Sylvan Learning Franchisees Ana and Jason McCoskey Know Firsthand the Power of Education—So Now They’re Empowering Florida Students

Sylvan Learning franchisees Ana and Jason McCoskey are no strangers to the opportunities made possible by a strong education. Before becoming owners of Sylvan Learning in the greater Orlando area, Guatemala native, Ana, received a scholarship opportunity that deeply affected her and Jason benefitted from the innovative brand’s supplemental education—underscoring just how powerful a tool education really is. 

“I am originally from Guatemala City, Guatemala, where I first attended school,” shared Ana. “When I was in the first grade, my bilingual school in Guatemala kicked me out because I was ‘struggling’ with English. My mother never told me the real reason I switched schools. I went to a non-bilingual school the rest of my school years.”

According to Ana, as she progressed through school, she continued to navigate the complexities of learning English—but then she had an exciting change of fate. She received an academic scholarship to John Brown University in Arkansas.

“When I got the scholarship to go to a university in the U.S., I accepted quickly,” Ana said. “Little did I know the difficulty of learning a new language at the same time as studying at a higher education level.”

Ana persevered, ultimately earning a degree in international business and marketing with a minor in cross-cultural communication. The struggle, however, made a lasting impact on her: “It was such a blessing in my life and it’s why I value education so much,” she said. “I am a living example of great opportunities that opened up because of education.” 

Ana returned to Guatemala to begin her career as a marketing professional for Nestlé Latin Marketing department. All the while, though, the importance of a quality education—and of bringing educational opportunities to youth—stayed in the back of her mind. In 2012, Ana relocated to St. Louis as part of her role with Nestlé’s Purina pet food brand, where she met her now-husband, Jason. The two married in 2015. 

Jason McCoskey, who is originally from St. Louis, had attended Sylvan Learning for enrichment as a student in his younger years. Like his wife, he studied international business and marketing, later working as a project manager. Also like Ana, Jason was passionate about combining his business acumen with a desire to provide community-benefitting educational enrichment. 

The opportunity for the McCoskeys to do just that came when the pair moved to Oviedo, Florida—just outside of Orlando—following Ana’s completion of her MBA from John Brown University.

“We had been researching franchise opportunities for about a year and a half,” Ana said. “We knew we wanted something that would allow us to give back to the community. And we knew we were a strong team: Jason has a very analytical and organized-approach that complements my marketing and creative side.” 

Additionally, Ana was already familiar with franchising. 

“My father was a very entrepreneurial man and had the distribution rights for Entrepreneur magazine back in Guatemala,” Ana said. “I had been thinking about franchising and then, when I reflected on my and Jason’s 20-plus years of professional experience, I felt we would be a great fit.”

So why Sylvan Learning?

The two had extensively researched child enrichment and supplemental education opportunities, and while there were others in the space, they couldn’t stack up to the established, 40-year-old Sylvan brand—which is still growing.

“Sylvan was the most forward-looking company and already had a progressive approach,” said Ana. “We felt we could grow with Sylvan and we loved the technology-based model. Furthermore, the franchisees we spoke with were very open about sharing their experience owning a Sylvan franchise; it felt very much like one big family. “

Jason echoed this emphasis on due diligence and on Sylvan’s refreshing transparency. 

“My wife and I did a lot of research on franchising and we had a good idea of what it would be like,” Jason said. “We also spoke with other franchisees and listened to their insights and experiences. As a project manager, I have learned about all the variables a business must balance in order to be successful. We hope this will prove to be useful skills in our new roles as franchisees.”

Aligned with what Sylvan Learning’s executive team characterize as a mission to provide children with a bridge to success through exceptional education, the McCoskeys signed on and are now preparing to open their Oviedo Sylvan Learning Center September 27.

“Oviedo’s community is very family-oriented, is growing and a great place for raising kids,” said Jason. Sylvan’s desire is to help kids achieve their academic goals, so it is the perfect place to provide our services.”

It’s safe to say that Ana’s former English teachers would be proud.

Startup costs for a Sylvan Learning franchise range from $68,680 to $159,085, including a franchise fee is $24,000. For more information about franchising with Sylvan Learning, please visit https://sylvanfranchise.com/.