Adam attended the Wakefield Sylvan Learning Center. "Adam's great! He always worked so hard and he was fun to work with." says Director of Education, Pam Smith. "We were so pleased to see his success story on the news."

Adam was featured in a story on Channel 10 News about the effectiveness of Learning Centers. Here are some quotes taken directly from the story:

As Adam's grades went down, the frustration level went up in the Marsiglio household. Complicating the situation even further was the fact that Adam's mother, Carol, is a standout teacher. "She was teacher of the year in 2002," Adam said.

Carol said she was skeptical and assumed it was just a moneymaker. But that opinion changed quickly after just a few weeks. Adam's grades began to improve dramatically.

"They just put confidence in me," Adam said. "When I was in school, if I didn't get anything I just blew it aside because I didn't care."

Carol said as a mother, she believes it was worth every penny.

Charlotte is a 12 year old 7th grade student who was struggling with math. Frustrated and upset, she would rather give up after the first try at a problem rather than continue to try and solve it. Her mom realized that she needed to get some help for her daughter so she came to Sylvan Learning Center. Charlotte's mom found out she needed help with more than just math so she enrolled Charlotte in Sylvan’s Academic Reading and Math Essentials programs

Charlotte recently said that she is learning to read more quickly and has a better understanding of what she is reading. Also, she doesn’t mind doing homework any more. “It’s not as hard and it is going much faster,” says Charlotte. One of the things that Charlotte likes best about Sylvan is that the staff always greets her by her first name when she enters and the teachers seem so personally interested in her success.

The extra studying has paid off - Charlotte made the Honor Roll with all B’s. She went from a C to a B in Math. Although math is still her least favorite subject, she says she doesn’t dislike it as much as she did at first.

"I’m thrilled with Charlotte’s progress and with the Sylvan programs!" says her Mom.

Jeffrey started attending the Sylvan Beginning Reading program in October 2005. He had struggled with reading since school began. His mom and dad say that in the few months that Jeffrey has been attending Sylvan, they are very pleased with the progress he has made. Although he currently attends Sylvan for Beginning Reading, his parents say his math and homework seem to be improving as well.

"The Beginning Reading Program has helped Jeffrey a lot. We have seen improvement in everything - he does his homework better and is doing great in spelling and writing."

Joanna was preparing to take her SAT Exam. She wanted the best score possible so she enrolled in Sylvan’s SAT Prep course. It was during the SAT Prep course that Joanna and her instructor realized how much she was struggling with comprehension. She did not like to read aloud because she did not understand what she read. Realizing the potential for major problems in college, Joanna enrolled in Sylvan’s Academic Reading program, and a great change started to take place. As she was able to read and understand better, she became more confident and felt much better about herself.

Joanna is currently in her first year of college and getting A’s and B’s. She now reads aloud with great strength and confidence. She is so glad she went to Sylvan because it changed everything. "Sylvan was so worth it!" says Joanna’s mom.

Michael

"Sylvan keeps you on your feet until you can stand by yourself."

Jake is a very nice 11 year old, 5th grader who came to Sylvan struggling with reading comprehension, spelling, and simply just not fitting in with his classmates and school work.

"Initially, Jake was apprehensive about attending Sylvan, but after a few sessions, he warmed-up to coming," says the Center Director at the Sylvan Learning Center that Jake attends.

After attending Sylvan for only a couple of months, the Center Director received this in an email from Jake’s Mom:
After his Sylvan session, Jake and I went home, and I was expecting what happens every night when we get home. Jake will want to play a bit, then we will struggle with a hour or more of home work…(which should take less time). He played for a while, and when I called him to work, he came and started. He began writing like I have never seen him write before. He always takes a long time to think, then focus, then write. He really was writing quickly. I was so excited that I wanted to share it with you. I am very impressed by his improvement in the first two months. I can’t wait for what’s next.

"Jake’s confidence has improved so much, I feel that there is a 100% difference. I am very impressed by his improvement. I can’t wait for what’s next!"

Meredith is a bright 4th grader who was doing well in school, but needed some improvement and self-confidence when it came to her Math studies. Multiplication tables were especially difficult for her. She would try to memorize them, but struggled with retaining the information. It just didn’t make sense to her.

According to her mom, since beginning Sylvan Math Essentials in October 2005, Meredith has definitely made progress in her math. She is more comfortable in the school classroom and her confidence is way up. Her math grades have improved greatly, and she is more independent with homework. “I’ve noticed less carelessness in her work, too” says her Mom.

Meredith has started applying the problem analyzing skills she has learned at Sylvan to her schoolwork. She used to refuse to do word problems, but no longer minds them. Now, when she comes home from school, she seldom asks for help with homework. Her writing is much clearer and she has more confidence in herself, and her work.

"Meredith has definitely made progress in her Math, thank you Sylvan!"

Eric is now in sixth grade and his math skills are up to a seventh grade level. His confidence, grades and attitude have improved.

"With continued hard work, we know that Eric will be successful throughout his school years. Sylvan has played an important role in that success!"

Brandon was a 4th grader who was frustrated and feeling overwhelmed with school. Before enrolling in Sylvan Learning Center for Academic Reading and Math Essentials, he had been struggling in both of these subjects in school.

Within three weeks after beginning his Sylvan programs, his mom and dad saw a positive change in Brandon’s confidence and school work. He would do all of his homework without becoming frustrated or upset. “Brandon worked very hard,” says his Mom, “the independence he displays now is great.”

"Brandon was so behind at the beginning of summer, but with Sylvan, he was caught up and confident before the new school year began. We still continue to see the benefit!"