If you have started looking into Mandarin classes for your child, you have probably noticed that prices are all over the place. One tutor charges ₱500 an hour, another charges three times that, and some schools only show prices after you message them.
This guide lays out what Mandarin classes for kids typically cost in the Philippines, what makes one option more expensive than another, and the questions to ask before you pay. We run an online Mandarin school for kids, so we include our own prices too, but the goal is to help you compare any option fairly.
The Short Answer
- Private tutors listed on local tutoring sites in Metro Manila usually charge about ₱500 to ₱1,000 an hour.
- International tutoring marketplaces range widely, from around ₱400 to over ₱2,500 per lesson, depending on the tutor.
- Small-group online classes for kids usually cost less per class than 1-on-1 lessons, and get cheaper on longer plans. At Little Owls, a group class works out to about ₱690 to ₱1,750 per class.
- 1-on-1 classes from a kids’ Mandarin school typically cost more than group classes. Ours run about ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 per session.
Market figures are based on public tutor listings we checked in October 2026. Prices change, so treat them as a guide.
Typical Prices by Type of Class
Here is how the main options compare. The per-class figure matters more than the headline price, because session lengths and package sizes vary.
| Option | Typical price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Private tutor (local listing) | About ₱500 to ₱1,000 an hour | Flexible schedules, one-off homework help |
| International tutoring marketplace | About ₱400 to ₱2,500+ per lesson | Wide choice of tutors, if you can vet them yourself |
| Small-group online class for kids | About ₱690 to ₱1,750 per class at Little Owls | Steady progress, speaking practice with other kids |
| 1-on-1 class from a kids’ Mandarin school | About ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 per session at Little Owls | Exam prep, Chinese school support, faster progress |
| Adult language-school group course | Often cheaper per hour | Teens and adults comfortable with long sessions and bigger groups |
Adult language courses can look like the best deal on paper, but they are usually built for grown-ups: longer sessions, larger groups and a slower, more formal pace. Most young children do better in short, interactive classes designed for their age.
What Makes One Option Cost More Than Another
1. One-on-one or group
Private lessons cost more because your child gets the teacher’s full attention. Small groups cost less per child and give kids someone to talk to, which helps with speaking. Very large groups are cheaper still, but children get far less speaking time.
2. Who the teacher is
Native or near-native fluency, a teaching degree and experience with young learners all raise the price, and they also tend to show up in your child’s pronunciation and progress. Ask how teachers are screened, not just where they are from.
3. Curriculum and materials
A structured curriculum with levels, materials and progress tracking takes work to build and maintain. A tutor without one may be cheaper but will often improvise lessons from week to week.
4. Session length
Always compare by the hour or by the class. A ₱600 lesson that runs 30 minutes costs more per hour than a ₱1,000 lesson that runs 60. For young children, 45 to 60 minutes is usually the sweet spot: long enough to make progress, short enough to hold attention.
5. How long you commit
Many schools charge less per month on longer plans. That only saves money if your child actually sticks with it, so try a class first before committing to a long plan.
Want to see how a class feels before you compare prices?
Book one live online group class for ₱599. There is no obligation to enroll afterward.
Costs to Ask About Before You Pay
The advertised price is not always the full price. Before you sign up anywhere, ask:
- Are books or materials extra? Some programs charge separately for workbooks or app access.
- Is there a registration or assessment fee?
- What happens if my child misses a class? Find out whether there are make-up classes, credits or no refund.
- Is the price per hour, per class or per month? Convert everything to the same unit before comparing.
- Is the trial fee credited if we enroll? Practices differ. At Little Owls, it isn’t.
- Can I cancel or pause a long plan? Read the terms before choosing a 12-month plan anywhere.
What Little Owls Costs
All our classes are live and online, with teachers who have at least 3 years of experience teaching kids. Here is a summary. The pricing page has every plan.
| Program | Price | About per class |
|---|---|---|
| Trial class (group, 45 to 60 min) | ₱599 | ₱599 |
| Group class, once a week (12-month plan) | ₱3,497 a month | ₱870 |
| Group class, once a week (1 month) | ₱6,997 | ₱1,750 |
| Group class, twice a week (12-month plan) | ₱5,499 a month | ₱690 |
| Basic Mandarin Program (16 classes) | ₱7,997 | ₱500 |
| 1-on-1 tutoring (packages and monthly plans) | ₱1,500 per session, less on packages | ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 |
Group classes have up to 4 students. The 12-month group plans are billed monthly and include free weekly QUILL reading and writing sessions, plus OWLS conversation sessions for kids 7 and below.
Which Option Fits Your Budget?
- Trying Mandarin for the first time: start with a trial class or a short program like the Basic Mandarin Program before committing to anything long.
- Want steady progress at the lowest cost per class: a small group class on a longer plan is usually the best value.
- Your child is in a Chinese school and struggling: 1-on-1 lessons cost more, but they can follow your child’s own textbook and exams. See our Chinese school tutoring.
- On a tight budget: free apps and videos are a fine supplement, but they can’t correct tones or hold a conversation. If cost is the main concern, a small group class gives you a live teacher for less than private lessons.
Whatever you choose, the teacher matters more than the price tag. Our guide to the qualities to look for in a Mandarin tutor can help you compare.
Have Questions About Cost?
Tell us your child’s age, level and goals, and we’ll recommend a plan that fits your budget. We reply Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.
