Sylvan Learning Center

About

Sylvan Learning Centers are a well-established network of supplemental education and tutoring centers focused on providing personalized instruction for students in grades K-12. Founded in 1979 in Portland, Oregon, Sylvan Learning (officially Sylvan Learning, Inc.) began as a company offering individualized tutoring and has grown into one of the leading providers in the field. It operates through a combination of franchised and corporate-owned locations, with more than 500+ centers worldwide (primarily in the United States), though the exact number fluctuates around 700-750 points of presence in recent years. The centers specialize in personalized learning programs tailored to each child's needs, using an initial assessment (often called the Insight™ Assessment) to identify strengths and gaps. Tutors—typically expert educators familiar with local school curricula—create customized learning plans. Core subjects include: Reading and writing Mathematics Study skills Homework support Test preparation (for college entrance exams like the SAT/ACT, as well as state exams) Many locations also offer enrichment programs to help students get ahead. Sylvan emphasizes a blended approach, often incorporating technology like their proprietary SylvanSync™ system (interactive lessons on tablets/iPads) alongside one-on-one or small-group instruction in a supportive environment. The goal is to build academic confidence, ignite curiosity, and inspire a love for learning, with reported results showing students achieving noticeable improvements in grades, test scores, and up to 3x more growth in math/reading compared to peers in some cases. As a franchise-based model (now under parent company Unleashed Brands), individual centers are locally owned and operated but follow Sylvan's proven methods and curriculum. They serve millions of families over the decades and position themselves as a results-oriented alternative to traditional schooling support, with options for in-center, online, or hybrid tutoring in many areas.