Commonwealth Learning Center (CLC) has been a trusted resource for families and educators for nearly four decades. Originally offering only in-person instruction, CLC adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic to create a professional, effective, and engaging virtual tutoring program accredited by the Orton-Gillingham Academy. Today, CLC continues to deliver high-quality remote academic support, empowering students across the Greater Boston Area and beyond with specialized, multisensory tutoring approaches.
From In-Person Roots to Virtual Expertise
For 37 years, CLC has specialized in providing one-to-one tutoring for students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD, and other language-based learning challenges. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted schools nationwide, CLC recognized the urgent need for accessible, structured academic support. While in-person tutoring had always been the standard, CLC made a bold move: building a comprehensive virtual tutoring program that retained the hands-on, multisensory elements proven to help students succeed.
What started as a rapid pivot in March 2020 has since become a core service offering. Today, the majority of CLC’s families choose virtual tutoring—even now that in-person options have returned—thanks to its flexibility, accessibility, and proven results.
How CLC Transformed Virtual Tutoring
The shift to remote learning came with challenges, but CLC met them head-on with practical solutions:
- Hands-on materials shipped directly to students—including manipulatives for reading and math instruction.
- Chromebook lending for families receiving financial aid who did not have access to reliable devices.
- Teacher-led strategies that leverage close-up video for modeling sounds, mouth movements, and multisensory cues.
- Maintaining active parent involvement as families help set up lessons, print materials, and observe sessions.
CLC proved that multisensory instruction doesn’t just survive online—it thrives. Students remained engaged, parents felt more connected, and learning outcomes matched (and sometimes exceeded) in-person tutoring.
Fast Facts About Remote Learning
- Families often juggle multiple extracurriculars, making virtual tutoring a time-saver.
- Many CLC students who once commuted to the Learning Center now attend sessions from anywhere in the U.S., expanding CLC’s reach far beyond local Greater Boston communities.
- Remote tutoring has boosted attendance and consistency, leading to faster progress for students who might otherwise miss sessions due to transportation challenges or scheduling conflicts.
Why Virtual Tutoring Works for Today’s Students
Remote tutoring isn’t just a pandemic-era stopgap. Research and CLC’s own experience show that it offers unique advantages:
- Convenience: Sessions fit seamlessly into busy schedules, even during summer or travel.
- Comfort: Students learn from their own environment, which can reduce anxiety and encourage participation.
- Consistency: Virtual access means fewer missed sessions and more sustained progress.
- Reach: Families outside Greater Boston now benefit from CLC’s expertise without traveling.
For students with learning differences, these benefits are especially powerful. The multisensory methods used at CLC adapt seamlessly to virtual formats, ensuring that every child receives the same proven strategies, whether in person or online.
CLC’s Strengths in Online Tutoring
What sets Commonwealth Learning Center apart in the virtual space?
- Specialized expertise in learning differences, including dyslexia and ADHD.
- Highly trained teachers certified in research-based, multisensory teaching methods.
- Proven results with both in-person and online tutoring.
- Personalized, one-to-one instruction that ensures every student’s needs are met.
- Commitment to access, including technology lending and family support.
As Director Beth Dinelli notes, “Our experience has shown us that students can get just as much out of a virtual tutorial session as they can in person.”
Common Questions Around Virtual Tutoring
Does virtual tutoring really work for students with learning differences?
Yes. CLC has adapted its multisensory methods for online instruction with hands-on materials, interactive tools, and one-to-one attention that matches the effectiveness of in-person tutoring.
What if we don’t have the right technology or are unfamiliar with virtual learning software?
For our CLC families receiving financial aid, we have loaner Chromebooks available. We also offer all remote families guidance in setting up the online learning environment, including software orientations and ongoing troubleshooting as needed.
How does CLC keep students engaged online?
Tutors use a blend of physical materials, screen-sharing, and interactive activities. Students often feel more relaxed in their home environment, which boosts participation and focus.
Can my child do virtual tutoring from outside Massachusetts?
Yes. Virtual tutoring makes it possible for CLC to support students anywhere in the U.S., not just in Greater Boston.
Related Terms
Related Terms- Online tutoring services
- Multisensory learning approaches
- Dyslexia tutoring online
- Orton-Gillingham virtual instruction
- Remote academic support
Additional Resources
- Wikipedia – Orton-Gillingham Approach
- National Center for Learning Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities Association of America
Ready to Support Your Child’s Success?
Whether your student struggles with reading, writing, math, or attention challenges, Commonwealth Learning Center’s virtual tutoring program provides professional, effective, and flexible support. Families trust CLC because of our decades of expertise, personalized instruction, and proven online learning strategies.
👉 Schedule a free consultation today and discover how CLC can help your student thrive—no matter where they learn.
