A Saratoga Springs man has purchased Sylvan
Learning Inc., a provider of supplemental
education for students in grades K-12.
Patrick McNamara is the owner/operator
of the Capital Region’s Sylvan Learning
franchise.
McNamara, who assumes the title of executive
director, will oversee student educational
services, human resources, advertising and
marketing campaigns, and financial management
of the company.
The business has offices in Albany and
Clifton Park.
He purchased the business from Catherine
Hull who ran the regional franchise from 1995
to 2014.
“I am thrilled to take over the reins of this
business regionally,” said McNamara, a former
entertainment lawyer who recently relocated
to Saratoga Springs from New York City. “It’s
an exciting and challenging time to be working
in the field of education. With the improvement
of the national economy, the on-going
growth of Albany’s economy, the challenges
of the Common Core, and Sylvan’s national
reputation and introduction of SylvanSync
— a new teaching platform that incorporates
traditional face-to-face tutoring with the latest
digital technology — I knew this was right
time to purchase this business.
“Sylvan is the most recognizable name in
tutoring, and I am fortunate to be able to retain
Sylvan’s experienced staff and build on its 20-
year history of helping families in the Capital
Region,” he added.
Founded in 1979 and with more than 800 locations
nationwide, Sylvan’s programs include
math, reading, writing, study skills, and test
prep for SAT, ACT and Regent’s exams, as well as traditional homework help. State-certified
teachers use interactive technology to help
students gain the confidence they need to
improve their grades. Programs, which are
offered to students attending both public and
private schools, are personalized to meet the
needs of each child.
Prior to his current position, McNamara
practiced law for 29 years, providing general
business representation to individuals and companies
with a particular emphasis on clients in
the entertainment industry.
He has a B.A. from the University of Rochester
and J.D. from Boston College Law School.