Spirit of Math vs. TutorLyft

For 2026-27, Spirit of Math campuses list $1,165 to $1,200 per 13-week term for SK to grade 8, and $1,405 to $1,440 for grades 9 to 11, plus a $30 registration fee each year. There are three terms, so a full year is $3,495 to $3,600 for SK to grade 8. Classes for grades 1 to 8 run 90 minutes once a week, which works out to about $90 a class, or about $60 an hour in a group. Siblings and students in a second program get a lower rate. Paying by credit card adds a 2.4% fee. Confirm the amounts with your campus before you register.

It depends on what your child needs. Spirit of Math is built for students who are already doing well: it asks for a B+ average or higher, and Spirit of Math itself says it isn't tutoring. Students work through harder problems than school sets, at least 400 competition-level problems a year, with a teacher and a class of peers, plus weekly homework. That suits a strong student who wants more challenge. If your child is struggling, needs help with this term's class or a test, or needs a subject other than math, a 1-on-1 tutor is usually the better fit.

Students in kindergarten to grade 11 with a B+ average or higher at school. Every new student starts with a free placement interview or assessment class to check they're at the right level. Not every grade is offered at every campus. TutorLyft has no entry requirement: tutors work with students from grade 1 to university at any level, including those catching up.

Not for the term you're in. The withdrawal rules Spirit of Math posts for its Central Toronto campus say there are no partial refunds during a payment term, and once a class has taken place in a new term, that term isn't refunded. To leave, tell your campus at least 5 business days before the next payment date. Later payments you've already made are refunded to your original payment method, and late requests carry a $50 administration fee. Each campus posts its policy on its registration page, so check yours. TutorLyft has no terms: you pay per lesson and can cancel a lesson for free up to 24 hours before it starts.

They're built for different things. Spirit of Math is one class a week with a teacher and a class of peers, focused on harder problems and contests, for students with a B+ average or higher. Kumon is math and reading worksheets at your child's own level, with two short centre visits a week and practice at home on the other days. On price, Spirit of Math lists $1,165 to $1,200 per 13-week term for SK to grade 8, and Canadian Kumon centres list $160 to $220 per subject a month, plus a registration fee of $75 to $80.

Yes. Almost every tutor offers a free consultation, so you can ask about their approach and your child's goals first. There's no subscription or sign-up fee, and if the first session isn't the right fit, we refund it and give you your next hour free with a new tutor.