Find answers to common questions about our tutoring services
About Tutoring Sessions
How long are tutoring sessions?
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Our standard tutoring sessions are 1 hour long. This gives us enough time to review previous material, introduce new concepts, and practice together. For younger students (Pre-K to 1st grade), we can also arrange 30-minute sessions if needed.
How are sessions conducted?
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All sessions are conducted virtually via Zoom. Your child will need a computer, tablet, or phone with a camera and microphone, plus a stable internet connection. We'll send a Zoom link before each session.
What subjects do you tutor?
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We specialize in reading/literacy (phonics, fluency, comprehension) and math for students in Pre-K through 8th grade. We also offer homework help, test prep (MAP, IAR, gifted testing), and general academic support.
Can I reschedule or cancel a session?
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Yes! We ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or reschedules. Contact us via email at [email protected] or call 773-326-6400. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may count against your package.
Pricing & Payment
How much does tutoring cost?
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We offer 4-week packages: Sidekick ($200/4 sessions), Hero ($360/8 sessions - most popular), and Legend ($480/12+ sessions). The more sessions you book, the lower the per-session rate. Visit our pricing page for full details.
What payment methods do you accept?
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We currently accept Zelle, Cash App, and cash payments. We're working on adding online card payments soon. Payment details are provided after booking.
Do you offer a free trial?
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Yes! We offer a free assessment that helps us understand your child's current level and learning needs. This 10-15 minute assessment also gives your child a chance to meet us and see what tutoring is like.
Kids World & Platform
What is Kids World?
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Kids World (influencingtomorrow.org) is our student portal where your child can access assigned activities, educational games, and learning resources. Each child has their own PIN to log in and practice independently.
How do I find my child's PIN?
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Log into your Parent Dashboard at learnwithbrainiacs.com. Under "Your Students," click on your child's card to see their PIN. You can copy it with one click!
How do I track my child's progress?
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You can view progress in your Parent Dashboard. Click on your child's card to see assigned activities and completion status. We also send session summaries via email after each tutoring session.
Assessment & Testing
What is the free assessment?
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Our free assessment is a 10-15 minute adaptive evaluation that measures your child's reading and math levels. It adjusts to their responses to accurately identify their strengths and areas for growth. You'll receive a detailed report with grade-level placement and personalized recommendations.
Do you help with test prep?
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Yes! We offer preparation for MAP testing, IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness), and gifted program assessments. We focus on building the underlying skills while also familiarizing students with test formats and question types.
General Questions
What ages/grades do you work with?
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We work with students from Pre-K through 8th grade. Our specialty is elementary students (K-5), but we also support middle school students with reading, math, and homework help.
Who is the tutor?
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Learn with Brainiacs is owned and operated by Judi Smith, a mother of 5 with a Bachelor's in Computer Science and an Associate's in Early Childhood Education. She has operated a licensed daycare since 2007 and is passionate about helping children succeed academically.
How do I contact you?
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You can reach us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 773-326-6400. Our hours are Monday-Friday 3-8pm and Saturday 9am-2pm. You can also use the contact form on our website.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help! Reach out and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.