How Mathnasium Learning Centers' Culture Stands Out for Franchisees

Mathnasium Learning Centers, a leading franchise specializing in math-only tutoring, has distinctively positioned itself within the supplemental education industry. By fostering a people-driven culture that extends beyond the four walls of the facility, Mathnasium has built a business model that resonates deeply with franchisees around the globe. 

“This is truly a relationship-based culture,” said Ellen Beck, Senior Director of General Business Systems and Support at Mathnasium. “Whether it be how franchisees interact with families or how they interact with each other, we are a people-based company that happens to focus on math. It is all about the people.”

Building Relationships Within Communities

At the core of Mathnasium’s approach are the relationships that franchisees build with the families in the communities they serve. 

"You have a significant influence over the future of your community,” Beck said. “You're directly impacting the kids in your school district, who will become the future adults and leaders of your community. Franchisees form strong bonds with their students, staff, parents and fellow business owners in the area.”

Many franchisees Beck has observed become integral figures in their locales. “As one franchisee likes to say, he’s become the mayor of the town," she said. This sense of ownership and belonging fosters a deep connection within the community, creating a nurturing environment conducive to learning and development.

A Global Network of Comradery

Another pillar of Mathnasium’s culture is the collaborative spirit among its franchisees worldwide. Franchisees come from various backgrounds — educators, veterans, and entrepreneurs — unified by their commitment to Mathnasium's vision. Owning a Mathnasium Learning Center franchise means joining a global network that shares a common goal and methodology in the Mathnasium Method™.

“The relationships our franchisees build with each other is another huge aspect of our brand culture,” Beck said. "Our franchisees really depend on one another for best practices, advice, ideas and support. You are running a business that is unlike any other business when it comes to its purpose and its mission. That creates a very tightly-knit community.”

This global camaraderie not only enhances the business model through shared knowledge but also reinforces the impact of the Mathnasium Method™ on a larger scale.

Support from the Mathnasium Home Office

The relationship with the Mathnasium home office is equally vital to the brand’s culture. Beck describes the home office as a dedicated team that supports franchisees extensively, helping them to push boundaries and enhance their reach. 

"The home office really has your back in this mission, and they’re also at your back helping push you," Beck said. “This is a dedicated group of people learning from the community, transforming the business, and changing kids’ lives across the world. We are always pushing the boundaries of how many kids we can reach, how to make this environment more fun for them, and how to make it better for employees."

This robust support system, which covers everything from marketing strategies to operational tools to educational frameworks, ensures that franchisees feel confident and well-equipped to manage their centers and make a difference. 

Core Values Driving the Mission

Overall, Beck says there are three core values that lie at the heart of each and every Mathnasium operation:

People: “You are finding exceptional people and helping them become even greater,” Beck said. “Internally, we are trying to find the best people for our teams to help support franchisees, and the franchisees are finding the best people to take their centers to the next level."

Systems: “We really want to build the best systems,” Beck said. “We are a franchise, so everything we do has to be scalable and can't only work well for one person."

Humanity: “We meet the individual, child, parents and people where they are,” Beck said. “That principle has not changed."

How the Mathnasium Culture Impacts Franchisees

Lindsay Morgan, who has grown up alongside the Mathnasium brand, is a perfect example of the full-circle impact the brand’s culture can have on the people who interact with it. 

“The first time I was introduced to Mathnaisum was actually as a student,” Morgan said. “When I was a junior in high school, I had a teacher in trigonometry who was putting everyone to sleep. I was a straight-A student but I was getting a C in that class. So, I went to the local Mathnasium, got private tutoring, and my grade went right back up.”

After experiencing the effectiveness of Mathnasium's tutoring first-hand, Morgan returned to the same center as an instructor in 2008 while she was a senior in high school. Her dedication to Mathnasium's mission led her to explore opportunities at the Mathnasium home office after graduating from college. From there, she took on the role of director at a nearby corporate location, eventually becoming the district manager for seven other corporate locations. Seeking to make an even larger impact, she transitioned to roles as a field support specialist and then as a business consultant, helping franchise owners grow their businesses. 

After 12 years with the brand, Morgan’s deep-rooted connection to the Mathnasium organization culminated in her finally becoming a franchise owner herself, purchasing two territories in Fullerton and Yorba Linda in 2021.

"This brand attracts people who have a love for learning and are super passionate about helping students gain confidence,” Morgan said. “People like what they understand — the more you understand something, the more you like it. Teaching a kid to love math can completely change the path they go down in life. It's more than helping a fourth grader with homework; you are potentially changing their entire career. Just look at me — I never thought of myself as a math person, but Mathnaisum completely changed my trajectory.”

Now, as a franchise owner, Morgan says the relationship-driven culture of Mathnasium has provided her with the perfect platform to make a real difference. 

"I love that I get to impact my very own community — where I grew up and where I currently live — by helping neighbors, friends and family,” Morgan said. “I am also building relationships with my team members and with fellow franchise owners. Those relationships are really important to me.”

For entrepreneurs like Morgan looking to make a significant impact in their communities while benefiting from a global network of like-minded professionals, Mathnasium offers a unique and rewarding opportunity.

"At the end of the day, we are a company of learners,” Beck said. “If you are a curious individual who just enjoys learning new things and diving in there, this is a great franchise for you.”

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit 1851franchise.com/mathnasium/.