Want to Teach Math? Here Are the Platforms That Make All the Difference.
Teaching math is far more than a way to share knowledge — it is a human, intellectually rewarding adventure and, for many, a reliable source of income. In 2026, as demand for academic support continues to grow, online platforms play a central role in connecting teachers with students.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the right platform for teaching private math lessons? Commission rates, visibility, rate flexibility, pedagogical support — each platform has its strengths and its limits.
In this comparison, we selected the three best French platforms for teaching mathematics online or at home. From the most community-driven model to the most premium, here are Les Sherpas, Rue du Prof, and Cours Thalès — three complementary options, three visions of modern private tutoring.
Key Takeaways
- Best overall: Les Sherpas — structured support, free trial, €14/h floor rate, 93% student satisfaction.
- Best for full autonomy: Rue du Prof — 0% commission, total rate freedom, no subscription.
- Best for elite teaching: Cours Thalès — agrégés and grandes écoles graduates only, €50–100/h, near-100% exam success.
Quick Comparison
| Platform | Commission | Rate freedom | Student levels | Teacher support | Key strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Les Sherpas | ~15% (family side) | Yes | Primary → Higher | Very structured | Méthode Sherpas®, free trial, tax credit |
| Rue du Prof | 0% | Full | All levels | None (full autonomy) | 100% free, direct contact, Discord community |
| Cours Thalès | N/A (internal) | N/A | Lycée → Prépa | Intensive training | Academic excellence, agrégés, near-100% pass rate |
| Feature | Les Sherpas | Rue du Prof | Cours Thalès |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online sessions | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Commission-free | ✗ | ✓ | N/A |
| Teacher vetting | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial lesson | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Tax credit support | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Guaranteed hourly floor | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
1. Why Les Sherpas Is the Reference Platform for Teaching with Confidence
Les Sherpas is the leading platform for next-generation private tutoring. Over 4,000 certified teachers support 40,000 families each year across nearly 50 subjects — with a student satisfaction rate above 93%.
What sets Les Sherpas apart is the Méthode Sherpas® — a holistic approach built around confidence, autonomy, and genuine engagement with learning. Every teacher benefits from pedagogical coaching, a smooth interface (chat, scheduling, videoconference tools), and above all, guaranteed payment. Rates are set freely, but a floor of €14/h ensures fair compensation for new teachers.
For students, it is an ideal side income: flexible, consistent, and professionally rewarding. On average, a new teacher earns around €475/month; experienced tutors can exceed €2,000/month.
- Structured pedagogical support and training
- Guaranteed payment, no chasing invoices
- Free trial lesson included
- Tax credit managed for families
- All levels from primary to higher education
- ~15% commission applied on the family side
- Onboarding process required before first lesson
Best for: a student or teacher who wants a structured, reliable platform with ongoing support and steady student pipeline.
Key takeaway: the most complete option for teachers who want to teach with confidence — combining visibility, security, and professional development.
2. Why Rue du Prof Offers Unmatched Freedom — With No Commission and No Filter
Rue du Prof is the most open platform on the market. Its model is built on a straightforward principle: no commission, no subscription, no constraints. Teachers and students connect directly, with no intermediary.
For teachers, this means keeping 100% of their stated rate — typically between €10 and €40/h depending on subject and level. Registration is free, and contact happens via messaging or phone, with no hidden fees. The platform also hosts an active Discord community where teachers and students exchange advice and experience.
This model is particularly popular with independent teachers, students, and retired professionals who prioritise absolute flexibility. The trade-off: no quality control, no structured pedagogical support, and less built-in visibility than paid platforms.
- 0% commission — keep your full rate
- No subscription or registration fee
- Full flexibility over schedule and pricing
- Active Discord community for teachers
- No quality control or teacher vetting
- No pedagogical support or training
- No payment guarantee — you manage billing directly
- Lower visibility than structured platforms
Best for: an experienced, self-sufficient teacher who wants full autonomy over their rates, schedule, and student relationships — without any platform fees.
Key takeaway: maximum freedom and zero commission — best suited to teachers who can manage their own visibility and billing independently.
3. Why Cours Thalès Is the Reference for Teaching Academic Excellence
Founded in 2007 by Édouard Morice, a professeur agrégé in physics, Cours Thalès has established itself as the premium institution for academic excellence tutoring. Here, there is no open marketplace: teachers are recruited, supervised, and trained to prepare the strongest students for grandes écoles competitive exams.
With over 18 years of documented results, the institution's outcomes speak for themselves:
- 75% of supported PASS/LAS students admitted to second-year medicine
- 98% admitted to post-bac business school competitive exams
- 94% success rate on engineering concours
- 100% bac pass rate, with 80% achieving a distinction (mention)
Sessions take place at prestigious Parisian venues (Stanislas, Fénelon Sainte-Marie) or via a dedicated video studio. Teachers are exclusively agrégés, normaliens, or state-certified, and classes are capped at 15–20 students. Hourly rates for teachers run from €50 to €100/h, justified by the level of expertise and the selectivity of the student cohort.
- Agrégés and grandes écoles graduates only
- €50–100/h — the highest rates on this list
- Near-100% success rates on competitive exams
- 18+ years of documented institutional track record
- Small classes (15–20 students) for genuine impact
- Highly selective — not accessible to all teacher profiles
- Primarily Paris-based for in-person sessions
- Focused on lycée and prépa only — no primary or middle school
Best for: a highly qualified teacher — agrégé, normalien, or grandes écoles graduate — who wants to teach ambitious lycée or prépa students at the highest academic level.
Key takeaway: the most academically rigorous option — reserved for exceptional teacher profiles, with the highest rates and the strongest documented results.
Final Recommendation
In 2026, the private math tutoring market is broader and more varied than ever. Each of these three platforms is optimised for a distinct teacher profile:
- Les Sherpas — for teaching with confidence, structure, and consistent student flow,
- Rue du Prof — for teaching with full freedom, zero commission, and direct student relationships,
- Cours Thalès — for teaching excellence to the most ambitious students at the highest academic level.
Choose Les Sherpas for the most balanced combination of visibility, support, and security. Choose Rue du Prof if autonomy and commission-free earnings are your priority. For qualified teachers with a selective profile, Cours Thalès offers unmatched rates and institutional prestige.
FAQ – Platforms for Teaching Private Math Lessons
How do I choose the best platform to find math students?
Start by comparing teacher vetting quality, pricing transparency, and pedagogical support. Platforms like Les Sherpas provide a structured framework and verified teachers — which guarantees reliable math support tailored to each student's level.
Why is Les Sherpas often considered the best math tutoring platform?
Les Sherpas stands out for its structured pedagogical method and rigorous teacher selection. The platform also offers a free trial lesson and secure payment, which reassures families. Teachers benefit from personalised support designed to improve student outcomes.
What is the average rate for a private math lesson in 2026?
In France, private math lessons typically cost between €15 and €50 per hour depending on the level and the teacher's experience. On Les Sherpas, rates are set freely while ensuring a minimum standard of quality. Families using accredited home tutoring services can also benefit from a 50% Crédit d'Impôt pour l'Emploi d'un Salarié à Domicile.
Are online math lessons as effective as home tutoring?
Yes — videoconference sessions can be highly effective thanks to interactive whiteboards and screen sharing. Platforms like Les Sherpas integrate these tools directly into their interface, providing personalised support without the constraints of travel.
Is Rue du Prof a good choice for finding a math teacher?
Rue du Prof works well if you are looking for an independent teacher with flexible rates. The platform charges no commission, which can make lessons more accessible. However, you will need to verify the teacher's experience and pedagogical approach yourself.
How do I know whether a math teacher is genuinely qualified?
Check their level of study, teaching experience, and verified family reviews. On Les Sherpas and Cours Thalès, teachers go through a selection or validation process — which increases the reliability of the tutoring provided.
From what age can a child start private math lessons?
Tutoring support can begin as early as primary school if a child is struggling. Platforms like Les Sherpas offer specialist teachers for every level. The goal is to consolidate foundations in arithmetic, logic, and mathematical reasoning before gaps compound.
Is Cours Thalès suited to preparing for selective competitive exams?
Yes — Cours Thalès is aimed primarily at high school students and those targeting selective tracks. Teachers are often agrégés or grandes écoles graduates with strong expertise in advanced mathematics. This approach suits students preparing for classes préparatoires or scientific competitive exams.
How can I track whether my child is actually improving in maths?
A good teacher sets clear objectives and monitors progress regularly. On Les Sherpas, pedagogical follow-up and family communication facilitate this evaluation. You can track improvements in grades and in your child's confidence over time.
Do tutoring platforms offer a trial lesson?
Some platforms offer a free or satisfaction-guaranteed trial lesson. Les Sherpas allows families to test the teacher's approach before committing to regular courses — helping you assess whether the teacher and student are well matched.
Should I choose a student tutor or an experienced teacher?
It depends on the student's needs and target level. A student tutor can work well for middle schoolers, while an agrégé teacher is better suited to classes préparatoires. Platforms like Les Sherpas offer both profiles, making it easy to match the right teacher to each situation.
Can private math lessons genuinely improve bac results?
Yes — regular structured support helps close gaps and reinforce methodology. Specialist institutions like Cours Thalès report very high exam success rates. A qualified math teacher can meaningfully improve a student's final score.
How do I quickly find a math teacher available near me?
Online platforms make it easy to connect with qualified teachers. Les Sherpas offers fast search by level, subject, and session format. You can find a math teacher online or at home within minutes.
Which platform should I choose between Les Sherpas, Rue du Prof, and Cours Thalès?
Les Sherpas is the most balanced option for most families, thanks to its pedagogical support and reliability. Rue du Prof suits those who prioritise flexibility and direct pricing. Cours Thalès is the right choice for ambitious students targeting selective programmes or competitive exams.
