Mathnasium, Sylvan, and Alexander Tutoring: What’s the Best Option?
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A tutoring service can improve your child’s grades in school, help them prepare for high-stakes tests, and increase their chances of getting into their dream college. Choosing the right tutoring service can ensure your child has a positive experience and receives the most value from their effort.
However, the best option will depend on what your child needs, how they learn, and the subjects they’re studying. In this article, we explore the similarities and differences between three popular tutoring programs — Mathnasium vs. Sylvan Learning Center vs. Alexander Tutoring — to help you make an informed decision.
Lesson Structure and Curriculum
Some tutoring companies have a very structured process that they use with all their students, while others tailor their approach to each child's specific needs. Both approaches can be effective depending on your goals.
Mathnasium: Targeted Math-Only Curriculum
Mathnasium offers a structured math curriculum aligned with Common Core Standards that’s designed to fill any learning gaps your child may have. It’s designed to help build an intuitive number sense in children and can be used by children from preschool to high school. In addition to Common Core Math, Mathnasium offers ACT and SAT prep.
Sylvan Learning Center: Broad Curriculum and Tech Tools
Sylvan Learning Center offers a broad curriculum that covers reading, writing, math, homework help, SAT and ACT prep, and Advanced Placement support. You can choose from in-person or online classes. Sylvan tutors use technology tools, including assessment tests, to determine your child’s academic level.
Alexander Tutoring: Personalized, Concept-First
Alexander Tutoring primarily focuses on math and physics tutoring for students from 2nd grade through advanced college levels. Their tutors are all experts in their topics, including physicists, engineers, and mathematicians. Alexander Tutoring's tutors will custom-design a program based on your child’s goals, whether that’s getting ahead with math tutoring over the summer, acing the SAT or ACT, or scoring a five on their AP test.
Cost and Value
The price structure for tutoring depends on several factors, including the frequency of your child's meetings with their tutor, whether they receive one-on-one instruction, and whether the program is standardized or customized.
Mathnasium
Mathnasium has a subscription-based model, where you pay a monthly fee, and students can attend as often as they wish. It recommends two to three times per week for the best value and results. The price varies by location but averages between $200 and $300 per month.
Sylvan Learning Center
Sylvan Learning Centers are locally owned and operated, so prices vary by location and the specific services offered. Personalized tutoring typically costs $50 or more per hour. ACT and SAT group classes typically cost around $900 or more per class. Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and academic camps run around $200 or more per camp.
Alexander Tutoring
Alexander Tutoring employs a subscription-based model, ranging from $295 to $895 monthly, to work with the top 1% of educators in the U.S. They offer a complimentary, one-hour initial session, which includes a detailed evaluation of your child’s current level and a personalized recommendation for next steps.
Convenience and Flexibility
Fitting in tutoring among your family’s other obligations can be challenging, so finding a flexible, convenient option can make your life easier.
Mathnasium
Mathnasium offers in-person and live, online classes. You can schedule classes through one of their 1,100 locations. It’s online tutoring programming follows the same curriculum as the in-person option.
Sylvan Learning Center
Sylvan’s online tutoring sessions follow the same format as its in-person sessions. Sylvan has over 750 locations worldwide, so you can schedule a session that’s convenient for you.
Alexander Tutoring
Alexander Tutoring offers online math tutoring and physics tutoring to accommodate your schedule.
Tutor Quality and Teaching Style
It’s essential that the instructors tutoring your child have a thorough understanding of the subject matter, enabling them to effectively answer your child’s questions and teach in a manner that students understand.
Mathnasium
Mathnasium tutors are typically college students or graduates who are trained in the Mathnasium method of teaching. They’re not necessarily certified teachers or subject-matter experts.
Sylvan Learning Center
Sylvan Learning Center tutors typically hold a bachelor’s degree in a subject related to their area of tutoring.
Alexander Tutoring
Alexander Tutoring shines in this area. All of its tutors are elite professionals who often hold advanced degrees in their respective fields and have years of experience in education. Your child will learn from experts who can help them make sophisticated connections and ignite their love of learning.
Student Experience
The student experience is a critical factor in finding a great tutor for your child. If they learn best in a personalized, hands-on environment, a structured, computer-based approach may not be the best fit.
Mathnasium
Mathnasium’s math tutoring services are structured programs that focus on repetitive practice of core skills rather than individual exploration. Students often rotate between individual work and time with the tutor. There are typically two or three students per tutor to support more individualized attention. It can be a good option for students who don’t get enough practice with school assignments.
Sylvan Learning Center
Sylvan Learning combines screen-based lessons with tutor interactions in small groups, typically consisting of around three students. The atmosphere is school-like, but it’s not as rigid, and groups are smaller. It can be a good option for independent learners who enjoy gamified platforms.
Alexander Tutoring
Alexander Tutoring is entirely one-on-one tutoring. Your child will receive the tutor’s undivided attention, and all lessons are tailored to their individual learning style and personality. Tutors work with your child to make math and physics more meaningful and delve deeper into topics of interest. It’s a good option if you want to build confidence and a love of learning in your child.
What Parents Say
Here’s what parents have to say about each of the tutoring companies:
Mathnasium
Mathnasium has an average of 3.7 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot. Many reviews are positive, focusing on the gains children have made since beginning. Others report that their children are now enjoying math when they hadn’t in the past. However, some parents complain about arbitrary price increases in the middle of a program and the fact that tutors marked answers correct that were incorrect.
Sylvan Learning Center
Sylvan Learning Center has an average of 2.9 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot. One parent expressed frustration at the center’s inability to effectively tutor their child with dyslexia, and others note there are better options, as their child didn’t improve. Positive reviews mention that the tutors were nice and worked with students individually.
Alexander Tutoring
Alexander Tutoring reviews are very positive, with an average 5-star rating from 253 reviews on Google and Yelp. Parents note how their children have become more confident in math and physics as a result of patient, expert tutors. They note that their children have gained a deeper understanding as a result of their tutoring sessions.
Mathnasium vs. Sylvan Learning vs. Alexander Tutoring: Comparison
| Variables | Mathnasium | Sylvan Learning | Alexander Tutoring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing: | Subscription-based | $50+/hour, $900+/class | Subscription-based |
| Subjects covered: | Math, test prep | Math, reading, writing, test prep | Math, physics, chemistry, and test prep |
| Rating: | 3.7/5 | 2.9/5 | 5/5 |
| Flexibility: | In-person and online options | In-person and online options | Online |
| Modes of teaching: | Structured curriculum | Adaptive computer-based and small groups | Customized for each child’s needs |
Choose the Best Tutoring Center for Long-Term Success
The right tutoring center can make or break your child’s learning experience. When selecting a tutor, consider:
- The subjects your child needs help with
- Their preferred learning style
- The quality of the tutoring center
Sylvan can be a good choice if your child needs to catch up to grade level in reading and learns well in small groups. If you're looking for highly qualified experts to give your child a deep understanding of math and science topics, Alexander Tutoring is a fantastic option.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
