FAQ

How is Brainiac different from a learning center?

With Brainiac, you don’t have to drive anywhere. Our tutors come to your home. The tutoring is one-on-one. Your child will receive personal attention and feedback from a trained tutor, not in a group setting with a different instructor each time. We do not use a pre-determined curriculum. Tutoring is based on the curriculum your child is using at school, and with your permission, our tutors will work with your child’s teacher to assure that academic goals are being met.

Is my tutor qualified?

Our tutors are certified teachers, or professionals with degrees in their field. All have tutoring experience and go through a thorough screening process to be able to tutor Brainiac students.

What curriculum do you use?

Our tutors use the curriculum your child is using at school whenever possible. If supplementary materials are needed, our tutors will recommend appropriate materials for use in your home. Materials are provided for our specialized courses, such as ACT/SAT prep courses, FUNdamental Phonics©, and our study skills courses.

Will your tutor work with my child’s teacher?

Absolutely. At your initial consultation, we ask you to sign a form giving our tutors permission to contact your child’s teacher. Depending on your tutoring goal, we prefer to work with your child’s teacher.

What if my child doesn’t like the tutor?

We understand that your child needs to be comfortable with his or her tutor in order for effective learning to take place. Our tutors are friendly and enjoy working with kids. If you are not happy with the tutor we refer, we will not charge you for the initial session. We will refer you another tutor. We want you and your child to be 100% satisfied so that your academic goals can be met.

How long does it take to get a tutor?

It usually takes at least 48 hours to match your child with a tutor. The tutor will then contact you and set up a convenient schedule for tutoring.

Can I have my child tutored somewhere other than in my home?

Yes. Our tutors are happy to meet you at a local public library or even at your child’s school if a room. is available. However, most of our tutoring takes place in your home, in familiar surroundings.

Do I have to sign a contract?

No. Brainiac does not require a contract. We ask that you sign an acknowledgement of our policies and payment methods.

What is the minimum number of sessions?

We recommend a minimum of four sessions. It usually takes that amount of time to see a difference in your child’s grades and confidence.

Can you help me with home schooling?

We have tutors experienced in home schooling. Brainiac can provide whatever level of support you need in teaching your child at home. Our certified teachers can instruct, supervise or proctor tests for your home-schooled child. We can recommend curriculum based on your educational philosophy and your child’s learning style. For a home schooling consultation, contact Brainiac for specific information.

Can you test my child?

Brainiac does offer an informal placement test if necessary to find the appropriate tutor for your child. There is no charge for this service and is usually conducted at the initial consultation.

What areas do you serve?

Brainiac tutors cover Oakland County and parts of Wayne and Macomb counties at this time. Call for information on your specific area.

How do you monitor my child’s progress?

Our tutors will give you feedback after each session. They will contact your child’s teacher to determine whether goals are being met. Brainiac will contact you on a regular basis to ensure that your tutoring goals are being met. Your child will be more confident and his or her grades will improve.

How do I get started?

We start with a personal, free in-home consultation. Call Brainiac at 248 895-0649 to set up an appointment. We recommend that your child be present to set tutoring goals and that you have copies of his or her latest report card or progress report, as well as recent tests or homework assignments and textbooks. After the consultation, a tutor will contact you, usually within 48 hours. It can take up to a week to find the right tutor to meet your specific need, especially if your child requires a tutor with special training. You will set up your tutoring schedule directly with the tutor.

Do you accept credit cards?

Tutoring is pre-paid. We have several methods of payment available. You may set up automatic credit card billing at your consultation, or you may pay online with your VISA or MasterCard. You may also pay by check or money order, by mail. You may choose your preferred method of payment at your consultation, but if you need to change it, just call or email to let us know.

Do you offer a guarantee?

Brainiac guarantees that your tutor will be qualified and pre-screened. Due to the number of factors beyond the control of our tutors, we cannot guarantee that your child will recieve a certain grade, or score on a test. However, our tutors will make every attempt to help your child reach his/her educational goals.