Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  How does the LinguaTutors program work?
Q:  How do I know my child needs individual tutoring?
Q:  How often does the student meet with the tutor?
Q:  What ages and grade levels do you tutor?
Q:  What subjects does LinguaTutors offer?
Q:  What are your rates?
Q:  How soon can we begin tutoring sessions?
Q:  Do you have tutors who can help students with learning disabilities or special needs?
Q:  Do lessons have to be in my home?
Q:  How do I convince my child that needing a tutor is not a bad thing?
Q:  Do you provide tutors to families who home school their students?
Q:  Do you tutor adults?
Q:  What are your tutors' qualifications?
Q:  What if we don’t like the tutor?
Q:  Do I have to buy textbooks or other materials from you?
Q:  Do you provide test preparation for the SAT and ACT exams?
Q:  Are there any assessments or tests to take before being tutored?
Q:  How long will it take me to learn a language?
Q:  Do you require students to commit to a minimum number of lessons?
Q:  Do you require long-term contracts?
Q:  What's in the student contract?
Q:  Does LinguaTutors offer tutoring during school breaks, or during the summer?
Q:  What advantages does LinguaTutors offer over franchises and tutoring centers?
Q:  How do I arrange for a free consultation?
Q:  What happens during the free in-home consultation?
Q:  Do you accept credit cards?
Q:  Who owns LinguaTutors?
Q:  What areas and towns do you serve?

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How does the LinguaTutors program work?
A: Our approach is simple - tutoring is focused on our students' unique needs, interests, and abilities.  We do this by carefully assessing the student's goals and objectives in a free, in-home consultation with parents and student.  We then use this information to match the student with the most qualifed tutor that is best suited to help the student achieve maximum results.

Our approach is different from franchised tutoring centers.  We do not have a separate, fixed study program for our students. Instead, our tutors work one-on-one with each student, using the current classroom curriculum as a foundation when appropriate, and adding supplementary materials and other exercises when necessary. This approach more quickly and directly improves student performance and confidence, instead of overwhelming an already busy student with additional work.

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Q: How do I know my child needs individual tutoring?
A: Whether your child is struggling with a particular subject, frustrated with the effort required to keep up with assignments, or wants to get ahead and excel, LinguaTutors works with you to help your student achieve those goals.

Keep in mind that students who are not struggling in school can also benefit from having a tutor! Advanced and even gifted students may get bored in school, and sometimes tutoring is a wonderful cure for this. Also, if you want to add enrichment courses to your child's education, or give your child a head start in reading or a foreign language, your student will greatly benefit from the personalized attention that our professional tutors provide.

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Q: How often does the student meet with the tutor?
A: Typically, the tutor meets with the student once or twice a week for 1-hour, 1-1/2 hour, or 2-hour lessons. Depending on the student's individual circumstances and needs, the recommended time and frequency of lessons may be higher. Ultimately, this is determined by the parents or student, based on the student's and family's particular goals, schedule and budget.

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Q: What ages and grade levels do you tutor?
A: LinguaTutors works with students of all ages, and in all grade levels including Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, and High School students. We also have many students in College and at the Graduate School level, as well as adult students of all ages who wish to have a tutor for work and career, continuing education, and to learn a foreign language for travel and leisure purposes.

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Q: What subjects does LinguaTutors offer?
A: We have tutors for all academic subjects including reading, math, science, special needs and test preparation.  "Lingua" is the Italian word for "language".  We offer all academic subjects, and we are experts in Languages.  Because we are experts in foreign language tutoring, there is currently no other in-home tutoring company like us! 

   Click here to see a complete list of our subjects.

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Q: What are your rates?
A: Our rates are lower than the leading in-home franchise, or national tutoring centers. We are a privately owned and operated company, and with little overhead costs and zero franchise fees, we are able to pass the savings onto our students. Click here to see our rates.

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Q: How soon can we begin tutoring sessions?
A: Sessions are arranged at the earliest convenience of both the student and tutor. Our tutors are available 7 days a week, so finding the days and time that meets the needs of your family is easy to do.  Click here to get started today!

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Q: Do you have tutors experienced in learning disabilities or special needs?
A: Yes.  Many of our tutors have experience in Special Education, and are Special Needs certified. Many of our tutors have experience working with the most common learning disabilities, including ADD, ADHD, and Dyslexia. We will match your student with a tutor who understands these issues, and knows how to adapt each tutoring session with the student's needs in mind. Our tutors will also use the student's current IEP (Individual Education Plan) to create lesson plans, and will work with the school's teachers and counselors when appropriate to help your student achieve his or her full potential. Please contact us to discuss your child’s specific learning needs.

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Q: Do lessons have to be in my home?
A: Most of our students prefer tutoring in their homes, however, our tutors can also conduct lessons in a quiet café, local library, or other public facility. Our goal at LinguaTutors is to make the tutoring sessions comfortable and convenient for you, so whatever your preference, we will make it work at a location and time that fits your schedule. Please note that we do require a parent, guardian or other adult caretaker over the age of 18 to be on the premises at all times during each lesson.

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Q: How do I convince my child that needing a tutor is not a bad thing?
A: Parents may struggle with this question when they realize their child needs a little help with schoolwork. Let your child know that having a tutor will help them do better, and feel more confident both in and out of school. It can actually be fun to have a tutor! Because our tutors offer a flexible, more relaxed approach to learning, your child will actually look forward to the tutoring sessions.

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Q: Do you provide tutors to families who home school their students?
A: Yes!  LinguaTutors is an excellent resource for parents who home school their children. Many parents are excellent teachers in certain subjects, but may not have knowledge or experience teaching reading concepts, or language. Most home school parents find foreign languages one of the most difficult subjects to teach and many look for outside help with this subject. LinguaTutors understands the needs of home schooled students and parents, and is ready to provide high quality expert instruction, support and education. We also help families and home school organizations with curriculum choices, and offer affordable group instruction.  Contact us for more information.

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Q: Do you tutor adults?
A: Yes! We currently have many adult students who are learning and studying a language or other subject for work, travel and leisure, or continuing education purposes, or for help in writing and business communication skills.

We also offer tutoring in adult literacy - specifically reading and writing skills. Our service offers these students the ability to learn in the privacy and comfort of their own home, at their own pace. As always, lesson planning and instruction is flexible, and based around the student’s individual needs.

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Q: What are your tutors' qualifications?
A:    You can be sure you will get the best tutor available that is uniquely suited to meet you or your child's unique needs!  Each tutor must undergo an initial phone screening, and in-person interview before being selected to work with our company.

All of our tutors have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degrees or higher, and possess a thorough knowledge of the subject matter they teach.  The majority of our tutors have experience working in public or private schools and universities. Some are full-time certified teachers, substitute teachers, retired teachers, or experienced private tutors.  We select only those tutors with excellent references, a friendly and professional attitude, and a genuine comittment and desire to help students succeed. 

In addition to these qualifications, our foreign language tutors are fluent English speakers as well as in a second language.  All are native or near native speakers in the language they teach.  Many have studied extensively or worked overseas in a country where the language is spoken. 

We personally verify all tutor credentials, check all references and require all tutors to pass a criminal background check.  Let us find the right tutor for you or your child today!

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Q: What if we don’t like the tutor?
A: We make every effort to match you with the best tutor that is most suited for your particular learning objectives, and who will develop a positive rapport with their students. However, if you think your tutor is not a good match for any reason, LinguaTutors will assign another tutor for you or your child. If, after the first session is completed, you do not think the tutor is a good match, please contact us as soon as possible. You will not be charged for the session and another tutor will be contacted.

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Q: Do I have to buy textbooks or other materials from you?
A: No.  Our tutors use the student's current classroom curriculum, and may also introduce supplementary materials and exercises when necessary, to help explain difficult concepts. This approach more quickly and directly improves student performance and confidence, and does not overwhelm a student by adding extra work on top of an already busy schedule. This also gives the tutor an opportunity to review anything the student may not understand in the classroom.

We also have many students who wish to learn a foreign language at home and may not have their own materials.  Our tutors have a variety of excellent materials, books, and learning tools that they will bring and use for each lesson, and will suggest items that you may wish to purchase online or at a bookstore. If you have any suggestions, books or other materials you'd like to use, our tutors will be happy to work with you to develop lesson plans from those materials.  Get started today!

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Q: Do you provide test preparation for the SAT and ACT exams?
A: Yes we do!  We have tutors who are very knowledgeable and have experience taking these tests. Our tutors offer assistance and support in preparing for the English portions of the tests including reading, comprehension, vocabulary, and essay writing.  Our tutors can provide materials for you, or will assist you in purchasing products for your lessons that will benefit you in preparing for these exams.  We also provided assistance for the SAT Subject tests (formerly SAT II) such as Spanish language, English literature and more.   Click here to see a complete list of our subjects.

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Q: Are there any assessments or tests to take before being tutored?
A: No!  LinguaTutors does not require students to undergo expensive assessment tests.  Our tutors create lesson plans based on student input, and conduct free, informal assessments at the first tutoring session. We do not charge any assessment fees!

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Q: How long will it take me to learn a foreign language?
A: For most people, a combination of studying the language, and being immersed in it is the best combination for learning. However, because taking a trip to Mexico, Italy, or Germany for a month or more isn't possible for everyone, you can find other ways to simulate immersion. Our tutors will definitely help you create an immersion experience, and if you prefer, teach only in the target language.

Another great way to learn is to tutoring with a friend! We offer group rates and discounts and you can share the costs of tutoring, making it more affordable for the both of you!  Other great ways to reinforce what you've learned in your lessons are by listening to music, watching videos or television, and reading newspapers or books. In 3 or 4 months of tutoring, most people can be at least conversant. Fluency can take anywhere from 6 months to several years, depending on the student.

The best way to practice what you've learned from tutoring, is to speak with people in the language as much as possible.  Don't be afraid of making mistakes!  The best language students are those who aren't afraid to jump right in and learn by trial and error. Your tutor is the best person to help you with this process, and will give you helpful suggestions and resources to make your experience the best it can be.

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Q: Do you require students to commit to a set number of lessons?
A:  No.  We only require you to pay for 4 sessions at a time.  We also have a pay-as-you go plan which requires a small deposit.  However, we strongly suggest that you complete a minimum of eight sessions in order to see progress.

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Q: Do you require long-term contracts?
A: No!  At LinguaTutors we believe that once a student’s or family’s goals are accomplished, our work is done. You won’t be bound by any long-term contract to continue with our tutoring service. You are never under any obligation to continue. Simply give us 2 weeks notice before you wish to end tutoring with us.

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Q: What's in the student contract?
A: Our student contract is very short and simple. It states that you will: 1) pay LinguaTutors on time, 2) give 24 hours advance notice if you need to change a lesson date, 3) be on time for your lessons, and 4) not accept or solicit direct employment from our tutors in an attempt to bypass our service.

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Q: Does LinguaTutors offer tutoring during school breaks, or during the summer?
A: Absolutely!  If your schedule allows, continuing with tutoring during the summer break can be very helpful for students to catch up or even get ahead of their schoolwork in preparation for the next school year. Research shows that continued instruction through the summer months can have a dramatic impact on academic performance. Ask about our summer tutoring packages. Tutoring can be easily scheduled to accommodate your vacation schedules and other summer activities.

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Q: What advantages does LinguaTutors offer over franchises and tutoring centers?

A: We speak your language!- Other "all-subjects" tutoring companies offer foreign languages, but do they really know how to select the right tutor for your needs, or know what it really takes to learn a language? LinguaTutors is owned and operated by a certified, experienced teacher with a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and Education. You can be confident in knowing that she fully understands the unique needs of students learning a language. She knows because she is an experienced tutor herself, and has been teaching and has studying language herself for over two decades.

A: We come to you! Our tutors come to your home or office, eliminating the time, expense, and hassle of driving to and from a tutoring center. If you wish, our tutors can also conduct lessons in another convenient location, such as a local public library, or quite café.

A: Individualized Lesson Planning.  LinguaTutors knows that all students learn in different ways, so we offer individualized, one-on-one instruction, using the student's own school curriculum and homework when appropriate to create individualized lesson plans that offer better results.  Lessons are created based on the students' unique needs, interests, and abilities, not a pre-determined set of worksheets, fixed curriculum, or particular methodology. We feel this is the best way to build student confidence and success both in and out of the classroom.

A: Flexible Scheduling. LinguaTutors works with you! Your lessons are planned around a day and time that works around your activities and schedule.

A: One-on-One Attention At a learning center, students are typically grouped into 4 to 6 students to one tutor. And there can be a different tutor from week to week. With LinguaTutors, you are assigned the same tutor - one teacher for one student.

A: Better Rates. LinguaTutors is privately owned and operated, so our rates are lower than the national franchises. We also do not charge fees for registration or assessments!  Click here to see our rates.

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Q: How do I arrange for a free, in-home consultation?
A: Please call us at (847) 244-7500 between the hours of 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, or use our convenient online form to get started today!

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Q: What happens during the free in-home consultation?
A: A friendly and knowledgeable LinguaTutors consultant will meet with you and the student in your home or office to discuss your particular needs.  We ask many questions, listen to your suggestions, and gather as much information as possible about the student's unique goals, personality and learning style.  This process should only take about 45 minutes of your time.

After the consultation, we use the information gathered to assign a highly qualified tutor for you that has the best overall experience, skills, education, and personality to help the student achieve the best possible outcome and learning success.

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Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes we do!  We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express, and PayPal. You can pay over the phone, by fax, or through our website.  We also accept PayPal online. 

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Q: Who owns LinguaTutors?
A: Christine Carlson is the owner and director of LinguaTutors. She is a certified teacher with a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and Teacher Education from the University of Wisconsin, Parkside. After obtaining her degree, she continued her study of the Spanish Language and Latin American Culture at the Cuauhnáhuac Instituto de Lengua y Cultura in Cuernavaca, Mexico. She also volunteers her time teaching at her local church.

You can be confident in knowing that she fully understands the unique needs of students learning and developing their language skills, and is better qualified to select only the most competent, qualified tutors.

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Q: How do I know you are experts in language subjects?
A:  Foreign language is a subject that many "all subjects" tutoring companies offer, but many of these companies may not completely understand or know what qualifications tutors need to teach a language. The owner of LinguaTutors, Christine Carlson, worked as a private tutor for over two years at two "all-subjects" in-home tutoring companies before starting her business.  This "all subjects" director matched her with several middle school Hispanic students needing math and reading tutoring. Christine, knowing that she was inexperienced and unqualified to teach math, brought this up with the "all subjects" director, concerned that this was doing a disservice to the students. However, the "all subjects" director insisted that she would be fine by finding math worksheets on the internet, and even told her that she was qualified to teach math because in the director's words "you can balance your checkbook."

Another "all-subjects" director matched her with an adult student needing ESL based solely on the fact that Christine could speak Spanish. However, every experienced, qualified ESL instructor knows that you do not need to communicate in the student's native language to teach English, and it is recommended that teachers minimize or even eliminate the use of the student's native language as much as possible.

Speaking English does not make one qualified to teach English, just as balancing a checkbook does not make one qualified to teach math. You can be confident in knowing that Christine cares about students, and will match you with the most qualified tutor from her team.  She only expects the best from her tutors. LinguaTutors is better qualified to select only the most competent, qualified tutors who are trained, educated, and experienced in the subject area you need. 

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Q: What areas and towns do you serve?
A: We have tutors available throughout Lake County, Illinois and the North Shore Suburbs of Cook County, Illinois. If you need a tutor and your area is not listed here, but you live or work in the Chicagoland area, please contact us.  We pride ourselves in being flexible and accommodating and we promise to do our best to help you find a tutor in your area!

LinguaTutors serves the following areas in these Northern Illinois communities:

Lake County, Illinois Communities: 
Antioch, Aptakisic, Bannockburn, Beach Park, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Deerpath, Diamond Lake, Fremont Center, Gages Lake, Gilmer, Grandwood Park, Grayslake,  Green Oaks, Gurnee, Hainesville, Half Day, Hawthorn Woods, Highland Park, Highwood, Ivanhoe, Kildeer, Knollwood, Lake Barrington, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lake Villa, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Lindenhurst, Long Grove, Mettawa, Millburn, Monaville, Mundelein, North Barrington, North Chicago, Old Mill Creek, Park City, Prairie View, Ravinia, Riverwoods, Rollins, Rondout, Rosecrans,  Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Round Lake Park, Russell, Third Lake, Tower Lakes, Venetian Village, Vernon Hills, Wadsworth, Wauconda, Waukegan, Wildwood, Wilson, Winthrop Harbor, Zion.

Northeastern Cook County, Illinois Communities: 
Deerfield, Glencoe, Glenview, Golf, Hubbard Woods, Indian Hill, Lakeview, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Northfield, Ravinia, Riverwoods, Techny, Wheeling, Wilmette, Winnetka.

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