Sylvan Learning in Layton, Utah, Celebrates 15 Years, Continuing a Legacy of Student Success

For more than two decades, Rose Romero has been dedicated to helping students thrive through Sylvan Learning. Her journey with the brand began long before she became a franchisee — first as a parent seeking support for her own child, then as a center director and later in leadership roles supporting multiple locations. When the opportunity arose to take over the center in Layton, Utah, she knew it was the perfect fit.

Now, as the Layton center celebrates 15 years, Romero reflects on how far it has come and the impact it continues to have on local students and families. Her connection to Sylvan goes beyond being an owner as someone who personally understands the power of education. Having faced her own learning challenges after a serious accident in her youth, she knows firsthand what it means to overcome obstacles and regain confidence. That perspective fuels her passion for ensuring every student who walks through Sylvan’s doors gets the support they need to succeed.

1851 Franchise spoke to Romero about her franchise journey with Sylvan Learning and the Layton center’s 15-year milestone. Here’s what she had to say.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What were you doing before franchising? How did you decide it was for you?

Rose Romero: My journey started in the daycare world, working with kids — first as a teacher, then as a director. After having children of my own, I found myself needing support when my oldest, now 33, suffered a medical issue that caused her to miss an entire year of school. She needed extra help, and while I’d love to say I googled “Sylvan,” the truth is I picked up a phone book. That’s how we found Sylvan and my daughter became a student there.

From the moment I walked in, I thought, “This is exactly what teaching is supposed to be like.” I started as a center director, quickly moved to a multi-center director and then transitioned into running the state of Utah. I did that for quite some time before stepping into the role of director of education, then as a regional leader, traveling and working with Sylvan in different capacities.

Originally, I worked on the corporate side, but when the state of Utah was purchased by franchisee Mike Loudon, he made an effort to visit all the centers and get to know everyone. As he was deciding who to bring on board, my one condition was that I would stay if he purchased the northern territory, since that’s where I lived and where I first started with the Layton center.

When he eventually decided to step away, it only made sense for him to offer me the northern territory. And that’s how I became a franchisee. My entire career has been centered around working with kids, and I’ve never looked back.

1851: What have been some of the most significant achievements or milestones you’ve reached since becoming a franchisee?

Romero: For me, it’s been about building a personal connection with families. I had that connection before, but now, as a franchisee, I make the decisions. I don’t have to ask for permission.

One of the biggest achievements has been engaging with the community in a way I felt was missing for a long time. Being able to go out and bridge the gaps between what schools need, what Sylvan offers and how Sylvan can support both schools and the community has been my greatest accomplishment so far. It’s about creating a world where we all work together.

1851: How would you say that Sylvan has positively impacted children and families in your community?

Romero: It’s incredible to see the strength in these children — to watch them beam with confidence after just a short time with us and to see their scores rise. But it’s not just the child who feels the impact — it’s the entire family.

That positivity then spreads into the community, whether at church, school or other places where they share their experiences. It creates this ripple effect of “I can do it, I’m successful,” and it encourages others to seek that same support if they need it. That feeling of I can do it has been one of the most powerful impacts Sylvan has had.

1851: What would you say sets your center staff apart? 

Romero: I would say it’s the culture we’ve built. Our teachers come in knowing they are here for the students, but I see it as my responsibility to be there for them. I know they spend all day teaching at school and then come straight to Sylvan. This is like a second home for them, so I make sure they have what they need — whether it’s a stocked fridge or quick snacks — because they don’t always get a chance to stop in between.

When teachers feel supported and cared for, that energy naturally flows to the kids. I truly believe that Sylvan has an incredible training system and core philosophy that helps teachers understand why we do this and what the ultimate goal is. My role as an owner and director is to ensure they’re getting that positive reinforcement, staying engaged with their training and feeling valued.

We have a lot of dedicated, caring teachers here in Davis County who love what they do. When they feel supported, they’re excited to keep doing this work, day and night.

1851: Are there any unique programs or initiatives that have contributed to your success?

Romero: Right now, Utah has an incredible scholarship program called Utah Fits All. I believe many states have similar initiatives, but Utah’s program has been a great opportunity for us. Building relationships with homeschool families through this program has been a meaningful experience. While I’m still working on strengthening our partnerships with local schools, Utah Fits All has allowed us to connect with a whole new community.

I’ve been with Sylvan for 23 years and homeschooling has never really been a target market we’ve focused on. But now, being able to support parents who are navigating homeschooling on their own has been a rewarding experience for both sides. It’s been a great merging of support and resources.

Beyond that, I’m continuing to build relationships with local schools, whether it’s through partnerships or simple gestures like providing banners to show our support. I’m excited to keep growing those connections.

1851: As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Layton center, how do you see the future of the centers and Sylvan overall?

Romero: I see us continuing to grow, with more satisfied families who are excited about their progress and sharing their experiences with others. I see us soaring — keeping that momentum going, staying engaged in the community and making sure people know we’re here to support them.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Romero: I was actually a student with Sylvan when I was a child, but I don’t have a lot of memory of anything before the age of 16 when I was in a bad accident. I want kids to know that if I was able to relearn so much after that, they can overcome their own challenges.

1851: What advice would you offer prospective franchisees who are considering joining Sylvan?

Romero: If you have the passion and the heart for this, you won’t find another career that gives you the same sense of fulfillment. Every night, you’ll go home knowing you made an impact.

Yes, the big picture is incredible, but it’s the small moments in between that truly matter. Watching a child go from being withdrawn to showing a shy smirk, then eventually walking in grinning from ear to ear — that’s the magic of Sylvan. It’s about creating an environment where kids feel important and supported, and that’s what makes this work so rewarding.

ABOUT SYLVAN LEARNING

With more than 45 years of experience and more than 710 points of presence, 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.

ABOUT UNLEASHED BRANDS

Unleashed Brands currently includes portfolio brands Urban Air, Snapology, The Little Gym, XP League, Class 101, Premier Martial Arts and Sylvan Learning and was founded to curate and grow a portfolio of the most innovative and profitable brands that help kids learn, play and grow. Over the last 10 years, the team at Unleashed Brands has built a proven platform and know-how for scaling businesses focused on serving families. Its mission is to impact the lives of every kid by providing fun, engaging and inspiring experiences that help them become who they are destined to be. For more information, please visit www.unleashedbrands.com.