Are Online Classes Better Than In-Person Tutoring? What the Data Says

Parents today face more options than ever when it comes to after-school support. Should you stick with traditional in-person tutoring at a local center, or consider the growing world of online enrichment classes?

The demand for online learning has skyrocketed since 2020. According to the Afterschool Alliance, demand for afterschool programs has doubled in the last decade, and a significant portion of families now prefer online formats for their flexibility.

Meanwhile, local tutoring centers like Kumon or Mathnasium remain popular but often rely on rigid schedules and worksheet-heavy methods.

So which is better - online classes or in-person tutoring? Let’s look at what the data says.

In person VS Online Classes

The Case for In-Person Tutoring

In-person tutoring has been the traditional choice for decades. Families often choose it because:

• Face-to-face connection: Students can meet directly with an instructor, which feels personal.

• Hands-on accountability: Being in the same room encourages focus.

• Physical location: A set routine at a center or library may help some kids stay consistent.

But there are downsides:

1. Rigid schedules — Parents must drive kids to sessions, which can clash with extracurriculars or work schedules.

2. Limited subject variety — Many centers focus only on math or reading, with fewer options for coding, creative writing, or advanced English.

3. Worksheet-heavy methods — Popular programs like Kumon and Mathnasium emphasize drill-and-practice, which may not build deeper critical thinking.

The Rise of Online Classes

Online learning is no longer just a backup option. Since the pandemic, high-quality online programs have become a mainstream choice for families.

Why Parents Are Choosing Online:

• Flexibility — Classes can be taken from anywhere, saving commute time.

• Wider access to expert teachers — Online platforms connect families with certified educators across the country.

• Interactive tools — Platforms like Zoom and Google Classroom allow for polls, breakout rooms, shared whiteboards, and real-time collaboration.

• Variety of subjects — From coding to essay writing, parents can find enrichment classes often unavailable locally.

A Brookings Institution study found that when online classes are structured and interactive, students achieve outcomes equal to in-person peers.

Key Data: Online vs In-Person Effectiveness

1. NWEA (2023) reported that students in live, small-group online programs showed 8 percentile points more growth than peers receiving traditional one-on-one tutoring. (NWEA Research)

2. A RAND Corporation study highlighted that well-designed online math programs produced similar or better gains than in-person tutoring, particularly for upper elementary students.

3. Parents themselves report higher satisfaction with online enrichment. In a 2024 Afterschool Alliance survey, 72% of parents rated online enrichment “very effective” compared to 59% for in-person tutoring.

87% of students find online tutoring to be more or as effective as in person.

When Online Works Best

Online enrichment is especially effective when:

• Your child is already at grade level and needs challenge. Enrichment programs introduce advanced concepts in math, English, or coding beyond the school curriculum.

• Your family has a busy schedule. No commuting means parents reclaim valuable hours each week.

• Your child thrives with technology. Interactive tools and projects (like coding games or digital writing workshops) can keep kids engaged.

• You want consistency. Online platforms make it easier to keep the same teacher across weeks, which matters for building trust.

When In-Person Still Has Value

To be fair, in-person tutoring still has a role:

• For younger kids who need more structure — Kindergarten and Grade 1 students may benefit from physical manipulatives and close supervision.

• For families who prefer face-to-face accountability — Some parents feel better knowing their child is physically sitting with a teacher.

• For subjects requiring physical practice — Music, sports, or hands-on lab science often work better offline.

But for academic growth in math, English, and coding, online enrichment has reached the point where it often matches or surpasses in-person tutoring.

Cost Comparison: Online vs In-Person

Type	Average Cost per Hour	Notes
Local Tutoring Centers	$40–$80	Often worksheet-based; travel required
Private In-Person Tutor	$50–$100+	Can be highly effective, but costly
Online Enrichment Programs	$35–$60	More flexible, wider subject choice

Why Parents Are Switching to Online Enrichment

• Broader curriculum: Programs like Code.org emphasize skills like coding, critical thinking, and creativity that tutoring centers don’t cover.

• Better progress tracking: Online platforms can send automatic parent updates and progress reports.

• Balance of fun and challenge: Unlike rote tutoring, enrichment can be designed to be engaging and advanced at the same time.

Parent Checklist: Choosing the Right Online Program

Before enrolling, ask these questions:

1. Who teaches the class, and what are their qualifications?

2. Will my child have the same teacher each week?

3. How interactive is a typical class? (Look for breakout rooms, group discussion, project work.)

4. How are students grouped — by age, ability, or both?

5. Is there a clear learning path with defined goals?

6. Will my child get feedback?

7. Do parents receive regular progress updates?

8. Is the class both fun and academically challenging?

Read this post to learn more!

SparkWise: The Best of Both Worlds

At SparkWise Enrichment Programs, we’ve designed our live online classes to combine the strengths of in-person tutoring with the flexibility and power of online learning.

• Live weekly classes in Math, English, and Coding

• Certified teachers with classroom expertise

• Small-group format for interaction and collaboration

• Structured curriculum from Grades 1 to 8 with clear goals

• Monthly progress updates for parents

• Balance of fun and challenge - kids love the projects, parents love the results

Parents often tell us their kids go from “dreading homework” to “looking forward to class.” That’s the difference purposeful enrichment makes.

Key Takeaways

• In-person tutoring still works for short-term catch-up, especially for younger children.

• Online enrichment programs offer equal or greater learning outcomes, with more flexibility and subject choice.

• Data from NWEA, RAND, and Brookings confirms that structured online learning works as well as, or better than, in-person tutoring.

• Parents should choose based on goals: catch-up (tutoring) vs challenge and growth (enrichment).

Ready to See the Difference?

Book a free SparkWise trial class today and experience how live, interactive online enrichment can unlock your child’s full potential in Math, English, or Coding.

👉 Book Your Free Trial