Tutoring in Los Angeles: Free and Paid Options for Kids (2026–2027 Guide)
Is homework time at your house starting to feel like a nightly wrestling match? Fractions that won't cooperate, a book report that's somehow due tomorrow, and a kid who's convinced they're "just bad at math"? We've all been there. The good news is that tutoring in Los Angeles doesn't have to start with a big monthly bill, because some of the best homework help in the city is completely free and available 24/7.
In this directory, we start with the free options every LA family should know about, from LAUSD's round-the-clock online tutors to library homework centers and 826LA's legendary writing programs. Then we walk through learning centers with verified LA locations, reading and dyslexia specialists, and educational therapists. We wrap up with how to choose between a tutor, a center and an educational therapist, plus the questions to ask before you sign anything.
Key Takeaways
Free for LAUSD kids: Every LAUSD student gets free 24/7 Tutor.com tutoring by signing in through Schoology.
Free with a library card: LAPL card holders get HomeworkCA, free 24/7 tutoring for California K–12 students, and LA County Library card holders get 24/7 Brainfuse tutors.
Free writing help: 826LA offers free programs for ages 6–18 in Echo Park and Mar Vista.
Learning centers: Mathnasium, Kumon, Sylvan, Huntington, RSM and Code Ninjas don't post prices online, so call for pricing.
Reading and learning differences: Lindamood-Bell has centers in Westwood and Pasadena, and the AET directory helps you find an educational therapist.
Before you commit: Ask for references, a trial session or assessment, background-check details and a written rate sheet.
Free Tutoring in Los Angeles: Start Here
Before you spend a dime, check out these free tutoring options in Los Angeles. Between LAUSD, two library systems and a beloved nonprofit, there's a good chance your kid's needs are already covered.
Online, through Schoology Available 24/7
LAUSD pays for Tutor.com so every LAUSD student can get help at no cost, any time of day or night. Students sign in through Schoology using single sign-on, then connect with a tutor for homework help, SAT and ACT prep, AP support, college admissions help and even drop-off writing review, where they submit an essay and get feedback. If you hit a snag, the support line is 1-800-411-1970, and LAUSD's tutoring team can be reached at tutoringworks@lausd.net. Insider tip: show your kid how to log in on a calm weekend afternoon, not at 9:45 p.m. the night before a test.
At participating LAUSD schools and online For eligible students
LAUSD's tutoring office also runs targeted programs for students who need extra support. High-Dose Tutoring puts eligible students in small groups of three to five, at least three times a week, for 45 hours total. Home-Based Virtual Tutoring offers math and English language arts help for eligible students in grades 2–8. These programs focus on students "most in need," including English learners, students with disabilities, foster youth and students experiencing homelessness, so ask your child's school whether they qualify.
Online, with an LAPL library card Available 24/7
HomeworkCA is free 24/7 tutoring for California K–12 students with an LA Public Library card, funded by the California State Library and the Pacific Library Partnership. It's a fantastic backup for families outside LAUSD, or for any kid who wants a second explanation. One thing that confuses a lot of parents: LAPL's Tutor.com service is now for adult learners (college courses, careers and GED/HiSET prep), so send your K–12 kids to HomeworkCA instead.
Online, with an LA County Library card Available 24/7
LA County Library serves unincorporated areas and contract cities, and its Brainfuse service connects kids with live online tutors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tutors cover math, science, reading and writing, social studies and test prep, and there's a writing lab for essays. All you need is an LA County Library card. Insider tip: bookmark the tutoring page on your kid's device so help is one tap away when a homework meltdown hits.
Participating LA County Library branches
Prefer face-to-face help? LA County Library's Homework Centers offer free in-person homework help and school supplies for grades 1–12 at participating branches. STAR Tutoring provides free small-group reading and math sessions for grades 1–6, and registration is required. Got a question about which branch participates? Chat with a librarian Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., or text 626.394.4019 (text only).
Echo Park: 1714 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 Mar Vista: 12515 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066
826LA offers free programming for students ages 6–18, and it's one of the most creative ways to build writing confidence in the city. Programs include after-school programs, Writers Workshops, Write On! Summer Camp, the Young Authors' Book Project, the Young Authors Podcast, the Black Writers Initiative, College and Career Access, field trips and in-school Writers' Rooms. Reach Echo Park at 213-413-3388 and Mar Vista at 310-915-0200, and ask which programs are running at each location and how to sign up.
Online
"Learning at Khan Academy is always free," and it's funded by donations with no ads. It's a terrific tool for practicing skills at your kid's own pace, reviewing a confusing lesson, or getting ahead over the summer. Insider tip: pair Khan Academy practice with a live tutoring session from Tutor.com, HomeworkCA or Brainfuse when your kid needs a real person to explain the "why."
Learning Centers With LA Locations
Sometimes kids thrive with a consistent schedule, a familiar face and a structured program. That's where learning centers shine. None of these brands posts prices on the pages we checked, so call each location for current pricing and ask for a written rate sheet.
Locations across LA County (use the center locator)
Mathnasium focuses on K–12 math, starting with an assessment and then building a personalized learning plan. The "Mathnasium Method" zeroes in on number sense, which is all about understanding how numbers work rather than just memorizing steps. Kids can attend in person, online or in a hybrid format, and test prep is available for the SAT, ACT, ISEE and SSAT. Find your nearest center with the Mathnasium center locator, or call 877-601-6284. Call for pricing.
Locations across LA County (use the center locator)
Kumon teaches math and reading, and students can start as young as 3, placed by ability rather than grade. Most kids attend twice a week and do daily worksheets at home, which take under 30 minutes per subject. According to Kumon's FAQ, tuition varies by location, with a monthly fee typically charged per subject. Call your local center or 1-800-ABC-MATH for pricing.
Sylvan of Brentwood: 11740 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 106, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Sylvan of Los Angeles: 8471 Beverly Blvd., Suite 201, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Sylvan tutors kids in math, reading, writing, science and foreign language, and offers homework help, SAT prep, and STEM and academic camps. It starts with a free single-subject Insight Assessment, so you get a sense of where your kid stands before committing. Call Brentwood at (310) 751-7001 or Los Angeles at (310) 751-7005, and know that Sylvan also has Eagle Rock, Culver City and Glendale pages plus online tutoring anywhere in California. Call for pricing.
1832 E. Washington Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91104
Huntington offers K–12 tutoring in math, reading, writing, science and study skills, plus ADHD tutoring and online options. Test prep covers the SAT, ACT, PSAT, AP, ISEE, SSAT and HSPT. Pasadena is the only LA-area center on Huntington's locator, and it's open Monday through Thursday from 10 to 8, Friday from 10 to 6 and Saturday from 9 to 2. Call (626) 798-5900 for pricing.
3007 Huntington Dr., 2nd Floor, Suite 201 Pasadena, CA 91107
RSM is an after-school math program for PreK and K–12, with competition math for kids who love a challenge. Classes meet for 1.5 to 4 hours a week, and RSM Online is available if the commute doesn't work for your family. RSM Pasadena is enrolling for the 2026–27 school year; call (213) 340-6488 or fill out the tuition request form on its site for pricing. Insider tip: ask whether a trial class is available so your kid can see if the vibe fits.
2712 Griffith Park Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027
Got a gamer who'd rather build the game? Code Ninjas teaches coding to kids ages 5–14 through after-school sessions, camps, robotics and AI activities, including its CREATE and JR programs. The Silver Lake location is open Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 7 and Saturday from 9:30 to 3, and it offers a free trial session. Call (323) 488-3121 for pricing.
Reading, Dyslexia and Learning Support in LA
If your child is bright but reading feels like climbing a mountain, or they have ADHD, dyslexia or another learning difference, a general homework tutor may not be enough. These specialists focus on how kids learn, not just what they're learning.
1554 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 214 Los Angeles, CA 90025
Lindamood-Bell starts with a Learning Ability Evaluation, then offers one-to-one or small-group instruction in reading, comprehension and math, either in person or live online. Its centers say they support students with dyslexia, ADHD or high-functioning autism, and each center also hosts Lindamood-Bell Academy, an accredited K–12 private school. The Westwood center is open Monday through Friday, 8 to 5. Call (310) 481-2293 for pricing.
959 E. Walnut, Suite 110 Pasadena, CA 91106
The Pasadena center offers the same evaluation-first approach and one-to-one or small-group instruction, in person or live online, Monday through Friday from 8 to 5. Call (626) 396-0865 or Lindamood-Bell's toll-free line at (800) 233-1819 for pricing. Lindamood-Bell's locations page lists other Southern California centers too, including Manhattan Beach and Westlake Village.
Online directory; in-person, virtual and hybrid options
Educational therapists work with kids who learn differently, focusing on the learning challenges behind the struggle. AET's directory lets you search by specialization, language and format (virtual, in person or hybrid). Here's something many parents don't know: California has no state license for educational therapists, so AET sets the professional standards.
According to AET, an Associate ET has met the academic requirements but hasn't finished supervised practice; an ET/P holds a master's degree or higher with 1,500-plus hours of supervised direct service; and a BCET (Board Certified Educational Therapist) has at least a year as an ET/P, 1,000-plus additional hours, a case study and an ethics exam. All AET members follow a code of ethics and complete at least 10 hours of continuing education each year.
Tutor, Learning Center or Educational Therapist: How to Choose
Think of it like choosing between a personal trainer, a gym class and a physical therapist. They all help you get stronger, but they're built for different needs.
A tutor is often the best fit when your kid is generally on track but needs help with a specific subject, a tough class or an upcoming test. Tutoring is usually focused on content: this week's math unit, the essay that's due Friday, or SAT prep. If the struggle is mostly about one class or one season, start with the free options above or a private tutor.
A learning center works well for kids who benefit from structure and consistency. Centers like Mathnasium, Kumon, Sylvan, Huntington and RSM typically start with an assessment and follow a set program, so you get a routine and a clear plan. They're a solid choice if your kid needs to fill skill gaps over months, not just get through one assignment.
An educational therapist is worth considering when the struggle seems bigger than one subject, or when your child has a diagnosed or suspected learning difference like dyslexia or ADHD. Educational therapists focus on how your child learns and on building strategies they can use everywhere. Insider tip: if you suspect a learning disability and your child attends public school, it's also worth asking the school about a special education assessment, alongside any private support.
How to Vet a Tutor Before You Hire
You'd never hand your house keys to a stranger without checking them out first, and the same goes for someone who'll spend hours with your kid. Here's a simple checklist we like.
Ask for references: Talk to at least one or two families who've worked with the tutor or center, ideally with kids around your child's age.
Ask about background checks: Find out whether the company or tutor has a background check, and what kind. In California, fingerprint-based checks are done through a system called Live Scan, so it's fair to ask whether that was part of the process.
Check credentials: Ask about teaching credentials, subject expertise or, for educational therapists, AET credentials like ET/P or BCET.
Start with a trial or assessment: Sylvan offers a free Insight Assessment, Mathnasium starts with an assessment, and Code Ninjas offers a free trial session. A first session tells you a lot about the fit.
Pick a smart setting: Meet in a public place, like a library, or in a common area of your home where you can hear what's going on.
Get pricing in writing: Rates vary widely by subject, tutor credentials and whether it's test prep, so ask for a written rate sheet before you commit.
Questions to Ask a Tutor or Learning Center
Bring this list to your first call or visit. The answers will tell you whether it's a match, and how organized the program really is.
How do you figure out where my child is starting from, and how often do you reassess?
What does a typical session look like, and how long is it?
How will you share progress with us, and how often?
Who will actually work with my child, and what is their training or background?
Is there a background check process for tutors and staff?
Do you work with kids who have learning differences, ADHD or dyslexia?
How do you coordinate with my child's teacher or school, if we want that?
What does it cost, what's included, and what's your cancellation or makeup-session policy?
Is there a trial session, assessment or minimum commitment?
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The Takeaway
Finding the right tutoring in Los Angeles is a lot like finding the right pair of shoes: what works beautifully for one kid can pinch for another. Start with the free options first, like LAUSD's 24/7 Tutor.com, LAPL's HomeworkCA, LA County Library's Brainfuse and homework centers, 826LA and Khan Academy. You might be surprised how far they take you.
If your child needs more structure, a learning center with a clear plan can help, and if the struggle runs deeper, an educational therapist or reading specialist may be the missing piece. Whatever you choose, ask lots of questions, start with a trial when you can, and always confirm current programs and pricing directly with the provider. Your kid's "aha" moment might be closer than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free tutoring for LAUSD students?
Yes. Every LAUSD student can use Tutor.com free, 24/7, by signing in through Schoology, with help for homework, test prep, AP classes, college admissions and essay review. LAUSD also runs High-Dose Tutoring and Home-Based Virtual Tutoring for eligible students, so ask your school about those programs.
Does the LA Public Library offer free homework help?
Yes. LAPL card holders get HomeworkCA, free 24/7 tutoring for California K–12 students. LA County Library card holders get free 24/7 Brainfuse tutoring, plus in-person Homework Centers for grades 1–12 and STAR Tutoring for grades 1–6 at participating branches.
What is the difference between Mathnasium and Kumon?
Mathnasium focuses on K–12 math with an assessment and a personalized learning plan built around number sense, offered in person, online or hybrid. Kumon covers both math and reading, places kids by ability starting as young as 3, and pairs twice-weekly center visits with short daily worksheets at home. Neither posts prices online, so call your local center.
What is an educational therapist, and how is it different from a tutor?
An educational therapist focuses on the underlying learning challenges behind a child's struggles, while a tutor usually focuses on specific subject content or test prep. California has no state license for educational therapists, so the Association of Educational Therapists sets standards and credentials like ET/P and BCET. You can search AET's online directory for an educational therapist near you.
How much does tutoring cost in Los Angeles?
It varies widely depending on the subject, the tutor's credentials and whether it's test prep, and major learning centers don't post prices online. Call centers directly and ask for a written rate sheet. Remember that LAUSD Tutor.com, LAPL HomeworkCA, LA County Library Brainfuse, 826LA and Khan Academy are all free.
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