Sylvan Learning Tutor-Turned-Owner Celebrates One Year of Empowering Students in Maine

For Leah LaClaire, education has always been more than just a profession — it’s a calling. From tutoring at Sylvan Learning in 2007 to working in the company’s corporate office, she developed a deep understanding of the brand and its impact on students. When the opportunity arose to take over her first franchise in Essex, Vermont, she didn’t hesitate. 

Now, as the owner of two Sylvan Learning centers in Vermont and Maine, LaClaire is celebrating her Topsham location’s one-year anniversary. Reflecting on this year of growth, community engagement and the strong relationships built with local families, LaClaire credits her dedicated team for the center’s success.

As the only Sylvan Learning center in Maine, LaClaire is committed to providing students in the mid-coast region with the tools they need to succeed academically. Looking ahead, she is focused on expanding Sylvan’s reach in Maine, ensuring even more families benefit from Sylvan’s expert tutoring services. With her passion for helping students thrive and a vision for growth, LaClaire is on a mission to bring Sylvan’s proven educational support to more families across the state.

1851 Franchise spoke with LaClaire about franchising with Sylvan and hitting the one-year milestone with her Topsham center. Here’s what she had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Leah LaClaire: I began tutoring for Sylvan Learning in 2007 after graduate school. At that time, I was also working at a middle school, and the Sylvan Learning center had recently opened in the area. I immediately felt that it aligned with my skills and interests, so I began tutoring for the local franchisee. I quickly fell in love with the work and took the opportunity to learn everything I could about the business. Over time, I worked my way up to become the Director of Education.

I eventually left my middle school position and transitioned into a full-time role at Sylvan. After several years, I had the chance to work with Sylvan’s corporate office, where I spent seven years, gaining an even deeper understanding of the company’s operations. Throughout this time, I stayed in touch with the local franchisee, and when he was ready to move on, he offered me the opportunity to take over the franchise.

I knew I had the support I needed from the corporate office and other franchisees, and my passion for education made it a perfect fit. In March 2020, I became a franchisee for Sylvan Learning in Vermont. Although the timing wasn’t ideal due to COVID-19, it turned out to be a great decision. A year and a half ago, I saw an opportunity in Maine, where there hadn’t been a Sylvan Learning center for many years. Being from Maine, I felt it was the right time to bring Sylvan’s educational services to the mid-coast region, where I grew up.

1851: What do you believe has contributed to the success of your location over the past year?

LaClaire: I have a fantastic team at the center, which has been crucial, especially since I’m managing locations in two states. The biggest challenge has been balancing my time between Vermont and Maine, but I trust my team completely. 

I have to give all the credit to my center director in Topsham, Heather Knowles. She’s absorbed everything about Sylvan, has the same drive I do and works hard to ensure we’re a trusted partner with the families in our community. I feel confident that everything is running smoothly in Topsham so I don’t have to worry too much from Vermont. The growth we’ve seen in enrollments over the past few months shows that we’re on the right track.

1851: Any plans to celebrate the anniversary?

LaClaire: We’re planning a small anniversary celebration in the summer, when the weather’s nicer and school has let out for the summer.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

LaClaire: I imagined franchisees as always working around the clock to make their businesses succeed. Having worked in the corporate office, I had an insider’s view, so I didn’t go into it with rose-colored glasses. I knew it was going to be a lot of hard work, but I also knew it was something I could do with the right support. 

To be successful in franchising, you have to be 100% committed to your industry or trade Passion is key. In this business, you have to have a passion for what you do, whether it’s the business side, the education side or both.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

LaClaire:  I was already passionate about education, and Sylvan offered me the opportunity to make a real difference in students’ lives. What excites me most is seeing the “aha” moments when students go from struggling to succeeding. I love witnessing the joy of learning and being a part of that transformation every day.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

LaClaire: Our primary goal is to spread the word about Sylvan in Maine. Currently, I’m the only Sylvan Learning franchisee in the state, and I want more people to know we’re here. I’m also considering expanding into other parts of the state, maybe southern or central Maine. There are lots of opportunities for growth, and we’re looking into satellite locations as well.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

LaClaire: If you're in education and thinking about franchising, you need to be willing to accept help from people with business expertise. When I transitioned into the business side, I had to rely on mentors and other franchisees who had more experience. It’s important to surround yourself with a network of people who can support you and offer guidance.

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

LaClaire: My main goal in opening the Topsham location was to bring a valuable resource back to the area where I grew up. I know that Sylvan’s services can truly make a difference for families here, and I’m excited to continue growing and helping more students succeed.

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.