Sylvan Learning Center - Fishers,IN Review

My son has always struggled in school.   Like many kids, he learns differently and the way that our public education system is set-up, one on one attention isn't possible.  I've seen the ads for Sylvan (who could miss them!) and I decided - what the heck, I'd go in and have a chat with them.  I was determined not to fall for any sales-y like talk because frankly, I'm not made out of money and at the end of the day, this is all about my son getting what he needs.

The director (Jennifer) of the particular center I went to was nice, personable and not the least bit sales-y.  We talked about Ethan and my concerns.  We found out that there were connections between us (her good friend Heather was Ethan's pre-school teacher for many years!).  After that, she walked me through the process, explaining each part without making me feel pressured.

First up was an assessment-type test for Ethan.  I had him tested on Math, English/Reading Comprehension and the results were just as scary as I thought that they were.  He's in sixth grade this year and the results of these tests showed that he was (in some cases) grades behind.  I think in Math - he was even at a third grade level on certain areas.

I wanted to cry.  It's like you know you know -  but then to get confirmation?  It's good, but heartbreaking.  I'm SO ticked that the school system lets my child fly under the radar (which seems to be the case - if you're child isn't a "behavioral" issue).

Jennifer explained that to get Ethan up to his grade level, it would take "X" number of sessions.  I just abou had a heart attack when I saw how hours it would take to get Ethan caught up.  Although there are many options (and Jennifer did NOT pressure me one way or another), what i decided to do was to sign Ethan up for 40 hours of Math and 40 hours of English/Reading.  FYI - I'll go over cost in a minute... 

If you're not familiar with Sylvan's approach, they block time off in two hour blocks.  The first hour is learning, the second hour is activities to ensure that you really learned from the first hour.  A reinforcement of the knowledge you just gained - imagine that!

I scheduled Ethan for two times a week - Monday's and Thursday's - 5-7 p.m.  At first, he was really nervous but after a few sessions, he relaxed and even told me that he would much rather attend his tutoring sessions at Sylvan than go to school.  Sad statement, isn't it?

After 40 hours of Reading/English and Math, they re-tested Ethan.  The results were - well - how do I say this?  The results were more than I could have ever hoped for. 

In English/Reading - he was up to his grade level and then some.  In one area - he was even scoring at an 11th grade level!!!!!!! 

In Math - he jumped up too - in some cases, he was equal with his 6th grade peers, in a few, he was still just a couple of months behind.

Again, I wanted to cry :).  Why?  Because.  I had confirmation that my son really did enjoy learning, he could learn in the right setting, and money in this world seems to equal accountability - especially in the educational setting.

So let's talk about the financial aspect of Sylvan.  It's not cheap, however, I found it worth every penny.  80 hours of learning set me back $8000.  I know - from talking with other parents - that rates can vary from market to market so yours may be more or less.

Sylvan does offer various ways for you to pay.  You can pay by the typical credit card means; have the amount debited from your checking account; or you can pursue an education loan through places like Sallie Mae.

We've stopped after the initial 80 hours (40 hours Math/40 hours Reading/English) because we're nearing the end of the school year and we're taking a break.  I do plan on entering him in this program over the summer so that I can give him a head start for 7th grade.

Although the financial aspect of Sylvan is pricey - I challenge you to find another entity like it which delivers the outstanding reults I saw through my own son's growth.