How Headstart works
From your first search to your first lesson in under 10 minutes. No subscription, no lock-in — just you, a verified tutor, and a language to learn.
Four simple steps
Search for a tutor
Use filters to find tutors by language, availability, hourly rate, and teaching style. Every tutor on Headstart has been manually verified — we check their identity, teaching credentials, and conduct a trial session review before they appear in search results.
Book a trial lesson
Select a time that works for you and book a 30 or 60-minute trial lesson. Trial lessons let you experience the tutor's style before committing to a full learning plan. Most students book two or three trial lessons before settling on their preferred tutor.
Learn in your online classroom
Your lesson takes place in Headstart's built-in video classroom — no third-party app downloads required. The classroom includes video, audio, a shared text editor, and file sharing. Your tutor will guide the session based on your goals and current level.
Build your learning plan
After your trial, discuss a regular schedule with your tutor. Most students find 2–3 sessions per week delivers the fastest progress. Your tutor will assign practice materials between sessions and track your progress over time.
What you can count on
Verified tutors only
Every tutor is manually reviewed. We verify identity, teaching experience, and conduct a demo lesson assessment. Less than 30% of tutor applicants pass our verification process.
No platform subscription
You pay per lesson. There is no monthly fee, no lock-in, and no minimum commitment. Book one lesson or one hundred — it's entirely up to you.
Trial lesson refund guarantee
If you're unsatisfied with a trial lesson, we'll refund it — no questions asked. We want you to find the right tutor, and we know that sometimes it takes a few tries.
Tutors set their own rates
Tutors on Headstart set their own hourly rates, typically between ₱300 and ₱2,000 per hour. Higher rates generally reflect more teaching experience or specialized credentials, but many of our most effective tutors are in the mid-range.
Secure payments
All payments are processed through our secure platform. Funds are held until after your lesson is complete, protecting both you and your tutor.
Flexible scheduling
Book lessons at any time that works for both you and your tutor — mornings, evenings, weekends. Tutors are available across multiple time zones.
Common questions
Do I need to download any software?
No. Headstart's classroom runs entirely in your browser. All you need is a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge), a webcam, and a microphone.
What happens if I need to cancel a lesson?
You can cancel or reschedule a lesson up to 24 hours before it starts with no penalty. Cancellations within 24 hours may be subject to a cancellation fee depending on the tutor's policy.
Can I change tutors?
Yes. There's no obligation to stay with any particular tutor. If you find a tutor who suits you better, simply book with them. Many students eventually establish a primary tutor relationship that lasts months or years.
How do I know if a tutor is right for me?
Trial lessons exist for exactly this reason. Look for someone whose teaching style, pace, and personality match how you learn. Some students prefer structured, grammar-focused lessons; others prefer conversational practice. Good tutors adapt to both.
Is there a minimum number of lessons?
No. There is no minimum commitment. You can book a single lesson to try the platform, or set up a recurring weekly schedule. We recommend at least 2–3 lessons per week for meaningful progress, but the choice is yours.
Do tutors speak English?
Most tutors on Headstart are fluent in English, which is especially helpful for beginner students who need explanations in a language they already know. For advanced students, some prefer lessons conducted entirely in the target language for full immersion.
Ready to start learning?
Find your verified tutor and book a trial lesson today. First trial refunded if you're not satisfied.
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