Sylvan Learning Centers are devoted to addressing each student’s specific needs. The Sylvan location in Southern Pines is on Commerce Avenue. Doors to the center opened in November of 2025. Brandi Kelly is the owner and executive director of Sylvan’s local branch.
A veteran teacher and principal, Brandi did her undergraduate work at UNC Greensboro. She received a master’s degree in school administration from North Carolina State. The absence of a Sylvan in Moore County motivated her to explore ownership.
Originally a high school English teacher, Brandi was familiar with Sylvan’s program from time spent running a center earlier in her career. She was the principal at Aberdeen Elementary when the idea of having Sylvan in the area crossed her mind.
It didn’t take long for the idea to become a brick-and-mortar site.
“It actually went pretty quickly,” Brandi said. “I reached out to Sylvan. By July, I was in training.”
Being in Southern Pines has enabled the center to catch people’s attention.
“We worked hard on the location,” Brandi said. “We’ve grown to 55 students in six months.”
Most of the group comes from Moore County, but some travel farther to access Sylvan’s menu.
“We get several students that are coming from Sanford,” Brandi said.
The learners come from public, private and charter schools. A significant number are also schooled at home.
Regardless of where a student learns, Sylvan makes an early effort to discover where help is necessary.
“What I love most about Sylvan is we are completely individualized,” Brandi advised. “It’s hard to do that when there are 25 or 30 students in a class.”
To begin the discovery process, Sylvan tests each student before instruction begins.
“We start with an assessment. That assessment identifies their needs,” Brandi said. “The program is worked around the assessment.”
Instruction is handled by 10 teachers who arrive at Sylvan after the traditional school day ends.
“We go based off their schedules,” Brandi said.
When adding a teacher to the staff, Brandi’s focused on qualifications and commitment.
“We are looking for folks with a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification,” she said. “If they don’t yet have teacher certification, they have to be in the process of getting it.”
As far as commitment is concerned, teachers need to enjoy working with kids. Being reliable is also a must.
“We need them to be here consistently,” Brandi said.
Reliability promises a seasonal bonus for those teaching at Sylvan.
“It’ll be a good summer job for them,” Brandi said.
Prior to the recent hiring of a new director, there were times Brandi taught.
“I teach when needed,” she said.
Hours of operation for Sylvan in Southern Pines are 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The center is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tutoring is offered each day, but at a different time on the weekend. On Monday through Thursday, it’s available from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday tutoring takes place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Students at Sylvan Learning of Southern Pines range from kids not yet in kindergarten to those in college and, in some instances, beyond.
“Sometimes, we have adults,” Brandi said.
Regardless of level, the center’s foundation doesn’t vary.
“Our core belief is learning should be personal,” Brandi said. “It’s a really good way to get a child’s confidence to increase.”
For more information on Sylvan Learning of Southern Pines, call 910-870-7778 or click here.
Feature photo: Sylvan Learning of Southern Pines Executive Director and owner Brandi Kelly. All photos provided.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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