Tutoring Services
Academic Help for Students With Learning Disabilities
Empowering Learners Through Targeted, Intensive Support
Learning and attention challenges are common in the US, with one in five children having a learning disability like dyslexia or ADHD. With the right support, people who learn and think differently can make great progress in school and go on to lead deeply fulfilling lives.
Our educational specialists provide intensive academic interventions for students struggling with a wide range of learning differences. They use evidence-based practices and tailor lessons to each student’s needs, targeting reading, writing, and math challenges, organizational skills, and more.
Dyslexia Tutoring
It is now possible to screen for and diagnose reading disorders, such as dyslexia, in young children. We treat reading challenges with highly targeted, multisensory approaches, including Orton-Gillingham, developing essential reading skills and empowering learners of all ages to crack the alphabetic code that makes reading possible. In one-on-one sessions, our instructors teach and expand literacy skills and build students’ confidence in themselves as readers and learners.
Signs of Dyslexia
People with dyslexia have trouble reading accurately and effortlessly. They guess at words based on context, struggle with spelling, and have difficulty rhyming and remembering words and facts. Dyslexia can only be diagnosed through testing.
Dyslexia Treatments
There is no quick fix for dyslexia. We teach students using highly structured approaches, such as Orton-Gillingham, to address learners’ unique challenges and abilities and build reading skills in carefully planned, step-by-step ways.
Reading & Writing Interventions
Dyslexia also affects spelling and writing. Dysgraphia, a related disorder, affects writing and the ability to put thoughts on paper. We treat both learning disabilities using targeted, intensive interventions.
ADHD/Executive Function Tutoring
Many aspects of life—including learning—are challenging for those who find it difficult to get organized, manage emotions, keep still, and finish tasks. But with the right support, people with ADHD can thrive. Through individualized instruction and one-on-one attention, we teach students how to develop the critical skills that keep them focused and engaged in learning.
Signs of ADHD
Signs of ADHD—like struggling to pay attention and manage emotions—can appear as early as preschool, but often show up in later grades when school gets harder and there are more tasks to juggle.
ADHD Executive Function Help
We help students develop the self-regulating skills they need to accomplish just about everything in life, including how to learn new things in school or at work.
ADHD Support
We teach strategies that help students develop critical executive function skills, empowering them to take on responsibilities that require focus, organization, and follow-through.
Dyscalculia and Math Tutoring
Dyscalculia is a common learning difference that makes it hard to work with and understand numbers. Our educational specialists help struggling students through research-backed approaches that are rich in multisensory experiences: students can see, hear, and feel math come alive. Instructors work one-on-one with learners to make concepts involving numbers—such as time, speed, measurement, and money—much easier to understand.
Signs of Dyscalculia
Young children may have trouble learning to count or recognizing numbers and basic patterns. Later on, they may struggle to tell time, estimate distance and speed, make change, and more. Learn about dyscalculia testing.
Tutoring in Math
Using proven approaches, we teach math concepts and skills, such as numeracy, addition, multiplication, fractions, early algebraic thinking, and more. Students will learn how to tackle math problems confidently and effectively.
Help With Math Anxiety
Many children and adults feel anxiety and stress about math, and will avoid situations that require math skills. Working one-on-one with students, we build confidence that can calm math-related worries.
The Stern Center Difference
Highly Trained Teachers
Our dedicated and caring teachers are skilled specialists with advanced credentials and years of extensive training.
Proven
Approaches
We use evidence-based, multisensory approaches that give students that, “Wow, I get this!” feeling in every lesson.
Powerful
Outcomes
Since 1983, we have been helping students reach their goals through life-changing learning.
Tailored to your Needs
We tailor instruction to specific learning needs and help people develop essential study skills.
What Learners Have to Say
Our Reach by the Numbers
2,250+
Teachers Served Every Year
When a teacher takes one of our courses, the positive impact ripples beyond one life, spreading through an entire classroom, school, and community.
Our Reach by the Numbers
13,891+
Student Services Hours This Year
We offer one-on-one teaching that transforms lives, lifts up voices, and inspires learners to bring forth their unique gifts to a world that awaits them.
Our Reach by the Numbers
94%
of Vermont School Districts Served
We celebrate the dedication of our school partners and share their commitment to a brighter future for all learners.
Our Reach by the Numbers
37
States and Counting
We’re a national leader in language and literacy. Our impact currently extends across 37 states and 9 countries through the thousands of educators we reach and students we serve.
Meet Our Team
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up a payment plan?
We’ll provide you with a contract and invoice which can be paid in full by our deadline or managed through a payment plan that spreads the cost of services over several months.
Are there other sources of financial assistance?
There are other sources that may assist with the financing of Stern Center Services. These include your school or school district, employer, Hireability Vermont, VSAC, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, health insurance provider, and others. Please note, we are not an insurance provider and do not bill insurance.
Do you accept insurance?
The Stern Center is not an insurance provider and cannot provide information explicitly for the purpose of insurance billing.
How do I apply for financial assistance?
Contact us to register for services and let us know you are interested in applying for financial assistance. We’ll ask you to complete a short application, which our team will review to determine the amount of financial assistance we can offer. After reviewing your application, we’ll notify you of our decision within a few days and apply your award directly as a need-based assistance discount.
Does the Stern Center offer financial assistance?
Yes. Through the generosity of individuals, organizations, and foundations, we can award need-based funds and provide additional assistance. Awards are based on income and the number of people in your family. Depending on family eligibility, costs may be reduced by 20–70%. Please review our Financial Assistance page and let us know if you want to apply for financial assistance when you register for services.
Do I (or my child) need an evaluation to start instruction?
You don’t need an evaluation to start instruction sessions. Our team will examine your strengths and challenges and tailor treatment to meet your needs. To learn more about evaluations and testing at the Stern Center, visit our Evaluations page, email evaluation@sterncenter.org, or call 802-276-8681.
What is your cancellation policy for instructional services?
Full or partial withdrawal prior to November 1st for the first semester or March 31st for the second semester will result in a pro-rated adjustment of fees. Because the Stern Center has committed significant resources to meet the needs of clients by planning for and guaranteeing scheduled instructional times, no refund will be made for withdrawals after these dates. The Stern Center may consider exceptions to this policy on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances such as long-term illness or family emergency.
How much does instruction cost?
Fees range in scale based on the service we’re offering. Our highly trained experts provide individualized, research-based instruction for each student. Through the generous support of our donors, we can offer need-based funds to those who qualify for financial assistance. These awards are based on income and the number of people in your family. Depending on family eligibility, costs may be reduced by 20–70%. Please review our Financial Assistance page for more information and contact us about our range of services.
Do you offer instruction off-site?
Yes, Stern Center instructors may be able to provide instruction at schools and work sites. We also offer lessons online.
Do you offer summer instruction?
Yes, we offer six weeks of intensive instruction in reading, writing, math, and organizational skills over the summer, either in person or online. For more information about these sessions, please visit our Summer Learning page.
Does the instructor collaborate with my child’s teacher(s)?
Yes, with a parent or guardian’s permission, the instructor will collaborate with a student’s school teacher(s) and team.
How do you teach reading?
We teach what the National Reading Panel calls the BIG FIVE: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. We do it through a structured literacy approach, which means that the teaching is explicit, systematic, and sequential.
When can I begin instruction?
You may begin instruction at any time during the school year and continue into the summer. You may also participate in our six-week long summer program.
What is the frequency and length of your instruction sessions?
The number and length of sessions are based on individual needs, schedules, and program requirements. Most students come for one or two hours of instruction per week during the school year in their area of academic need.
Additional Support
Evaluations
We help people understand how they learn so they can overcome challenges and move forward academically, professionally, and socially.
Social-Emotional Learning
Through direct teaching, coaching, and practice, our social learning experts help individuals learn the fundamental building blocks of social success.
Reading Readiness Check-Up
For parents curious about their child’s early reading skills, we offer a helpful check-up and expert advice for raising strong readers.
Keep Learning
Academic Calendar
View the Stern Center’s academic calendar. See openings and closings at a glance, including holidays and make-up days.
Summer Learning
Supercharge your child’s learning this summer. Get expert help with reading, writing, math, and more.
News and Resources
Keep learning and stay in the know with news and resources from our Stern Center experts.
Get in Touch!
To inquire about tutoring services, email learning@sterncenter.org, call 802-276-8563, or fill out the form below. Ready to register? Start here.
