School couldn't help.....SYLVAN did!

"Dear Kim,

It is Christmas morning when I am writing this note to you because it is at this moment that I am truly moved. As I sit here typing, my son is in the other room reading a book. Not playing with his new toys or video games...reading a book! It was the first year that books were even on his Christmas list.
As you know, our journey with Sylvan started eight months ago. His teacher called to get our permission to have him tested for a learning disability. We were alarmed, hurt, confused, angry, disappointed...not in our son, but in the school system. How could this suddenly happen in 3rd grade?
We took our son for all kinds of medical exams and independent evaluations - hearing, sight, ADD, ADHD and dyslexia. He had none of those.
We also brought him to Sylvan to be evaluated. This is where we learned the most valuable lesson. You showed us his academic deficiencies and were the first person to tell us that he did not have a learning disability but rather "gaps in his learning."
We made the commitment to Sylvan. It wasn't an easy decision because of the time commitment and cost; however, we knew it was an investment in our son's future.
Our son also made the commitment to Sylvan. He worked diligently all summer. When he went back to school this year, the learning specialist who had evaluated him just three months prior said, "Whatever you did over the summer...WORKED."
Last year, when he would write about himself...it was always about what a good sport he was or how great he was at Playstation. Now he writes about what a good student he is. We couldn't be more proud.
He is a different child. It is amazing what confidence can do for a young man.
We are sincerely grateful to you for your individual guidance and support. You personally helped us navigate through the school system during some really tough weeks...The Sylvan teachers carried it from there. With their one-on-one instruction, he has grown leaps and bounds.

With our most sincere gratitude,

Parents of a current Sylvan student"

It Takes A Village To Raise A Child....

"Great Oaks Academy
4257 Bart St.
Warren, MI 48092
(586) 427-4540





April 28, 2011



To Whom It May Concern,

It is with great pleasure and an unrestrained enthusiasm that I write this letter of reference for Sylvan Learning Center in Troy, Michigan.

I have had the opportunity to work with Sylvan for one year. Sylvan has been a phenomenal help and resource for our students at Great Oaks Academy this school year. Kim Gossman, the program coordinator, has been sensational and has facilitated outstanding relationships with parents and students.

Over 45 students have received tutoring services from Sylvan this school year. Every student has grown academically and socially. The parents love Sylvan as well.

As the principal, I endorse Sylvan fully and know we are better as a school because of their program.

Yours truly,
R. Fountain, Principal
Great Oaks Academy"

Thank You, Jamie!

"Good afternoon,

Please thank [your instructor], Jamie for me. She has done a nice job with both boys in enhancing their writing skills. As you know, [one son] received a very nice writing score on the last ACT test. He is continuing to come once a week to keep his skills sharp… If she doubted the good it is doing, here’s proof:

[Our son] just received a 100% on an English essay test on a book that I wouldn’t wish on anyone...it is very tough to understand. His teacher commented on how remarkable his turnaround was after he received a 20% on the last essay test. [He] has had issues getting thoughts out of his head and onto paper in a manner that is understood by anyone. It has been a constant struggle. I asked, “so the ACT writing stuff helped?” His reply? “Oh, yes.”

[Our other son] took an Essay exam yesterday to determine if he could qualify to take Honors English next year. Last night he was giving a speech to prospective new students and his current English teacher pulled him aside and told him that his essay was very good. [He] told me that he simply applied the techniques he learned from Jamie.

So if she was wondering why I have [him] still coming . . . it makes a far greater difference than just the ACT. Keep coming up with those prompts. Let’s get him through this next and last attempt at the ACT. Make it tough. Make him work. I am making sure he stays focused, so ask Jamie to do the same for the next 3 weeks. I am counting on you guys. You haven’t let me down yet. Quite the contrary. THANKS!"

- J.B., Birmingham MI

Letter from a Happy Parent!

"Dear Kim,
Russ and I truly appreciate everything you, Alicia, and everyone at Sylvan, has done for Daniel. As you said, he has the capability. It’s a matter of applying the skills and knowledge he has acquired and maintaining the self-discipline and confidence to excel going forward.
Please thank everyone on your team who has touched Daniel’s life for the past 10 months. It is clear that you all genuinely care about the progress and success of your students. Your commitment goes way beyond teaching the nuts and bolts of the academics. Your special “care” has not only impressed, but also touched us deeply and it has been a pleasure to have you all as an important part of our lives.
I will definitely recommend your team to anyone and everyone who might benefit from your services. I will keep in touch.
Kind regards & heartfelt thanks,

Jane & Russ Livermore"

- Jane Livermore

Another satisfied customer!

""The kids love it! I'm very impressed; [it has] exceeded my expectations. Well worth [the investment].""

- Jim, father of 3rd and 6th grade boys

We both love it!

""My son loves his experience at Sylvan. When he leaves, he can't wait to return. I'm also enjoying this program and we are both pleased!""

- Shana, mother of 5th grader

Parents of TWO boys!

""The whole Sylvan experience has been wonderful for [our sons]!""

- Parents of boys, ages 8 and 11

Comments from Survey

""Everyone has been extremely helpful, friendly and professional. My daughter was dreading the program in the beginning but loves it now!""

- Stephanie, mother of 3rd grader

At the end of the program...

""Sylvan has done an excellent job of teaching [our son]and helping him. He is doing better in his work and I would definitely come back to Sylvan.""

A Happy Reading Graduate!

"Dear Sylvan Staff,
Thank you all for the love, patience and care you have shown [my son] and me! I tell everyone that the [Sylvan] program is great and is the best money I've spent! [My son] has truly loved all of his time with you and not once can I remember him not wanting to go...[He] is already asking when he can start back!"

- A Happy Sylvan Mom!

Our Center's 'Angie's List' Report

"Overall A/Price B/Quality A
Responsiveness A/Punctuality A
Professionalism A
Sylvan Learning helped my 2 sons become better at school. One son did the reading program for 3rd grade this summer and ended up in the 5th grade reading level this fall. My other son is learning some excellent studying and reading comprehension skills. Sylvan has many different programs focusing on each kids needs.
Things went great. Both of my kids benefited from the Sylvan approach. The teachers were very nice and approachable. My boys will go back to Sylvan next summer for more tutoring to get them ready for next year."

So Far, So Good!

""We're happy with the program so far and look forward to having our son 'up to speed' for his junior year.""

- Debbie, Mother of Royal Oak High Student

Great Progress!

""[My son] has been bringing home some wonderful grades...a 96% on his social studies test and 100% on his math quiz. He is very proud of the grades he's bringing home...we are making great progress thanks to Sylvan!""

- Mother of student at Holy Name

Best Start to the Year!

"Kim,


Good News - Bad News

Alec took his 1st Math quiz the other day (on 9/12).
He scored a 92%.

He has to retake the quiz on Friday...
Why???
The next highest score in the class was in the low 70's% !

I know its still early, but thanks for helping him with his best start to a math year in quite awhile."

- Brian (a proud Sylvan dad)!