New Sylvan Johnston owners on individualized learning, working with schools

Move over evening homework battles. Katie Ruby and Bree Koester are the new owners of Sylvan Learning in Johnston and they explain why they’re excited to help Des Moines families benefit from individualizing learning and bigger educational opportunities.

Children love to learn, so if you’re seeing otherwise, there’s a problem. And it’s a problem they know how to quickly detect using their assessment and individualized learning protocols. There’s no default strategy for certain age ranges, every child gets an individualized plan that works with the school they’re enrolled in.

What is Sylvan Pass?

Sylvan Learning in Johnston’s new co-owners, Katie Ruby and Bree Koester, are shifting local tutoring toward consistency and predictability. As mothers raising seven children combined from pre-K to college, they introduced the Sylvan Pass to eliminate financial guesswork for local families. Priced at a fixed $95 per week, the subscription offers one or two hourly sessions weekly—either virtually or in-center—covering subjects from reading and math to foreign languages. The plan includes a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and direct coordination with classroom teachers. “With that membership it’s just taking that guesswork out,” Ruby explained regarding the budget-friendly structure. “With consistency, that’s how you build strong character, that’s how you build confidence, that’s how you build accountability”.

Customized Education Plans for Children in Des Moines

Rather than applying rigid grade-level workbooks, the center designs tailored academic roadmaps using the adaptive Renaissance STAR Assessment. The nationwide diagnostic tool pinpoints exact skill gaps while evaluating student motivation and confidence levels. Local certified teachers then deliver tech-integrated, hands-on instruction customized to each learner. “Every student gets an individualized plan,” Koester emphasized, noting that the center works with children as young as four years old to establish early academic readiness.

Recognizing Academic Red Flags

Beyond subject mastery, the co-owners focus on behavioral indicators that signal a student needs extra support. Prolonged homework sessions, reading comprehension hurdles, and self-defeating statements like “I can’t” often reveal underlying skill gaps. Ruby urges parents to take action when these signs emerge. “Bring them into this positive environment that we offer, and allow that student to start feeling success right away,” Ruby said, noting that noticeable turnarounds frequently occur within just a few weeks.

Reach out to Sylvan of Johnston here: https://www.sylvanlearning.com/locations/us/ia/johnston-tutoring/johnston-des-moines/