Sylvan Learning Center is a private tutoring company that connects students with tutors for STEM related topics.
However, Sylvan is not the only tutoring platform available. There are a number of other companies similar to Sylvan Learning Center which have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
In this blog, we will explore some of the best Sylvan alternatives. We will discuss the subjects covered, teacher qualifications, flexibility in scheduling sessions and pricing.
Our blog includes the most affordable choice, the flexible tutoring platform, and the top online tutoring services.
Looking for private tutors? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top tutors for concepts, homework help and grade improvement on Wiingy today!
Sylvan Learning Center alternatives and similar companies
The 5 best alternatives to Sylvan Learning Center that you should consider for your online tutoring needs are:
- Best overall alternative – Wiingy
- Best reading and math alternative – Kumon
- Best offline classroom alternative – Russian Math
- Best Elementary to High school alternative – Mathnasium
- Best for Second to College alternative – Learner
Here’s a quick comparison of Sylvan Learning Center with its alternatives:
| Companies | Who is it for? | Pricing | Method of Instruction |
| Sylvan Learning Center | Provides comprehensive and customized tutoring in a variety of subjects, including reading, writing, math, science, test prep, and more, for students who need help with multiple subjects or want to explore their interests. | The minimum purchase is $40 per hour for private tutoring. Free trial: No | Online and in-person classes. |
| Wiingy | Provides quality and affordable online 1-on-1 tutoring in 100+ subjects, including homework help, test prep, and concept understanding for all age groups. It is a tutoring service that matches you with the perfect tutor according to your needs. | Starting at $28 per hour. Free trial: Yes | Online 1-on-1 tutoring |
| Kumon | Provides self-paced and individualized learning in math and reading for elementary school students who want to master the basics and beyond. | The minimum purchase is $50 as the enrollment fee. Free trial: No | Online, In-person at centers, and Hybrid |
| Russian School of Math | Provides challenging and engaging math enrichment for students who want to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for math competitions and beyond. | You must pay a non-refundable annual registration fee of $100. Free trial: No. | Offline classroom teaching and online |
| Mathnasium | Provides personalized and flexible math tutoring and homework help for students from kindergarten to 12th grade who need extra support or enrichment in math. | The minimum purchase differs from center to center. Free trial: Yes. Mathnasium offers a free trial for 30 minutes. | Online and In-Person Classes |
| Learner | Offers online tutoring in math, science, and English. | Learner’s website does not provide up-front pricing information. Free trial: Yes | Online Tutoring |
Overview of Sylvan Learning Center
Sylvan is a private tutoring company. It provides personalized instruction to students of all ages and skill levels. All Sylvan Learning centers are locally owned and operated, so pricing varies by location.
The tutoring program at Sylvan is designed to help students build confidence in their academic performance.
Sylvan Learning offers a range of services, such as academic tutoring, test prep, STEM programs, and college admission counseling.
Sylvan has certified teachers. They use different techniques like interactive technology and hands-on activities to help students.
Pros and cons of Sylvan Learning Center
| Pros | Cons |
| Sylvan Learning provides customized instruction tailored to the needs of each student. This approach helps ensure students receive the support they need to build their skills and confidence. | The cost of Sylvan Learning varies significantly between different learning centers. |
| Sylvan Learning offers flexible scheduling, including after-school and weekend sessions, to accommodate busy schedules and help students balance their academic and extracurricular activities. | While Sylvan Learning has many locations worldwide, it may not be available in all areas. Students may need to travel a significant distance to access Sylvan’s services. |
| Sylvan Learning uses technology, including online tools and resources, to enhance the learning experience and engage students in the material. | Sylvan’s teaching approach may not be suitable for all students, particularly those who require more hands-on learning experiences. |
Alternative #1: Wiingy
What is Wiingy?
Wiingy offers one-on-one online tutoring for AP, Math, Science, Coding, and 100+ subjects
The core offering of Wiingy is that it has a large network of highly qualified, verified, and experienced tutors. Wiingy has a rigorous tutor selection process, which includes screening, interviews, and assessments with less than a 3% selection rate from the applicants.
The tutoring services are available for students of all ages, from kindergarten to college level, and cover a range of subjects, including math, science, coding, languages and social studies.
You can find private tutors for online tutoring, homework help, test prep, assignment help, language learning, and homeschool tutoring on the Wiingy platform.
Wiingy offers flexible scheduling, which helps you to schedule your lesson as per your convenient timings, a free trial lesson within 24 hours to help students get started, and a Perfect Match Guarantee.
Pros and cons of Wiingy
| Pros | Cons |
| You can pay per session. No long-term commitment or subscription plan. | Some students prefer to shortlist and work with tutors directly, which is not feasible on the Wiingy platform. |
| If you feel that your new tutor is not a good fit for your tutoring needs after your first lesson, you can ask Wiingy for a change of tutor. You will not be charged for the first lesson, and Wiingy will find a suitable replacement tutor. | Wiingy doesn’t offer long-term subscription plans. |
| The first lesson offered by any new tutor (even your replacement tutor) is covered under the Perfect Match Guarantee program. |
How much does Wiingy cost?
Wiingy’s online tutoring starts at just $28 per hour.
No long-term commitment is required, and you can pay only for the hours you need. Whether you need help with test prep, assignments, or understanding complex concepts, Wiingy is an excellent option for students at all levels. If you do not wish to continue the services, they offer you a no-questions-asked full refund for your unused lessons.
Note: Pricing info was retrieved from the Wiingy website in November 2023 and may change over time.
Sylvan Learning Center vs Wiingy
Sylvan Learning Center and Wiingy are both companies that offer tutoring services. While Sylvan Learning Center has been around for over 40 years, Wiingy is a relatively new entrant in the market.
Sylvan Learning Center offers one-on-one and small-group tutoring options to students of all ages. They have a team of certified teachers who provide personalized instruction in reading, writing, math, study skills, and test preparation for college entrance and state exams. On the other hand, Wiingy offers online tutoring services in a variety of subjects such as math, science, English, and social studies. They have a team of experienced tutors who provide personalized instruction to students of all ages.
The main difference between Sylvan Learning Center and Wiingy is the mode of teaching. While Sylvan Learning Center offers both offline and online tutoring services, Wiingy offers only online tutoring services.
In terms of pricing, Sylvan Learning Center charges $40 to $100 per hour for private tutoring and STEM programs. Wiingy’s rates are more affordable, starting from just $28 per hour.
Bottom line:
Wiingy is an online tutoring service that offers one-on-one tutoring in math, coding, AP, and 100+ other subjects. Wiingy has a rigorous tutor selection process to ensure that only the top tutors are chosen, and its tutoring services are highly rated by students. Wiingy offers flexible scheduling and a free trial lesson, and its pricing starts at just $28 per hour.
Alternatives #2: Kumon
What is Kumon?
Kumon is a popular tutor service that concentrates on reading and math basics. All Kumon centers are locally owned and operated.
Kumon utilizes an assessment to evaluate a student’s learning capacity. Using the results of the assessment, a personalized tutoring plan is developed to cater to the specific needs of the student.
Kumon was created in 1954, in Japan. Toru, a father and gifted math teacher wanted his son, Takeshi, to develop a love for learning. He also wanted him to be well prepared for rigorous high school and college entrance exams. Toru gave Takeshi short incremental assignments every day to complete. Allowed Takeshi to master each concept completely before learning a new skill. The method was so successful that by sixth grade, Takeshi was solving calculus problems. This method forms the foundation of Kumon learning till today!
Kumon offers programs in math and reading for students of all ages, from preschoolers to high school students.
Pros and cons of Kumon
| Pros | Cons |
| Kumon online tutoring provides a personalized learning plan for each student based on their current level of knowledge and learning goals. This means that students can work at their own pace and receive individualized attention from their tutor. | The Kumon method may cause stress among the students if some students cannot solve the worksheet on time, then the pressure among the students might increase. |
| Kumon allows students to learn and master basic concepts through repetitive worksheet solving. This help students in mastering the basic concepts, which will further help them to understand complex topics easily. | Kumon follows the approach of solving the same worksheet multiple times until the student understands the topics clearly. Since students have to do the same worksheet on repeat, it might become boring and lead to students losing their interest. |
How much does Kumon cost?
All Kumon centers are locally owned and operated, so pricing varies by location. It’s best to contact your nearest Kumon center for specifics.
Kumon charges a $50 registration fee and offers free placement testing.
| Service | Starting price range |
| Registration fee | $50 |
| Monthly price | $150 per subject |
Sylvan Learning Center vs Kumon
Sylvan Learning Center and Kumon are two popular tutoring platforms that offer personalized learning plans to students. While both platforms are designed to help students improve their academic skills, they differ in their approach to teaching.
Sylvan Learning Center offers one-on-one and small-group tutoring options to students of all ages. They have a team of certified teachers who provide personalized instruction in reading, writing, math, study skills, and test preparation for college entrance and state exams. On the other hand, Kumon is a self-paced math and reading program that focuses on repetitive practice. The program is designed to help students develop their problem-solving skills and improve their speed and accuracy.
The main difference between Sylvan Learning Center and Kumon is the mode of teaching. While Sylvan Learning Center offers both offline and online tutoring services, Kumon offers only in-person tutoring services.
In terms of pricing, Sylvan Learning Center charges $40 to $100 per hour for private tutoring and STEM programs. Kumon tutoring prices range from $150 to $200 per subject.
Both Sylvan Learning Center and Kumon are good platforms for kids, but the best choice depends on your child’s specific needs and preferences. If you want to know more about these tutoring companies, you can check out our blog on Sylvan Learning Center vs Kumon.
Bottom line:
Kumon is a popular tutoring service that concentrates on reading and math basics. It offers programs for students of all ages, from preschoolers to high school students. The Kumon method is based on repetitive worksheet solving, which helps students master basic concepts. However, the method may cause stress among some students, and it can become boring for others.
Alternative #3: Huntington Learning Center
What is Huntington Learning Center?
Huntington Learning Center is an educational learning center in the United States offering in-center and online tutoring services. Huntington is among the oldest providers of tutoring services in the U.S.
Huntington offers tutoring help from Pre-K to 12th grade in subjects like reading, writing, math, science, and test prep for SAT, PSAT, and ACT.
Huntington Learning Center was founded in 1977 by Dr. Raymond Huntington and his wife, Eileen. The couple opened a second center in 1978 and began franchising locations in 1985. They have 300 centers across the country.
Pros and Cons of Huntington Learning Center
| Pros | Cons |
| Huntington provides tutoring from Pre-K to 12th grade. | Huntington charges an initial assessment fee starting from $150. |
| Huntington has a tailored tutoring program unique to your individual learning style. | You have limited ability to define a learning schedule and have to pick a lesson frequency prescribed by Huntington. |
How much does Huntington Learning Center cost?
After the initial assessment, Huntington provides a schedule that details how many tutoring sessions you will need, and based on the number of tutoring sessions, they decide the tutoring cost.
Here is a general idea of the pricing range of Huntington Learning Center.
| Tutoring Type | Costs |
| Initial assessment fee | Starting from $150 |
| Personalized academic tutoring | Ranges from $40 to $75 per hour |
| ACT or SAT prep (14 hours) | $1,220 per subject |
| SAT or ACT prep (32 hours) | $2,645 per subject |
Note: Pricing info is subject to change. Please check with Huntington Learning Center for updated info.
Sylvan Learning Center vs Huntington Learning Center
Sylvan Learning Center and Huntington Learning Center are two popular tutoring platforms that offer personalized learning plans to students. While both platforms are designed to help students improve their academic skills, they differ in their approach to teaching.
Sylvan Learning Center offers one-on-one and small-group tutoring options to students of all ages. They have a team of certified teachers who provide personalized instruction in reading, writing, math, study skills, and test preparation for college entrance and state exams. On the other hand, Huntington Learning Center focuses on one-on-one tutoring, which is more structured and regimented than Sylvan’s programs.
The main difference between Sylvan Learning Center and Huntington Learning Center is the mode of teaching. While Sylvan Learning Center offers both offline and online tutoring services, Huntington Learning Center offers only in-person tutoring services.
In terms of pricing, Sylvan Learning Center charges $40 to $100 per hour for private tutoring and STEM programs. Huntington Learning Center costs $40 to $75 per hour for private tutoring sessions in reading, math, study skills, writing, phonics, and vocabulary. Huntington SAT and ACT prep cost $1,220 per subject for 14 hours of tutoring and $2,645 per subject for 32 hours of tutoring.
Both Sylvan Learning Center and Huntington Learning Center are good platforms for kids, but the best choice depends on your child’s specific needs and preferences. If you want to know more about these tutoring companies, you can check out our blog on Sylvan Learning Center vs Huntington Learning Center.
Bottom line:
Huntington Learning Center is an educational learning center in offering in-center and online tutoring services. Huntington Learning Center is a good option for students who need help in a variety of subjects and who are looking for a personalized tutoring program. However, Huntington is also one of the more expensive tutoring services available, and it does not offer as much flexibility in scheduling as some other tutoring services.
Alternative #4: Mathnasium
What is Mathnasium?
Mathnasium is a supplemental math learning franchise consisting of over 1,000 learning centers in the United States. The primary goal of Mathnasium is to help students build a solid foundation in math and develop strong mathematical skills.
Their teaching approach is designed to help students develop a deep understanding of math concepts and build confidence in their math abilities.
Mathnasium learning centers offer a supportive learning environment where students can work at their own pace, ask questions, and receive personalized instruction from trained math instructors.
The Mathnasium Method focuses on three main components: assessment, customized learning plans, and ongoing support.
The program begins with an assessment to identify the student’s strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in their math knowledge. Based on the assessment results, a personalized learning plan is created for students, targeting their specific needs and goals.
Pros and Cons of Mathnasium
| Pros | Cons |
| Mathnasium’s program is customized to each student’s individual needs and learning style. | Mathnasium doesn’t teach any other subject except math. So it may not be suitable for some of the students. |
| Mathnasium’s program emphasizes mastery of key mathematical concepts, rather than just memorization or rote learning. | Mathnasium doesn’t provide one-on-one tutoring. |
| Mathnasium offers flexible scheduling, with sessions available during after-school hours and on weekends. |
How much does Mathanasium cost?
Mathnasium pricing varies by location, as each center sets its own fees based on factors such as local operating costs and the services offered.
Mathnasium monthly plan includes regular sessions with a Mathnasium instructor, personalized learning plans, and ongoing progress monitoring.
Note: Pricing info was retrieved from the Mathnasium website in Novemeber 2023 may change over time.
Sylvan Learning Center vs Mathnasium
Sylvan Learning Center and Mathnasium are two popular tutoring platforms that offer personalized learning plans to students. While both platforms are designed to help students improve their academic skills, they differ in their approach to teaching.
Sylvan Learning Center offers one-on-one and small-group tutoring options to students of all ages. They have a team of certified teachers who provide personalized instruction in reading, writing, math, study skills, and test preparation for college entrance and state exams. On the other hand, Mathnasium is a math-only learning center that focuses on building a strong foundation in math by teaching students the underlying concepts behind mathematical operations.
The main difference between Sylvan Learning Center and Mathnasium is the subjects they teach. While Sylvan Learning Center offers help with both math and reading, Mathnasium focuses solely on math.
In terms of pricing, Sylvan Learning Center charges $40 to $100 per hour for private tutoring and STEM programs. Mathnasium’s pricing varies depending on the location, but it typically ranges from $200 to $300 per month for two sessions per week.
Both Sylvan Learning Center and Mathnasium are good platforms for kids, but the best choice depends on your child’s specific needs and preferences. If you want to know more about these tutoring companies, you can check out our blog on Sylvan Learning Center vs Mathnasium.
Bottom line:
Mathnasium is a math tutoring franchise that offers personalized instruction and a supportive learning environment for students of all ages.The program is customized to each student’s individual needs and learning style, and it emphasizes mastery of key mathematical concepts rather than just memorization. However, Mathnasium pricing varies by location, but monthly plans typically include regular sessions with a Mathnasium instructor, personalized learning plans, and ongoing progress monitoring.
Alternative #5: Learner
What is Learner?
Learner is one-on-one online tutoring. Learner offers personalized sessions tailored to the needs of the child. The lessons are also recorded so students can use them afterward to review or study.
Learner has stringent eligibility requirements to be a tutor. Only 5% of tutor applications are accepted. Tutors must have a bachelor’s degree from an authorized university and prior teaching experience!
Pros and Cons of Learner
| Pros | Cons |
| Learner has a detailed assessment test to find the best tutor. | Pricing can only be found out after consulting with their team. No indication of pricing on the website. |
| Learner only provides tutoring in math. |
How much does Learner cost?
Learner’s website hasn’t provided information about the prices of its tutoring session.
The cost varies depending on the exact setup of each student’s tutoring plan.
The minimum purchase is $40 per hour.
Note: Pricing info was retrieved from the Learner website in June 2023 and may change over time.
Sylvan Learning Center vs Learner
Sylvan Learning Center is a well-established tutoring company offering a wide range of subjects, including math, reading, writing, study skills, and test preparation. They provide personalized instruction through one-on-one or small-group tutoring sessions. With certified teachers as tutors, Sylvan Learning Center aims to help students improve their academic skills and build confidence.
Learner tutoring company, on the other hand, focuses on online tutoring services, specializing in math, English, science, and social studies. Their tutors are all certified teachers with experience in online instruction. Learner’s flexible scheduling and affordable rates make it an accessible option for many students.
When deciding between Sylvan Learning Center and Learner, consider your child’s learning style and preferences. If your child thrives in a personalized in-person setting, Sylvan Learning Center might be a better fit. For those who prefer the convenience and flexibility of online learning, Learner could be a more suitable choice.
Bottom line:
Learner is a one-on-one online math tutoring platform that provides personalized instruction tailored to the needs of each student. The platform has a rigorous tutor selection process and offers a variety of features, including recorded lessons for review and study. However, Learner only provides tutoring in math and does not provide pricing information on its website.
Factors to keep in mind when selecting a tutoring site like Sylvan Learning Center
When choosing an online learning platform, there are several factors that people usually consider to ensure they find the right fit for their needs. These factors include:
- Subject coverage: Learners should look for a platform that offers courses or tutors in the subjects they want to learn. Some platforms may specialize in certain subjects, while others may offer a wider range.
- Teacher qualifications: It’s essential to choose a platform that has qualified and experienced teachers or tutors who can provide high-quality instruction. Platforms may provide information about teacher credentials or offer user reviews to help learners assess the quality of their educators.
- Scheduling flexibility: Online learners often have busy schedules and require flexibility in when they can access courses or tutoring. Platforms offering flexible scheduling options, such as 24/7 availability or self-paced learning, may attract learners.
- Pricing options: Some platforms offer different payment options, such as subscription-based models, pay-per-session, or bundled packages. Learners should consider which payment option is most convenient for them and aligns with their budget.
It’s also important to consider that different learners have different needs and preferences, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for online learning platforms.
Therefore, learners should consider their unique requirements when choosing the right platform that best suits their goals and preferences.
Bonus section: Free alternatives to Sylvan learning center
In summary
After evaluating and comparing the top online tutoring platforms, it’s evident that each offers unique advantages tailored to students seeking to enhance their learning experience.
Whether you prefer the convenience of on-demand tutoring, the personalized attention of one-on-one sessions, or the flexibility of self-paced learning, there’s an option on this list that aligns with your needs.
These companies stand out with exceptional features, experienced tutors, and affordable pricing, making them ideal choices for students looking to refine their academic skills.
- Wiingy is an online tutoring platform that connects students with highly qualified tutors for a wide range of subjects. Its rigorous tutor selection process ensures the highest quality of instruction, and its services are highly rated by students. With flexible scheduling, a free trial lesson, and pricing starting at just $28 per hour, Wiingy offers exceptional value.
- Kumon is a global franchise that offers self-paced instruction in math and reading. Kumon’s worksheets are designed to help students develop strong foundational skills.
- Huntington Learning Center is a supplemental education provider that offers tutoring and classes in a variety of subjects, including math, reading, English, science, and writing. Huntington’s programs are designed to help students improve their academic skills and achieve their educational goals.
- Mathnasium is a math-focused tutoring center that offers personalized instruction to students in grades K-12. Mathnasium’s programs are designed to help students develop a deep understanding of math concepts and improve their problem-solving skills.
- Learner is an online tutoring platform that offers personalized instruction in math. Learner’s tutors are experienced and certified, and they offer flexible scheduling to meet the needs of busy families. Learner also uses adaptive learning technology to provide students with a personalized learning experience.
The best Sylvan Learning Center alternative for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as preferred learning style, subject matter requirements, and budget when making your decision.
Looking for private tutors? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top tutors for concepts, homework help and grade improvement on Wiingy today!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are the companies similar to Sylvan?
Sylvan Learning Center is a leading provider of supplemental education services for students of all ages. Here are some of the companies that are similar to Sylvan Learning Center:
Wiingy: It is an online tutoring platform that connects students with highly qualified tutors for a wide range of subjects. Its rigorous tutor selection process ensures the highest quality of instruction, and its services are highly rated by students. With flexible scheduling, a free trial lesson, and pricing starting at just $28 per hour, Wiingy offers exceptional value.
Kumon: is a global franchise that offers self-paced instruction in math and reading. Kumon’s worksheets are designed to help students develop strong foundational skills.
Mathnasium: A franchise-based math tutoring center that offers individualized instruction for students in grades K-12.
Huntington Learning Center: A franchise-based tutoring center that offers individualized instruction for students in grades K-12.
Learner: An online tutoring platform that offers personalized tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Is there an affordable alternative to Sylvan Learning Center?
The affordable alternative to Sylvan Learning Center is Wiingy. Wiingy is an online tutoring platform that offers a variety of services to students of all ages. Here’s what sets Wiingy apart:
Expert Verified Tutors: Wiingy has over 1,000 expert verified tutors who can provide 1-on-1 online help for subjects of your choice.
Wide Range of Subjects: Wiingy provides tutoring for Coding, Math, Science, AP and 100+ subjects for every learning stage – school, college, and work.
Flexible Learning Options: Whether you need tailored one-on-one tutoring, homework assistance, or comprehensive test prep to excel in exams, Wiingy can connect you with highly qualified tutors.
Affordable Pricing: Wiingy’s lessons start at $28 per hour, making it an affordable option for many families.
Free Trial Lesson: Wiingy offers a zero-cost Free Trial Lesson, allowing students to experience a real session with an expert tutor.
In comparison, Sylvan Learning offers in-center and online tutoring with a focus on math, reading, writing, and test prep. However, Sylvan’s pricing may not be as affordable as Wiingy’s, and they do not offer a free trial lesson.
So,if you’re looking for an affordable, flexible, and wide-ranging online tutoring platform, Wiingy could be a great alternative to Sylvan Learning Center. It offers a broad range of subjects, expert tutors, and a free trial lesson, making it a potentially better choice for many students.
