What I Wish I’d Known About Tutoring as a Struggling French Immersion Student

In high school, I hit a wall, and it started with math.

Like many students in Alberta, I was in French Immersion schooling. Once I reached Grade 10, that meant tackling Math 10C in French. I felt a struggle right from the start. My grades started to fall and with them, my confidence. I went from feeling capable to questioning whether I could keep up at all.

I squeaked by with a pass in Math 10C, but the struggles continued into Grade 11. Still in French Immersion, still trying to keep up, I found myself feeling more and more defeated. That’s when my parents decided to get me extra help through one of those big-name tutoring chains.

And for that, I’ll always be grateful. I’m so thankful to have parents who care deeply about me and my education, who were willing to seek help and try to find the right support, even when it wasn’t easy or straightforward.

From the outside, the tutoring program seemed like a solid solution. But once I got there, it was clear that I didn’t belong.

Because I was in French Immersion, I was placed at the “French table,” which happened to be full of second graders. Meanwhile, the high school students, those in the English stream, were seated together, learning with tutors focused on their grade level. I felt out of place. I was a teenager doing high school math, sitting beside children still learning how to subtract.

The tutor barely spoke to me. Understandably, they were busy managing a room of younger learners. I left every session feeling more alone, more frustrated, and more convinced that I wasn’t good at school.

Eventually, I left that program. I tried private tutoring next, some worked, some didn’t, but it took a long time to rebuild the confidence I had lost.

Now, having worked with Tutor Teach and understanding what effective support actually looks like, I can’t help but think: this could have changed everything.

Tutor Teach does tutoring differently. The entire model is built around the student. It starts with a thoughtful matching process to connect each learner with a tutor who aligns with their academic needs, learning style, and personality. 

You’re not just given the next available spot. You’re matched with someone who understands you, your needs, and your goals.

There’s also flexibility that would have made my life so much easier. Sessions can happen in your home, online, or in the community—wherever works best. If it’s a snowy day, there’s no stress. Tutor Teach makes it easy to stay consistent.

And the exam prep? I remember taking full-day diploma prep courses with dozens of other students packed into a classroom. It was eight hours of listening to a teacher I’d never met before, with no space for questions or individual help. It felt like a race to get through the content, not a chance to actually understand it.

Tutor Teach’s Mastermind Exam Prep Courses are the exact opposite. Small group sizes. Individualized support. A chance to ask real questions and get real answers. You’re not just another body in the room, you’re part of a focused, supportive learning environment.

Looking back, I wish I had access to this kind of tutoring. Not just for better marks, but for the confidence it would have given me. For the relationships I could build with my tutor. To feel seen. To feel understood. To feel like I wasn’t the problem, that I just needed the right kind of help.

If your child is struggling in school, even in programs like French Immersion, I want you to know this: support doesn’t have to be cold or cookie-cutter. It can be personal, empowering, and game-changing.

I didn’t have that. But I’m so glad families today do.

Ready to get the right support?
Whether your child needs help mastering core subjects, building stronger study habits, or simply gaining confidence in the classroom, Tutor Teach is here to help.

We work with students of all ages and learning styles to ensure they feel supported, capable, and ready to thrive—no matter where they’re starting from.