Tutoring Agreement
Agree the subjects, schedule, rates and ground rules for tutoring before the first lesson, so the tutor, the student and the family all know what to expect.
Includes 30 days of edits
- 5 to 20 minutes
- Print-ready PDF
What is a Tutoring Agreement?
A tutoring agreement is a contract between a tutor, or a tutoring business, and the person paying for lessons, which is usually a parent or guardian for a school-age student or the student themselves for adult learners. It turns an informal arrangement into a clear set of expectations.
The agreement lists the subjects and goals, how often and where sessions take place, how much they cost and when payment is due. It also sets the cancellation and make-up policy, who supplies materials, whether the tutor will send progress updates and how either side can end the arrangement.
Because many tutors work with minors, the agreement can also address supervision during sessions, background checks, photos and communication with the student. Writing these points down avoids misunderstandings about missed lessons, unpaid invoices or what results tutoring can realistically promise.
When to use it
- You are a private tutor starting lessons with a new student or family.
- You are a parent hiring a tutor for test preparation, homework help or a specific subject.
- You run a small tutoring business and want consistent terms for every client.
- You sell packages of prepaid sessions and need clear rules on expiry and refunds.
- You offer online lessons and want to set expectations about technology and recordings.
What is included
- Tutor, client and student details
- Subjects, goals and learning focus
- Session schedule, length and location (in person or online)
- Hourly, per-session or package rates
- Payment timing, methods and late payment terms
- Cancellation, no-show and make-up session policy
- Materials, progress reports and no guarantee of results
- Safety, supervision and background check terms for minors
- Term, termination and independent contractor status
- Governing law and signature blocks
How to make your Tutoring Agreement
Answer the questions
Tell us about the parties and the terms you want. Most documents take about 5 to 20 minutes.
Review the preview
Check the draft as you go and change any answer. The document updates instantly.
Download, sign and keep a copy
Download a print-ready PDF, sign it with the other parties, and give everyone a copy.
Frequently asked questions
Who should sign a tutoring agreement for a child?
The parent or legal guardian who is arranging and paying for lessons signs as the client. The student is named in the agreement, but minors generally cannot be held to a contract in the same way adults can, so the parent's signature is what makes the payment terms binding.
Should a tutor charge for late cancellations?
Many tutors do, because a last-minute cancellation leaves a slot that is hard to fill. A common approach is to require a set number of hours' notice and charge part or all of the session fee for later cancellations. This agreement lets you set the notice period and fee, or choose no fee.
Can I sell tutoring in prepaid packages?
Yes. Packages of prepaid sessions are common. The agreement lets you set the number of sessions, the package price, how long the sessions remain valid and whether unused sessions can be refunded.
Does a tutoring agreement guarantee better grades?
No, and a good agreement says so. Results depend on the student's effort, attendance, school and many other factors. This agreement states that the tutor will use professional skill and care but does not guarantee any particular grade, test score or admission outcome.
Is a tutor an employee of the family?
Usually not. Most private tutors are independent contractors who set their own methods and work for several clients. The agreement states that the tutor is an independent contractor responsible for their own taxes. Whether someone is legally an employee depends on how the relationship works in practice.
Do tutors need a background check?
Requirements depend on the state and on the setting, and some schools or programs require checks for anyone working with children. Many families ask for one regardless. The agreement can record that the tutor has completed a background check.
Can tutoring sessions be recorded?
Only if everyone agrees. Recording rules vary by state, and some states require the consent of every person recorded. This agreement lets you choose whether online sessions may be recorded and limits the use of any recordings to the student's learning.
