Sylvan vs Mathnasium: Which is Best for Your Child in 2025?

Are you a parent searching for the best way to help your child excel in their academic pursuits? As a parent, it’s frustrating to see your child struggling with academics.

You are not alone. Many parents face the same challenge.

The good news is that there are tutoring platforms that can help your child build a strong foundation and excel in math.

Some of the most popular programs that are often compared in this discussion are Sylvan, Mathnasium & Wiingy

In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between the two programs, and help you make an informed decision that will benefit your child’s academic success.

The main difference between Sylvan and Mathnasium is that Sylvan offers a variety of programs, including standardized test prep, while Mathnasium focuses on math tutoring only.

But, now the question is, which one is better?

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Introduction to the debate: Sylvan Learning Center vs Mathnasium

If you are considering personal tutoring, the most important step is to carefully compare all your options for top tutoring services and make an informed decision on which tutoring service is the right fit for your child.

We have analyzed the two programs Sylvan Learning Center and Mathnasium on the following parameters:

• Subjects offered
• Teaching methodology
• Tutor matching process
• Pricing and plans offered
• Customer reviews

Sylvan vs Mathnasium: Comparison

The following table can help in easily determining which platform will be a good choice for you based on different parameters.

Keys Specs	Sylvan Learning Center	Mathnasium	Wiingy
Company Type	Private tutoring company	In-center and online tutoring	Tutoring marketplace
Subjects offered	Sylvan offers personalized instruction in STEM, reading, writing, mathematics, study skills, homework support, and test preparation for college entrance and state exams.	Covers mathematics topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus.	Math, Science, AP, Coding Languages, Exam Prep, and 350+ subjects
Mode of teaching	Online and in-person classes	Online and In-Person Classes	Online & in-person
Cost of tutoring	Sylvan Learning Center costs $40 to $100 per hour for private tutoring and STEM programs. Sylvan costs $290 per month for academic coaching or advancement classes. Sylvan learning prices for test prep are $1,199.	Varies by program and location	Starts at just $15/ hour
Minimum purchase	The minimum purchase is $40 per hour for private tutoring.	The minimum purchase differs from center to center	No packages or subscriptions. Start with just lesson and Pay- As-You-Go.
Help in tutor selection	Sylvan offers small-group learning. One instructor for 3 students.	When you sign up for Mathnasium, you’ll take an online assessment to gauge your math skills and have a phone consultation with an instructor to discuss your learning style and goals. This helps match you with the ideal tutor.	Wiingy helps you with tutor selection. Once you share your learning needs Wiingy will match you with the perfect tutor.
Offers free trial	No. Sylvan does not offer a free trial lesson.	Yes. Mathnasium offers a free trial for 30 minutes.	Yes. A 1hr free trial lesson is offered. Use the trial lesson to connect with your tutor and get a feel of the tutoring experience.
Cancellation policy	Sylvan Learning Center does not mention about cancellation policy on its website. You can get info from your nearest center	6 hours or less notice will be treated as sessions are taken.	You are eligible for a full refund if your lessons have yet to start and you notify within 7 days of purchase of lessons. To be eligible for refunds, you must seek a refund within 10 days from the lesson’s purchase date.
Rating	Trustpilot score: 3.2	Trustpilot score: 3.8/5	Trustpilot score: 4.6/5

Understanding Sylvan Learning Center

What is Sylvan?

Sylvan is a private tutoring and education company that provides personalized instruction to students of all ages and skill levels.

Sylvan Learning Center offers a range of services, including academic tutoring, test preparation, STEM programs, and college admissions counseling.

Their tutoring programs are designed to help students improve their academic performance and build confidence in their abilities.

Sylvan uses a personalized approach to education, with each student receiving an individualized learning plan tailored to their specific needs and goals.

Their certified teachers use a variety of teaching techniques, such as interactive technology and hands-on activities, to engage students and help them achieve their full potential.

How does Sylvan work?

Sylvan works by providing personalized instruction to students in different subjects and areas of study.

The first step is to assess the student’s current academic level and identify areas of strengths and weaknesses. This is done through the Sylvan Insight Assessment diagnostic tests, evaluations, and consultations with parents and teachers.

Based on the assessment results, a customized learning plan is created for the student. The plan outlines specific goals, objectives, and strategies to help the student improve in their targeted areas of need.

The student is then matched with a certified Sylvan teacher who provides one-on-one or small-group instruction. The teacher uses a variety of teaching methods and materials, including technology, to engage the students and help them master the subject matter.

Sylvan Learning closely monitors the student’s progress through regular assessments and progress reports. The learning plan is adjusted as needed to ensure the student is making steady progress toward their goals.

Throughout the process, Sylvan Learning maintains regular communication with parents, teachers, and the student to ensure everyone is informed and engaged in the learning process.

Subjects covered by Sylvan

Sylvan Learning offers personalized instruction in a wide range of subjects and areas of study. Here are some of the subjects and skills typically covered by Sylvan:

Subjects/Skills	Description
Reading	Sylvan offers programs to help students develop strong reading skills, including phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency.
Writing	Sylvan provides instruction in all aspects of writing, from grammar and sentence structure to essay writing and creative writing.
Math	Sylvan offers math programs that cover everything from basic math skills to advanced algebra, geometry, and calculus.
Test Prep	Sylvan provides test preparation services for a variety of exams, including the SAT, ACT, PSAT, GRE, and more.
STEM	Sylvan offers programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), including robotics, coding, and game design.
Study skills	Sylvan provides instruction in study skills and time management techniques to help students improve their organization, focus, and productivity.
College admissions	Sylvan offers college admissions counseling to help students navigate the college application process, including essay writing, test preparation, and interview skills.

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What is the minimum age for kids to enroll in Sylvan?

Sylvan Learning does not have a strict minimum age requirement for students to enroll in their programs. They offer services for students of all ages, from kindergarten through high school and beyond.

Source: Sylvan Learning Center

What is the cost of the Sylvan Learning Center?

The cost of Sylvan Learning Center differs based on location.

However, they offer several options based on your needs and goals. The pricing of Sylvan Learning Center is as below:

1. Tutoring starts at $50 per hour
2. Classes and camps start at $200
3. ACT and SAT Prep classes start at $999

Source: Sylvan Learning Center

*Pricing info retrieved from the Sylvan website in November 2024

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Evaluating Sylvan: Pros vs Cons

Pros	Cons
Personalized Instruction: Sylvan provides customized instruction tailored to the specific needs of each student. This approach helps ensure that students receive the support they need to build their skills and confidence.	Cost: The cost of Sylvan learning vary significantly between different learning centers.
Certified Instructors: Sylvan’s instructors are certified and trained to teach a variety of subjects, including reading, writing, math, and test preparation. This ensures that students receive quality instruction from knowledgeable and experienced teachers.	Limited Availability: While Sylvan has many locations around the world, it may not be available in all areas. Students may need to travel a significant distance to access Sylvan’s services.
Technology-Enabled Learning: Sylvan uses technology, including online tools and resources, to enhance the learning experience and engage students in the material.	Learning Style: Sylvan’s teaching approach may not be suitable for all students, particularly those who require more hands-on or interactive learning experiences.
Ongoing Progress Monitoring: Sylvan closely monitors each student’s progress and adjusts their learning plan as needed to ensure they are making steady progress toward their goals.
Flexible Scheduling: Sylvan offers flexible scheduling, including after-school and weekend sessions, to accommodate busy schedules and help students balance their academic and extracurricular activities.

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Understanding Mathnasium

What is Mathnasium?

Mathnasium is a specialized learning center that focuses on mathematics education for students of all ages. They have nearly 1,000 centers in the United States.

At Mathnasium, the primary goal is to help students build a solid foundation in math and develop strong mathematical skills.

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 the student, targeting their specific needs and goals.

Throughout their Mathnasium journey, students receive ongoing support and instruction from instructors, who monitor their progress and provide guidance and feedback.

How does Mathnasium work?

Mathnasium is a math learning center that operates on a unique approach to help students improve their mathematical skills and build a strong foundation in the subject.

The core of Mathnasium’s methodology lies in its individualized learning plans, customized to meet the specific needs of each student.

The first step at Mathnasium is an initial assessment, where students are evaluated to identify their current skill level and areas of strengths and weaknesses.

This assessment helps the instructors create a customized learning plan for each student, focusing on filling knowledge gaps and enhancing comprehension of mathematical concepts.

Once the learning plan is established, students attend regular sessions at the Mathnasium center, typically 2-3 times per week, for as long as they need.

These sessions are typically held in a small group setting, allowing for personalized attention and guidance from trained math instructors.

Mathnasium follows a structured curriculum that covers a wide range of math topics, starting from the elementary level to high school-level math.

The curriculum is designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of mathematical principles, helping students excel not only in their current coursework but also in future math-related endeavors.

To support students’ learning, Mathnasium provides customized worksheets, textbooks, and manipulatives. These resources are used to reinforce concepts, provide additional practice, and encourage hands-on learning experiences.

By combining these materials with personalized instruction, Mathnasium aims to create a supportive and engaging learning environment.

In addition to in-person sessions, Mathnasium also offers online tutoring options for students who prefer remote learning or have scheduling constraints.

This flexibility allows students to access Mathnasium’s instruction and support from the comfort of their own homes.

Subjects covered by Mathnasium

Mathnasium focuses exclusively on mathematics, covering a wide range of topics across all grade levels.

The program is designed to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, build strong problem-solving skills, and excel in math. Here are some of the subjects and skills covered by Mathnasium:

Subjects/Skills	Description
Arithmetic	Mathnasium covers the basics of arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Algebra	Students learn algebraic concepts such as variables, equations, inequalities, functions, and graphs.
Geometry	Mathnasium covers geometry topics such as shapes, angles, lines, planes, and coordinate geometry.
Trigonometry	Students learn trigonometric functions, identities, and equations.
Calculus	Mathnasium covers calculus topics such as limits, derivatives, and integrals.
Test Preparation	Mathnasium helps students prepare for math-related exams, including standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and AP exams.

What is the minimum age for kids to enroll in Mathnasium?

Mathnasium is designed for students of all ages, from young children to adults. The minimum age for kids to enroll in Mathnasium varies by location, but most centers accept students as young as 5 years old, basically in grades K-12.

Source: Mathnasium

What is the cost of Mathnasium?

The cost of the Mathnasium can vary by location, as each center sets its own fees based on factors such as local operating costs and the services offered.

Mathnasium cost per month includes regular sessions with a Mathnasium instructor, personalized learning plans, and ongoing progress monitoring.

The average pricing of Mathnasium is as below:

Service	Average cost
Evaluation and enrollment fees	$100 – $150
Cost per session	$25 – $75
Cost per month	$250 – $400
Summer programs (8 sessions to unlimited)	$395 – $1,000

Source: Mathnasium

*Pricing info retrieved from the Mathnasium website in November 2024

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Evaluating Mathnasium: Pros vs Cons

Pros	Cons
Personalized Instruction: Mathnasium’s program is customized to each student’s individual needs and learning style, so students receive personalized instruction and support that can help them improve their math skills.	Limited Subjects: Mathnasium doesn’t teach any other subject except maths. So it may not be suitable for some of the students.
Comprehensive Curriculum: The Mathnasium covers a wide range of math topics across all grade levels, from arithmetic to calculus, so students can build a strong foundation in math and develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.	No one-on-one tutoring: Students may grow more if they have one-on-one sessions with their instructors. But Mathnasium doesn’t provide one-on-one tutoring.
Focus on Mastery: Mathnasium’s program emphasizes mastery of key mathematical concepts, rather than just memorization or rote learning. This can help students develop strong problem-solving skills and build confidence in their math abilities.	Frequent change of tutors: Students work with different tutors rather than the same one each week as the tutors keep on changing frequently.
Flexible Scheduling: Mathnasium offers flexible scheduling, with sessions available during after-school hours and on weekends. This can make it easier for students to fit math tutoring into their busy schedules.
Ongoing Support: Mathnasium provides ongoing support to students, with regular progress monitoring and assessments to ensure that students are making progress and achieving their goals.
Certified Instructors: Mathnasium’s instructors are trained and certified in the Mathnasium Method, which emphasizes teaching math in a way that is easy to understand and engaging for students.

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Sylvan vs Mathnasium: which one is the right fit for your child?

Sylvan Learning Center and Mathnasium are two of the leading tutoring platforms for kids, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.

The main difference between Sylvan and Mathnasium is that Sylvan offers a variety of programs, including standardized test prep, while Mathnasium focuses on math tutoring only.

Both Sylvan and Mathnasium are excellent platforms for kids, but the best choice depends on your child’s specific needs and preferences.

Sylvan offers a personalized learning plan for each student and uses certified teachers for tutoring. They offer tutoring in a wide range of subjects, including math, reading, writing, test prep, and more. Sylvan also offers both in-person and online tutoring options, which provides flexibility for families.

Mathnasium, on the other hand, specializes in math tutoring. They use a unique teaching method called the Mathnasium Method, which is designed to help students understand math concepts more deeply and boost their confidence in math. Mathnasium offers in-center and online tutoring options.

Here are some additional pointers that may help you decide between Sylvan and Mathnasium:

• Subject Matter: If your child needs help specifically with math, Mathnasium’s specialized approach may be beneficial. If your child needs help in a variety of subjects, Sylvan’s wide range of tutoring options might be a better fit.
• Learning Style: Consider your child’s learning style. Some kids might benefit from Sylvan’s personalized learning plans, while others might thrive with Mathnasium’s specialized math instruction.
• Location and Scheduling: Consider the location of the tutoring centers and the scheduling options. Both Sylvan and Mathnasium offer in-person and online tutoring, so you can choose the option that best fits your family’s schedule.

Sylvan vs Mathnasium cost 

Although the pricing of both the programs varies by location but here is an overview of the Sylvan vs Mathnasium cost comparison.

Sylvan Learning Center	Mathnasium
Personalized tutoring: $40 – $100 per hour	Evaluation and enrollment fees: $100 – $150
Academic coaching: $290 per month and up	Cost per session: $25 – $75
Advancement classes and camps: $290 per month and up	Cost per month: $250 – $400
	Summer programs (8 sessions to unlimited): $395 – $1,000

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Why should you consider Wiingy for 1-on-1 tutoring?

While Sylvan and Mathnasium are excellent options for your child’s education, there is another high-quality yet affordable tutoring platform worth considering.

Meet Wiingy – where you can find expert-vetted tutors for 350+ subjects including coding, math, science, computer science, test-prep, language learning and music.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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