YORK-Sylvan Learning Center of Newport News is moving its location of nearly 32 years from Oyster Point to the Village Square at Kiln Creek shopping center this month near the border of Newport News and York County and renaming itself Sylvan Learning of Newport News-Yorktown. Sylvan will occupy the space that was last leased by Heaven & Earth Christian bookstore adjacent to Uno’s. The learning center is slated to officially open its doors to the new location by June 30.
Franchise Owner of Sylvan Learning Center of Newport News-Yorktown Deborah DeJesus decided the move would accommodate more students from Hampton, Newport News, and Yorktown for its central location of off Interstate 64. DeJesus also owned Sylvan Learning of Williamsburg from August 2014 until it’s closure in August 2021.
“Some families transitioned to Newport News from Williamsburg,” said DeJesus via email. “Unfortunately, Sylvan Learning Center of Williamsburg had to close because of the impact of covid. The governor required us to close in March of 2020, and by the time we reopened in June, schools were out for the summer. Our enrollment dropped significantly, and we could not sustain operations.”
DeJesus said that enrollment has been on the upswing since the beginning of this summer and the center currently serves 85 students.
“Family-owned and operated, Sylvan has been a part of this community for 32 years,” said DeJesus. “Sylvan has been helping students K-12 in building academic confidence in reading, math, writing, study skills, and college preparation. Sylvan has a proven process to help students catch up, keep up, and get ahead.”
Breeden Commercial Realty leases the business space located in Village Square at Kiln Creek shopping center and is pleased to add Sylvan Learning as a tenant.
“The Kiln Creek location is dense with shopping, dining, and entertainment options,” said Mark Pendleton, Breeden Commercial Realty president, in a prepared statement. “Also, being located just off of I-64 provides Sylvan Learning the chance to really expand their reach.”
Sylvan focuses on building academic confidence, igniting intellectual curiosity, and inspiring a love for learning. Sylvan relies on its caring teachers and their expertise in encouraging and motivating students to learn, grow, and flourish.
“Sylvan has been a huge part of my life for the past 20 years,” said DeJesus. “I love the personalized approach to learning for each student. As a former classroom teacher, I know the importance of trying to reach every child, every day. Sylvan’s programs are customized to meet the individual needs of each child. I truly enjoy meeting new families, finding out their needs and goals, providing a solution, and being part of their child’s growth.”
DeJesus joined the Sylvan team as an educational director in California in 1991. She was so impressed with Sylvan’s proven process in helping students progress that both her children attended.
“It didn’t take long before I decided that I would like to become a Sylvan franchise owner so that I could help hundreds of other families,” said DeJesus. “I can honestly say that I look forward each and every day to being in the learning center. There is never a dull moment and seeing the smiles on our students’ faces after they leave is the best part of my day.”
Sylvan is known to be the largest provider of STEM programs in North America. Its hope is to engage kids with entertaining STEM programs today, so they metamorphose into leaders of tomorrow. The learning centers offer tutoring programs for math, algebra, reading, writing, study skills, and more. Students learn from certified teachers through interactive technology, so they feel fully engaged. It also has a team of college-readiness experts on staff who are ready to help teens with individual SAT and ACT test preparation.
Summer camps and workshops are available for parents and caregivers who are looking for ways to introduce their children to new and fun experiences during summer vacation. The atmosphere offers a small group environment, where children are welcome to bring their friends in addition to making new ones.
Sylvan Learning of Newport News-Yorktown’s new address, as of June 30, is 5007-G Victory Blvd., Yorktown. For more information, visit its website, Facebook page, or call 757-320-1706.