Anyone use Sylvan Learning for their child/children?

Question

I have a bright 9yo who needs a little extra help with reading comp and writing. Sylvan seems a little pricey to me but I want to know if others who've used them, can recommend it, and if they are worth the $$$. Thanks!

Answer 1

Sylvan IS pricey but it's worth it, in my opinion, and the center where I tutor works with the Sallie Mae Foundation to provide educational loans. I've been working there for over 8 years and I've seen it work some real success stories! Although one-on-one tutoring is available, the standard tutoring is three-on-one so that the teacher has time to help each student but all of them have the chance to work independently (and get rewarded for it) as well.

The reading program works on a diagnostive/prescriptive basis, meaning the student takes an assessment before starting and the center builds a program just for him (or her.) That way, if your child is struggling with, say, inferences and cause & effect, but details and vocabulary are easy, then your program will include only the hard stuff at a low enough level that your child is learning but isn't frustrated. As he masters that level, he'll be bumped up to a harder level, and so on until he's at the level you want him to be. The program is designed never to force your student to work through lessons on anything he already knows how to do, never to force him to work on anything harder than what he's capable of, and never push him faster than he's ready to go.

The writing program requires that he be on grade level reading, and will guide him through the whole writing process -- prewriting, outlining, drafting, editing, revising, self-evaluating, and publishing -- on descriptive, illustrative, compare/contrast, cause/effect, and persuasive papers. It's a fun program. I enjoy teaching that one.

If you have other questions, I hope you'll feel free to ask. And before you decide on Sylvan, you're welcome to schedule a time to go to a center and look around, chat with the directors and see if you like them, and even observe classes to see if you like the interaction. Not all centers are created equal, and I believe in knowing what you're getting into when your children are involved (not to mention that much money!)

Good luck!

Answer 2

its wroth the money..in sylvan they have private teachers who help one person at one time...so ur child has a private tutor.......annyways sylvan is wroth the money..........u should go there and check it out first and see if u like it or not.......i think its really good..but its really ur choice...