A new survey of U.S. math tutors conducted by Superprof, the world’s largest tutoring network, reveals mounting concern over the widening gap in math achievement between high- and low-performing states. Tutors in the lowest-performing states overwhelmingly cite a lack of funding, teacher training, and family support as major barriers to student success, while tutors in high-performing states attribute better outcomes to engaged parents, experienced educators, and access to high-quality instruction.

The survey, conducted among Superprof’s online math tutors residing in the highest- and lowest-scoring states on the 2024 NAEP Math Assessment, underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to support struggling students. With the U.S. ranking 26th in international math achievement, more than three-quarters (77.5%) of tutors surveyed said they are concerned about the country falling further behind global competitors.

“This survey confirms what we’re seeing every day—math education in the U.S. is at a crossroads,” said Wilfried Granier, CEO at Superprof. “Students in struggling states don’t lack ability, they lack access. The right resources—stronger instruction, more support for families, and targeted tutoring—can make a world of difference.”

Key Findings from Superprof’s Tutor Survey

• Online tutoring is essential for student success. When asked about the role of online tutoring in math education, 70.4% of tutors said it is “extremely important” for keeping students on grade level. Many tutors cited gaps in public school instruction, lack of individualized support, and growing disparities between districts as reasons why students increasingly rely on supplemental learning.
• The demand for math tutoring is growing. Nearly seven in ten tutors (69%) anticipate an increase in demand for online math tutoring this year. Tutors noted that parents and students are recognizing the limitations of classroom instruction and seeking additional support, particularly in states where math scores are lagging. While 66% of students and 69% of parents still favor human tutors over AI, reliance on AI is growing. “I think the rise of AI, like ChatGPT, will replace many tutors as awareness grows,” one respondent said.
• The math achievement gap is likely to widen. Nearly half of tutors (46.5%) believe that the disparity between high- and low-performing states will continue to grow in the coming years. Without significant changes to funding, curriculum, and teacher training, they worry that students in struggling states will continue to fall further behind their peers. “If we do nothing, the gap will increase. But if there are better resources and more opportunities for one-on-one tutoring and engagement, then the gap will get smaller,” another respondent noted.

What’s Driving the Disparity?

Tutors from high-performing states most frequently cited parental involvement (28%) and better-trained teachers (21%) as key reasons for stronger student performance. Meanwhile, in low-performing states, the most common recommendations for improvement included:

• Better education and training for teachers (52%)
• More access to private tutoring (online or in-person) (52%)
• More funding and resources for schools (44%)
• Improved study habits among students (42%)
• More financial support for low-income families (41%)

Superprof remains committed to providing expert math support to students nationwide. To find the perfect tutor or sign up to become a tutor, visit Superprof.com.