NYC Tutors Making Millions: An Elite Tutoring Agency

<img src="https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/675c8649747101893d6b4682/Thomas-smiles-at-the-camera--wearing-a-blue-collared-shirt-and-round-glasses-/0x0.jpg?format=jpg&amp;width=1440" alt="Thomas Howell, co-founder of Forum Education">

Forum Education, a New York City-based tutoring agency, is disrupting the education landscape by transforming tutoring into a high-earning career. Instead of a part-time gig, Forum positions itself as a talent agency for tutors, representing top educators to wealthy families.

High Earning Potential for Elite Tutors

Top tutors at Forum earn over $500,000 annually, with some exceeding $1 million. This contrasts sharply with the average earnings of tutors at other companies, highlighting Forum's unique approach. The agency takes a 15% cut of tutor earnings, compared to higher percentages at other platforms.

Rigorous Selection Process

Forum has an incredibly selective process. With over 2,000 applicants, only 35 tutors have been accepted since the agency's inception in 2014 – an acceptance rate lower than Harvard and Caltech. Tutors require at least three years of experience with NYC private school students and must pass multiple interviews and a mock lesson.

Catering to High-End Clients

Forum's clientele includes families attending prestigious NYC private schools with high tuition fees (some exceeding $60,000 annually). These parents are willing to invest heavily in elite tutors for their children, receiving support ranging from academic instruction to emotional guidance. One parent described their Forum tutor as a "sharp shooter" who secured a top-tier computer science PhD tutor for their college-aged son.

A Unique Business Model

Co-founder and CEO Thomas Howell describes Forum's model as a "talent agency," not a staffing agency, prioritizing the tutors' expertise. The agency's unique approach combines rigorous selection with a focus on client relationships, creating a highly successful and lucrative business model for both tutors and the agency.