Sylvan Learning Eyes New York State as Next Market for Franchise Expansion

Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of personal learning for students in grade K-12 with more than 750 points of presence worldwide, is targeting New York State as it expands its footprint amid growing demand for its academic support services after a challenging year for students across the state. The brand already has 17 centers in the state and aims to open in an additional 32 territories in the next three years.

Like many states, New York has been helping students transition back to in-person learning. In fall 2021, many schools closed temporarily due to COVID-19 outbreaks, and although there are virtual options in place, students are falling behind. In New York City, for example, only 85.2% of students attended online classes in the spring of 2020, compared to in-person attendance of between 91% and 92% pre-pandemic. Enrollment also declined 4.9% from 2020 to 2021.

“New York students are feeling the impact of a difficult 18 months, and their education IS suffering as a result,” said Sylvan Learning CEO John McAuliffe. “Students need help getting back on track, and although the state’s recent funding approval is great news, it may be a while until students see the full impact of that assistance.”

New York State Funding

The U.S Department of Education recently approved New York’s American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) plan, which grants the state $8.9 billion in funding to safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and equitably expand opportunities for students impacted by COVID-19. While this is a positive step forward in the state, there is still a long road ahead for teachers and students.

As the country continues enduring the pandemic and students return to school, it’s become increasingly clear that the virus has left gaps in learning. A recent study estimates that COVID-related learning loss resulted in students being anywhere from four to 12 months behind in their studies. In New York State, where the pandemic led to the loss of months of learning, schools are scrambling to find ways to help students catch up in an effort to prevent what could become a generational education crisis.

Luckily, Sylvan is uniquely suited to address the problem.

Sylvan Method Effectiveness

Independent research shows the Sylvan Method™, developed through academic research, teaching experience and technology, builds confidence, boosts skills, delivers better grades and results in up to three times more academic growth compared to students who don’t utilize Sylvan. The brands’ proprietary software, SylvanSync™, allows Sylvan teachers to engage and motivate with adaptive lessons and a personal learning plan for each child.

Offering a breadth of programs, including reading, writing, math, SAT and ACT prep, study skills and advanced reading, Sylvan’s Personalized Tutoring programs for reading and math even guarantee progress results.

“Families are struggling,” said Sabrina Ghotra, owner of Sylvan Learning of Lancaster, New York. “We opened during the pandemic, and we want to provide that extra school support. Our goal is to help the community address this huge gap that is forming during COVID-19. Sylvan is not a one-size-fits-all service — it’s personalized for each child. Our 21st century programs, camps and workshops can help students catch up and reclaim their education.”

At the beginning of the pandemic, Sylvan introduced a virtual tutoring option to ensure that children still had access to their tutoring sessions. As school districts transitioned to remote learning, Sylvan created its School Support program to help children stay on track and help parents manage the complexities of this current school year. The brand also rolled out a mobile app in some markets that allows parents to book virtual lessons with Sylvan-approved tutors.

“By continuing to invest in new learning technology and staying committed to an individualized teaching method that addresses each child’s unique needs, Sylvan can make a difference and completely transform a child’s educational experience,” said McAuliffe.

With thousands of school relationships in North America, Canada, Hong Kong, UAE, Kuwait, Vietnam and Turkey, Sylvan Learning has been focused on building academic confidence, igniting intellectual curiosity and inspiring a love for learning — all of which make a big impact in school and in life.

Franchise Expansion Plans

With its eyes on New York State, the industry-leading learning franchise is seeking franchise partners to provide a much-needed service as students struggle to get caught up and reach their full potential.

“Franchisees will be able to make a difference in their community by bringing Sylvan Learning to the families of New York,” said McAuliffe. “At a time when demand for our services is unprecedented, Sylvan Learning’s system is stronger, more nimble and more united than ever.

We are excited to find new partners to bring Sylvan Learning to New York.”

With more than 40 years of experience and more than 750 points of presence throughout North America, Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of personal learning for students in grades K-12. Sylvan is transforming how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvan’s proven tutoring approach blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync™ technology on the iPad® for an engaging learning experience.

Sylvan also leads the way with Sylvan EDGE — STEM and accelerated courses and Sylvan Prep — college and test prep courses. Sylvan supports families through every stage of the academic journey. Sylvan is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franchise Group, Inc.