All kiddos learn in different ways, at different speeds, at different times. Our first grader was…read morestruggling reading/writing and while his teacher did her best to get him to speed-- it just wasn't enough 1:1 time. If there was anything I learned from the pandemic it is that: A) I am not cut out to teach my children topics like spelling or math. Not because I don't have the desire to or the skills to-- but because I just don't have the patience to, unfortunately. It ultimately makes all parties involved upset and discouraged. And B) that it is ok to ask for help. We decided to let our son have a fun summer filled with summer camps, tons of swimming and baseball. But at the end, as second grade neared, we decided we needed to get him started with Sylvan Learning Center to be sure he wasn't left behind. It was super easy! We reached out via email and scheduled two different meetings. One was to drop off our son to do some tests to figure out where exactly he was in different subjects. The other was to sit down with the director of the center to discuss his test scores and what our path forward was. She provided options and didn't mandate we do anything. We then tailored our plan for this school year. (Tailored meaning: determining what subject(s) we wanted to focus on, how many hours a week we wanted to commit to, what days worked best for us and how we were going to pay.) Pricing is a bit steep but I think it is super standard for tutoring. You have to pay for 50 hours at a time, too. It definitely is an investment. The hours Sylvans are available (six days a week) are convenient. (In the summer they increase their hours and days without school they do as well.) Our son really enjoys going to Sylvans; I am thrilled he isn't embarrassed or that he doesn't dread his time there. I think that speaks volumes to the culture they have and the folks the employ. We have seen drastic improvement thus far-- both in his school work but also his desire/ability to read books on his own. Every so many weeks parents are brought in to discuss the improvement your kiddo has had so that everyone is on the same page and we can tailor our game plan as needed. Additionally, Sylvans stays in contact with our son's teacher so everyone is in the know. Ultimately, Sylvans has helped our son and given us a piece of mind. I'd 100% recommend it!

From the owner: Welcome to Sylvan! We're a locally owned learning and tutoring center staffed with a dedicated team…read moreof caring educators with years of experience delivering results for families in our area. We provide the best in after school programs and personalized tutoring for math, reading, writing, homework help, SAT®/ACT® prep, college readiness and more. You'll love the dedicated learning time that allows your child to focus on whatever they need to work on. They'll love the personalized attention and engaging motivation program. Whether they need to catch up on skills or get ahead in new skills, our teams tailor a program to your needs and budget. Discover why Sylvan parents say, "I wish we started here first." Contact us today.

My daughter went into Mathnasium after struggling to memorize math facts and came out LOVING it!…read moreThis place is fantastic. My daughter actually begs me to go which is a testament to their teaching methods for sure. I would highly recommend it!

From the owner: We know how to teach your child math. Our specially trained…read moremath instructors will teach your child to understand math in an individual setting- our unique approach enables us to effectively explain math concepts well and lend a helping hand to every student. Our tutors foster a caring, encouraging environment that helps kids thrive and learn! We pinpoint your child's learning needs, meet them where they are, and take them where they need to go. Mathnasium instructors use our unique assessment process to determine with great accuracy exactly what each child knows and what they need to learn. Next we design a customized learning plan for teaching concepts the student needs to master. It doesn't stop there - our encouraging instructors continually check progress along the way to make sure kids truly understand and retain the concepts we've taught. The results are transformative - kids will see measurable changes in attitude, confidence, and school progress. We will help your child overcome homework frustration. Our instructors will set aside time to provide homework help. We help kids understand the homework assignment so they feel better prepared to complete the work at home - underscoring their understanding of concepts and transforming homework frustration into a welcome challenge.

This daycare was selected out of proximity to work and home, and I could not be happier that they…read morehad an opening when I needed it. I have never had a bad experience with the staff. If there is ever a problem between kids, (or usually between kids and the walls, floors, etc) they have let me know the day of the occurrence. Throughout the pandemic, they have been very diligent in following safety protocols at the center, and I have felt very safe in my kids remaining enrolled. There are diverse teachers that have taught the kids about the countries they are from and, that has been exciting for me to hear about as well. I know my kids love it, because they give hugs to all of their teachers and classmates when they are leaving. I cannot recommend First Steps enough!!!

From the owner: First Steps Learning Centerread more

Had a visit at the University of Iowa College of Law on the main campus at Iowa City. Very nice…read morebuilding on the west side and right on the Iowa River...large roomy building with a small parking lot on the premises. The Boyd Law Building is sort of like a circular space ship with a dome on top. Since it is circular, most of the classrooms are build like wedges of a pie...with the rows of seating narrowing as they come down to the professor...this is a really neat design and wastes no space. The lecture and seminar rooms were very nice and up-to-date, furnishings and technology all up to snuff. The moot courtroom and other specialty rooms were also very nice. It is obvious Iowa is reinvesting in its property. The law library takes up a triple wide wedge of the back of the building and is located on four floors. While the Iowa Law library does have a number of tables and other seating arrangements around the place, they are distinguished by having an individual carrel with locking shelves for each and every student. This was a very neat idea for the students. In other areas of the building are all the administration and faculty offices. Iowa Law is well ranked in all the ratings and the faculty is well regarded. The school is a force in law schools and not just the Big-10...it has some national stature. We were out looking at law schools and stopped by for a visit...our self guided tour of the facilities was wonderful. The admissions people were welcoming and interested in us even though we showed up unannounced. As the major program at the State's flagship school they don't have to take a back seat to anyone. A neat choice for law school in Iowa

I've waited 6 months for an appointment and it was finally supposed to be tomorrow and then a rude…read morelady named Peggy refusing to give her last name called and cancelled saying that they are not accepting new patients so I will not be allowed to see the primary care doctor that has been assigned to me so now apparently I don't have any doctor at all I guess. Not sure how I will get my medicine and blood tests done now that I am not allowed to see my primary care doctor ‍

Go Hawkeyes!…read more Absolutely a beautiful campus to visit. It is rich in history and offers a competitive rate for a fine education. Located along the Iowa River, the scenery is breathtaking nice and you may even spot a Bald Eagle flying along the river if you are fortunate enough. Architecture from the Medical and Biology Department is quite a sight. Be sure to catch a glimpse at the building that houses the Robotics department. Older buildings are still nestled between the new ones giving this institution such character. Be sure to also visit the original State of Iowa Capitol building located near the Mathematics building. There you will see the workings of the states first building that housed its legislature and court proceedings that shape Iowa's legal system.

Love the dining center and it's employees. Even tho understaffed, the Aramark employees go above…read moreand beyond!!

I took the ACT at my high school at the very beginning of March and did not receive my score until…read morethe very end of April. My grade level received their scores and I dod not, so after two weeks I reached out (multiple times) to ACT-cares and requested that my test score be merged with my personal account. Not only did it take an absurd amount of time to finally see my score, In the process MyACT disconnected my email and password from my account. It should not take calling the company five times to receive my test. That's all.