K12 Tutoring Strengthens ESSA Validation with New Multi-Grade Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Stride Inc. (NYSE: LRN)'s K12 Tutoring program has received expanded ESSA Level II and III validation based on new research from the 2024-2025 school year. The studies demonstrate significant academic improvements, with tutored students outperforming non-tutored peers by 7.53 percentile points in ELA and 6.36 percentile points in math.

The research revealed that every 15 hours of K12 Tutoring resulted in grade improvements of 5.7% in Math and 6.0% in ELA, equivalent to more than half a letter grade improvement. Students with the lowest initial reading scores showed the most substantial growth with sustained tutoring.

Positive

• Tutored students outperformed peers by 7.53 percentile points in ELA and 6.36 points in math
• Every 15 hours of tutoring led to 5.7-6.0% grade improvements
• Program received both ESSA Level II and Level III validation
• Strongest impact observed in students with lowest initial reading scores

Negative

• None.

Insights

Education Technology Analyst

K12 Tutoring's ESSA validation demonstrates measurable academic improvements, strengthening Stride's market position in the high-growth tutoring segment.

K12 Tutoring's expanded ESSA Level II validation represents a significant competitive advantage for Stride in the education technology market. The third-party validation showing tutored students outpacing peers by 7.53% in ELA and 6.36% in math delivers compelling evidence-based selling points for school districts making tutoring procurement decisions.

The achievement of ESSA Level III validation for high school offerings further broadens Stride's addressable market, allowing the company to target the entire K-12 spectrum with validated solutions. Particularly noteworthy is the correlation between tutoring time and academic performance, with every 15 hours of tutoring associated with approximately half a letter grade improvement.

The finding that students with lowest initial reading scores showed greatest improvement addresses a critical market need, as schools face persistent pressure to close achievement gaps for struggling learners. This positions K12 Tutoring as particularly valuable for intervention programs, a high-priority budget area for districts with pandemic recovery funds.

By securing these validations, Stride strengthens its competitive positioning against both traditional tutoring providers and newer edtech entrants, potentially accelerating adoption cycles as schools increasingly require evidence-based solutions that meet ESSA standards for their purchasing decisions.

New Research Builds on Prior ESSA Validation, Demonstrating Broader Student Success

RESTON, VA, Sept. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- K12 Tutoring, part of the Stride, Inc. (NYSE: LRN) portfolio, has once again been validated under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Level II standard, with expanded evidence from the 2024–2025 school year. Additionally, K12 Tutoring’s high school offerings have been found to meet ESSA Level III requirements. The new studies build on last year’s findings by demonstrating the program’s effectiveness across additional grade levels and schools, confirming its role in driving measurable growth in reading and math achievement.

The latest ESSA Level II designation is based on two studies validated by an independent, third-party agency that demonstrate that students who participated in K12 Tutoring achieved significantly higher end-of-year scores on the Renaissance Star Assessments compared to their non-tutored peers.

• In ELA, tutored students outpaced non-tutored students by an additional 7.53 percentile points.
• In math, tutored students outpaced non-tutored students by an additional 6.36 percentile points.

The ELA study also showed that students who began the year with the lowest reading scores experienced the greatest growth when they engaged in sustained tutoring.

The ESSA Level III designation validates a positive relationship between tutoring time and semester course grades, with students who spent more time in tutoring earning higher grades.

• Every 15 hours of K12 Tutoring was associated with 5.7% increase in Math and 6.0% increase in ELA, equivalent to more than half a letter grade improvement.

“This new research affirms the power of high-impact tutoring to accelerate learning and close achievement gaps,” said Jennifer Moore, General Manager of K12 Tutoring. “This external validation gives schools and families confidence that K12 Tutoring delivers measurable, evidence-based gains students need to achieve academic success.”

ESSA Level II (Moderate Evidence) and Level III (Promising Evidence) indicate there is reliable, research-based evidence from well-designed studies showing that programs like K12 Tutoring produce positive, statistically significant outcomes. The findings confirm that K12 Tutoring is backed by high-quality research showing a proven, positive effect on student learning. 

For more information about K12 Tutoring, visit tutoring.k12.com.

About K12 Tutoring

K12 Tutoring provides high-quality, flexible, and convenient online tutoring services designed to support every student’s academic journey. With state-certified tutors, personalized learning plans, and a broad range of subject offerings, K12 Tutoring helps students excel—whether they’re seeking advanced instruction or extra academic support. K12 Tutoring is a portfolio brand of Stride, Inc., a leader in online education. Learn more at tutoring.k12.com.

Emily Riordan, Communications 
Stride Inc.
press@k12.com

FAQ

What were the key findings of K12 Tutoring's ESSA validation studies in 2024-2025?

Studies showed tutored students outperformed non-tutored peers by 7.53 percentile points in ELA and 6.36 percentile points in math. Every 15 hours of tutoring led to approximately 6% grade improvements.

How much do grades improve with K12 Tutoring (LRN)?

For every 15 hours of K12 Tutoring, students saw a 5.7% increase in Math and 6.0% increase in ELA, equivalent to more than half a letter grade improvement.

What level of ESSA validation did Stride's K12 Tutoring program receive?

K12 Tutoring received ESSA Level II (Moderate Evidence) validation for its overall program and ESSA Level III (Promising Evidence) for its high school offerings.

Which students showed the greatest improvement with K12 Tutoring?

Students who began the year with the lowest reading scores experienced the greatest growth when they engaged in sustained tutoring.

What is the significance of ESSA Level II and III validation for LRN?

ESSA Level II and III validation indicates that K12 Tutoring has reliable, research-based evidence from well-designed studies showing statistically significant positive outcomes in student learning.