Which tutoring platform is right for you? We break down the pros and cons to help you decide.
Teachers on Call is a personalized tutoring service that has been supporting Canadian students for over 40 years. They provide one-on-one in-person and online tutoring for elementary and high school students across Canada, covering subjects like math, science, English, and French. Each student is matched with a tutor who possesses the subject matter expertise and personality to best meet their learning requirements. All tutors are certified teachers with direct classroom experience and are current with provincial curricula and expectations. The service emphasizes building student confidence and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate families' needs.
TutorLyft is a Canadian-owned platform that connects students with experienced tutors for both online and in-person sessions. Students and parents can browse detailed tutor profiles, watch introductory videos, and book free initial phone consultations to ensure a good match. TutorLyft operates on a flexible, pay-as-you-go model with transparent pricing and no mandatory subscriptions, allowing students to choose between individual sessions or discounted packages. All tutors undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure high-quality instruction aligned with the Canadian curriculum. The platform's user-friendly interface and commitment to personalized education make it a valuable resource for learners seeking tailored support.
Teachers on Call has a long-established reputation and a large network of tutors, but its match-first approach means families don’t have control over selecting their own tutor. The platform primarily focuses on K-12 education, meaning university students may need to look elsewhere for support. Additionally, pricing information isn’t transparent, requiring families to inquire directly for details. TutorLyft, on the other hand, puts students and parents in control—allowing them to browse tutor profiles, watch intro videos, and book directly. With clear, upfront pricing, support for all education levels, and a convenient booking system, TutorLyft offers a flexible and transparent alternative for those seeking personalized academic support.
TutorLyft is the simplest way to find a vetted tutor for you or your child.
No Direct Tutor Selection – Students and parents cannot browse or choose their own tutor, relying instead on the platform’s matching process, which may not always result in the best fit.
No Support for University Students – The service primarily focuses on K-12 education, meaning those in college or university may struggle to find specialized academic help.
Lack of Pricing Transparency – Rates are not listed publicly, requiring families to inquire directly, which can make it harder to compare options or budget for tutoring sessions upfront.
Full Tutor Selection Control – Students and parents can browse tutor profiles, watch introductory videos, and choose their tutor based on subject expertise, teaching style, and availability—ensuring a personalized match.
Transparent Pricing with Flexible Options – Every tutor sets their own rate, with sessions starting at $40 per hour. Families can book one session at a time or opt for discounted packages without any mandatory commitments.
Support for All Education Levels – Unlike some platforms that focus only on K-12, TutorLyft provides academic support for high school, university, and beyond, making it a versatile choice for learners at any stage.
A great tutor does more than just teach—they build confidence, motivation, and academic independence. When students are matched with the right tutor, learning becomes more engaging and effective. However, when families have no control over the tutor selection process, as with platforms like Teachers on Call, it can lead to mismatches that slow progress and require additional adjustments.
At TutorLyft, we believe that students and parents should be in control of finding the best tutor for their needs. With detailed tutor profiles, introductory videos, and free phone consultations, families can make an informed choice before booking a session. The right fit means more than just subject expertise—it’s about connection, mentorship, and long-term academic success.
Teachers on Call assigns a tutor to students based on their needs, but families don’t get to choose the tutor themselves. This can be helpful for those who prefer a fully managed approach but may not be ideal for students who need a specific teaching style. TutorLyft, on the other hand, allows full control—parents and students can browse tutor profiles, watch introductory videos, and book directly, ensuring the best possible match.
No, Teachers on Call primarily focuses on K-12 education, meaning university students may have difficulty finding specialized support. TutorLyft offers tutoring for all education levels, including high school, university, and beyond, with tutors experienced in subjects like advanced math, sciences, and test prep.
Teachers on Call does not publicly list pricing, requiring families to inquire for rates. While this allows for customized pricing, it makes cost comparisons more difficult. TutorLyft offers fully transparent pricing, with tutor rates starting at $40 per hour, and families can book on a pay-as-you-go basis or purchase discounted packages if they prefer multiple sessions.
With Teachers on Call, all bookings are handled through the company, which means families have less direct control over scheduling and may need to work around the tutor’s assigned availability. TutorLyft offers in-platform booking, where families can see tutor availability in real-time and book instantly without back-and-forth emails or calls.
Yes, both Teachers on Call and TutorLyft offer in-person and online tutoring. However, Teachers on Call is more focused on in-home tutoring, whereas TutorLyft provides a balance of both, depending on the tutor’s availability.
Teachers on Call exclusively hires certified teachers, ensuring tutors have formal teaching experience. TutorLyft also maintains high standards with a strict vetting process, where tutors are interviewed and assessed for subject expertise, teaching ability, and communication skills. While TutorLyft’s tutors are not necessarily certified teachers, many have extensive tutoring and academic experience tailored to the subjects they teach.
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