shouldiuse.io

Comparison

Sylvan Learning vs Mentor Match

Sylvan Learning and Mentor Match both land on Depends.

Sylvan Learning versus Mentor Match
CompareSylvan LearningMentor Match
VerdictDependsDepends
Best forK-12 catch-up in reading/mathK-12 parents on IB, IGCSE or American/British curricula
Who it's not forBudget-conscious families . costs compound fastAdults or college students . Grades 1-12 only
PrivacyLegacy 2011 CVEs in Sylvan systems (SQL injection, information disclosure); a 2013 records-in-dumpster incident; no public security page found.12No known public vulnerabilities found in the sources reviewed.
Support qualityStrong ratings overall, but refund complaints documentedNo direct support evidence found
Public sentimentRatings are strong on ConsumerAffairs, but Reddit threads repeatedly question whether the results justify the high cost.¹Parents on Trustpilot report their child's understanding improving, while a Reddit tutor questions Mentor Match's recruiting legitimacy.
Biggest gotchaPrepaid hour packages are the norm; refund fights reported when plans change16Fees vary by curriculum, grade and frequency; $25 is a floor, not the quote.

Pick Sylvan Learning when

  • K-12 catch-up in reading/math
  • Structured in-center tutoring
  • SAT/ACT prep with accountability
  • Families with ESA/scholarship funds

When Sylvan Learning is not a fit

  • Budget-conscious families . costs compound fast
  • Occasional homework help only . overkill at this price
  • Anyone unwilling to prepay . closure and refund risk
  • Rural families without a nearby center

Pick Mentor Match when

  • K-12 parents on IB, IGCSE or American/British curricula
  • Families wanting fixed-schedule 1:1 sessions
  • Budget-focused households (claimed $25/session)
  • Grades 1-12 Math and Science support

When Mentor Match is not a fit

  • Adults or college students . Grades 1-12 only
  • Test-prep shoppers (SAT/ACT) . not advertised
  • Group-class seekers . 1:1 only
  • Anyone unwilling to vet the assigned tutor themselves at the demo

Sources

  1. Sylvan Learning Reviews & Complaints . Consumer Affairsconsumeraffairs.com
    review
  2. Sylvan Learning Reviews . Trustpilottrustpilot.com
    review
  3. Sylvan Learning of San Jose . Yelpyelp.com
    review
  4. Is Sylvan Learning Worth It in 2026? . Ruvimoruvimo.com
    review
  5. Sylvan Learning Center Reviews 2026 . Brighterlybrighterly.com
    review
  6. Sylvan Learning Center Employee Reviews . Indeedindeed.com
    review
  7. Sylvan Learning Centers is an expensive... . Reddit r/Lubbockreddit.com
    review
  8. Any experience with Sylvan Learning Center? . Reddit r/Parentingreddit.com
    review
  9. Customers out thousands after Minnesota Sylvan closure . Star Tribunestartribune.com
    news
  10. State decides not to fine Sylvan after files found in dumpster . KATUkatu.com
    news
  11. Unleashed Brands Buys Sylvan Learning . Franchise Timesfranchisetimes.com
    news
  12. CVE-2011-2080 . SQL injection in Sylvan Learning Systemsdbugs.ptsecurity.com
    security
  13. CVE-2011-2081 . Information disclosure in Sylvan Learningdbugs.ptsecurity.com
    security
  14. Sylvan Learning pricing pagesylvanlearning.com
    official
  15. ESA+ Scholarships . Sylvan Durham & Chapel Hillsylvanlearning.com
    official
  16. Sylvan Learning Customer Service complaintssylvan-learning-center.pissedconsumer.com
    review