How do I find and book an instructor?+
Browse instructors by category (Tutoring, Music, Sports, or Dance), filter by subject and location, and click on any profile to learn more. When you're ready, select a date and time and submit a booking request. Your card will be pre-authorized but not charged until the instructor confirms.
Is Brain Boost free for clients?+
Yes! Creating an account and browsing instructors is completely free. You only pay for sessions you book — there are no hidden fees or service charges added to your bill. The session rate shown on each instructor's profile is exactly what you pay.
Is my payment secure?+
Yes. Brain Boost uses Stripe, an industry-leading encrypted payment processor trusted by millions of businesses worldwide. Your card details are never stored directly on our platform — Stripe handles all payment data securely. Your card is only charged after your session is confirmed by the instructor.
What if I'm not satisfied with a session?+
If you're unhappy with a session, please reach out to our support team at jennifer@brainboostacademics.com. We review disputes case by case and may offer a credit, refund, or the opportunity to rebook with a different instructor depending on the circumstances.
Can I change instructors?+
Yes! You can browse available instructors and switch at any time. We recommend checking instructor profiles, reviews, and specialties to find the best fit for your goals. There is no penalty for booking with different instructors.
What if the instructor cancels?+
If an instructor cancels your session, you won't be charged. You'll be notified promptly and given the option to rebook with the same instructor or choose a different one. We take instructor cancellations seriously and monitor patterns that affect reliability ratings.
Why must payments stay on the platform?+
All payments must go through Brain Boost to protect both clients and instructors. This ensures you have access to payment dispute resolution, fraud protection, and a secure record of all transactions. Off-platform payments remove these protections entirely and may violate our Terms of Service.
What happens if I book privately off-platform?+
Booking outside of Brain Boost means you lose all platform protections — including refund eligibility, dispute resolution, and verified identity checks. Brain Boost cannot assist with issues arising from off-platform arrangements, and it may violate our Terms of Service. Always book through the platform to stay protected.
Are all instructors background-checked?+
Yes. Every instructor on Brain Boost must pass a background check before their profile goes live. We also verify teaching credentials and require references. Your child's safety is our highest priority.
Can sessions be online or in-person?+
Both! Many instructors offer online sessions via video call, in-person sessions at a location of your choosing, or a mix of both. You can filter by session type when searching for instructors.
How do I apply to become an instructor?+
Click "Become an Instructor" in the navigation and complete the application form. You'll need to submit your teaching credentials, a degree or relevant certification, a letter of good standing, and one recommendation contact. Our team reviews all applications within 3–5 business days.
Why does Brain Boost charge a platform fee?+
The platform fee covers the technology, marketing, payment processing, customer support, and trust & safety tools that Brain Boost provides — essentially the infrastructure that brings clients to your door without you having to build it yourself. You keep 80% of every session — which is better than most competing platforms.
How does Brain Boost protect instructors?+
Brain Boost verifies client identities, handles payment processing so you always get paid for completed sessions, and provides dispute resolution support if a client raises a concern. Your earnings are held securely until released after session completion. All communication is kept on-platform to protect you.
What happens if a client disputes a payment?+
We investigate disputes fairly, reviewing session records and communication history. Instructors are given the opportunity to provide their account of events before any decision is made. Keeping all communication on-platform is the best way to protect yourself in these situations.
Can I communicate directly with clients?+
Yes — within the Brain Boost messaging system. We encourage keeping all communication on-platform, both for your protection and to maintain a record in case any issues arise later. Sharing personal contact information before a booking is confirmed is against our guidelines.
How quickly can I start earning?+
Once your profile is approved and you've completed any required onboarding steps, you can start accepting bookings right away. Earnings are typically released within a few business days after a session is completed and marked as done.
Can I set my own rates?+
Yes! You set your own hourly rate. Brain Boost takes a 20% platform fee and you keep 80%. You can adjust your rates at any time from your instructor dashboard. We recommend researching comparable instructors in your area to set competitive pricing.
How do I get paid?+
Payouts are processed through Stripe Connect. You'll need to complete the Stripe onboarding in your instructor dashboard to connect your bank account. Payments are released within a few business days of a completed session.
Can I appear in the Featured Instructors section?+
Yes! Brain Boost offers a Featured Listing option that places your profile at the top of search results and in the Featured Instructors section on the homepage. You can upgrade to featured from your instructor dashboard. Featured status is available for a monthly fee and is subject to availability.
What is Brain Boost?+
Brain Boost is Puerto Rico's first multi-vertical instructor marketplace — connecting families and students with verified tutors, music teachers, sports coaches, and dance instructors. Our platform is bilingual (English and Español), built for K–12 students, and designed with safety and trust at the core.
Is Brain Boost only available in Puerto Rico?+
We launched in Puerto Rico and are focused on serving this community first. Online sessions are available to anyone, anywhere. We plan to expand to Puerto Rican diaspora communities in Orlando, New York, and beyond in the near future.
Is the platform available in Spanish?+
Yes! Brain Boost is a bilingual platform built natively for Puerto Rico's English and Spanish-speaking families. Our team is bilingual and available to assist in both languages.
How do I contact support?+
You can reach us at jennifer@brainboostacademics.com or through the Contact page on our website. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 24–48 hours on business days.