"The Augusta Sylvan Team:

In March 2008 we came to you with a little girl completely frustrated and discouraged. She would often refer to herself as "stupid" and had decided she didn't want to live anymore because school was just too much for her. As parents we came to you looking for help and a solution to our daughters frustration and low self-confidence. After our first meeting with Janice we knew we had found the place with the solution we were looking for. What I didn't know at that time was that I had also found a place full of support and friendships. We often hear of the children's success stories from the help they receive at Sylvan, but what you don't hear is the help and support that is also offered to the parents of those frustrated kids. As our kids are being taught in the class room and their confidence is being built up, many times, you find the parents in the waiting room sharing frustrations, stories, and offering advice from their past experience. What you see is friendships developing because of a common bond and common interest.

Kasey has grown so much over this last year. She has not once called herself "stupid" since her first class at Sylvan. She is a little girl who has gone from crying because she had to count by 2's to adding and subtracting double digits. She has gone from a little girl who hated to sound out words to reading independently. She is a little girl who has gotten her confidence back and loves life again. Does Kasey still have a hard time in school? Yes. But what Kasey is walking away with today is the confidence she needs to meet those challenges head on. With the help from Sylvan she has proven to herself she can do it. She can succeed. Will Kasey be a mathematician? Unlikely. She still hates math, but she knows she can do it.

I cannot thank you all enough for all you have done for us. For caring enough to show Kasey how smart she is. For the flexibility and creativity in taking the time to find "what makes sense." For the enthusiasm you showed when Kasey mastered a new task. But mostly for building Kasey's confidence back up and allowing her to feel like a success instead of a failure.

We are all going to miss each and every one of you.

God Bless,"

- The Annis Family

Alex, Gardiner student

"Thank you for helping me and giving me more study tips, it has helped me. Like when I say a fancy word around my friends they're like whats that mean? It makes me feel really good. I feel ten times better about myself. Learning does make a difference. My new favorite saying is reach for the stars- meaning never give up no matter what."

Cathy, Gardiner parent

"I completely agree with Alex!! The confidence you have brought out in her has taken her way beyond her grades! We went to Washington this past summer with 30 other Maine delegates; and my shy daughter came out of the woodwork and lead sessions!!! Sessions that included 250 other kids from other states!!!!! For a girl who would not volunteer in a class of 18 because of what other thought of her academically, this girl shined! She volunteered to expose herself as she spoke and wrote in front of others.

I noticed it again last night as we were doing homework together. I was using my typical response to her as we repeated and repeated the some exercise over and over again. I yelled at her. She sat there just as calm as can be and said "why are you yelling at me? You don't need to yell." I was in shock! So I took her lead and when the frustration set in again, I started whispering! The homework assignment ended in laughter rather and tears and total frustration!!! I'm thinking I want to sign up for your program!

We know this year will not be "a piece of cake", but her attitude is so different. She is willing to take on the challenge to do her best!

By the way, it was refreshing to find teaching staff that saw all this potential in Alex. Just what I needed personally to go back to a traditional teaching program and fight for her rights!"

Student Improves SAT Scores After Attending Sylvan SAT Prep Classes

""We are so proud. Our son did a great job and I want to thank you and you staff who worked with him. It paid off.
He has been accepted to Husson and to Plymouth state University. We are still waiting to hear from UMaine. Thank
you for everything. Please share the great news." His scores improved in all three areas.

Math from 450 to 490
Reading from 380 to 420
Writing from 340 to 420"

- Susan, Sylvan Mom