Sylvan Learning Center - Hyannis, MA

We are very concerned and are seeking your help on how to move forward. My son was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and has an Individual Education Program (IEP) through the Special Education Department at his school. He has a learning disorder which reflects in his reading. He is currently about a year behind in his reading scores, even with the IEP. We decided to get him a private tutor.

On March 18, 2008, we entered into an agreement with the Sylvan Learning Center in Hyannis, MA [address is/was 11 Enterprise Road, Unit 9, Hyannis, MA 02601 - phone number is/was (508) 778-6284]. We paid a $150 assessment fee, including 3-months in advance of $1,620. Within the beginning of the third week of my son's tutoring sessions at Sylvan, we received a phone call from the Hyannis office stating they are closing for corporate restructuring and anticipate re-opening May 1, 2008.

May 1, 2008 came and went. I left numerous messages (about 10) with the office asking when will they re-open. No phone call was returned. About a week after my last phone message, I received a phone call from a man who explained that his name was Joe and the offices he owned (Hyannis and Falmouth) were closing for good. More information would follow in the mail. He left no forwarding number.

I immediately called the Sylvan Learning Center's Headquarters in Maryland [(800)-627-4276] and was given the franchise owner's name [Joe Accrocco d/b/a Rountuit Educational Services, no address] with his cell phone only [(774) 279-7928]. I was told that's all the information they had on the franchise owner. They also told me that Sylvan Learning Center Headquarters is NOT responsible for reimbursement since it is a franchise. The only thing they could do for me was to give out the franchise owner's name and cell phone number.

My husband and I left a couple messages in late May, 2008 with Mr. Accrocco and our phone calls have not been returned. To date, we have received nothing in the mail from Mr. Accrocco.

What Sylvan Headquarters told us is NOT true! Sylvan receives approximately 8% of the 900 franchises yearly profits, MAKING them liable. Each Sylvan franchise pays $42,000 - $48,000.

I am asking for your help in reimbursement of that money to pay for another tutor for my son.

I've supplied Sylvan's Public Relations contact Jennifer Gaegler's e-mail address off the website. Her phone number is (410) 843-8928 and fax number is (410) 843-8051.

Sylvan is in breach of contract. We believe the franchise Sylvan/Hyannis knew it was in financial trouble when we signed that contract (bait & switch??). We tried to do a good thing for our son, and we are now out that money and need that money for another tutor. My son is almost 9 years old and loves school, and is excited to improve in his reading and writing. We want to embrace that enthusiasm.

We don't have $1,700 to lose and with this economy, we are suffering as much as the next middle-income family. That money was our tax refund money.