How It Works

Personal learning designed just for your child

We believe that true learning — the kind that makes your child smarter and more motivated — calls for a personal approach. That’s why we use a proven, four-step approach called Sylvan Insight to truly engage your child.

Others have tried to imitate it, but there is no equal.

Sylvan Director Lauren shares what to expect with Sylvan. 

Lauren How it Works

Step 1: Assess

Imagine unparalleled insight into your child

We begin our programs by assessing your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses, as well as his or her attitudes about school and learning. Your child has specific talents to uncover and challenges to meet, and we’ll find them. We use a combination of skill assessments, observations with a Sylvan tutor and attitude surveys to really get to know your child.

The outcome? Through Sylvan Insight, we identify the right Sylvan program and exactly where your child needs to start to get the best results — from developing new skills to overcoming self-limiting beliefs or behaviors.

Step 2: Plan

A personal plan tailored to your child’s needs

We create a learning program unique to your child. Your child isn’t exactly like any other, so the learning program we design won’t be either. Your child’s plan maps out all the skills he or she needs to learn in the order that makes the most sense.

As your child progresses with Sylvan Insight, we adjust the plan as needed, so your child stays challenged, but not frustrated.

Step 3: Teach

The best tutors using the best technology

This is where Sylvan Insight really gets exciting! We blend personal instruction with digital tools in an instructional system called SylvanSync™. Sylvan tutors lead interactive lessons on iPads®, so lessons can adapt to your child’s skill level and pace. This approach lets our tutors guide and motivate your child in a way that’s personal and fun. And let’s face it, using an iPad makes learning much cooler.

(That unexpected thing you’re starting to see during homework time … that’s a smile!)

Step 4: Apply

Maximizing results and motivating your child to thrive

Results are extremely important — to you and to us. With Sylvan Insight, we measure the progress your child is making with each lesson, including how well your child is applying his or her new skills. We also collaborate with your child’s teacher at school, ensuring what's being learned at Sylvan is being demonstrated in the classroom.

The best part is you can stay involved and informed the whole way. Through a personalized website called mySylvan™, you’ll get real-time feedback on your child’s progress, view upcoming lessons and access activities your child can do at home.

Through Sylvan Insight, you start to see results immediately. Homework time loses its “electricity.” Big tests turn into big scores. School becomes fun. Your child seems more relaxed. Confident. Excited to learn. The results are truly inspiring.

And it all comes with good communication

We interact with you and your child’s teacher on a consistent basis. This helps ensure your child is applying the skills being learned at Sylvan in school. It also keeps you as informed and involved as you’d like to be!

  • You Can Afford Sylvan. Really.

    It’s easy to invest in your child’s future with Sylvan. Choose from a variety of affordable programs and easy payment plans to fit your budget.


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  • The Secret Sauce? Our Teachers!

    Our certified Sylvan teachers will challenge and inspire your child. We’re experts in math, reading, writing, test prep and more!


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  • Highly Personal. Highly Effective.

    Every child’s learning plan is unique. We mix the best in teaching and technology to ensure your child gets just what he or she needs.


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