Sylvan Learning Closes Out a Strong 2017 With Plans for Accelerated Franchise Development in 2018

BALTIMORE, Jan. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As the nation's leading supplemental education resource and enrichment program provider, Sylvan Learning is proud to have added 49 franchisees to its growing system in 2017 as it looks ahead to 2018 with its sights set on signing over 100 transactions.

"Sylvan has a long history of being a visionary in the education franchise industry, and our continued focus on building our curriculum and constantly looking for ways to stay ahead of the technology curve makes us an appealing brand for franchise candidates. Prospects interested in opening a Sylvan are drawn to the variety of programs that we provide for students of all levels and ages while actually making a difference in the communities in which they work and live," said Sylvan Learning CEO John McAuliffe. "We're looking forward to welcoming new franchisees into our growing family who understand the benefits of having a diversified revenue stream that helps to increase their bottom line, while also having the lowest all-in royalty fee in the industry."

In 2016, Sylvan launched a new license agreement, and in 2017, the brand implemented changes to its operating requirements at franchise locations by focusing on delivering the best educational programs, building the best business model, leading the market, enhancing the brand and growing the franchise system across multiple states including Florida, Pennsylvania, Colorado, California and Virginia.

The company also closed out the year with the opening of 14 new centers in 11 untapped territories, while the brand transferred ownership of 50 centers. The natural progression of a 37-year-old system has led to the retirement of many original franchisees, selling their existing locations to a second generation of Sylvan franchisees. In total, the company welcomed 49 new franchisees into the system in 2017.

"One of the reasons that someone would want to buy a Sylvan franchise would be to not only have a lasting, positive effect on their community, but to also create a comfortable lifestyle for oneself, and to be able to one day retire and leave a legacy," said Georgia Chasen, Sylvan Learning's Director of Franchise Development. "As the anticipated evolution of the system has led to the retirement of some of our original franchisees, we welcome the ability to introduce new franchisees into communities where Sylvan has had a lasting presence and offers highly regarded programming for all students."

In 2017, Sylvan successfully positioned itself for further international expansion, inking a deal to open in Saudi Arabia. The company partnered with Haitham Ahmed, an educator who wanted to bring the opportunity for a Sylvan education to young students in Saudi Arabia. He first encountered the brand while studying in Canada and enrolled his son in the local Sylvan center. Ahmed saw noticeable, positive changes in his son, including improved confidence, which left a lasting impact on the family and inspired him to bring the brand to his native country. Like many other Sylvan franchisees, this is a family affair. Haitham's wife and brother join him on the license, with their first location expected to open in the first quarter of 2018.

"With our recent expansion into Saudi Arabia and Vietnam, we will continue to focus on international expansion in countries that place high importance on education, and our 2018 strategic plan includes a major growth initiative across America. We've even hired a new franchise development director based in California to help increase our presence coast-to-coast from our Maryland headquarters," said McAuliffe. "With our dedicated staff out in the field meeting with candidates, we know that we have put the right plan in place to increase our national footprint, and our team will be working diligently on the path to signing deals for more than 100 locations this year."

In 2018, the brand is building on its momentum to increase its presence across North America with a significant focus on major metropolises. The brand is focusing its national development in major cities including Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and New York City. To learn more about Sylvan franchising, visit sylvanfranchise.com.

About Sylvan Learning, Inc.

With more than 35 years of experience and more than 750 locations across the world, Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of personal learning for students in grades K-12. Sylvan is transforming how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvan's proven tutoring approach blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync™ technology on the iPad® for an engaging learning experience. Sylvan also leads the way with Sylvan EDGE—STEM and accelerated courses and Sylvan Prep —college and test prep courses. Sylvan supports families through every stage of the academic journey. For more information, visit www.SylvanLearning.com or SylvanLearning.com/blog.

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Lauren Kaminski
No Limit Agency
312.526.3996
[email protected]

SOURCE Sylvan Learning

Related Links

http://www.SylvanLearning.com