Service Agreements & Contracts

Free Tutoring Agreement Template (PDF)

A tutoring agreement is a contract between a tutor and a student, or the student's parent or guardian. It sets the subjects and goals, session schedule and location, fees, cancellations, progress updates, academic honesty, and safety rules when the student is a minor.

When to use it

Use it when you start tutoring a new student, in person or online, in academic subjects, test prep, music, or languages. Parents appreciate clear terms on cancellations and communication, and the safety and academic-honesty sections answer questions they often have but don't ask.

What's typically included

• Tutor, client, and date
• Student, subjects, and goals
• Session length, frequency, and location
• Fee per session or package
• Cancellations and missed sessions
• Progress updates and communication
• No guarantee of grades or scores
• Academic honesty
• Safety rules for minor students
• Independent contractor status
• Ending the agreement and refunds
• Signature blocks for tutor and client

How to fill it in

• Write specific goals, like an exam date or a target grade, so progress updates have something to measure against.
• Set a clear late-cancellation policy, especially for packages paid in advance.
• For a student under 18, have the parent or guardian sign as the client, and choose the safety option that fits how you tutor (an adult present at home, or online sessions in a common area).
• Keep the academic honesty section: it protects you if a student asks you to complete graded work.

This template is a general starting point, not legal advice — customize it and have it reviewed for your situation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a contract for private tutoring?

It isn't required, but a simple agreement prevents the most common problems, like late cancellations and unpaid sessions, and reassures parents about safety and communication.

Who signs a tutoring agreement for a minor student?

A parent or legal guardian signs as the client. Minors generally can't enter into a binding contract on their own.

Can a tutor guarantee better grades?

No, and this template says so. A tutor can commit to the sessions and the work, but results depend on the student too. Promising a score can create disputes.

Can a tutoring agreement be signed online?

Yes. Under the U.S. ESIGN Act and state UETA laws, an e-signed tutoring agreement is as valid as a paper one, and the parent can sign on their phone without creating an account.