One-on-One English Tutoring for Children’s Comprehensive and Lasting Growth

Why Is English a Core Skill in Children’s Development?

In today’s increasingly globalized world, English has become an essential skill in a child’s growth. One-on-one English tutoring has gradually become a mainstream choice for families due to its high interaction frequency, personalized instruction, and flexible scheduling. It provides tailored learning paths based on each child’s foundation and personality, promotes comprehensive development in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through frequent interaction and instant feedback, and helps children build confidence in expression and develop cross-cultural awareness.

However, to achieve sustained and effective language improvement, choosing the right learning platform is crucial. Differences in curriculum design, teacher qualifications, technological capabilities, and classroom experience across institutions can significantly impact the quality and pace of a child’s learning. Therefore, selecting a platform is not just finding a class—it is a key step in planning a child’s long-term language development.

Based on this, we selected 51Talk, Novakid, Cambly Kids, Preply Kids, and Flalingo Kids as comparison subjects. These platforms demonstrate high performance across five core dimensions: curriculum system, teacher quality, learning experience, technological capabilities, and pricing/service assurance. With strong global user bases, they serve as reliable references for parents making informed decisions.

Next, we will provide a horizontal comparison of these platforms across the five dimensions to help parents quickly understand their respective strengths.

Comparison of Mainstream One-on-One English Tutoring Platforms

51Talk

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★ (5 stars)Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Web

51Talk has specialized in one-on-one online English education for 14 years, offering systematic and sustainable English learning solutions for children aged 3–15. With a self-developed curriculum system, a large and stable teacher base, flexible scheduling, and mature AI technology, the platform excels in long-term language development, learning continuity, and overall cost-effectiveness.

• Curriculum System & Learning Outcomes

51Talk uses its self-developed Classic English curriculum, refined over 13 years to create a structured leveling system tailored to Chinese learners. The curriculum includes 11 levels and 4 major stages, covering China’s national curriculum standards, CEFR, CCSS, high school exam requirements, as well as international exams such as KET and PET. It offers comprehensive instruction in phonics, vocabulary, grammar, and reading strategies. A wide range of elective courses and open classes allows children to expand interests beyond the main curriculum.

• Teacher Quality & Stability

51Talk has 20,000+ North American and Filipino teachers, all holding international teaching certifications and bachelor’s degrees or above. The platform utilizes a six-stage training model and a global pronunciation scoring system. A strict pronunciation assessment mechanism ensures teaching quality, and the top-teacher retention rate reaches 96%. With a large and well-managed teaching team, 51Talk provides consistently high-quality learning experiences.

• Learning Experience & Flexibility

Scheduling is highly flexible—parents can book by day or week, plan multiple lessons ahead, and choose between fixed teachers or multiple-teacher rotation.

Lesson adjustments can be made shortly before class.

Interactive classrooms and varied teaching styles help enhance children’s adaptability and willingness to express themselves.

• Technology & AI Support

51Talk’s self-developed Air Class platform includes interactive tools, real-time speech recognition, and learning records. AI lesson-preparation tools increase teacher efficiency, while the learning-monitoring system helps children plan their study rhythm and maximize lesson usage. The technology system is stable, supporting a smooth, intelligent classroom experience.

• Pricing & Service Assurance

Offers better value for money compared to other platforms.The combination of Filipino teachers for foundation + North American teachers for advancement balances cost and effectiveness. 51Talk also offers transparent contracts, short refund cycles, responsive customer support, and detailed learning reports that help parents track progress.

Novakid

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★ (5 stars)Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Web

Novakid is an online English school for children aged 4–12, offering one-on-one lessons aligned with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and taught by native English-speaking instructors.

• Curriculum System & Learning Outcomes

Novakid’s curriculum follows CEFR standards and accommodates children of different ages and proficiency levels.

It includes modules for vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, and speaking.

Interactive courseware and immersive activities help children build a strong language foundation and gradually improve overall English skills.

• Teacher Quality & Stability

Lessons are taught by native English speakers or teachers with strong English teaching backgrounds.

Instructors guide children through interactive lessons and help them understand content through positive engagement.

Teachers come from diverse cultural backgrounds, allowing children to experience various accents and communication styles.

• Learning Experience & Flexibility

The booking process is intuitive, enabling parents to arrange lessons according to the child’s schedule.

Classrooms feature visual learning materials and interactive activities to maintain engagement.

Lesson pacing is adjusted according to the child’s learning stage.

• Technology & AI Support

The platform offers an interactive online classroom where teachers and students can share screens, communicate via video, and use various digital tools.

Mini-games enhance engagement and help children practice language skills in a relaxed environment.

• Pricing & Service Assurance

Courses are typically sold in packages, with different options depending on lesson quantity.

A trial lesson is available for children to experience the teaching style beforehand.

Parent tools allow monitoring learning progress and arranging class schedules easily.

Cambly Kids

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★ (5 stars)

Cambly Kids offers online one-on-one English classes specifically designed for children, allowing them to interact in real time with native English teachers from around the world. The platform helps children improve both spoken expression and listening comprehension.

• Curriculum System & Learning Outcomes

Cambly Kids’ curriculum is designed based on the CEFR framework and covers everything from basic phonics and vocabulary to everyday conversational practice.

Lessons integrate interactive activities, games, and communication tasks, enabling children to practice language in authentic and practical contexts.

• Teacher Quality & Stability

All Cambly Kids instructors are native English speakers with experience teaching children.

The classes emphasize one-on-one communication, allowing teachers to adjust pace and content according to each child’s progress.

This personalized interaction helps children build confidence naturally through real communication.

• Learning Experience & Flexibility

The platform allows for flexible scheduling, enabling families to arrange lessons based on their routines.

Lessons are highly interactive and include listening, speaking, reading, and vocabulary activities.

Games and task-based activities help maintain engagement and encourage active participation.

• Technology & AI Support

Cambly Kids provides an intuitive video classroom system that facilitates real-time teacher–student interaction.

A variety of games, activities, and digital teaching tools are integrated to support new learning, strengthen pronunciation practice, and enhance expressive ability.

• Pricing & Service Assurance

Cambly Kids uses a subscription-based model that allows families to pause or cancel plans as needed.

Lesson records and learning resources—such as free games and quizzes—help reinforce classroom learning.

Preply Kids

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★ (5 stars)Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Web

Preply is a global online language-learning platform offering multiple languages, including English.

It features a large selection of English courses tailored for children, allowing parents to choose teachers and learning plans based on their child’s needs.

• Curriculum System & Learning Outcomes

Preply Kids lessons are customized by teachers according to a child’s age, proficiency level, and specific goals.

The curriculum may include foundational speaking, listening, reading, and writing practice.

Parents can discuss learning priorities with teachers to ensure lessons align with the child’s developmental needs.

• Teacher Quality & Stability

Preply brings together teachers of diverse cultural and educational backgrounds from around the world.

Parents can select instructors based on profiles, experience, and student reviews.

Lessons are highly personalized, with teachers adjusting content based on the child’s feedback and progress.

• Learning Experience & Flexibility

Scheduling is highly flexible and depends on each teacher’s availability.

Parents can choose lesson length and frequency to match their child’s learning rhythm and family schedule.

• Technology & AI Support

Preply offers an integrated video classroom equipped with tools such as shared course materials, interactive whiteboards, and real-time discussion features.

This supports a personalized and engaging learning experience.

• Pricing & Service Assurance

Prices are set individually by teachers, allowing parents to select options that meet their budget and expectations.

The platform offers trial lessons and flexible payment plans, helping families evaluate long-term learning arrangements.

Flalingo Kids

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★ (5 stars)Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Web

Flalingo Kids provides online one-on-one English classes using certified teachers, professional learning materials (including Oxford English resources), and AI-driven progress tracking.

The platform emphasizes interactive learning and visualized progress monitoring.

• Curriculum System & Learning Outcomes

Flalingo Kids uses a structured, leveled curriculum that covers skills from basic expression to comprehensive language application.

Lessons include listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice, supported by authoritative learning materials to help children make steady progress.

• Teacher Quality & Stability

Flalingo hires qualified teachers and supports personalized instruction.

One-on-one interaction helps children build confidence, while teachers adjust lesson difficulty based on individual learning progress to ensure goals are met effectively.

• Learning Experience & Flexibility

Lessons can be scheduled conveniently and adjusted according to family needs.

Interactive tools and multimedia materials create an engaging and enjoyable learning environment for children.

• Technology & AI Support

The platform incorporates AI tracking tools and detailed learning progress reports, helping parents monitor results and understand the next steps.

Interactive courseware increases classroom engagement and learning motivation.

• Pricing & Service Assurance

Flalingo’s pricing is transparent, offering multiple plans to meet different family needs.

High-quality learning materials and progress reporting systems help parents better understand their child’s development path, making the platform suitable for long-term learning goals.

Conclusion: The Best Choice Is the One That Fits the Child

When selecting a one-on-one English learning platform for children, there is no single “best” option—only the one that best matches a child’s learning style and developmental rhythm.

Each platform offers unique strengths in curriculum design, teacher quality, instructional methods, technology, and service structure.

The suitable platform depends on a child’s language foundation, interests, personality, and family schedule.

Whether the goal is to improve speaking ability, strengthen listening comprehension, or prepare for future international academic paths, choosing the right one-on-one English tutoring platform is essential for establishing a sustainable learning journey.

Only by matching the platform to the child’s needs can English learning progress from “inconsistent results” to “steady, visible growth,” helping children achieve real breakthroughs in language proficiency and learning confidence.

FAQ

Q1: How can parents determine which one-on-one English platform is best for their child?

To evaluate whether a platform is suitable, consider the following key factors:

• A clear and leveled curriculum: Helps children learn progressively.
• Professional and stable teachers: Ensures children receive sufficient attention and effective guidance.
• Strong classroom interaction: Determines whether the child is willing to speak and able to stay focused.
• A smooth and reliable tech system: Ensures lessons run without lag and are easy to operate.
• Transparent pricing and services: Helps families assess long-term affordability and the reliability of after-sales support.

Most importantly: Whether the child likes the teacher and enjoys participating often matters more than the platform itself.

Q2: What devices work best for one-on-one online English classes?

Most one-on-one English platforms support computers, tablets, and smartphones.

From a learning experience perspective:

• Computer / Tablet (iPad): Larger screen and easier operation; clearer display of learning content. This is the most recommended setup.
• Smartphone: More portable but has a smaller screen; suitable for short or occasional lessons.

Regardless of the device, a stable internet connection is strongly recommended to reduce lag and help children stay focused.

Q3: Are one-on-one English lessons expensive? How can parents evaluate cost-effectiveness?

Prices vary by platform, teacher type, and lesson duration—but higher price does not always mean better results.

To evaluate value for money, consider:

• Whether the program suits long-term learning (the child likes the teacher, is willing to speak, and can sustain engagement).
• Whether progress is visible (improvements in expression, comprehension, or confidence).
• Whether services are stable and reliable (easy booking, transparent lessons, clear after-sales policies).

Real cost-effectiveness means the child can make continuous progress within a budget the family can sustain.