Frequently Asked Questions

What is the company’s perspective on tutoring?

Many people view a tutor primarily as someone to help students complete homework and prepare for tests. This is not our perspective. We want our students to learn, understand, and master their courses. Accordingly, the tutor always begins the first session by assessing the student’s strengths and weaknesses, whether it is difficulty in a particular subject, or barriers preventing overall academic progress and achievement. This will determine where a tutor begins. The initial lesson concludes by informing the parents about the extent of the student’s needs, and how many hours per week will be needed to overcome them. Subsequent lessons will focus on thoroughly teaching all problematic material, even though it may involve teaching concepts, skills, or subject areas previously covered in the classroom.

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How do I begin tutoring with your service?

Simply call or e-mail the office. We will talk with you about your child’s needs, background and goals. Once we determine what kind of tutoring is necessary, we match him/her with the most effective and suitable tutor.
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Who are the tutors who work with Ellen Richards Educational Services?

Our tutors excel academically and inspire their students through their own commitment to education. Most of our tutors graduated from Ivy League colleges. They have from a wide variety of backgrounds and diverse interests. As top-tier college alumni, they also have a true understanding of the admissions process from personal experience. We coordinate services directly with teachers, parents, and other professionals to ensure that we are all working toward a common goal: your child’s success!
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How do you select your tutors?

We hire on a referral basis only. Only a client or a current tutor may recommend someone to our staff. Once they have been referred, our office requests a resume, availability and a list of specialties. Once all of those have been verified by checking references and/or background checks, we invite prospective tutors in for an interview. After that interview, a final decision is made about whether or not they meet the high academic and professional standards of ERES.
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Can I choose which tutor works with my child?

If you visit the Instructors page you will find pictures and bios for each of our tutors. If you see someone you think would be a perfect match for your child, please let us know and we will try to accommodate you.
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What if the chemistry between the tutor and my child is not working?

We always try to carefully match our students with qualified tutors to best meet their needs. Occasionally, however, our selection doesn’t turn out to be the best possible choice for a particular student. This is usually due to poor rapport or chemistry between the tutor and student. If this happens, please call us immediately.

We are committed to the academic success of your child and want you to be satisfied with our service. Ellen Richards Educational Services offers a money-back guarantee. If you are not 100% satisfied with your tutor at your first session, contact us immediately and we won’t charge you.

Please note that working longer than the one hour minimum send the message to the tutor that you are satisfied with his/her service and therefore will not ask to receive the session free of charge. The tutor will check with the student and/or parent at the one hour mark to insure satisfaction.
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Where do tutors meet with students?

Our tutors will come to your home or meet with your child anywhere in the Los Angeles area. Most clients prefer to meet in their homes; however a local library or a location at the student’s school sometimes works just as well. The most desirable tutoring area is someplace quiet. Lessons should always be where the tutor and the student feel comfortable, with few distractions. Working at the dining room table, the kitchen, the student’s desk, or any place in the home that works well and provides a comfortable setting for learning is best. It will be difficult to focus on work if the nearby television is on, or a sibling is in the room and creates distractions.
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How frequently do tutors meet with students?

In order to be most effective, students need consistent sessions. However, we strive to offer you flexibility and convenience with our tutoring program. If it is not possible to meet at the same time each week due to scheduling conflicts, make sure the student meets for the agreed upon amount of time each week.
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How long is each tutoring session?

Ending a tutorial prior to the scheduled time of conclusion is highly discouraged. If the student has a session scheduled for 1 ½ hours, the entire time must be spent with the tutor. If a parent or students chooses to end the tutorial early, the client will be expected to pay for that time. Many tutors plan their schedules and meetings with other clients according to what each client advises in terms of session length. If you think you may need more or less time, please contact the tutor beforehand.
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Do you only offer one-on-one tutoring?

Our tutors are more than happy to tutor more than one student at a time, provided the tutoring is for the same class or subject. There have been many instances when friends in the same class or students of the same age group request a tutoring study group.
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Are tutors available to meet on weekends?

We can accommodate whatever schedule you request. We work with many tutors who have a wide variety of skills and availability.
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How can students prepare for the first tutoring session?

1. Please make sure the student has all of the books out and organized when the tutor arrives so that the tutor and student can get to work immediately.
2. The student should have ready and available for the tutor the following:

-Textbook
-Notebook
-Previous tests
-Previous quizzes
-Homework assignments
-Progress reports/report cards

1. The tutor and student must work at a well lit table or desk.
2. The tutor will assess the student and advise regarding the number of tutoring hours per week are needed based on the student’s current situation and objectives.
3. The tutor will set up a regular schedule with the student.

What are your cancellation and scheduling policies?

Client Cancellations of Appointments: Before 24 Hours

We require 24 hours cancellation notice for ALL appointments in order to avoid charging clients for the session. One exception: Sunday appointments must be canceled by Friday at 5:00 PM.

Client Cancellations of Appointments: Within 24 Hours

Any cancellations within 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time will result in a fee equal to the total amount of time scheduled. Clients should cancel directly with the tutor; if client cannot contact the tutor directly, client should call the office at 310-882-8057.

Client “No Show” Policy

If a tutor arrives at a student’s house and the student is not home or otherwise not available for tutoring, the client will be charged for the total length of booked session. If a session was booked for 1 ½ hours, the client will be charged for 1 ½ hours.
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What if a tutor cancels a session?

All tutors are expected to observe the same degree of consideration we expect from you. If your tutor ever cancels or changes an appointment without giving you at least one day’s notice, fails to show up for a lesson or does not arrive at the appointed time, call us immediately. We will then have an open discussion with the tutor so that this will not happen again. In the case that a tutor must cancel a session, he/she will contact you ASAP. Whenever possible, tutors will offer to make up the session at a mutually convenient time.

Substitutes

Occasionally we may offer a substitute tutor is a client’s regular tutor plans to go out of town or is too ill to work with a client. In this case, we guarantee that you will be satisfied with the temporary replacement.
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How do I pay for Sessions?

Each month, we will send you a bill via the method of your choice (e-mail/fax/mail). There is no need to leave payment at the time of the tutoring lesson. Payment is due within 15 days of invoice date.
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Why should I choose Ellen Richards Educational Services for test preparation over other companies?

We custom fit a program that exactly meets each student’s needs. We are always available to answer your questions about any aspects of academics, study skills and college preparation. When you combine services through ERES, we create a cost effective program that prevents you from hiring multiple consultants or experimenting with different methods until you find one that best fits your objectives. We determine each client’s individual needs and support each student to the fullest extent necessary.
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Why does my child need test preparation?

The SAT and ACT are more important now than ever. As the college application process becomes competitive, student tests scores increase. While students (and their parents) spend high school years perfecting working to achieve high GPAs and participate in extracurricular activities, many students only have a few months to prepare for standardized tests. Since college admissions boards may scrutinize test scores just as much as GPAs, test preparation a must. You don’t go to a game without practicing first – the SAT and ACT are no different.
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When should students start test preparation?

Each student is different. We recommend you start as a sophomore or junior. In any case, because each program is customized for you, we can help you achieve your goals at any point in the process.
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Will college admissions support through ERES replace the counseling students receive in school?

Our assistance supplements school counseling; we do not strive to replace school counselors, as they are a valuable resource. We work cooperatively with parents and schools fully understand the college admissions process and help you set goals that are right for you.
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