Set up for academic success

Students are settling back into the classroom, getting reacclimated to challenging coursework and new teachers. As the arrival of their first report cards is coming next month, do you know how well your child is doing? If setting them up for academic success is important to you, consider Sylvan Learning of Mentor.

It offers a proven research- and science-based approach that’s individualized to the student.

Unlike a classroom teacher, who is responsible for 25 or more students, the educators here create a customized learning plan for every child based on a comprehensive assessment. 

“We take the time to identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses, pinpointing where they can best be challenged,” says Executive Director Melissa Fryer, who is joined by Center Director Lorie Strouse, Director of Education Jennifer Arnone and a dedicated team of lifelong educators. “Then we build a program around that. The learning experience we’ve cultivated allows us to help students bridge gaps, build confidence and reach their full academic potential.”

Celebrating more than 40 years in Mentor, Melissa and her staff are thrilled to have moved into a larger space on Center Street in June.

“With dry- erase tables, manipulatives and flexible learning spaces, our student-to-teacher ratio of 3-to-1 has proven successful for students from kindergarten through seniors in high school,” says Melissa. “We offer everything from homework support to tutoring and college entrance exam test prep.”

Meet Garret

For many parents, academic support begins when they notice their child is struggling. But for Dawn Phinney, whose son Garret is gifted, the decision to explore Sylvan Learning was not about catching up—it was about helping him succeed.

Garret began at the center in fifth grade and today is a high-achieving high school student taking honors-level coursework and preparing for college. Along the way, Sylvan has become a trusted part of his academic journey, helping him strengthen study habits, tackle challenging subjects and prepare for make-or-break standardized tests. Garret’s story is an excellent example of how Sylvan goes beyond traditional tutoring.

“My parents were both schoolteachers, and I knew he wasn’t getting enough attention to reach peak academic performance,” says Dawn. “Early on, the team provided enrichment opportunities that complemented what he was learning in school. As classes became more demanding, Sylvan helped him navigate honors geometry, biology and chemistry, while also developing the study and problem-solving strategies needed for long-term success in any subject. The individualized attention has made a tremendous difference.”

This high school sophomore is already eyeing either the medical field or engineering and his “pick school” is The Ohio State University.

Highly Collaborative Team

Communication is often mentioned in the many five-star reviews Sylvan has received over the years. What parents appreciate most is how the team functions, with tutors connecting with parents and the students’ classroom teachers to review progress, adjust learning plans and ensure students are receiving the support they need. 

“Through monthly parent conferences, we review progress and plan the next steps together,” says Melissa. “Our team collaborates through SylvanSync proprietary software for an efficient flow of actionable information.”

She adds that motivation is also a pillar of their program. Students earn tokens for effort and attitude, save for rewards to redeem on the prize wall, and can be recognized as students of the month. 

“For some, this is the first time they’ve received recognition for academics, which builds confidence,” she says. “We help students believe in themselves while providing the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and in life.”

Sylvan Learning of Mentor 

7271 Center Street, Mentor

440-255-0055

SylvanLearning.com