Unlock your child’s confidence with personalized tutoring at Sylvan Learning of Southern Pines

The new Sylvan Learning of Southern Pines at 206 Commerce Ave. offers tutoring based on personalized assessments under the expertise of Brandi Kelly.

The former English teacher and principal in both Harnett and Moore Counties understands the challenges of traditional classroom instruction from both the teacher’s and administrative perspectives.

 “In school, teachers often have a hard time meeting each student’s individual needs because of class size and outside demands,” Kelly said about her 12 years of trying to reach all students. “I saw students falling behind as early as kindergarten, which affected their confidence long term. Sylvan can meet students where they are and set them up for lasting success,” Kelly said about helping them when they are beginning school, so they can launch successfully.

“Sylvan fills in the gaps and restores confidence,” she said.

Sylvan Learning Center begins with an assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses. Tutoring starts with small tasks that help the student build confidence as they learn new skills. Tutors also offer incentives with rewards as students build points to shop from the Sylvan Store.

Teamwork is essential. Sylvan meets with the parents monthly and offers services to meet with the student’s teacher, too.

“We want to see the translation of success into the school classroom,” Kelly said.

Sylvan combines technology with learning because this is the technical age, and students will encounter technology throughout their lives.

“Our technology is advanced because it uses context clues for vocabulary and comprehension. In math, computation and applied skills are integrated. Each learning plan is individualized, so each student’s program pinpoints learning initiatives,” Kelly said about how Sylvan combines teacher instruction with technology to help students reach 80% mastery of each lesson before attempting new lessons.

Kelly offers flexible payment options and says it was “like a membership and can offer a monthly fee to allow parents to choose the number of sessions. They can save five to ten percent when they prepay, and I offer financing.”

Kelly said she knew when she moved to Moore County almost three years ago the area needed a Sylvan Learning Center, and she wants to partner with the schools.

“We can catch a student up. They may come in for homework help and for lessons,” Kelli said about some of the options.

“Try us. Come in and have a conversation. We’ll listen to where your child is presently and improve their confidence as we build on their learning goals so they can be whatever they want,” Kelly said.

Marcellus Wright enrolled both of his sons with Sylvan Learning when Brandi worked in the center at Harnett.

“My sons reached their potential with Brandi’s tutoring. She is the best and really cares about each child. One son is in college now, and I am so proud. I recommend Sylvan Learning to anyone with a child who is struggling,” Wright said.

“The best time to start is now. Don’t wait too late in the year. Come in by January, and we can make a difference before next year,” Kelly said.

Call Brandi Kelly at the Southern Pines Sylvan Learning Center and check out the website. 910-870-7778

Nov. 14, 2025

Stephanie M. Sellers

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