the other days. On price, Spirit of Math lists $1,165 to $1,200 per 13-week term for SK to grade 8, and Canadian Kumon centres list $150 to $220 per subject a month, plus an $80 registration fee.

Yes. Almost every tutor offers a free phone consultation, so you can ask about their approach and your child's goals first. There's no subscription or sign-up fee, and if the first session isn't the right fit, we refund it and give you your next hour free with a new tutor.