Private Language Tutor Agreement

What a good one includes

• A clear breakdown of the hourly rate or package pricing, including the accepted payment methods and due dates.
• A specific notice window, such as twenty-four hours, required to cancel or reschedule a lesson without forfeiting the session fee.
• A brief summary of the target language goals, whether it is conversational fluency, exam preparation, or professional business terminology.
• An explicit list of who provides textbooks, digital learning subscriptions, or the specific video conferencing software used for virtual sessions.
• A clear rule detailing how long a tutor will wait online or at a physical venue for a late student before the lesson is considered a paid no-show.
• A straightforward process for how either party can end the tutoring relationship permanently, including any refund terms for unused prepaid sessions.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to define exactly what constitutes an excused last-minute emergency, which often leads to uncomfortable disputes over missed lesson fees.
• Tutors forgetting to account for the time spent grading homework or customizing lesson plans outside of active teaching hours.
• Failing to have a parent or guardian sign the agreement when the student is under eighteen, making the contract legally unenforceable.
• Not specifying which alternative communication platform to use when primary internet connections or video software fail.

Frequently asked questions