You Get What You Pay For (And Then Some)
Our tutoring rates in Philadelphia reflect real value, not gimmicks. Yes, some of our rates may be higher than you expected. Here’s why that’s actually good news for your student.
Let’s Talk About What Tutors Actually Make
In Philadelphia, the average tutor makes $20–26/hour. Full-time private tutors average $35/hour. Full-time public school teachers with a bachelor’s degree start at $54,000/year, roughly $26/hour.
We pay our tutors $30–40/hour because we believe educators deserve to be compensated for their expertise. That puts us at the top of the market for part-time tutor compensation in Philadelphia.
Then we charge you $50–90/hour depending on the subject and level. Because:
- A certified or degreed educator and subject-matter expert (not a college student picking up side work)
- Individualized diagnostic exams before and after tutoring
- Thomas designing curriculum and lesson plans customized to your student
- Real-time feedback through your parent portal
- College admissions consulting available as an add-on for high school families
- Flexible, responsive tutoring that adapts to your student’s needs
Our business model: We keep overhead lean. Thomas handles curriculum, planning, and strategy. Your tutor focuses on what they do best, which is teaching. No administrative bloat. No profit margin games. Your tutor sees a fair wage. Your student gets a committed educator. That’s sustainable education equity.
Tutoring Rates in Philadelphia by Subject & Level
| Subject & Level | Hourly Rate | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Math (K–5) | $50/hr | Foundational concepts, confidence-building, diagnostic assessments |
| Elementary ELA (K–5) | $50/hr | Reading comprehension, writing skills, phonics support |
| Elementary Science (K–5) | $50/hr | Hands-on inquiry, curiosity, scientific thinking |
| Middle School Math (6–8) | $50/hr | Pre-algebra through geometry, transition support, skill-building |
| Middle School ELA (6–8) | $50/hr | Critical thinking, essay writing, literature analysis |
| Middle School Science (6–8) | $50/hr | Life, earth, and physical science foundations |
| High School Math (9–12) | $60–70/hr | Algebra, geometry, pre-calc, calculus, AP prep; advanced & AP-level courses at the higher rate |
| High School ELA (9–12) | $60/hr | College-prep writing, literary analysis, SAT/ACT reading, AP prep |
| High School Science (9–12) | $60/hr | Biology, chemistry, physics, AP prep (same rate) |
| Advanced STEM & Math (College-level) | $70/hr | Specialized instruction, college-level coursework |
| Standardized Test Prep (SAT, ACT, ISEE, SSAT, AP, ASVAB) | $90/hr | Strategic coaching, practice exams, test-taking resilience |
Understanding Our Tutoring Rates in Philadelphia Beyond the Hourly Rate
When you hire a tutor from Dreaming Elephants, the hour you pay for is just the beginning:
Diagnostic Assessment
Before your student’s first session, we conduct a comprehensive diagnostic. This isn’t a separate charge; it’s part of your investment.
Customized Lesson Plans
Thomas designs every lesson plan. Your student isn’t working from generic worksheets. They’re following a strategy built specifically for them.
Neurodivergence-Inclusive
Whether your student has dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or dyscalculia, our lesson plans are designed to work for diverse learners. Accommodations are foundational.
AP Exam Prep, Built In
All High School Math & Science prepares for AP Exams from day one. If your student takes the AP exam, they’re ready.
College Admissions Consulting: Optional Add-On
For high school families, we also offer optional College Admissions Consulting includes HBCU research, essay support, application strategy, and financial aid guidance, available as a separate package or as a loyalty perk for active tutoring families.
Parent Portal & Real-Time Feedback
See what your student is learning. Read session feedback. Understand progress. You’re never guessing. You’re partnering.
Ways to Invest Smarter
Session Frequency Discount
Book 4 or more sessions per month and receive 10% off your hourly rate.
12-Session Package Discount
Prepay for 12 sessions and receive 12% off your hourly rate.
Quarterly Payment Option
Prefer to invoice quarterly instead of monthly? We’ve got you.
Example: High school math at $60/hr × 4 sessions/month = $240. With 10% frequency discount = $216/month. With 12-session prepay = $211.20/month.
We Pay Educators. We Don’t Exploit Them.
There’s a model in the tutoring industry where companies pay tutors $15–20/hour and charge parents $60–100/hour. The tutor subsidizes the business. That’s exploitation dressed up as “convenience.”
We do the opposite. Our tutors are paid fairly, $30–40/hour for quality instruction. That’s above market rate for Philadelphia. That’s intentional. Fair pay attracts committed educators. Fair pay means your tutor stays. Fair pay funds quality. Tutors who feel valued show up as their full selves.
| What You Get | Budget Tutoring ($25–35/hr) | DE Tutoring ($50–90/hr) | Other Providers ($60–310/hr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutor Background | College student or career changer | Certified or degreed educator | Specialized expert (sometimes) |
| Customized Lesson Plan | Generic worksheets | Designed for your student | Depends on program |
| Diagnostic Assessment | Maybe | Yes, always | Varies |
| Neurodivergence-Inclusive | No | Yes | Not standard |
| College Admissions Consulting | Not included | Available as an affordable add-on | Separate fee |
| Ethical Labor Practices | Questionable | Non-negotiable | Market-dependent |
Bottom line: At DE Tutoring’s rates, you’re getting educator expertise and customized design. You’re getting a teacher, not a tutor. You’re getting a system, not a pickup service.
College Admissions Consulting
College admissions support is a separate service from tutoring. Most local consultants charge $200–300/hour and comprehensive packages average $6,450, yet our pricing sits well below the market while keeping expert, one-on-one guidance accessible. Active tutoring families receive loyalty perks (free consulting hours and package discounts).
| Service | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| À la carte consulting | $75–100/hr | Hourly guidance on any part of the process |
| Essay Lab | $450–650 | Personal statement + up to 3 supplemental essays |
| Application Strategy | $900–1,400 | School list, timeline, Common App setup, 2 core essays |
| Comprehensive Senior | $1,800–2,800 | Full cycle: school list, all applications & essays |
| Underclass Roadmap | $400–600 | 8th–11th grade planning, course strategy, activity building |
Ready to Get Started?
Not all students need the same intensity. Not all families have the same budget. Let’s talk.
“You don’t get what you don’t pay for. But at DE Tutoring, you get what you pay for, and then we design the system to make sure it’s actually worth it.”
Why Our Tutoring Rates in Philadelphia Are Worth It
When families compare tutoring rates in Philadelphia, we encourage them to look beyond the hourly number. Our rates reflect certified, degreed educators, personalized diagnostic-first plans, and ongoing progress tracking that lower-cost services simply cannot match. Every dollar goes toward genuine, measurable growth for your student, not overhead or scripts.
We also believe great tutoring should complement, not replace, the resources already available to families. Alongside our sessions, parents can explore free tools from the School District of Philadelphia to reinforce learning at home. Our transparent tutoring rates in Philadelphia are designed so you always know exactly what you are paying for and why it delivers lasting results.