Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate? 

Tutoring services are open to Signal Hill students who are going into any grade from 1^st – 6^th  during the 2025-26 school year.

Long Beach students who attend school in Signal Hill are welcome to apply if space is available.

The program is full as of September 2025. However, we will continue to accept Program Application Forms to add to the Waiting List.

What if my student is in Kindergarten or older than Grade 6? Can they still participate?

Tutoring services are only available to students who are going into grades 1st – 6th during the 2025-26 school year. Services are not designed to assist students outside these specified grade levels.

Our Children’s page also highlights additional learning resources and activities, including online Britannica School, ABC Mouse, Wordbook Online, and more.

How long are tutoring sessions?

Each tutoring session will last 60 minutes.

Session 1: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Session 2: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Please plan to arrive at the Library tutoring area at least 5 minutes early to ensure your students can receive their full 60-minute appointment.

How long is the program?

The math tutoring program is 36 weeks in length. Participants are required to attend all 60-minute sessions every Thursday during the 36-week period.
Math Session: September 4 - June 4, 2026  

Session Breaks: 11/25, 12/25, and 1/2. 

How can I register my student? 

Students will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis, based on submittal of a completed application and assessment.  Signal Hill students will be given priority enrollment.  Separate forms will need to be submitted for each student in each session; however, students may only attend one session per week.  Applications may be picked up from the Circulation Desk at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill Street)

How will I know if my student has been accepted into the tutoring program?

Email confirmations will be sent within 2 weeks of the submission date. Please be sure to add SHPLtutoring@cityofsignalhill.org  to your Safe Senders List to receive timely updates.

Parents, guardians, and/or caregivers are required to sign and submit a Program Application Forms before services begin. This may be done in advance via email or on the first day of tutoring.

Forms received after September 4 will automatically be added to the Waiting List. Patrons will be contacted if and when a space opens up.

Will my student get priority if they previously participated in a tutoring program at the Library?

All enrollments will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Signal Hill residents will be given priority for this program.

Can my student attend both Math sessions?

No, students may only attend the session to which they’re assigned.

Will my student have one-on-one tutoring?

The Math tutoring program has a ratio of 3 students to 1 tutor. We will do our best to group students with others in the same or similar grade.

How many appointments does my child need to attend?              

Attendance at each tutoring session is mandatory. Tutoring services will be provided one day each week, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Session 1) and from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Session 2) on Thursday during the selected 36-week session.

We ask parents and caregivers to carefully consider other scheduling obligations before applying to the program.

Do I need to be present during all tutoring sessions?        

Parents and guardians are asked to walk their students to and from the tutoring area. Tutors and Library staff are not responsible for the supervision of students left unattended.

You are welcome to remain in the tutoring area or take advantage of the variety of materials and resources available at the Library, like books, magazines, computers, and more!

What happens if my student misses a tutoring session? 

Due to the short nature of the program, students will be required to attend all appointments to maximize the benefits of this free tutoring service. Students who miss 4 appointments will be removed from services, and another student will be placed in their spot.

We ask parents and caregivers to carefully consider other scheduling obligations before applying to the program.

Can my student with special needs or learning disabilities enroll?

The math tutoring program welcomes students of all abilities who are going to any grade from 1^st – 6^th  during the 2025-26 school year. Our program is designed to provide sustained tutoring in a fun, engaged, and supportive learning environment through regular instruction and learning activities.

The Math Tutoring program is not an intervention program, nor can tutors provide recommendations or diagnose any concerns you may have with your student’s academic progress or behaviors. Additional information about Special Education Services can be found on the Long Beach Unified School District website.

Can my student be tutored in a language other than English? What about students who go to a dual language or bilingual school?     

The math tutoring program instruction and materials are only delivered in English.

Who will be tutoring my student?           

The City has contracted with the tutoring company Mathnasium to provide professional tutoring services. They have provided tutoring services throughout the United States for over 20 years.

What will the tutors cover?        

Tutors will administer assessments to each student during the first and last appointments to measure the program's impact. Tutors will use the information they receive from the initial assessment to inform your student’s tutoring sessions.

Do you communicate with my student’s teacher or school?        

The Signal Hill Public Library is not in a formal partnership with any school for the math tutoring program, and we do not have access to any academic information.

Who can I contact with other questions?             

Additional questions can be sent to SHPLtutoring@cityofsignalhill.org. Emails are monitored Monday-Thursdays and will be answered in the order received.