Software selection
7 signs your online academy has outgrown spreadsheets
Your academy has outgrown spreadsheets when class times, invoices, payments and teacher pay need repeated manual checks to stay accurate.
Notes on running an online academy
Billing
Accounts receivable aging for academies: a 10-minute routine
Accounts receivable aging groups unpaid invoices by days overdue. Review balances monthly, check payment links, and assign the next collection action.
Software selection
21 questions to ask in a tutoring software demo
Choose tutoring software by testing real cancellations, clock changes, invoices and teacher pay during the demo, then checking trial and exit terms.
Payroll
Can you hire tutors as contractors? US rules and 1099-NEC
US tutor contractor status depends on the IRS control tests. For 2026 payments, the federal 1099-NEC threshold rises from USD 600 to USD 2,000.
Business
How can parents check their child's performance online?
Parents can check progress through short lesson updates, monthly summaries and agreed observation, with invoices and class details kept separate.
Classroom
COPPA, GDPR and the Children's Code for online academies
COPPA can cover US under-13s; GDPR digital consent ages vary, and the UK Children's Code covers services likely used by children under 18.
Reliability
How to reduce trial class no-shows
Reduce trial class no-shows with local-time confirmation, clear reminders, an easy join link, a device check, and same-day follow-up.
Scheduling
Daylight saving time 2026–2027: online classes calendar
UK/EU clocks change on 25 October 2026 and US clocks on 1 November. Plan online classes around the 2027 dates and Canada's changes.
Product
Hosted invoice pages: let families pay without logging in
A hosted invoice page lets families view and pay an invoice without an account. Compare payment options, link expiry, privacy, and fees.
Billing
Can non-US residents use Mercury? Eligibility and invoicing
Non-US residents can apply with a US-formed company and US operations. Residence restrictions apply; Egypt is not listed, but Pakistan is.
Payroll
How to pay online tutors: per class, per hour or salary?
Pay tutors per class for equal lesson lengths, per hour for mixed lengths, or a salary for fixed duties. Agree on cancellation and no-show pay in writing.
Business
How much to charge for online tutoring in 2026
Set your tutoring rate above your costs. US benchmarks include USD 20.84/hour median employee pay and Indeed's USD 27.75/hour tutor average.
Classroom
How do I log in to my classes? No-login links for children
Open your child's private class link without a password. Save the link, keep it private, and ask the academy to replace it if shared.