Has anyone ever used Sylvan Learning Center? Has it helped?

Question

How old was the child and what were the areas that you were hoping to improve on? This question is for a 17 year old girl who is a senior in high school with a GPA of 1.9 or less. Also, any alternative ideas that you found helpful?

Answer 1

I have worked for Sylvan Learning for almost two years, I can attest to the definite benefits of our personalized programs. Some teachers will recommend going to a tutor or even a classmate, but when it boils down, they just don’t cut it. A private tutor may be one on one and a bit less expensive you will end up seeing that you truly get what you pay for. Sylvan Learning personalizes each individual students plan for success so that they focus on areas of their most prominent weaknesses, or skill gaps. The way I have explained it to new parents and students thinking about enrolling in our center is this way: your child may have missed a day in school and started struggling from that point on, our testing will pinpoint the beginning of the problems and work forward from there. Once a child takes their first progress assessment after consistently attending, they begin to gain confidence and self-esteem. It is the most wonderful feeling in the world to see a child’s “light bulb turn on” when they get something for the first time, I get to see that every day at our center. So please, if you do nothing else for your children get them educational support as soon as you notice that their light bulb is dimming.

Answer 2

Some people are not that smart. Some people do not pay attention or apply themselves. Some people just don't test well. Some people are not in the right school. But Sylvan Learning Centers is a BUSINESS, not a school, so look into other means of finding out why your daughter isn't doing well before you put her at the mercy of this money mill.

Answer 3

I worked at Sylvan for a while, and can attest to the effectiveness of what they have to offer. . . still, I know that the COST of their programs may be more than what you have in mind.

Is there a college anywhere near your home? If so, you might consider advertising in the college's paper for a tutor, especially one who is majoring in your girl's problem areas, or who is studying to be a teacher. Just figure out what Sylvan's charges break down to per hour and cut that in half, maybe--many struggling college students would be happy to make that for an honest hour's work!

Answer 4

I was interested in using one for my younger daughter a couple of years ago. She was in need of Math help, but I consulted with her teacher who told me that it was probably a waste of money and that most parents she knew who invested in it were not happy with the results considering the costs involved. She also told me that my daughter just needed to work on her math skills at home more.
So in your daughter's case (it's your daughter?) it may be helpful. She may need to build up her basic skills before she can move on to the more complicated ones usually taught in schools these days. At 17, I don't know if it will make much of a difference at this point. I would talk to a school guidance counselor, see what they think.