Private Teacher and Tutor Service Contract

What a good one includes

• A clear breakdown of hourly rates, package discounts, accepted payment methods, and exact due dates for invoices.
• A strict, time-bound policy detailing how much notice is required to cancel a lesson without forfeiting the fee.
• A clause explaining how long the tutor will wait for a student and stating that missed time due to late arrival will not be extended or refunded.
• Specifications of where lessons will take place, whether online or in person, and who is responsible for providing textbooks or learning materials.
• A requirement that a parent or guardian must be present in the home during in-person sessions with minor students.
• A straightforward process for either party to end the tutoring relationship, including how much advance notice must be given.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on casual texts or spoken promises for last-minute cancellations almost always leads to lost income and frustrated feelings.
• Tutors often spend hours grading or planning without specifying in the contract that these out-of-lesson tasks are either included in the rate or billed separately.
• Without a clear late fee or a policy that pauses lessons for unpaid balances, clients may repeatedly delay payment without consequence.
• Neglecting to outline expectations for student behavior and safety during home visits can leave the tutor legally vulnerable if an accident occurs.

Frequently asked questions