Independent Tutoring and Educational Service Agreement

What a good one includes

• A detailed description of the educational subjects, preparation time, and specific learning goals covered under the agreement.
• A clear policy specifying how much notice is required to reschedule a session and whether late cancellations incur the full fee.
• The exact hourly rate or package price, along with payment deadlines, accepted payment methods, and late fee terms.
• A clause outlining the role of the parent or school, such as providing a quiet study environment and ensuring the student arrives on time.
• A section defining who owns the lesson plans, worksheets, and custom educational materials created during the engagement.
• A simple process detailing how either party can end the tutoring relationship, including the required notice period.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to define a strict cancellation window, which leaves you vulnerable to unpaid last-minute cancellations and lost income.
• Vaguely describing the scope of tutoring, which can lead to clients expecting unpaid extra tasks like grading school homework or writing extensive progress reports.
• Neglecting to clarify parent supervision requirements for in-home sessions, exposing yourself to unnecessary liability and boundary issues.
• Forgetting to state that you cannot guarantee specific grades or exam scores, as external student effort always plays a major role in final outcomes.

Frequently asked questions