Parent FAQs – mySylvan Marketplace+

Here are questions and answers to help you better understand how mySylvan Marketplace+ works.
As you’ll see, it’s easy to connect with a great online or in-person tutor and set your child up for success.

What is Sylvan all about?

Sylvan Learning is a leading provider of supplemental education services for students of all abilities. We provide tutoring with our proven adaptive learning programs, homework support, test prep, and more for kids in grades K-12. We have served millions of students for over 40 years with proven outcomes and more confident kids, and now we are partnering with tutors and teachers in your area to bring the best of what Sylvan offers in our learning centers into your home.

At Sylvan, we believe that education is everything and that a child’s learning should be personal. That’s why our programs are adaptive and personalized to target each student’s unique academic needs and ensure success with his or her goals.

mySylvan Marketplace+ tutors are there every step of the way to encourage students and foster a love of learning. Across our 750+ locations, millions of students have experienced real results and success with Sylvan. We’re honored that families continue to turn to Sylvan for all of their educational needs.

 

 

What is mySylvan Marketplace+?

mySylvan Marketplace+ delivers anytime, anywhere tutoring support to help your child succeed. We know how busy family life can be! Our extensive network of highly qualified online and in-person tutors makes it easy to find and connect with the right tutor for your child’s academic goals.

With mySylvan Marketplace+, scheduling is easy and convenient. It can be done directly with your child’s tutor using the website or mobile app. The tutor can come meet with your child in the home, a mutually convenient public location, or even online. Best of all, you can browse tutors, book a tutoring session, communicate with your tutor, and make payments, all online with the click of a button. mySylvan Marketplace+ has a dedicated team ready to support you every step of the way – just call 888-997-0145 or email Family@SylvanLearning.com if you need help getting started!

 

Which grade levels does mySylvan Marketplace+ support?

mySylvan Marketplace+ tutors work with students in grades K-12 in a variety of subject areas. When you browse tutor profiles, you will see a brief description about each tutor, including his or her area(s) of expertise, credentials, and which grade ranges he or she tutors, so you can choose the best fit for your family.

 

How do I get started?

It’s easy! You simply create a free account on our website or mobile app and complete your family’s profile. There is no cost to join or use the platform. Then, you can browse our extensive list of qualified online and in-person tutors by subject(s), availability, and a variety of other filters, add details about your child’s needs, find a tutor that fits your schedule, and book a session.

 

How do I find a tutor and book a session?

Using the mySylvan Marketplace+ website or mobile app, you can browse mySylvan Marketplace+ tutors by city or zip code to see tutors in your area or online. You can also search by subject, grade level, hourly rates to find exactly what you need.

Once you find a tutor that looks like the right fit for your family, you can check his or her availability and send a session request. When the tutor confirms the session, your child is all set to have his or her first mySylvan Marketplace+ tutoring session!

If you prefer, our Marketplace Success team standing by and ready to assist you with booking a session. Our experienced team members can help you identify a great tutor that best fits your needs. You can reach us by calling 888-997-0145 or emailing us at Family@SylvanLearning.com to get started!

 

How do I know if my session is confirmed and booked?

After you send a session request to a tutor and he or she responds, you’ll receive notifications via email and on the mySylvan Marketplace+ website and/or mobile app. You can also go to your My Sessions page online or in the mobile app to see all the upcoming sessions for your child that have been confirmed, as well as session details, including location, day and time, duration, and subjects. You also can communicate directly with your tutor to confirm any details related to your tutoring session.

 

How do I communicate with my tutor?

Our easy-to-use website and mobile app allow you to communicate directly with your child’s tutor. It’s a great way for you to keep in touch and receive helpful updates — like when a session has started or when a session is complete and ready for your approval. The tutor can also provide valuable session feedback on what your child is learning and how he or she is progressing right on the website or mobile app!

 

How long is a tutoring session? How frequently should we meet with a tutor?

The sessions can run as short as 30 minutes or as long as 3 hours. When you create a session request, you’ll specify the desired length of time.

You and your tutor can work together to establish a schedule and frequency that is best for your child’s needs and your family’s budget. You can meet as frequently or infrequently as is necessary — for an entire school year or simply to prep for a test. Whatever your child needs, we’ve got you covered.

We know that students of all levels who meet with our tutors for at least one hour per week (and more regularly over time) show steady progress, but every child’s needs are different. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

 

Does a parent or legal guardian need to be present during each session?

Yes. We require a parent or legal guardian to be present at the meeting location for each session regardless of whether it is an in-person or online session.

 

Are we able to meet at a location other than my home?

Yes! mySylvan Marketplace+ tutoring is all about convenience for your family. That’s why our tutors will come to you — anytime, anywhere! You’ll be able to specify your desired tutoring location when you create a session request, whether you want to meet at your home, a library, your favorite coffee shop, or online.

We recommend that you choose a meeting environment that’s conducive to learning. If you’re working with a tutor who is certified in the Sylvan Method and is using our SylvanSync digital learning platform, the location needs to have a Wi-Fi connection, too. (For homework help or test prep, Wi-Fi is not required.)

 

Who are the tutors?

mySylvan Marketplace+ tutors range from teachers to professionals in their fields of work. All of our tutors have at least a four-year college degree. Many of them are certified teachers, and all of them are experts and professionals in the subject area(s) they are tutoring.

When browsing tutors, you can see our tutors’ teaching credentials, areas of expertise, professional experience, educational background, and reviews from other parents.

All mySylvan Marketplace+ tutors are Sylvan Approved. This means they have all successfully undergone the rigorous screening process required by mySylvan Marketplace+, including a personal interview and a third-party background check.

Tutors who are “Certified in the Sylvan Method™” have elected to use the proven Sylvan Method as part of their tutoring, and they have completed additional product training on our SylvanSync digital learning platform to deliver an adaptive and personalized learning program for your child in reading or math. Our Sylvan Method has proven, research-backed outcomes, resulting in millions of successful students. Students in our Sylvan Learning Centers using SylvanSync and our proven Sylvan Method show up to three times more academic growth than their peers.

 

Do mySylvan Marketplace+ tutors complete a background check?

Yes! We take the safety of students and your peace-of-mind very seriously. That’s why we require every tutor to successfully pass a secure, third-party background check prior to becoming a mySylvan Marketplace+ tutor. We also re-check each tutor every year. Safety is a top priority for us.

 

What qualifications are required for mySylvan Marketplace+ tutors?

In addition to completing a successful background check, every Sylvan In-Home tutor must meet our high-quality standards to become a Sylvan Approved tutor. We look for professionals who have college degrees and subject matter expertise in their fields of study, state-certified teachers, and teachers who have proven classroom or teaching experience.

Most importantly, we take the time to conduct screenings and interviews with all tutors to ensure they’re a good fit and to confirm they’re as passionate and excited about helping kids as we are!

 

How do I know if my tutor has a state teaching certificate?

To identify tutors who have a state teaching certificate, look for the special badge on their profile page. These tutors have the distinction of meeting strict qualifications in the state where they hold their certificate. State teaching certificates ensure a standard of teaching expertise and experience.

 

Why don’t you require all tutors to have a state teaching certificate?

We believe that having a teaching certificate is a plus, but not all amazing tutors are certified teachers. We do have a few specialty subjects that require tutors to have a teaching certificate, but for other subjects, a certificate isn’t necessary. For example, some mathematicians may not spend their days teaching in a classroom; however, they’re experts in their fields, they have a deep understanding of the content, and they’re excited to teach students their craft.

 

What is the difference between a Sylvan Approved tutor and a tutor who is Certified in the Sylvan Method™?

All mySylvan Marketplace+ tutors are Sylvan Approved. This means they’ve passed our interview process, met our qualification standards, and have successfully passed a background check. Sylvan Approved tutors are ready and able to help with your family’s tutoring needs — including homework support, test prep, and support in a specific subject. On each tutor’s profile page, you’ll find the age ranges and subject areas for which he or she is qualified to tutor. When you search for tutors, you’ll be matched with tutors who will be able to serve your child’s grade level and academic tutoring needs.

Tutors who are Certified in the Sylvan Method have completed additional product training and have access to SylvanSync, Sylvan’s adaptive digital learning platform for math and reading, which adjusts to target your child’s individual needs. In Sylvan Learning Centers, students who use SylvanSync typically see up to three times more growth in their math and reading scores than their peers. It works!

Tutors who are Certified in the Sylvan Method can develop a full-support plan for your child in math or reading that addresses your child’s skill gaps. You can identify these tutors by looking for the “Certified in the Sylvan Method” badge on their profile page.

All mySylvan Marketplace+ tutors are dedicated to providing your child with the personalized instruction that’s needed to build confidence and achieve success.

 

How will choosing a tutor who is Certified in the Sylvan Method™ help me and my child?

Tutors who are Certified in the Sylvan Method bring Sylvan’s approach, which has been proven by independent research, right to you and will address your child’s skill gaps even faster. Our Sylvan Insight Assessment will pinpoint your child’s exact needs, so your tutor can make an impact right away. Your tutor will create a personalized learning plan specifically for your child that will adapt as he or she progresses to keep your child engaged. In Sylvan Learning Centers, students who use SylvanSync typically see up to three times more growth in their math and reading scores than their peers.

 

What is SylvanSync™?

SylvanSync offers a truly engaging learning experience. Using personalized digital lessons, our tutors who are Certified in the Sylvan Method address your child’s unique needs efficiently and effectively.

Here’s what you can expect with SylvanSync:

  • Our tutors teach your child lessons using an iPad. This adds a fun and highly engaging element to the learning experience, and complements the use of any paper and pencil exercises.
  • Your child then applies what he or she just learned by completing assigned exercises, as part of his or her learning plan, on the iPad.
  • These exercises are adaptive and follow your child’s personal learning plan, meaning that they adjust to your child’s pace and make learning more rewarding and less frustrating.
  • Our tutors score your child’s exercises and walk him or her through missed answers. There’s an opportunity for additional practice if needed.
  • Because SylvanSync is personalized to your child’s exact needs, targeted instruction will close your child’s skill gaps faster and you’ll see his or her confidence rise.
  • Independent research shows that students in Sylvan Learning Centers using this proven Sylvan Method show up to three times more academic growth than their peers.

 

What grades can use SylvanSync™?

SylvanSync Reading spans Pre-K through grade 12 content. SylvanSync Math spans kindergarten through Algebra I content.

 

In which subjects do the tutors specialize?

mySylvan Marketplace+ tutors have expertise in a wide range of subjects. They can help with everything from homework assignments, to science projects, to developing your student’s writing skills. When booking a tutoring session, you can search for tutors based on the preferred subject area for your child.

 

How does the tutor know how to help my child?

We love getting to know you and your child! During or prior to the first session, your mySylvan Marketplace+ tutor will start by asking about your child’s needs and goals. We think it’s important for tutors and students to make a quality connection, as the relationship between a student and a tutor plays a large role in the success of the sessions.

In addition, ask your tutor if he or she can evaluate your child using our Assessment Toolkit during the first session or in following sessions. It takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete. The assessment toolkit gives you and your tutor insight into your child’s academic needs. The assessment brings to the surface skills that need to be addressed and allows the tutor to kick start your child’s personalized plan for success, so you will see results more quickly.

 

Will my child get SylvanSync™ if we are just focused on homework support?

If you select a tutor who is Certified in the Sylvan Method, then he or she will have access to SylvanSync. Your tutor can use the SylvanSync content to enhance and strengthen your child’s skills. You and your tutor can decide how much time should be spent on homework, other school work, and SylvanSync.

 

Does my child have to own an iPad as well for SylvanSync instruction?

No. Students are not required to have an iPad in order to receive SylvanSync instruction. If meeting in-person, your child’s tutor will use his or her own iPad to deliver instruction.

 

If my child is doing online instruction, can he or she still use SylvanSync?

Yes! Online students can also receive SylvanSync instruction utilizing screen sharing technology with his or her tutor.

 

How can I find out how my child is doing?

Your tutor will regularly provide you with feedback on your child’s progress. In addition, your tutor can use the website or mobile app to document details related to your child’s progress, concepts tackled, and accomplishments, which will be sent to you as an update after each session. Ultimately, our goal is to celebrate improvements in your child’s grades, confidence, and classroom performance together!

If your child is using SylvanSync there will be regular skill updates and check-ins that assess your child’s movement throughout his or her learning plan. Your tutor will use these tools to communicate progress with you.

 

Will the tutor communicate with my child’s classroom teacher?

If you’d like for your tutor to communicate with your child’s classroom teacher, be sure to let your tutor know and provide him or her with the teacher’s contact information. We also recommend giving your child’s classroom teacher a heads-up, so he or she knows to expect contact from your child’s mySylvan Marketplace+ tutor. Most often, we see positive results when you, your tutor, and your child’s classroom teacher stay in close contact on your child’s needs, progress, and success.

 

What if I’m not happy with my tutor?

We’re 100% confident you’ll like your mySylvan Marketplace+ tutor. With that said, if you feel your tutor isn’t the best fit for your family after the first session, simply contact our support team. Your family’s satisfaction matters! With our Great Tutor Guarantee, we’ll apply a full credit in the amount of the previous session toward your child’s next session with a new tutor. There’s absolutely no risk in trying out tutoring with mySylvan Marketplace+. (Please note, redemption of the Great Tutor Guarantee is limited to one time per student.)

 

How do I get in touch with mySylvan Marketplace+ regarding the Great Tutor Guarantee?

We’re here to help your family any time, and if you aren’t satisfied, we want to know. There are a few different ways to reach the Marketplace Success team if you have concerns about your tutor. You can email us directly at Family@SylvanLearning.com or call us at 888-997-0145. You can also raise a dispute when you receive the session summary on the website or mobile app, and one of our support team members will contact you as quickly as possible.

 

Does my child have to meet with the same tutor for every session?

No, not at all. The choice is yours. You may have a single tutor or multiple tutors for different subjects and needs. Keep in mind that consistency makes a positive impact on student success, so if you find a great tutor with whom your child clicks, you may want to stick with that tutor. These relationships are important.

Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to tutoring and kids, so you are free to do what works best for your family.

 

How do I schedule my child’s mySylvan Marketplace+ tutoring sessions?

Scheduling your child’s sessions is quick and easy! Simply sign in to the website or mobile app and request a session with your selected tutor. Once the tutor confirms your request, you’ll receive a confirmation that your tutoring session has been booked.

If you find a tutor you love, you can browse to your previous sessions and click “book again” to select a time and date for a follow-up session.

 

How often should my child meet with his or her mySylvan Marketplace+ tutor?

Research and best practices show that students who meet with their tutors on a regular and frequent basis make the most progress toward achieving their desired goals.

With that said, every student has unique academic needs and goals. Once you’ve connected with your mySylvan Marketplace+ tutor, you’ll be able to work together to establish the best frequency and schedule for your child’s needs. However, as with anything, consistency is the key to success!

 

How much does mySylvan Marketplace+ tutoring cost?

The short answer is that it varies by tutor.

We know that families need quality tutoring at flexible, affordable rates. Because mySylvan Marketplace+ tutors set their individual rates, you can search for and select a tutor whose hourly rates fit your budget. mySylvan Marketplace+ tutors’ rates are displayed on their profile pages, and you’ll see your expected session total before you send a booking request.

 

How do I pay for my child’s tutoring sessions?

You’ll make all payments through our website or mobile app. (It’s easy!) mySylvan Marketplace+ tutors do not accept payment via check or cash.

Here’s how it works: When you set up your free online account, you’ll add one or more credit cards to your profile to keep on file. When requesting a session, you can choose which card you’d like to use for session payment. Although a hold for the expected session amount is placed on your card 48 hours prior to the session, your card will not be charged until the session has ended and you’ve approved the session time and total cost. If you have a dispute for any reason, you will not be charged until the dispute is resolved. If you do not click approve or communicate a dispute within 24 hours, the session payment will be charged automatically to your selected credit card.

 

When am I charged for a booked session?

Your card will not be charged until the session is finished and you’ve approved the session time and total cost. A hold will be placed on your chosen credit card 48 hours in advance of the scheduled session, but no charge will be applied until the session is complete.

After the session is complete, you’ll get an email that includes a summary of the session, including the actual session length (rounded to the nearest 15 minutes) and a payment approval request. Once you approve (which you can do on the website or mobile app), charges will be applied to your credit card.

You also have 24 hours to submit a dispute for any reason, and you will not be charged until the dispute is resolved. If you do not click approve or communicate a dispute within 24 hours, the session payment will be charged automatically to your selected credit card.

 

What is the cancelation policy?

If you need to cancel at any time, please contact your tutor as soon as possible to notify him or her that a cancelation is necessary.

mySylvan Marketplace+ tutors select a preferred cancelation policy (from the four options below) and display their policy on their profile page. Please review your selected tutor’s cancelation policy before you book a session to ensure that you understand the applicable time frames and relevant fees in the event you need to cancel:

  • If a parent cancels with fewer than 24 hours’ notice prior to session start time, 50% of the session fee is charged.
  • If a parent cancels with fewer than 36 hours’ notice, 50% of the session fee is charged.
  • If a parent cancels with fewer than 24 hours’ notice, 100% of the session fee is charged.
  • If a parent cancels with fewer than 12 hours’ notice, 50% of the session fee is charged.

If you don’t cancel a session in advance and your child does not show up for a booked session, 100% of the expected session fee will be charged to your credit card on file. Please contact the Marketplace Success team for any questions or concerns regarding cancelation policies or fees. You can email the team at Family@SylvanLearning.com or call us at 888-997-0145.

If your tutor does not show up for a booked session (a very rare situation), you will not be charged.

 

What kinds of contract terms will I be obligated to uphold?

To use our website or mobile app, you’ll need to agree to our Terms of Use and to our Privacy Policy, but that’s it.

There are no obligations as to how many sessions you book (you can sign up for as many or as few as you want). There’s no minimum spending requirement, and there are no “exclusivity provisions,” which limit your ability to use other tutors or tutoring companies. You can book sessions and pay as you go. There are no upfront package or ongoing commitments required.

We’re here to keep it simple and easy for you!

 

How do I get in touch with mySylvan Marketplace+ support?

We’re committed to making sure your family has an exceptional tutoring experience! If you have questions or needs at any time, please email our Marketplace Success team at Family@SylvanLearning.com, or call us at 888-997-0145.