Sylvan Learning opens in Brandon

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This article was published 14/02/2024 (680 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sylvan Learning has found a new home in Brandon to support the Westman region.

With more than 750 locations across the world, the learning institute provides personalized learning programs and primarily serves students in primary and secondary education.

The new learning centre, situated in the Shoppers Mall at Unit 61-1570 18th St., is intended to make a significant impact on education, especially in addressing the learning gaps created by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Owner Joshua Malyk told the Sun the centre is dedicated to enhancing students’ foundational skills from kindergarten through Grade 12. He underscores the significance of personalized learning based on individual pacing and styles, with a methodology involving ongoing assessments, teacher observations and attitude surveys to guarantee continual growth and improvement.

“I went to Sylvan as a child to improve my writing, reading and math skills,” Malyk said. “Having worked at the centre, too (in Winnipeg), I decided children in Brandon also deserve access to such quality learning experience. That’s when I decided, with my mom’s support, to bring Sylvan Learning to Brandon.”

The city’s growth in recent years also makes it an attractive location, he said.

“Brandon, experiencing growth, faces a significant void in supplemental education resources. Our objective is to contribute positively to the future of Brandon.”

While Joshua oversees various aspects of the business, including marketing, his mother, Deborah Malyk, takes on the role of director, interacting with families and understanding their educational needs.

“Our goal is to challenge students, ensuring they grow and meet not only the curriculum standards but also the expectations of parents,” Deborah told the Sun. “We’re a family helping other families, and it’s a dream come true to work alongside my son and see him pursue his passion in education and helping others.”

With an investment worth about $100,000 in the learning centre, Deborah said creating a conducive environment involved renovations, including the installation of glass doors for visibility, and creating a comfortable and safe atmosphere for students.

The pricing structure includes hourly rates and the centre offers flexibility, allowing families to choose from different packages based on their budget and needs.

“The cost per hour is $55 … slightly below the Winnipeg base price of $60,” Deborah said. “In our post-assessment report, we outline the number of sessions required for the students to reach their academic goals.”

If the target is 35 sessions, opting for two sets of 20 sessions each would result in a slightly reduced rate, perhaps around $53 per hour, she said, adding the pricing structure is not cast in stone but based on the various package options available.

“While sustainability is essential, we are not driven by extravagant profits but aim to offer a viable service that contributes to the success of families and children,” she said. “Recognizing that our pricing may pose challenges for some families, we regret any limitations but emphasize the necessity to compensate certified teachers adequately.”

Sylvan Learning Brandon aims to collaborate with local schools and educational institutions, and Deborah expressed the desire to work with teachers, with parental consent, to bridge the gap between Sylvan’s personalized approach and traditional classroom settings.

Regarding future expansion, Joshua said as the business stabilizes, there are plans to introduce advanced programs, including robotics and co-op programs, in nearby communities, where educators would provide instruction once or twice every week.

“Exploring possibilities like Portage la Prairie, a growing city, Neepawa, Rivers are on the horizon,” Joshua said. “However, Brandon remains a focal point due to its size, prominence and location between Winnipeg and Saskatchewan. The continuous growth of our services is evident, with new centres emerging regularly.”

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