Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

Sylvan Review

Monday, February 10th

2025 Tutor Agency Reviews

Sylvan Review 3.5 Star Rating

Sylvan

3.5 Star Rating
  • Prices only available on request
  • 40+ years of experience
  • Offers in-person and online tutoring
  • Uses proprietary Sylvan Method

If your child is having a hard time with grades and confidence and needs to catch up in their studies, Sylvan's Personalized Tutoring programs might be the answer. Sylvan is famous for its in-person tutoring at many locations.

Proven teaching method

They use the proven Sylvan Method, combining great teaching and technology to create a special learning plan just for your child. Their tutors are certified and trained in Sylvan methods and know different subjects well, which helps students do better in school. With Sylvan's Personalized Tutoring, they promise your child will make progress and reach their academic goals.

40+ years of experience

Sylvan Learning Center has been helping students for more than 40 years. They have both franchise and corporate centers where they offer lots of academic support, like homework help, study skills, reading, writing, and math. They're best for students in kindergarten to 12th grade, but they also help with college and career readiness, STEM programs, and advanced test prep. However, if you're looking for an extensive college-level tutoring program, Sylvan may not be the pick for you.

In-person and online options

With Sylvan Learning Centers conveniently located throughout the United States, finding a center near you is effortless through their user-friendly website. A simple zip code search or state-specific query reveals the nearest location. Moreover, Sylvan's reach extends beyond U.S. borders, as they have established locations in Canada, Bahrain, Guam, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, among others. On top of a wide geographical presence, Sylvan also offers fully online tutoring sessions so students can get the Sylvan Method delivered in the comfort of their homes.

Best Tutor Agencies

Both in-person and remote video learning

Traditionally, Sylvan has exclusively operated in-person tutoring services across its extensive network of over 750 locations. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a significant shift, leading Sylvan to adapt swiftly by introducing online tutoring services. This strategic move not only catered to students who couldn't access a physical location but also opened doors for a broader demographic to benefit from their specialized programs. Utilizing video chat capabilities, their virtual tutors engage with students, replicating the interactive and personalized experience offered in face-to-face sessions.

The Sylvan Method

On top of this Sylvan uses their proprietary Sylvan Method for teaching. This method is designed to address skill gaps efficiently, starting with the Sylvan Insight Assessment which identifies specific areas where your child needs help. This allows the tutor to create a personalized learning plan that keeps your child engaged. Using the SylvanSyn instructional system, tutors provide engaging lessons and adaptive exercises to help accelerate skill mastery. Progress reports keep you informed about your child's progress, challenges, and successes, ensuring there are no surprises along the way.

No pricing listed on site

While Sylvan says they offer the price of the tutoring "upfront”, there is no direct pricing on the website. Instead, you need to contact a local Sylvan office or start their online process to get details about the costs. While you can decide yes or no on the cost before you commit, it would be nice for parents to be able to see a ballpark of the pricing expectations at a glance. This choice to keep pricing secret until you contact them brings Sylvan down in its ranking a bit in our evaluation, as many of its top competitors are completely transparent about prices.

Best Tutor Agencies

Satisfaction guarantee isn't backed by anything

Sylvan promises that they have a guarantee for improvement and learning through their tutoring practices. With Sylvan, you can expect guaranteed success in your child's learning journey, they note. However, there is no specific money-back or refund option if you don't feel like Sylvan lived up to its guarantee. We're not sure how they're backing this claim, so that's something to keep in mind if a true guarantee is important to you.

Mid-level ratings

Sylvan Learning, Inc., the company that owns all Sylvan locations, holds an "F” rating from the Better Business Bureau, although the reasons behind this rating remain unclear. From parents and students, the ratings are a bit more positive, but still in the middle of the road. For example, the company only has a 3.2-star average from Trustpilot and the Sylvan location nearest to us only had a 2.8 out of 5-star rating. With mixed reviews where some testimonials highlight how Sylvan's tutoring dramatically improved their children's academic performance against reviews that complain about management and customer service from the administrative level, Sylvan shows up as a middle-of-the-road tutoring establishment overall.

Good for in-person tutoring

While Sylvan Learning Center's BBB rating and vague pricing may raise concerns, they do offer a wealth of physical locations and an effective online tutoring platform. So if you're married to the idea of in-person tutoring, this is one of the oldest establishments out there to support that kind of learning assistance. In this area, Sylvan presents a viable solution for students seeking academic support. However, you will want to read reviews and engage with the tutors at your local Sylvan Learning Center to ensure that the experience there reflects what you're hoping to find.

Where Can You Find the Best Tutors?

Are you (or your child) in need of top-notch tutoring services to excel in your studies? Navigating the world of tutoring can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Whether you're a struggling student looking to improve your grades, a motivated learner aiming for academic excellence, or a parent looking to find a solution to help your student along, finding the right tutoring service is crucial to boost your skills and achieve your educational goals.

In today's competitive academic environment, having the right support can make all the difference. With the increasing demands of coursework and exams, having a reliable tutor can provide you with the personalized assistance you need to succeed. Professional tutoring services understand the challenges students face and can offer tailored guidance to help you grasp difficult concepts and enhance your learning experience.

The Best Tutor Agencies Compare Tutor Agencies Compare Tutor Agency Reviews What are the best Tutor Agencies Best Tutor Agency Reviews

Tutor Agency FAQ

Tutoring can strengthen your comprehension and learning skills in a variety of subjects. Whether you're falling behind and having a hard time understanding something taught in school or just want to have everything you learn solidified, a tutor is a great way to get one-on-one help. People who work with tutors usually do better on assignments and tests than they would otherwise.
Tutors can help identify areas where you need help with your studies. From there they will explain concepts in a way you understand to make sure you are able to continue building on what you learn. Tutors won't complete homework or assignments for you, but rather assist to make sure you can confidently do them on your own.
Depending on the tutoring service, you may be able to go in-person to sit down with a tutor. Otherwise, many tutoring services allow you to get help online either through chat or video conferencing. Both are effective methods! Decide how you learn best and look for a tutoring service that can cater to your needs in that way.
Absolutely! If you have a tutor who can help with two or more subjects, that is great. Otherwise, you can often work with a couple of different tutors from the same company to get help with all of the subjects you are working on.
It depends on the tutoring service, what they will be helping you with, and how long you plan on having a tutor. Some people want a tutor for months to help them through an entire course at school, while others only need help for one or two sessions to better understand a concept they are struggling with.
Most tutoring services will let you know the area of expertise your tutor has. Many tutors have graduated from college and some even have master's degrees. Tutors are put through rigorous testing processes before being hired by a tutoring company to make sure they will be able to help the students who come their way.
Almost any! Tutors can help with the normal school subjects like math, English, writing, science, and others. You can also get help studying for a test like the ACT, SAT, GMAT, and others. There are tutors out there to help with just about any subject, from Kindergarten - College levels.
There is no reason to be embarrassed to ask for help! Tutors work with students of all skill levels, capabilities, and backgrounds. Their job is simply to help people who need a little extra individualized attention to master a concept. It is an exciting thing to work with someone who is invested in your education and can help you confidently learn along the way!
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

You can find a tutor to help with just about every subject out there. Most commonly, people hire tutors to help with math, literacy, English, or science-based subjects like biology or chemistry. Regardless of the subject, tutoring can be done online or in-person depending on the tutoring company you go with.

Is scheduling an issue? Using online tutoring services offers a range of benefits for students, including access to expert tutors who can provide targeted help in specific subjects, personalized learning plans to address your unique needs, and the flexibility to schedule sessions at your convenience. By collaborating with skilled tutors, you can gain the confidence and skills to tackle academic challenges effectively and excel in your studies - all conveniently delivered wherever you are through virtual sessions.

With so many online and in-person tutoring services out there, it can be overwhelming to try and pick the right one. Having a skilled tutor that's a good fit with you or your student is super personal and can take some time.

If you're not sure where to start, here are a few things to look for:

  • Price: If you're thinking about education, sometimes it's good to spend a little extra. However, if a student needs long-term tutoring, it can put a dent in your wallet. Not all tutoring services are priced the same, so keep an eye on the bottom line to make sure you're getting a good value for your investment and solid learning assistance.
  • Mode: Do you (or your student) learn better in person? Or maybe you prefer the flexibility of online meetings? Different tutoring centers offer a variety of options regarding the mode of delivery. Some even have asynchronous Q&A available. Keeping in mind how you learn best will help you narrow down the possibilities.
  • Guarantees: Spending a lot on tutoring can be nerve-wracking. So, check that the platform you're working with offers a guarantee. Many companies in our review offer money back or free tutoring if you don't get the results you want. This can help take some of the worries out of finding a new tutor.
  • Success stories: Promises from companies are great, but feedback from customers is better. Check out the reviews and ratings for both the tutoring platform you're considering and (if you can) the individual tutors. This can help you decide if the tutoring service matches your needs and will work with you (or your student) to get the results you want.

If you're ready to take learning to the next level, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated the top tutoring services to give you a leg up. This way you can set aside the stress of research and focus on getting the learning assistance you need.

See the Best Tutor Agency
The Best Reviews of Tutor Agencies