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. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right program that fits your child’s learning style and needs.
Although two of the most popular programs that are often compared in this discussion are Sylvan Learning Center and Russian Math.
The main difference between Sylvan and Russian Math is their teaching methodology.
Sylvan is a traditional tutoring company that focuses on one-on-one or small-group instruction. The tutors use a variety of methods to help students learn, including drill and practice, problem-solving, and conceptual understanding.
Russian Math is a more unique approach to math education that emphasizes problem-solving and conceptual understanding. The program uses a spiral curriculum, which means that students revisit concepts throughout their learning journey. This helps them to develop a deep understanding of math concepts.
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.
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Introduction to the debate: Sylvan vs Russian Math
If you are considering online tutoring, the most important step is to carefully compare all your options for top online 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 vs Russian Math on the following parameters:
- Subjects offered
- Teaching methodology
- Tutor matching process
- Pricing and plans offered
- Customer reviews
Sylvan vs Russian Math: Comparison
The following table can help in easily determining which platform will be a good choice for you based on different parameters.
| Parameters | Sylvan Learning | Russian School Of Math |
| Company Type | Private tutoring company | Offline classroom and online tutoring |
| Subjects Offered | Sylvan offers personalized instruction in STEM, reading, writing, mathematics, study skills, homework support, and test preparation for college entrance and state exams. | Focuses only on math topics, like arithmetic, algebra, calculus, and geometry. |
| Mode of teaching | In-person in company-owned centers and online classes. | Offline classroom teaching and online |
| 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. | Kindergarten and grade 1: 1.5 hours for $52 monthly $1872 yearly.Grade 2-6: 2 hours for $80 monthly $2298 yearly grade 7-12: 4 hours for $103 monthly $3708 yearly |
| Minimum purchase | The minimum purchase is $40 per hour for private tutoring. | You must pay a non-refundable annual registration fee of $100.If you are joining mid-year pay a reduced fee of $80 from January through March or$40 if joining in April or later. Enrollment is not finalized until the annual registration fee is received. |
| Help in Tutor selection(Tutor Match) | Sylvan offers small-group learning. One instructor for 3 students. | RSM offers tutoring through its learning centers and online. The typical class size is 12 students and you have to study from the tutor allocated by them. |
| Offers free trial | No | No. |
| Cancellation policy | Sylvan Learning Center doesn’t mention about cancellation policy on its website. It would be helpful to call your nearest center for details | If a written cancellation notice is received by RSM anytime before the 3rd lesson, the first 2 lessons will be considered a trial period and all tuition will be fully refunded (not including the registration fee). After the 3rd lesson and before the 20th lesson cancellations are accepted anytime with a 1 month (4 lessons) written notice. After Lesson 20 all new students are considered continuing and should follow the cancellation policy of a continuing student. RSM Branch should be notified about a cancellation via email. |
| Rating | Trustpilot score: 3.2 | Not available |
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. |
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:
- Tutoring starts at $49 per hour
- Classes and camps start at $199
- ACT and SAT Prep classes start at $999
Source: Sylvan Learning Center
*Pricing info retrieved from the Sylvan website in November 2023
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. |
Understanding Russian Math
What is the Russian Math?
Russian Math or the Russian School of Math is a math education system that originated in the Soviet Union and is now taught in many American schools and specialized math centers.
The system emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking skills and is designed to teach students to work independently.
Russian Math education begins in pre-kindergarten and continues through 12th grade, with no year-to-year benchmarks.
Instead, students are on a continuous schedule that relies less on exams and more on classroom collaboration.
The program focuses more on the “why” of math problems, rather than just the “how”.
The main difference between Russian Math and the math being taught in schools is the methodology that emphasizes derivation. Russian Math is known for its rigor and challenging problem sets that push students to think creatively and deeply about math concepts.
How does Russian Math work?
Russian math typically works by emphasizing a problem-solving approach that focuses on developing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.
Some of the key features of how Russian math works are
- Emphasis on problem-solving: In Russian math programs, students are encouraged to solve complex problems from an early age. This helps them develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to work independently.
- Mastery-based learning: Russian math programs typically follow a mastery-based approach, which means that students are expected to fully master each topic before moving on to the next one. This ensures that students have a strong foundation in the basics and can build upon that knowledge as they progress.
- Focus on logic and reasoning: Russian math places a strong emphasis on logic and reasoning, and students are often asked to explain how they arrived at a particular solution. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts and principles.
- Early introduction of advanced topics: Russian math programs often introduce advanced topics at an earlier age than traditional programs. For example, students may be introduced to algebra and geometry in elementary school, which allows them to build a strong foundation in these subjects.
- Intensive training: Russian math programs often involve intensive training, with students attending classes multiple times per week and participating in additional homework and practice problems. This helps students develop their skills and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts.
Topics covered by Russian Math
Russian Math covers a wide range of topics and skills, including
| Topics/Skills | Description |
| Arithmetic | This includes operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents. |
| Algebra | This includes equations, inequalities, functions, and graphing. |
| Geometry | This includes plane and solid geometry, including shapes, angles, lines, and planes. |
| Trigonometry | This includes the study of angles and triangles, including the trigonometric functions. |
| Calculus | This includes the study of limits, derivatives, and integrals. |
| Probability and statistics | This includes the study of probability, random variables, and statistical analysis. |
| Number theory | This includes the study of integers, prime numbers, and divisibility. |
| Combinatorics | This includes the study of counting, permutations, and combinations. |
What is the minimum age for kids to enroll in Russian Math?
Kids can enroll in Russian Math at any age, including pre-kindergarten, which means at the age of 4-5 years old.
The Russian program has different levels in each grade, and the curriculum is designed to be challenging and rigorous, with a focus on problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Source: Russian School of Mathematics Official Website
What is the cost of Russian Math?
The pricing for RSM varies by location of the center, the grade of the student, and the number of subjects. You can expect to pay between $2000 to $3500 for a full year tuition at RSM offers pricing for 4 levels which are as given below:
| Grade | Pricing |
| Kindergarten to Grade 1 | Average price $50 per class |
| Grade 2 to Grade 5 | Average price $60 per class |
| Grade 6 | Average price ranges from $40 to $80 per class for geometry and algebra lessons |
| Grade 7 to 12 | Average price ranges from $50 to $100 per class for geometry and algebra lessons |
RSM offers multiple payment plans. You can pay monthly, semi-annually, or one time for full-year tuition.
Source: Russian School of Mathematics Official Website
Evaluating Russian Math: Pros vs Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Russian math emphasizes a problem-solving approach that can help students develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills. By approaching complex problems with logic and creativity, students can become better equipped to tackle a wide range of challenges in all areas of their lives. | Russian math programs can be very challenging and require a significant amount of time and effort. This can be overwhelming for some students, especially if they are already busy with other extracurricular activities or academic responsibilities. |
| Russian math programs can provide students with strong preparation for competitive exams such as the SAT, ACT, and various math competitions. | Russian math programs follow a standardized curriculum that may not be customized as per individual students’ learning styles or abilities. |
| Russian math is recognized worldwide for its rigor and effectiveness in developing strong mathematical skills. | Russian math programs typically focus exclusively on mathematics and may not provide as much exposure or instruction in other subjects such as science, history, or language arts. |
Sylvan Learning Center vs Russian Math: which one is right fit for your child?
Sylvan and Russian Math are two popular tutoring programs that offer different approaches to learning. Sylvan is a traditional tutoring company that focuses on one-on-one or small-group instruction. The tutors use a variety of methods to help students learn, including drill and practice, problem-solving, and conceptual understanding.
Russian Math is a unique approach to math education that emphasizes problem-solving and conceptual understanding. The program uses a spiral curriculum, which means that students revisit concepts throughout their learning journey. This helps them to develop a deep understanding of math concepts.
Here are some of the key differences between Sylvan and Russian Math:
- Teaching methodology: Sylvan focuses on one-on-one or small group instruction, while Russian Math is a self-paced program that can be completed independently.
- Focus: Sylvan focuses on drill and practice, while Russian Math emphasizes problem-solving and conceptual understanding.
- Materials: Sylvan uses textbooks, worksheets, and manipulatives, while Russian Math uses online materials and textbooks.
Sylvan vs Russian Math cost comparison
Although the pricing of both the programs varies by location but here is an overview of the Sylvan Learning Center vs Russian Math cost comparison.
| Sylvan Learning Center | Russian Math |
| Sylvan Learning Center costs $40 to $100 per hour for private tutoring and STEM programs. | Kindergarten to Grade 1: Average price $50 per class |
| Grade 2 to Grade 5: Average price $60 per class | |
| Grade 6: Average price ranges from $40 to $80 per class for geometry and algebra lessons | |
| Grade 7 to 12: Average price ranges from $50 to $100 per class for geometry and algebra lessons |
Why should you consider Wiingy for 1-on-1 online tutoring?
So far, we have explored the benefits of Sylvan Learning vs Russian Math for your child’s math education. However, if you’re looking for another cost-effective online tutoring option to consider for your child, look no further than Wiingy.
The Wiingy platform offers 1-on-1 online tutoring to school, college, and adult students through its network of 1,000+ expert-vetted tutors for coding, math, science, computer science, AP, and 100+ subjects.
Over 20,000 students have used Wiingy for private tutoring, homework help, assignment help, language learning, homeschool tutoring, and test prep. Students and parents have consistently rated the Wiingy experience as 4.8 out of 5.
Unlike tutor marketplaces, each Wiingy tutor is vetted individually and undergoes an extensive assessment that includes interviews, mock lessons, and coding tests.
Less than 3% of applicants are selected to become tutors on Wiingy’s platform. This means that you work only with top verified, qualified, and experienced tutors.
An experienced tutor will be able to create a structured lesson plan customized to your pace and learning style. You will also get access to study materials, notes, practice materials, and exam strategies to help accelerate your learning.
We know that sometimes you don’t want to pay for private tutoring because it is too expensive. Tutoring costs anywhere from $100 to $150 per hour which isn’t reasonable at all.
However, Wiingy’s rates are affordable, starting from just $28 per hour, much lower than the average tutoring offered by other platforms.
We don’t require you to sign up for packages or subscriptions, so you can pay for lessons as you need them. We also offer a free trial lesson so you can try out our service before you commit.
While we try to match you with the perfect tutor per your needs, we understand that sometimes, even the best tutors might not be the right fit for you.
This is why we offer you the Perfect Match Guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your tutor for any reason, you can request a replacement tutor at no additional cost.
Lastly, if you do not wish to continue our services, we offer you a no-questions-asked full refund for your unused lessons with us.
In addition, we have 24/7 instant support from a personal student success advisor. You can contact your advisor via chat or phone if you have any questions, whether it’s about your lessons, your tutor, payments, or if you are looking to explore any other subject.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the differences between Sylvan Learning Center and Russian Math?
Sylvan Learning and Russian Math are both math tutoring programs that can help students improve their math skills. However, there are some key differences between the two programs.
Sylvan Learning is a one-on-one tutoring program that provides personalized instruction to students. Tutors work with students to identify their individual strengths and weaknesses and develop a customized learning plan. Sylvan Learning offers tutoring for all levels of math, from elementary school to college.
Russian Math is a self-paced program that uses a mastery learning approach. Students work through a series of lessons at their own pace, and they must pass a mastery test before moving on to the next lesson. Russian Math focuses on conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.
Which is better for Sylvan vs Russian Math?
The best program for your child will depend on their individual needs and preferences. If your child is struggling in math and needs one-on-one attention, Sylvan Learning may be a good option. If your child is looking for a more challenging and structured math program, Russian Math may be a better choice.
