Sylvan Builds Confidence Through Learning
For Pedro and Ana Teodoro, opening a business in the Energy Corridor District was never just about tutoring. It was about creating a place where students feel supported, families find encouragement and learning becomes something children can enjoy. For Ana, it also represented the culmination of a long-held dream to own her own business.
The husband-and-wife team opened Sylvan Learning Center at 1531 Eldridge Parkway earlier this year with a grand opening in May. Since then, enrollment has steadily grown as families seek academic support during the summer months and prepare for the upcoming school year.
“We want to offer a sense of hope and support to parents,” Pedro said. “Sometimes homework and study habits become stressful for families. We can support the kids in that endeavor so the parent-child relationship can just be that.”
Tutoring help for all ages
Sylvan Learning Center serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade with personalized instruction in reading, math, science, study skills and test preparation. The center also welcomes consultations for special situations, including younger children preparing for kindergarten and adult learners seeking help with exams.
Ana, who holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and currently serves as an assistant principal at a local private school, comes from a family of educators and has spent years in the classroom. Pedro left a career in accounting and business to help launch the center. Both owners work directly with students.
“We find out how a student learns best and make the experience as personal as we can,” Pedro said.
The center currently employs three Sylvan-certified tutors, most of whom are also state-certified teachers. Tutors work with small groups of up to four students at a table, but each child receives individualized instruction tailored to his or her needs.
The bright, colorful space was designed to create a positive atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. And if they make a mistake, the tables are also whiteboards, so the error can be wiped away before a new practice question is undertaken.
“We’ve created an environment where students feel comfortable to ask questions,” Pedro said. “They may not have that in a classroom with their peers.”
Rewards and motivation
Students are rewarded throughout each session with tokens that can be exchanged for educational prizes at the center’s “Motivation Station.” The incentive system helps keep students engaged and excited about learning.
The Teodoros are already looking ahead to future programs, including camps focused on test readiness and strategies, support for homeschooled students and scholarship opportunities for families with limited budgets.
When they began exploring opportunities with Sylvan, the Energy Corridor was the only available territory in Houston. Today, they say they cannot imagine being anywhere else.
“We love the area,” Pedro said. “It’s calm and nice and a great family setting.”