After helping hundreds of Phoenix homeowners find quality dyslexia tutoring near me, I’ve seen the same confusion over and over: parents desperately need help for their struggling reader but have no idea what tutoring actually costs or how to find the right specialist. Let me walk you through the real numbers and the entire process, from your first phone call to seeing results.
Understanding the True Cost of Tutoring Per Hour
Here’s what you’ll actually pay for dyslexia tutoring in Phoenix: $36.35 to $60.58 per hour, with most families paying around $48.46 per hour. But here’s the key detail most parents don’t understand - the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows tutors earn $24.23 per hour as employees. You’re paying more because that rate includes business overhead like specialized training, dyslexia assessment materials, insurance, administrative costs, and company profit margins.
Dyslexia specialists command higher rates than general tutors because they need specific training in programs like Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, or Barton Reading Program. These certifications cost thousands and take months to complete.
| Service Type | Cost Per Hour | Sessions Needed | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Reading Support | $36-42 | 2-3 weekly | $288-504 |
| Dyslexia Specialist | $45-61 | 2-3 weekly | $360-732 |
| Educational Therapist | $55-75 | 2 weekly | $440-600 |
| Assessment Only | $150-300 | One-time | $150-300 |
Quality Indicators and Red Flags
Look for these credentials:
- Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT)
- Orton-Gillingham training (minimum 60 hours)
- Master’s degree in special education or reading
- Experience with dyslexia assessments
Warning signs to avoid:
- Promises of “quick fixes” in weeks
- No specific dyslexia training mentioned
- Rates under $35/hour (usually means general tutoring, not dyslexia specialty)
- Won’t provide references from other dyslexic students
I’ve seen too many Ahwatukee and Scottsdale families waste months with general homework helpers when their child needed specialized dyslexia intervention. Don’t make that mistake.
Best Timing and Seasonal Considerations
Phoenix’s unique school calendar affects tutoring availability and pricing. Start your search in April or May for fall services - that’s when the best specialists have openings. August is chaos here with 115-degree heat and back-to-school panic, so quality tutors are booked solid.
Summer intensive programs (June-July) cost 20-30% more but deliver faster results. Many specialists offer 4-week intensives at $2,000-3,200 total. The heat keeps kids indoors anyway, making summer ideal for focused learning.
Best times to start:
- May: Widest selection, standard rates
- June: Summer intensives available
- September: Some openings after school starts
- January: Mid-year fresh starts
How Much Is Kumon Per Month
Kumon centers in Phoenix charge $150-200 per month per subject, but here’s the honest truth: Kumon isn’t designed for dyslexia. It’s drill-based math and reading practice that can actually frustrate dyslexic learners who need multisensory, structured approaches.
For comparison:
- Kumon: $150-200/month for worksheet practice
- Dyslexia specialist: $360-732/month for targeted intervention
- Sylvan Learning: $280-400/month for small group
- LearningRx: $6,000-8,000 for full program
How Much Does Varsity Tutors Pay
Varsity Tutors pays Phoenix tutors $15-22 per hour, then charges families $60-80 per hour. That massive markup means you’re paying premium prices for tutors earning less than restaurant servers. Most experienced dyslexia specialists avoid platforms like Varsity Tutors because the pay doesn’t reflect their specialized training.
Work directly with local specialists instead. You’ll pay similar rates but your money goes to the actual tutor, not corporate overhead.
The Complete Process: What to Expect
Step 1: Initial Consultation (Free-$50) Most specialists offer 15-30 minute phone consultations. They’ll ask about your child’s school struggles, previous testing, and current reading level. Quality tutors will refer you elsewhere if they’re not the right fit.
Step 2: Assessment ($150-300) Before tutoring starts, expect 1-2 hours of diagnostic testing. This isn’t a full psychological evaluation, but identifies specific reading gaps. Some specialists include this in their first few sessions.
Step 3: Program Design (Included) Based on assessment results, they’ll create a specific plan. For dyslexia, this typically means 6-12 months of twice-weekly sessions focusing on phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency.
Step 4: Regular Sessions Most dyslexia tutoring happens twice weekly for 60-90 minutes. Sessions follow a structured format: review previous concepts, introduce new skills, practice, and assign homework.
Step 5: Progress Monitoring Quality tutors re-assess every 6-8 weeks and provide written progress reports. They should communicate regularly with your child’s teachers if you authorize it.
Payment typically works like this:
- Assessment fee upfront
- Monthly billing for ongoing sessions
- 24-hour cancellation policy
- Summer intensive programs paid in advance
Geographic Considerations in Phoenix
North Phoenix and Scottsdale have the highest concentration of specialists, with rates trending toward the upper end. Central Phoenix offers more affordable options but longer wait lists. Many families in Chandler and Gilbert drive north for specialized services.
The summer heat affects scheduling - many tutors offer earlier morning or evening slots June through August. Some work from air-conditioned libraries or community centers rather than asking families to drive during peak heat.
Consider transportation time in your budget. Fighting Phoenix traffic twice weekly adds up, and some specialists offer online sessions that work well for older students.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
About their training:
- “What specific dyslexia programs are you trained in?”
- “How many hours of Orton-Gillingham training do you have?”
- “Can you provide references from other dyslexic students?”
About the process:
- “What does your initial assessment include?”
- “How do you measure progress?”
- “What’s your policy for communicating with school teachers?”
About logistics:
- “What’s your cancellation policy?”
- “Do you assign homework between sessions?”
- “How long do most students work with you?”
Don’t hire anyone who can’t give specific, detailed answers to these questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do private tutors charge per hour?
Private dyslexia tutors in Phoenix charge $45-75 per hour, significantly more than general academic tutors at $30-45 per hour. The premium reflects specialized training in multisensory reading programs like Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading System. Experienced specialists with master’s degrees and multiple certifications command the highest rates. Factor in assessment fees ($150-300) and expect to budget $400-800 monthly for twice-weekly sessions. Some offer package deals that reduce the per-session cost.
How much does math tutor cost?
Math tutoring in Phoenix costs $30-50 per hour for general math help, but dyscalculia (math learning disability) specialists charge $45-65 per hour. High school algebra or calculus tutors typically charge $40-60 per hour. Test prep specialists (SAT/ACT math) command $50-75 per hour. Most students need 1-2 sessions weekly. Summer intensive math programs cost $1,200-2,400 for 4-week programs. College-level math tutoring (calculus, statistics) runs $50-80 per hour and often requires tutors with advanced degrees.
How much does varsity tutors pay?
Varsity Tutors pays Phoenix-based tutors $15-25 per hour while charging families $60-85 per hour - a markup of 240-470%. New tutors start at $15-18 per hour, while experienced tutors with advanced degrees might earn $20-25 per hour. The platform keeps 65-75% of what families pay. This is why many quality tutors, especially dyslexia specialists, work independently rather than through platforms. You’ll get better value working directly with local tutors who keep 100% of your payment.
How much is kumon per month?
Kumon centers in Phoenix charge $150-200 per month per subject, with most students enrolled in both math and reading ($300-400 monthly total). However, Kumon uses a worksheet-based approach that doesn’t address dyslexia effectively. The program focuses on repetitive practice rather than the multisensory, structured methods dyslexic students need. While cheaper than specialized dyslexia tutoring, it’s often ineffective for students with reading disabilities. Many Phoenix families try Kumon first, then switch to dyslexia specialists when they see limited progress.
Finding quality dyslexia tutoring near me in Phoenix requires understanding both the real costs and the specialized nature of this service. Expect to invest $400-800 monthly for effective intervention, but remember that early, intensive help often prevents years of academic struggle. The right specialist will show measurable progress within 2-3 months and transform your child’s relationship with reading.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.