A new Tutor Doctor report finds math is the top academic challenge in North America, with nearly 45% of parent inquiries from August 2024 to July 2025 focused on math - over 70% more than reading and writing.
The report, Why So Many Students Struggle With Math — And What Parents Need to Know, draws on more than 10,000 parent inquiries and leading educational research to expose a quiet but urgent crisis. Families describe children as “struggling,” “falling behind,” and in urgent need of help, highlighting not just academic concerns, but emotional and future readiness challenges.
Key Findings from the Report
- Math tops all subjects: 45% of parent inquiries focused on math — more than any other subject.
- Emotional toll: More than 20% of inquiries contained urgent, emotionally charged language, underscoring the anxiety math struggles create for families.
- Foundational gaps persist: Pandemic disruptions worsened long-standing challenges, leaving many students unprepared for grade-level math. 50% of Grade 6 students in Ontario did not meet provincial math standards in 2024.
- Math anxiety on the rise: 20–30% of students experience math anxiety, often beginning as early as Grade 1.
We see math anxiety first-hand every day. The students who come to us often already believe they’re ‘bad at math,’ and that belief holds them back. Breaking through that mindset is half the battle. Once we get past the fear and build confidence, students not only catch up - they thrive. This report really speaks to the reality of what we’re seeing: math struggles are intertwined with emotional barriers, and we need to address both to make a lasting difference.
Becky Ward - Education Experience Specialist, Tutor Doctor
What’s at Stake
Math is not just another subject - it’s a gateway. Early success in algebra predicts high school completion, college access, and entry into STEM careers. Falling behind in math undermines student confidence, increases teacher burnout, and deepens workforce inequities. Without action, the crisis threatens to derail long-term opportunities for an entire generation.
The Way Forward
The report highlights personalized, high-dosage tutoring as one of the most effective interventions. Research shows students in these programs can gain an additional 3 to 15 months of learning, while also rebuilding confidence and reducing anxiety.
Access the Full Report
The full report, Why So Many Students Struggle With Math — And What Parents Need to Know, is available now at: tutordoctor.com/math-findings-report-2025
About Tutor Doctor
Tutor Doctor is a global leader in personalized, one-to-one tutoring for students of all ages and subjects. With thousands of tutors worldwide, we bring learning to life by adapting to each student’s unique needs and learning style.