With an Extensive STEM Program and Commitment to Capitalizing on Technology, Sylvan Learning Continues to Distance Itself from the Competition

For nearly 37 years, Sylvan Learning has been raising the bar in the education industry. Its core programs in the math, reading, study skills and test prep fields have been proven time and time again to help students succeed in the classroom. And now that the brand is preparing for another year, Sylvan is set to continue innovating and driving the industry forward.

Competitive advantage

Sylvan stands out from its competitors because it’s not lumped in the standard remedial tutoring segment that other brands are limited by. The brand is the only one in the industry that’s taken the initiative to expand its programs and build on the strong foundation it has established over time in order to stay ahead of the curve. John McAuliffe, Sylvan’s CEO, says that commitment to innovation has made all the difference.

“Over the past five or six years, we’ve worked incredibly hard to expand our product base and increase the use of technology in our learning programs. Take our variety of classes—we cover the basics in addition to diving into the STEM arena. That’s something that none of our competitors offer, and it’s a huge differentiator,” McAuliffe said. “The importance of STEM is also something that can’t be overstated—it’s coming at us like a freight train, and we’re perfectly positioned to be at the forefront of that increasingly popular segment of the education industry.”

Sylvan is constantly leading the way when it comes to adding programs like STEM to its lineup. The brand has the unrivaled ability to offer its students, teachers and families customized services in order to ensure that academic goals are being met.

Program expansion plans

“We’re taking the initiative to expand our services and really go above and beyond when it comes to the Sylvan programs that students have access to. Right now, our paper-based Math Edge program is available to students in first through sixth grade. But we’re currently working out how to move that program online, in addition to rolling out a new digital Algebra Edge program for older students,” said McAuliffe. “That’s a general theme for us moving forward into the new year—we’re continuing to capitalize on online content.”

That focus on boosting its digital footprint is a major initiative for Sylvan Learning in the months and years ahead. Beyond making its programs available online, the brand also plans to upgrade its app, SylvanPlay, and encourage students to engage their programs online from their own schools, libraries and community centers. That heightened level of accessibility ultimately makes Sylvan more convenient for busy families.

Technology integration

“The role that technology plays in the education landscape is changing rapidly, but we have the tools at Sylvan to stay on top of the trends and integrate new practices into our system. We go above and beyond to ensure that we’re offering students one of the best possible resources to help them succeed in the classroom,” McAuliffe said.

Sylvan’s educational services are part of what makes it an attractive business model to its franchisees. Local owners recognize that the brand’s unique position in the marketplace leads to more revenue. It''s also incredibly affordable to launch a Sylvan franchise— initial investments typically range between $70,980 to $159,890, including the franchise fee. And from a business perspective, Sylvan is also constantly working to improve its model. That’s why the brand recently rolled out a new system that’s designed specifically to help its franchisees be successful business owners.

“Our new licensing agreement gives our local owners a smaller brick-and-mortar footprint. That means that our franchisees are no longer limited to delivering services within our centers,” said McAuliffe. “They can also extend our programs into schools, libraries and community centers, making the Sylvan brand easily accessible for families across the country.”