Summer 2006

Area Sylvan Learning Centers owner tackles rigors of business, education

Owning a business may not have been a goal of Kathy Fletcher, owner of Volusia County’s three Sylvan Learning Centers. But it has turned out to be a labor of love that allows her to pursue her passion for education. Fletcher is one of a growing number of female company owners. A graduate of the University of Denver, Fletcher had been a teacher at New Smyrna Beach High School in the 1980s and was lured into the world of supplemental education by a Sylvan ad seeking a director for one of its learning centers. She took the job and enjoyed the concept of supplemental learning and preparing students for the challenges of coursework, college testing and more. When the original owner of Sylvan Learning Centers in Volusia County decided to sell the business in 1991, Fletcher decided to buy. “It was a terrifying and exhilarating time,” she recalled. “It was a huge commitment, but I was encouraged by the folks at SunTrust, who provided financing for the deal and were so supportive of my entry into the business world.”

Kathy Fletcher is the owner of three Sylvan Learning Centers in Volusia County

Today, Fletcher owns Sylvan Learning Centers in Ormond Beach, Port Orange and Orange City. She has a staff approaching 50, mostly certified teachers who work part-time. Students range from kindergarten to adult and subject matter is mixed. There is heavy emphasis on basic skills, such as reading, mathematics (including algebra) and study skills. Additional programs support students preparing for college entrance exams, such as SAT or ACT. There also are programs for business people wanting to brush up on reading or math skills, vocational rehabilitation programs or preparation for the GED exam. Sylvan also has earned accreditation in supplemental education by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA).
Fletcher believes her business is growing for several reasons. “There is a high level of educational awareness here in Volusia County,” she said. “Parents care very much about their children’s education and we have excellent schools here. So, when a child needs a little extra attention, teachers often recommend Sylvan for the kind of supplemental learning that translates into success in the classroom.”

Fletcher attributes much of her success to the reputation of her staff and the expertise of the Sylvan organization. “We are fortunate to have an exceptional team of teachers who are dedicated to the success of each student,” she said. She also cites the reputation of the Sylvan organization nationally.

Sylvan Learning Systems was founded in 1979 and has enjoyed steady growth since. Sylvan provides supplemental education with a diagnostic/prescriptive approach under which every student takes an initial diagnostic test. A learning program developed specifically for that student then is put in place and followed, with achievement benchmarks built into the evaluation element of the program.

As for being a woman business owner, Fletcher sees no gender-based challenges. In fact, she believes that opportunities for women to become business owners never have been greater due to the market place and underscored by programs that encourage women to become entrepreneurs. “I love it,” she proclaimed in response to a question about how she likes having ultimate responsibility for the success of her enterprise. “It is rewarding and gratifying on so many levels.”

Fletcher also counts herself fortunate to have the opportunity of working in the business with her daughter, Meredi. She joined Sylvan Learning Centers in 2004 and serves as director of the Port Orange facility. “I never planned on bringing my children into the business, but when I needed another director, Meredi was contemplating a career change and I convinced her to give it a try. It’s been a bonus for me, Meredi has fallen in love with the business, and neither of us has looked back,” she said. Fletcher’s son, Zach, is also in education and coaching in Marion County Schools.

Kathy Fletcher’s involvement in business and education extends well beyond Sylvan Learning Centers. She is past president of the Volusia Literacy Council, president elect of the Futures Foundation for Volusia County Schools and has been involved in the Leadership Daytona program. “Not only is Kathy a successful businesswoman and an active community volunteer, she’s also a class act,” said Judy Conte, Executive Director of the Volusia Literacy Council and a member of the Volusia County School Board.