I am not a huge fan of franchise tutoring centers. I used to work for two (including this one) and found them to almost always be completely profit-driven and greedy. The tutors rarely have a personal connection with the child. Sylvan (like most others tutoring centers) does diagnostic tests to determine what level and skills a student should work on. This is decided by a Scantron machine--the tutors aren't allowed to assess a student's strengths and weaknesses. We just have to follow orders. That means we show up, get our schedule, get the kids' binders and get the books for them to use during the session. One thing I disliked about it was that there were constantly miscommunications between center directors and parents. A parent would call to say she wanted to switch her child from Monday to Tuesday, for example, and talk to the director. The tutor wouldn't be told, so a child would show up and the tutor wouldn't expect them. This looks bad and is unprofessional. Then the student would be placed an any free tutor's table for the hour (so that no mistake is admitted to the parent)--whether the tutor is qualified to tutor that student's subject or not. Then the hour is up, the child leaves, and the parent is none the wiser. All the parent knows is that he/she dropped the child off for tutoring, and the child got tutoring. The center directors have quotas to fill and are heavily forced by the regional managers to upsell and meet certain enrollment numbers and hours of tutoring. The directors are usually nice individuals, but are there to make money. They'll smile and discuss how they'll help your child, but deep down they don't know your child at all. I take my children to private one-on-one tutoring (for the subjects I can't help them with. I've found that they work better with people other than their parents anyway). I think that is the way to go. read more

I was a little bit doubtful that she was going to improve in 2 months what she couldn't do in a year. Our daughter is 8 years old and she is now in 3rd grade attending a Chinese Mandarin merge program school in Palo Alto. She is also a very good tennis player and has to spend a minimum of two hours in daily training after school. At the end of the second grade, her Chinese skills were very good, but she was behind in English. My wife and I are not native English speakers, so we can't help her enough. This summer 2009, we decided to find a learning center which will help her to improve her reading and writing skills in English. We found Sylvan and she attended 12 hours a week in the afternoons. At the beginning, I was a little bit doubtful that she was going to improve in 2 months what she couldn't do in a year, but I had a great surprise seeing her reading way faster than before with a much better comprehension. She also started to develop a good taste for writing about her experiences in tennis. We have decided to keep her at Sylvan the rest of the year because it is a great learning program and study support for very busy children like her. Thank you, Vielma read more

My son's math improved 2 grade levels in less than 2 months. My son has been struggling with math since 1st grade. We decided to give Sylvan a try. We heard of Sylvan many times from other friends & people at school. The director here is a Chinese gentleman. He is an excellent math teacher. I believe he learned a lot of math in China. Anyway, he first did a test for my boy, then designed a program with homework from Sylvan. My son is always happy going to Sylvan and he can tell me clearly what he learned while we are driving home everyday. About 2 weeks ago, I remember my son ran to me after Sylvan class and full of joy. He told me that he finally learned division in that class and he cannot wait to practice at home. Put things in perspective, division is something that my son has been struggling for the past 1-2 years. My son took a 36 hour exam yesterday. He improved nearly 2 grade level. I am very proud of my son and impressed with the progress that Sylvan did for him. read more

We want to thank you for the effort you and your staff have made in helping my daughter with her learning process. Since we first came to Sylvan early last summer, the entire organization has shown professionalism, enthusiasm, concern adn focus towards enhancing my daughter's reading and math skills. She has made tremendous progress in the last 9 months and it is in no small part due to the work she has done at Sylvan. Amongst all the joys and varied experiences that come from being a parent, the opportunity for humility repeats istelf over and over. It makes for a significant appreciation for those whos inclination, dedication and education lead them ot pursue a career in child education. The work you and your organization are doing is important and has had an extremely positive impact on my daughter's skills and outlook on learning. We want you to know that we recognize that and appreciate your efforts. - Happy Sylvan Mom read more

"At the end of third grade, Skyler's grades had started to drop from A-B honor roll to having a few D's and eventually an F. We then decided to contact Sylvan. Almost immediately we saw a change. Skyler has become more confident and is not afraid to accept a challenge in his school work. We used to have to make him read his assignments. Now he reads just because he likes to. I was constantly being called to the school office to discuss Skyler's actions against other children. I think with his confidence level low he was acting out for attention....Now, in the fifth grade, I haven't had to visit the office at all! He LOVES TO READ!!! Skyler says that his school work is easier now that Sylvan has helped him with his Reading and Math skills. We are so proud of Skyler. Skyler is even proud of himself..." - Stephanie Norwood read more

The staff at the Sylvan Learning Center located on Washington Avenue Extension are incredible. They are extremely organized, the education specialists are extremely competent and they are always willing to offer their assistance. There has not been one single time, that I've stated a concern, that my needs/requests were not met. Don seems to always be available whenever I call, at times going above and beyond. I often wonder if he ever goes home. Sylvan ...has been an integral part of my son's life for the past six months and my son has shown tremendous improvement. He enjoys his time there and that, in itself, says a lot. We have not completed our journey with Sylvan, but I expect continued service of the highest quality. Kudos to the entire Staff there!! - Donna read more

Our children have recently completed their time at Sylvan with Beginning Reading. The progress we have seen in them has amazed us. They enjoy reading so much more, their homework time has decreased because they seem to have a better understanding of everything and their grades have in fact increased one letter grade. The impact Sylvan has been in their lives is immeasurable, we are eternally grateful for the staff at Sylvan. They demonstrated extreme patience and such an understanding for them, patience we honestly didn't have. When they are older and become the successes in life we know that they will be, the Sylvan staff can take pride in the fact that they had a role in that success. Thanks for everything. - Keisha Jones read more

Our 16 year old took the Algebra II course for credit at Sylvan. Thanks to Sylvan, we went from "we give up" and "he may not graduate high school" to "hey, let's check out some colleges." Sylvan is a fine example of "connect before you correct." After my son's sophomore year at Prospect, he was almost completely shut down to learning. We enrolled him and he completed the Algebra II for credit program at Sylvan. It turned him around 180 degrees and re-opened the door for him. I got my Joe back! Thank you Sylvan. I am impressed and greatly appreciate how quickly you acted in response to my concerns, questions and requests. Very professional. - Kyra J. read more

My 6 year daughter started her beginner's reading here and we couldn't be happier with the results. With just one class and she is hooked with their reading program. She is a better and more confident reader. She has been an earlier reader since she learnt how to read in her Montesorri preschool. And I know the token/reward at the end of the class is definitely on her favorite list about Sylvan. The staff there are very professional and warm. I would recommend this learning center to those who want their kids to advance or catch up with their kids' reading, math, or learning skills. read more

As a full-time working mom, I don't as much time as I'd like to help my kids with their schoolwork. When I noticed that my kids started bringing home more and more tests graded C or below, I began worrying about their education. I saw an ad for Sylvan Mountain View and decided to enroll them. A program was designed specifically for each pupil, which i found impressive and effective. After 4 months, my kids had consistent a's and b's on their tests. they no longer struggled in math or english. thanks so much sylvan! read more

I watched Sylvan design and implement a customized program for both of my sons that had impressive measurable results. My elder son went from two years behind his class to 10 months ahead in 18 months. Meanwhile, they have gone the extra mile helping us with our younger, special needs son. My wife and I are enthusiastic in recommending the Sylvan Learning Center of Champions for others. - Mr & Mrs. Richard Marsh read more

I want to thank every one of your staff members that has been able to help me reach my academic & SAT goals. I am no doubt one of your many success stories. Working with great teachers was not only great fun, but also a great learning experience. My SAT scores jumped after preparing with your course for only a few weeks. Words cannot express the thanks you deserve, but my scores and grades can. read more

My child was challenged at school with lack of focus, poor organization, a tough transition to middle school, and failing report card grades. I decided to enroll her in Sylvan because of its wonderful reputation and convenient hours and location. As a result of attending Sylvan, she has raised all of her grades, become more organized and focused, and produces quality work at school! - Tammy W. read more