STAR Tutoring
Free tutoring to help students learn, grow, and succeed
STAR Tutoring is LA County Library’s no-cost, in-person group tutoring program held at select library locations. The program is designed to help young students improve their reading or math skills. All tutoring takes place at the participating library and all materials are provided.
STAR Tutoring is a year-round program offered in three sessions: Spring (Jan-May), Summer (Jun-Aug), and Fall (Sep-Dec).
We are no longer accepting new applications for summer tutoring. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when registration opens for the fall session: LACountyLibrary.org/Newsletter-Signup.
Additional resources for students can be found below and on our Students page.
Online Tutoring & Student Resources
Looking for additional tutoring help or other helpful library learning resources?
We offer online turoring for students in grades K – 12 via Brainfuse, available from 1 to 11:59 pm in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Tutors cover math, science, English, social studies, and essay review.
Our Students page also highlights additional learning resources, recommended reading, and more!
STAR Tutoring Participating Libraries
- A C Bilbrew
- Anthony Quinn
- Artesia
- Baldwin Park
- Carson
- Clifton M. Brakensiek
- East Los Angeles
- East Rancho Dominguez
- Gardena Mayme Dear
- George Nye, Jr.
- Hawthorne
- La Puente Library
- Lake Los Angeles
- Lancaster
- Lawndale
- Leland R Weaver
- Lennox
- Live Oak
- Lomita
- Norwalk
- Paramount
- Rosemead
- Rowland Heights
- San Fernando
- South Whittier
- Stevenson Ranch
- Sunkist
- West Covina
- West Hollywood
- Woodcrest
Program Details
Participant Qualifications
- Student is enrolled in grades 1–6 during the 2025–2026 school year and would benefit from supplemental support. (For the Summer 2026 session, students must be entering grades 2 through 7 to be eligible.)
- Family can commit to weekly 45–50 minute appointments for the full 8-week session.
Scheduling
Tutoring hours and program availability vary and are based on library hours and staffing.
Due to the short length of the Summer Session, students are expected to attend all scheduled appointments. We are unable to make any schedule changes. Two appointment absences will result in removal from the program.
Enrollment Process
For students to be considered for enrollment, parents and guardians are required to complete the following steps:
- Submit an online Interest Form
- Attend one of the STAR Tutoring Virtual Orientation sessions
- Submit a Program Waiver
Once all 3 steps are completed, interest forms will be forwarded to our Call Center for scheduling, in order of confirmation.
Schedule and registration links for the Virtual Orientations will be sent via email after Interest Form submission; Program Waiver will be sent via email following confirmed attendance of the Virtual Orientation.
What if my student is in Kindergarten or older than Grade 6? Can they still participate?
Students in Kindergarten or younger, or students in Grade 7 or higher are not eligible for the STAR Tutoring program.
Learning resources for students outside of these grades, including online homework help, can be explored on our Students page.
Do we have to register or can we just show up?
The STAR Tutoring program requires registration and runs for a set number of weeks each session. It is not a drop-in program.
For flexible drop-in help, we offer Homework Center services for students in Grades 1–12 during the school year.
How long are tutoring appointments?
Each tutoring appointment lasts approximately 50 minutes. Students meet with their tutoring group once per week for the duration of the tutoring session. All tutoring takes place at the library.
Who will be tutoring my student?
LA County Library has contracted with the tutoring company StudentNest to provide professional tutoring services. They have provided tutoring throughout the United States for more than 20 years. Learn more about StudentNest.
Ideally, students will work with the same group and tutor for the duration of the session. However, groups are not assigned to specific tutors and we are unable to accommodate tutor requests.
What will the the tutors cover?
- At the first appointment, students will complete individual pre-assessments based on their grade level and subject to help guide tutors in planning future appointments. Time permitting, instruction will begin.
- The following appointments will consist of group instruction and additional learning activities.
- At the last appointment of a session, students will complete individual exit assessments to measure progress and program impact.
Students enrolled in the fall or spring sessions will also complete individual mid-session assessments to monitor their progress.
No homework is assigned - students complete all learning and practice during their tutoring sessions.
Assessment tools and other tutoring materials are provided through StudentNest’s proprietary curriculum Lotus Learning.
What will group tutoring look like? Can my student have one-on-one tutoring?
STAR Tutoring is a small-group program. Students will be placed in groups of up to three students based on subject and grade level (within one grade). Please note that skill levels may vary within each tutoring group.
Will my student get priority if they previously participated in a tutoring program at the Library?
Enrollment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis once all program requirements have been confirmed.
Can my student switch subjects mid-way through the session?
No, students are not able to switch subjects once the session begins.
How many appointments does my student need to attend? What if we miss an appointment?
Students are expected to attend all scheduled appointments. Multiple absences may result in removal from the tutoring session.
We encourage parents and caregivers to review their schedules and other obligations carefully before requesting enrollment.
Do I need to be present during all appointments?
We strongly encourage parents and guardians to drop off and pick up their student from the Library’s designated tutoring area.
Parents and guardians are more than welcome to stay in the library during appointments and take advantage of resources including books, magazines, computers, and more.
Library staff and tutors are not responsible for the supervision or personal care needs of students left unattended by their parents.
Can my student with special needs or learning disabilities participate?
STAR Tutoring welcomes students of all abilities who meet enrollment qualifications. Our program is designed to provide a fun, engaging, and supportive group learning environment through instruction and learning activities.
STAR Tutoring is not an intervention program. Tutors cannot provide recommendations, specialized or individualized services, or diagnose any concerns you may have with your student’s academic progress or behaviors.
Additional information about Special Education Services provided by different school districts can be found on the Los Angeles County Office of Education website.
Can my student be tutored in another language? What about students who go to a dual language or bilingual school?
No, STAR Tutoring instruction and materials are only delivered in English.
Do you communicate with my student’s teacher or school?
LA County Library is not in a formal partnership with any school for STAR Tutoring and we do not have access to any academic information.
Can the tutors help with homework assignments?
STAR Tutoring is designed to help students practice and improve their reading or math skills through weekly instruction.
Homework Centers are available at select LA County Library locations to support students in Grades 1-12 with their homework assignments during the school year. Our trained staff will assist students on a first-come basis and may work with multiple students at any given time.
Homework Center hours vary by location. Please check with library staff for availability.
Online homework help is available through the Brainfuse platform. Online tutors are available to assist with math, science, reading/writing, social studies, and test prep (PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP, and standardized). A valid LA County Library card is needed to access Brainfuse.
Additional learning resources are available to explore on our Students page.
Who can I contact with other questions?
For questions not addressed on this page, please email us at LACLSummerStars@library.lacounty.gov. We will respond as soon as possible.
STAR Tutoring is made possible through generous funding from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Care First Community Investment, and the LA County Justice Care and Opportunities Department.
