Testimonials
Progress Noticed in the Classroom
"I want to thank you for the good work you've done with Kristina F. in math this year. She is doing well in class, and I've watched her self-confidence grow. She takes great pride in her improvements. She is working well at grade level. Thank you for your efforts."
- Jan C., classroom teacher
First day experience at Sylvan
"Hi Mrs. Hayes,
First off, I think you'd like to know that Dazhone loved his first day at Sylvan. As I was parking last night when I arrived to pick him up, I could see him smiling at the learning table. Once we got in the car he said he felt like he actually learned something; unlike his extended day math program he had recently started three nights a week after school. He said he wasn't learning anything in that program and he liked Sylvan a whole lot better and enjoyed sitting with the other kids at his table. So this news makes me REALLY happy and I so look forward to his academic progress and improved self-confidence and assurance. He's already asking when is his next session! :o)
- Sheila Mosley
A Personal Note to a Teacher
"Dear Larry,
Thanks so much for so many things....Most of all, Larry, it means so much to be able to do math. I mean, I'm 15, and I couldn't do it. Thanks to you...and Sylvan...I can, and my skills are growing fast. So I just wanted to thank you and everyone at Sylvan....you guys are the reason I CAN DO ANYTHING....I thought I could never learn, but I can and I am."
- Kyle M., student
Huge Improvement in Reading!
"I wanted to write to you to tell you how wonderful Jason is doing at school. I went to the parent-teacher conference on Monday and his teacher's first sentence is "Jason has shown remarkable progress in reading this quarter!" She then told me that Sylvan definitely helped him and it shows. Jason is more confident and loves to read. He has moved up, I think she said, 6 or 9 book levels and he is now in the highest reading class at school. Jason also has moved his grade up in 14 different areas from 2's to 3's. His report card is all 2's and 3's and I couldn't be more proud of him. He's rather pleased with himself too - if you could imagine that! :o)
We were reading a story a couple of weeks ago and he stopped me and said he really likes to picture what's happening in his head. Of course he'd rather play outside, but to read with him is so amazing.
I want to thank you especially for all your encouraging words and thank
Jimmy for his help and encouragement as well. I'm not sure who else worked with Jason, but thank them too. A HUGE thank you goes out for all of your patience. You guys are truly a dream come true for a little Georgia guy that loves school and had gotten so down when we moved here and didn't want to go to school anymore. He's excited and can't wait to do more. I'm so proud and I have you to thank for helping."
- Chad & Jennifer
Sending our daughter to Sylvan was a life changing experience that saved her education and future...
"I would like to take this opportunity to highly recommend Sylvan Learning Center for any student's tutoring needs. Sending our daughter to Sylvan was a life changing experience that saved her education and her future. I cannot express enough thanks for all of the continued efforts of both Sylvan and the wonderful and caring tutors, for all the outstanding help and direction they gave. I can honestly say that with out the support from Sylvan, I would hesitate to think about what my daughter's future might have become. Attending Sylvan was a true success story.
She was going into her senior year and still had not passed the math portion of the high school exit exam, and time was running out. Unless she passed it, she would not graduate. On her own she decided that she needed to attend Sylvan Learning Center over the summer between her Junior and Senior year of high school. On June 2006, she began at Sylvan in Imperial Beach, CA, and was tested to assess her skills and needs, and then she and her tutors began meeting as often as they could over the summer, and a few times a week once school began again in the fall. By November 2006 they had covered everything needed to get up to grade level. Our daughter took the very next scheduled Math Exit Exam, and this time she blew it away and passed it by 27 points with a score of 377. According to the results of her three exams, she went from having a score of 33% in Algebra 1 on her first two exams, to excelling to a 75% on her final exam. Her understanding of probability also jumped from 62% to 100%.
Without the help of Sylvan Learning Center, I strongly doubt that our daughter would have ever passed the math exit exam. Prior tutors were unable to teach her the missing parts of her math education that she lost due to many moves around the country. Sylvan tutors worked very hard with her 5 short months, and gave her the skills she needed to pass the math exit exam which boosted her self esteem greatly, and gave us back the strong, confidant child we once knew. She not only graduated high school, but also was accepted into the college of her choice, where she is currently a sophomore, and doing quite well (she even made Dean's list for her first semester there). My special thanks go out to Sylvan, and I would happily recommend Sylvan Learning Center to any student in need."
- Mrs. J. Mikki Breining
Added Confidence, Experienced Staff
"My experience was phenomenal. I had both of my children in classes and they enjoyed being there because of the staff. They were professional with us, the parents, and experienced, clear, efficient, and great with the kids. My children often came home talking about how Ted explained a math problem so clear, or that Jimmy was not only easy to understand, but funny. They really enjoyed their time there and have gained tremendous self esteem for which I am grateful. Thank You very much."
- Mrs. Puchi
Sylvan Success Story
"We decided to enroll LiJu in Sylvan to catch her up to grade level and a little more. During the testing phase, it was noted that she may need glasses. We took her for an eye exam immediately. Many doctor visits later we found she had a severe hearing deficit in one ear, but being a smart girl, she had compensated for it so well that it took a specialist to uncover the problem. She had successful corrective surgery and now has 100% hearing capability.
We have observed improvements in LiJu's ability to read, write coherent sentences and comprehend lessons and instruction. More importantly her self-confidence has sky rocketed.
As she completes the Sylvan package we purchased, we are also confident that LiJu is now ready to enter middle school as a confident, competent, and motivated student. She has met all of her learning goals and we are so proud of her. Of course, she did not accomplish this all by herself - the teachers at Sylvan have provided instruction in an environment that encouages students to blossom and our daughter certainly reaped the benefits! Thank you so much!"
- - Julie B., Sylvan Parent
Great Accomplishment
"Chad struggled with reading comprehension starting in first grade. We started Sylvan in 2/2007, Chad was in 3rd grade, but testing at 2.2 grade level. Chad finished 3rd grade with a strong C. I was satisfied. We kept him in Sylvan because I could see that he was gaining skills and confidence. Chad just entered the 4th grade and we had our first teacher conference yesterday. He has a strong B in reading comprehension and she feels that it will move to an A by next quarter. She is also going to recommend that Chad be selected for honor roll. Honor roll! I never expected this...I just wanted him to be confident and secure."
- Julie
Encouraging
"Chad's 4th grade teacher also indicated that Sylvan had contacted her directly about Chad and wanted to know if there was anything she wanted Sylvan to help Chad work on. She was impressed, because she said most learning centers only work on their own programs and the fact that Sylvan was willing to focus on the same thing they were already doing in his class was encouraging for her."
- Julie
Mahalo (Thank You)
"My daughter, Nicole was home schooled since kindergarten. We decided it was time to enroll her in a more traditional setting. Real school. I loved her being home with us but, our concern was that she wasn't up to 4th grade level in her schooling or emotionally. After testing her we found out we were right. The staff members at Sylvan were such a blessing. Nicole is enrolled in school and is doing great! Mahalo (Thank you) for all they help in giving our little girl the support she needed to prepare her for school. And for the support you gave my husband and myself to make this transition in our lives."
- Tina
The Sylvan Experience
"I came to Sylvan with a considerable need and with some trepidation and reservation. My daughter, their student, was, for lack of a better term, reluctantly willing to give it a try. She, as a then sophomore in high school, was considerably behind in English and Writing skills, for reasons that became apparent in the interview and testing process. My wife and I, as well as our daughter, could not be more pleased with the professionalism, concern, follow through and follow up that Sylvan has shown. Although following a set progression they have shown a willingness to adapt to the needs and desires of my daughter, constantly monitoring along the way. I know in speaking with our daughter and the comments she has, both solicited and unsolicited, that she is very pleased with her progress and likes the learning environment-to the point that she wants to work there-she's 17 and a junior in high school. I look forward to our continued association with Sylvan and to the progress that Sylvan is helping provide my daughter."
- Edward M.
Devon is Setting Goals
"When Lindsey meets with me and my student, she is always encouraging and gives him confidence and offers support. I am very happy to hear my grandson talk about his future goals, that include a positive school experience and the necessity of a good education."
- Marleen Radley
Tyler is Doing Terriffic!
"My grandson had very poor self-esteem and confidence with math and school work in general. He had also had a negative experience in another tutoring facility not connected with Sylvan. He has felt comfortable and successful since becoming involved with this program. Thank you."
- Juanita Mangan-Van Ham
Lena Saved her Grade!
"I was so grateful to Sylvan. Two weeks before the end of last school year my daughter's algebra 2 grade was a D. As a straight A student in the past, this was completely unheard of and clearly she was missing something. With the help of her tutor, Lisa, she was able to get a B+ on her final and bring her grade to a solid B! We were all so happy and proud."
- Sande Lollis
Dillan is Dynamite!
"We are very pleased with the results that we have had. Our son was so behind in his reading skills that his school recommended holding him back in kindergarten. Enrolling him in Sylvan was the best thing we could have done, as he is in 1st grade and doing very well! All of the staff at Sylvan La Mesa are wonderful and caring. I would recommend the program to anyone."
- Kathy Strangman
Kiana's Attitude : )
"Just knowing the teachers and directors are working with me to achieve the goals of making my daughter happy in school and confident in her abilities is supportive. There has been a big change in her attitude! Thank you so much for all the support. My daughter's attitude has changed tremendously and her level of confidence has boosted. I have to give credit where credit is due. Thank you so much, Sylvan!"
- Nikita Turner
Breena is eager!
"Sylvan is a wonderful learning center for my daughter. She is eager to learn and improve her education. The staff is wonderful and informative. They always keep me posted."
- Colleen Conroy
Jessica's Reading
"I really like the staff. I would recommend Sylvan. Sylvan has great stuff! My daughter has really grown in her reading. I don't know where my daughter would be if she hadn't gone to Sylvan."
- Claudia Garcia
Sarah's Stressless
"My daughter is less stressed and more confident since working with the instructor at Sylvan. Her teacher at school has seen improvements in her performance. I appreciate the staff's professionalism and compassion. My daughter enjoys the calm ambiance of the classroom and small clusters of students working with a single instructor. Thank you for all you have done for my daughter."
- JoAnn Riddle
Kelly's Confidence
"Kelly is our second child that has attended, and both of them are getting better grades and more confident in their school work."
- Eddie Poffenbarger
Lindsey Rocks!
"My daughter has gotten a lot from her experience at Sylvan. She particularly enjoyed working with Stan at the location mentioned. He was very knowledgeable and Lindsey got a great deal from the experience. Way to go STAN!!!"
- Catharine Goodnow
Michael's Writing
"Wonderful! The Center Director and her team have been great in bringing my son up to speed and developing his confidence in learning skills."
- Dina Burros
Tim's Experience
""Tara, Somer & Sarah have made the Sylvan experience better than I dreamed possible. The impact that these ladies have made on my son's education is beyond words to describe accurately. I, as a mother am deeply grateful.""
- Barbie Shepard
Kayla's Confidence!
"Kayla really enjoys going to Sylvan. I feel the work she has done with Somer and the other teachers has really made a huge difference in her confidence!"
- Betsy Goodall
Sean's Reading
""My son was able to catch up in his reading to grade level. Sylvan has really helped him with confidence and reading skills.""
- Vicki Pepper
Alex's Enthusiasm
""Since attending Sylvan, my son is more enthusiastic about learning and I think he cares more about reading.""
- Bruce Newell
Evan's Reading
"My grandson, Evan, has greatly improved in his reading. He says he's much better in school and is positive about attending Sylvan because it's helping him learn."
- J. Endeman
Travis' Confidence
"My grandson was at a 5th grade level in most of his subjects. Sylvan took him to 8th grade level in less than a year. He is much more confident in school. The Center Director has met his needs as far as she can. She has been very helpful. I would recommend Sylan to everyone I know. Thank you."
- Janette Hansen
Family Benefit
"Alyssa is doing very well now in school. Her brother Jacob is getting into the routine of Sylvan and hopefully will benefit as much as his sister has. Thank you Sylvan!"
- Marlene Ruiz
Desi
"My son seems to really like attending Sylvan and enjoys the program set for him. He has made great progress in a short amount of time."
- LaVelle Ward
A Sylvan Success
"We did not regret coming to Sylvan for help. We were losing hope and ran out of strategies to help our son. Strategies we taught our first son did not work for Paulo. I had a big discussion with my husband about putting him in Sylvan, but as a mother I wanted to give him the best investment for his future. My husband is now very proud to recommend Sylvan to anybody because of the dramatic changes in Paulo's grades. Paulo's dad said he is a very high maintenance boy. In the future if he slides back in his grades again in middle school I will definitely bring him back to Sylvan. All the staff was great and excellent. Everybody was so helpful. We thank everyone for the job well done. Thank you, thank you & thank you to all."
- Marebeth Cruz
An Educator Approves
"Marian and Laura were extremely professional and helpful. My son absolutely loved his Sylvan time, and couldn't wait to go each time. He increased his reading level by one year in just over a month. He loved the tokens and told us every day how many he had gained. Marian and Laura were totally flexible and helpful with any questions I had."
- Felicia Cox (teacher)
She Can
"In only two months my child has gained a positive attitude towards learning. She has gone from saying 'I can't" to "I can". Everyone at the center has been extremely helpful and positive regarding my childs academics. Sylvan is the best."
- Lisa Russel
On Top of Her Game
"Although it's only been close to 3 months, we are very pleased with the results so far. Our daughter has gained so much more confidence in her abilities, and Sylvan is ensuring that she stays on top of her game, if not slightly ahead."
- Mianne Pietrzak
An Early Start
"My son is not yet 5 years old and Laura has put a lot of effort into making sure as the youngest he is not overwhelmed and is comfortable and engaged during class time."
- Narma Kaid
Better Grades
"When we came to Sylvan, my daughter was failing three of her classes. It’s been less than 6 weeks since she started and now she has 1 A, 2bs, and 2 Cs. Her confidence has never been so high in her classes. This program was recommended to me and I would recommend it as well."
- Marti Kimball
A Happy Camper
"We want to thank you and your staff for doing a great job with our grandson Julian. He started at Syvlan Learning Center just five short months ago, and at that time he was well behind his age group. I am happy to say that has changed significantly, he even now looks forward to going there everyday. I know all your hard work and patience have greatly contributed to his increased interest in learning again. His confidence in himself and ability to work with others has been particularly noteworthy. We would also like to note the extra efforts you have made in working with Julian's current school staff, doctors, counselors, as well as his last out of state school staff."
- Bob & Arnette Arias
"Heidi and Brittany have been excellent in keeping in touch with us, and taking time to look at Kira's individual needs."
- Karen Brown
Student Testimonial
"At Sylvan I have mastered skills that I was not intentive enough to learn through my studies. Sylvan has helped me build a base in which I am able to improve my mathematics for math analysis (pre-calculus). I have been able to work at my own pace to which I master skills that have previously eluded me. Sylvan has also helped me retain the knowledge that I learned. With Sylvan I am able to understand math at the Level in which I am supposed to be, and also Sylvan has taught me more effective ways of writing notes during class and studying."
- D. L. Acosta
"Heidi's warmth, and obvious competence have really enhanced our experience at Sylvan."
- Liz Kataras
"Most importantly David has not complained or been turned OFF to school. The positive reinforecements available work well. Heidi and Brittany have always been available to me and my son."
- Ellen Raneri