How lessons with a tutor work — School π

How lessons work

No surprises: below is what happens at the first lesson, what a regular lesson looks like, what equipment you need, and how the schedule and payment are agreed.

An online lesson with a tutor

How to find a tutor

In the “Our tutors” section, each tutor's profile shows subjects, price and lesson length, as well as reviews from people who studied with them. The list is shown in random order, so all tutors get equal visibility, not just those who signed up first.

If choosing is hard, you don't have to choose yourself: describe what you need in your own words — the subject, the grade, what is difficult, when it is convenient to study — and we will suggest suitable tutors. Then you send a request, and the tutor replies and suggests a time.

The first lesson

Getting to know each other and checking knowledge of topics already covered at school. The tutor sees where the gaps are and, together with the student, sets goals for the lessons ahead. It is a conversation, not an exam.

A regular lesson

  1. Questions

    We start with whatever remained unclear from last time or has come up during the week.

  2. Review and a new topic

    We go over the previous lesson's topic, work through a new one, and the tutor shows how to solve an example.

  3. Independent practice

    The student solves problems on their own while the tutor watches the reasoning and gives hints where needed.

This is more of a framework than a fixed plan: every lesson is different, even with the same student, and the approach is tailored individually.

Between lessons

Consolidation

Go over what was covered in the lesson once more so that it sticks.

Homework

If the student is ready to do it independently, the tutor assigns it.

Own materials

The student finds materials on their own and brings questions to the next lesson.

Courses and tests on the platform

The tutor opens a course for the student: notes that open right on the page and auto-graded tests. Questions are not only multiple choice — there are fill-in-the-blanks, matching and typed answers; formulas look just like in a textbook. You see the result right away, and the history of attempts is saved.

What equipment you need

  • A computer or laptop — a phone will do at a minimum, but a larger screen is more comfortable.
  • An internet connection.
  • Nothing to install: the video call opens right in your browser. You can install the app if you like, but it is not required.
  • The call includes an online whiteboard and screen sharing — you can write formulas and show solutions just as in an in-person lesson.

Schedule, rescheduling and missed lessons

Lessons appear in the schedule on the platform. All arrangements are made with the specific tutor: approaches differ from tutor to tutor, and the terms are discussed at the start of working with a student.

The usual rule is to reschedule or cancel no later than 24 hours before the lesson. Emergencies are discussed separately, and both sides usually accommodate each other. A missed lesson is usually charged only in case of abuse — when a cancellation comes at the very start of the lesson, and not for the first time in a row.

Payment

  • The platform is not involved in payments. You pay the tutor directly, usually by bank transfer.
  • Receipts and tax reporting are the tutor's own responsibility; the form of their work (self-employed, sole proprietor or unregistered) does not matter to the platform.
  • Payment terms are set by each tutor and agreed in advance. A common practice is payment no later than 24 hours before the lesson.
  • Remaining lessons are tracked by the tutor on the platform, so you can see how many lessons are still paid for.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to start learning?

Sign up, choose a tutor in the “Our tutors” section and send them a request with a short description of what you need. The tutor will reply and suggest a time.

Do I need to install anything for the video call?

No, the call opens in your browser. A computer or phone and an internet connection are enough.

What happens if I miss a lesson?

It is best to give notice of rescheduling in advance, usually no later than 24 hours before. Emergencies are discussed. As a rule, a fee is charged only for frequent last-minute cancellations — the tutor explains the terms at the start.

What if things don't work out with the tutor?

That's normal: every tutor has their own approach and principles. You can find another tutor on the platform and send them a request.

Whom do I pay and how?

Directly to the tutor, usually by bank transfer. The platform does not accept or process payments.