Why This Former Teacher Opened a Sylvan Learning Franchise and Hasn’t Looked Back

For Tucson, Arizona-based educator Lori Parker, becoming a Sylvan Learning franchisee in 2021 was an opportunity to return to what she loved most about teaching: making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in her community and their families. 

Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of supplemental and enrichment education for K–12 students with 710-plus points of presence, provides students with an incremental, customized learning experience and an environment of mutual respect for both students and educators — attributes that Lori says many district school systems lack.

“I found that the district life didn’t really suit me,” Parker said. “Maybe because I came into it late, but I had some pretty defined ideas of what education should be and what it should look like — probably based on my own education — and I found it didn’t mesh well with where I was in my life.”

Parker holds a dual degree in K–8 education and special education K–12, and out of college, she became both a substitute teacher with a district school system and an educator with Sylvan Learning. Over time, however, Parker found herself committing to more roles with Sylvan and less with the district schools.

“As a substitute teacher in a district system, you never know what you’re going to get. There may be a lesson plan and materials waiting for you, or there may not be,” she said. “Subs aren’t always treated with respect, either — from students and staff alike.”

Compared to the district systems, Sylvan Learning provided an encouraging environment and proven teaching methodology to allow both students and educators to thrive. So when considering next steps for her career, investing in Sylvan stood out as an exciting opportunity.

“The costs of owning a Sylvan franchise were reasonable, so after doing our research and speaking with the owner (of the center where I was currently working) extensively, we decided to take the plunge.”

Though COVID-19 initially slowed her ability to secure needed financing and moving to Arizona, Parker was able to open the doors of her Sylvan Learning franchise in 2021. And as COVID-related restrictions lifted and schools reopened, student acquisition is reaching a regular pace.

“Lori is a great example of a franchise partner who found a love for Sylvan and noticed how great we make teaching for teachers,” said Sylvan’s CEO John McAuliffe. “We provide the curriculum and technology and remove the headaches from working in schools and allow teachers to just do what they love - make a difference in the lives of children in their community.”

Looking ahead, Parker would like to open at least one new Sylvan Learning in Tucson. And though she has a satellite unit in Sierra Vista, she would like to establish a brick and mortar location there.

As for Sylvan’s corporate office and other Sylvan franchisees, Parker says she couldn’t have gotten this far without their ongoing support.

“In so many franchise situations, the other owners are your competitors. But at Sylvan, it’s a family. All franchisees will bend over backwards to support you and help you succeed. It speaks volumes about the culture there and what the corporate team has built.”

Start-up costs range from $85,525-$186,930. Learn more at www.sylvanfranchise.com.