Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive. If there's something you want to ask that isn't answered below, please email hello@hamptontutors.com or call 206.693.4101.
What is academic coaching?
Academic coaching differs from traditional tutoring in three key ways:
Contact between sessions.
Our sessions don’t just end when the time is up. Our coaches are contactable between sessions, available for proofreading, or answering questions via text. Coaches can check in with students to help them stay on top of their work.
Executive function support.
Our goal is to make our students confident, independent, and happy learners. Coaches work with students to develop underlying skills such as organization, time management, study skills, and task prioritization, while also helping them with their homework. We teach students the skills they need to help themselves. Our aim is to create self-assured, self-sufficient students who enjoy learning.
Academic management and comprehensive support.
We have experience working with therapists, school counselors, and other key individuals in a student’s life. Our coaches can liaise directly with these individuals (with your permission) to help best coordinate a student’s learning. We have strong relationships with many local schools, meaning we can work with key individuals to get access to curricula and to dovetail our coaching with the student's needs.
How do you select your coaches?
All of our coaches have a strong academic background. However, the most important characteristic our coaches have is the ability to form good relationships with students. While most of our coaches have advanced degrees from top universities, it is the empathetic abilities they have that mark them as standout candidates. Each of our coaches has a different academic and professional background. However, each of them is able to deliver high-quality academic coaching in an effective manner.
How do you pair up students and coaches?
Our process involves reviewing the needs of the students and the experience of the coach. The more information that is given to us the better! We have amazing coaches and a great track record of pairing students with their a coach they love. If - at any time - the student feels the coach isn't a great fit, we can find a replacement (although most of our students end up working with their coach for years!).
How long does it take to be matched with a coach?
Once we receive all of your paperwork, we aim to connect coaches with students within 72 hours, if not sooner.
Are all of your coaches background checked?
Yes, all our coaches pass a full federal background check run by Alliance 2020. If you wish to see a copy of your coach’s background check, please contact hello@hamptontutors.com.
What age students do you work with?
We work with students of all ages, from Elementary School to postgraduate (and adult learners). However, the bulk of our students are at the middle- and high-school levels.
What experience do your coaches have with learning difficulties and mental health support?
We have extensive experience working with students with learning difficulties. Many of our coaches have formal backgrounds in Special Education. Most also have experience working with students with ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, anxiety, or other learning difficulties.
As of October 2020, we launched our Mentally Healthy Student Program in partnership with Sequoia Teen Counseling, allowing students to get both counseling and academic coaching in the same session.
In addition, we have worked in collaboration with a number of therapists throughout Seattle. When we work in partnership with a therapist, we coordinate our sessions to work closely with the student’s therapy. Many students with underlying psychological issues see symptoms manifest in a school environment. We can communicate directly with therapists (with your permission) to help manage a student’s learning experience.
What kind of exam preparation do you offer for the SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.?
We offer one-to-one coaching for all standardized test preparation, from secondary school admissions (ISEE/SSAT), to college admissions (SAT/ACT), to graduate school admissions (GRE/GMAT/LSAT).
A diagnostic session for any test is available, during which a senior expert will review academic history, survey test-taking skills, and develop a personalized prep roadmap, including consultation on test options and dates.
How do I get started?
Submit an enquiry via our online form. After that, we'll be in touch to discuss the best options for you and your student and to lead you through our tailored, concierge intake process.
What are the costs of sessions?
You can view our service costs on our pricing page here.
Is there a fee for trial sessions?
No, our 30-minute trial session is absolutely free. It's important you find the right coach for you, so we don't charge until we've found the perfect match.
Is there a minimum commitment in terms of sessions?
No. Our coaching is tailored to the individual student; we don’t like to take a ‘blanket’ approach.
How do you cancel sessions? Will I be charged for a no-show?
We ask for 24 hours' notice when canceling a session. We do this to ensure that our coaches are compensated fairly for their time. We do understand that life happens, so we can always work with you to reschedule lessons in emergencies.
If you have signed up for a package, please email hello@hamptontutors.com to find the specific cancellation policy, as this may differ from regular coaching.
How long are coaching sessions?
Sessions are typically 1 hour long, but some students opt for 45 mins or 90 mins. Your coach will be best-placed to consult on ideal session lenghts for your student.
Where are lessons held? Do you offer virtual lessons? What's your Covid-19 vaccination policy?
Lessons can be arranged to take place at our office (Seattle only), at the student’s home, at the student’s school, or online.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, more of our coaches have chosen to work virtually only. When both the family and the coach are comfortable returning to in-person lessons, coaching can take place in person.
All of our coaches are required to be vaccinated and boosted. They all sign and attest to that. We do not require this for our families but please keep in mind that some of our coaches may be reluctant to work with non-vaccinated families in person.
How will I know how my child is progressing? Will I get status updates or reports?
After every session with one of our coaches you will get a full report of the lesson. You can access these through our platform - TutorCruncher (you will be assigned a login upon scheduling a first coaching session). We can also make session reports available to any other individuals working with a student(with parent/guardian consent).
N.B. If your student is over the age of 18 (or turns 18 during the course of the year), we require a waiver to share their information with you under the terms of FERPA legislation.
How do I become a Hampton Tutors Coach?
If you're interested in joining the Hampton Tutors team, please apply here.