Behind the Scenes: How We Match Tutors and Students
At Thrive, we believe the match between a tutor and a student is where the magic happens. You can have the best curriculum and the most advanced tools, but if the connection isn’t right, progress stalls. That’s why our matching process is the heart of what we do—and one of the biggest reasons families stay with us year after year.
Step 1: Listening First
Every new relationship starts with a conversation. When a family reaches out, we spend time getting to know them—what’s working, what’s not, and what kind of support their child truly needs. We ask about learning style, personality, schedule, goals, and even the small details that make a big difference (like whether your child thrives on structure or needs more flexibility).
Our goal at this stage isn’t just to assign the first available tutor, it’s to understand what you’re looking for and what your child needs.
Step 2: Identifying the Right Fit
Once we know a student’s profile, our team gets to work together as matchmakers of sorts. We go back and forth internally, discussing the nuances of the student’s needs and which tutors might be the best fit. Sometimes, we’ll even hire specifically for a family if we know the perfect person isn’t already on our roster.
This is the part families don’t always see: the thoughtful, deliberate conversations that happen before we ever make a recommendation. Every match is intentional and personal.
When we review potential matches, we don’t just look at credentials. We look for alignment:
-
Will this tutor’s energy motivate this student?
-
Does their background match the student’s academic needs and personality?
-
Is this someone the family will feel comfortable welcoming into their home each week?
Step 3: Presenting the Match
Once we’ve narrowed down our top choice—or occasionally 2-3 strong contenders—we present the recommendation to the family for approval. Sometimes we’re torn between multiple educators who each bring something valuable to the table; other times, we have a strong gut feeling that a particular teacher is the one.
When the family gives us the green light, we make the introduction via email and hand things off for scheduling. From there, the tutor takes the lead in setting up sessions and establishing routines that work best for everyone.
Step 4: The First Session and Beyond
The first session is where the connection starts to take shape. Our tutors come prepared with thoughtful introductions, baseline informal assessments, and activities designed to build rapport and comfort.
Once the match is established, our job doesn’t stop. We stay in contact with families and tutors, reviewing progress notes, sharing feedback, and ensuring goals are being met.
The Result: Confidence, Growth, and Joy in Learning
When a student feels understood and supported by their tutor, everything changes. Confidence rises. Frustration fades. Curiosity comes back. We’ve seen it countless times: the moment when a student who once dreaded school now looks forward to tutoring days.
That’s not luck. It’s intentional. It’s how we do business.
