Tutoring Policies

The Learning Heart Tutoring and Academic Coaching

At The Learning Heart, my goal is to provide reliable, individualized, and supportive online academic services while respecting the time and responsibilities of students and families. These policies are designed to create clear expectations and a positive tutoring experience.

Online Tutoring

The Learning Heart Tutoring and Academic Coaching is a 100% online tutoring service.

All tutoring and academic-coaching sessions are conducted virtually. Students can participate from home or another appropriate location with a reliable internet connection, compatible device, and a quiet environment that allows them to engage in the session.

Scheduling

Tutoring and academic-coaching sessions are scheduled by appointment and are subject to availability.

Families who would like ongoing weekly tutoring are encouraged to reserve a consistent appointment time when availability permits.

Standard sessions are 60 minutes unless otherwise arranged.

Academic Integrity

Tutoring is intended to help students learn, not to complete their academic work for them.

I am happy to explain concepts, help students develop ideas, review work, provide feedback, practice skills, and help students understand assignments.

I will not knowingly complete graded assignments, tests, examinations, or other academic work on a student's behalf or participate in academic dishonesty.

Student Participation

Successful tutoring is a collaborative process. Students are encouraged to participate actively, ask questions, practice skills, and have relevant assignments or materials available during sessions when appropriate.

While I will provide individualized instruction, encouragement, and support, student progress also depends on factors outside tutoring, including participation, attendance, practice, school instruction, and individual learning needs.

Academic Outcomes

The Learning Heart cannot guarantee a particular grade, standardized-test score, admission decision, or other academic outcome.

My commitment is to provide individualized, prepared, and supportive instruction designed to help students strengthen their skills, confidence, and independence.

Payment

Payment is due according to the terms presented when a session or tutoring package is booked.

Individual sessions must be paid for according to the payment terms provided during scheduling. Multi-session packages and payment plans must be paid according to the terms selected at checkout.

Current rates and available packages are listed on the Services & Pricing page.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

I understand that illnesses, school activities, family responsibilities, and unexpected situations occur.

Please provide at least 24 hours' notice when cancelling or rescheduling a session whenever possible.

Sessions cancelled with at least 24 hours' notice may be rescheduled without penalty, subject to availability.

Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice or missed without notice may be charged or counted as a used session.

Reasonable exceptions may be made for emergencies, sudden illness, or other circumstances outside a family's control.

Late Arrivals

If a student joins an online session late, I will provide tutoring for the remainder of the scheduled appointment. The session will generally still end at the originally scheduled time so that other appointments are not affected.

If I am responsible for a late start, the student will receive the full amount of tutoring time purchased.

Special Education and IEP Support

My professional background in special education allows me to adapt tutoring to meet a variety of learning needs and to support skills that may also be addressed through a student's IEP, 504 Plan, or other educational supports.

However, private tutoring through The Learning Heart is separate from services provided by a school or school district.

Tutoring does not replace special education, evaluation, related services, or other educational services to which a student may be entitled through their school.

The Learning Heart cannot guarantee changes to an IEP, 504 Plan, accommodations, educational placement, or other school-based decisions.

Parent and Guardian Communication

For students who are minors, I welcome appropriate communication with parents and guardians regarding academic goals, progress, scheduling, and concerns relevant to tutoring.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to share information that may help me better understand and support their student's learning needs.

Lengthy consultations or meetings outside regular tutoring sessions may need to be scheduled separately.

Privacy and Confidentiality

The Learning Heart respects the privacy of students and families.

Personal and educational information shared for the purpose of tutoring will be treated respectfully and will not ordinarily be shared with unrelated third parties except when authorized, necessary to provide requested services, or required by law.

Please avoid sending highly sensitive educational, medical, or personal information through ordinary email unless it is necessary for tutoring services.

Additional information about website data and online privacy is available in the Privacy Policy.

Technology and Online Sessions

Students are responsible for having an appropriate device, reliable internet connection, and access to any materials needed for the session.

Students should join sessions from an environment that allows them to see, hear, communicate, and participate effectively.

I understand that technology occasionally fails. If a significant technical problem prevents a session from taking place or substantially interferes with the session, I will work with the family to determine an appropriate solution, which may include rescheduling the affected portion or session.

Tutoring Packages

Multi-session packages are intended for the student for whom they were purchased and are generally non-transferable.

Unless otherwise stated at the time of purchase, prepaid sessions should be used within six months of the purchase date.

Families are responsible for scheduling package sessions before the package expires.

Refunds

Completed tutoring sessions are non-refundable.

If tutoring services are discontinued before all sessions in a prepaid package have been used, please contact The Learning Heart regarding the remaining balance.

Any refund for unused sessions will be determined according to the circumstances and may take into account sessions already completed, discounts associated with the package, and applicable payment-processing costs.

Payment-plan obligations are subject to the terms presented when the payment plan is purchased.

Tutoring Is Not Counseling

Academic coaching and tutoring may address skills such as organization, motivation, goal setting, study habits, and academic confidence.

These services are educational services and are not mental health counseling, psychotherapy, diagnosis, or treatment.

If a student's needs extend beyond the scope of tutoring or academic coaching, families may be encouraged to seek assistance from an appropriate school or other qualified professional.

Respectful Online Learning Environment

The Learning Heart is committed to providing an online learning environment in which students are treated with patience, dignity, and respect.

Students and families are likewise expected to communicate respectfully and behave appropriately during online tutoring sessions.

The Learning Heart reserves the right to discontinue services when necessary if a safe, appropriate, or productive tutoring relationship cannot be maintained.

Changes to These Policies

These policies may be updated as The Learning Heart's services and business practices evolve.

The current version of the policies will be available on this website.

Last updated: August 2026

By scheduling or purchasing tutoring or academic-coaching services from The Learning Heart Tutoring and Academic Coaching, clients acknowledge that they have reviewed and agree to the applicable tutoring policies.