For Immediate Release 1/3/06

Founded in 1985, Back to Basics is the tri-state area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring, homeschooling, ESL instruction, and school contracts. “Our mission, which is prominently displayed in our lobby as a constant reminder, is to educate and build self esteem in children and adults to make a difference in their lives,” says Back to Basics’ Director and company founder Beverly Stewart. “We are really in the business of helping students succeed.”

Success means something different to each student, and for 20 years the firm has served the diverse educational needs of over 9,000 students – children through adults -- in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The firm provides services for a wide variety of students including individuals, state agencies, school districts, and corporations.

Back to Basics offers both one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction in over 50 subjects. Open year-round, the firm is a state-approved homeschool and alternative learning facility for Delaware students and offers state-approved summer school for credit. Back to Basics also provides important specialized educational services such as educational testing and evaluation by their on-staff psychologist.

Back to Basics’ corporate division offers corporate education and professional development to adults in subjects such as public speaking, English as a Second Language, and over a dozen foreign languages. The firm also provides services such as translating, foreign language interpreting, and sign language interpreting for corporate clients.

This diversity of subjects is partially responsible for the company’s outstanding growth. Founded in 1985, Back to Basics began when, as a teacher, Stewart realized she wasn’t reaching every student in the classroom. The concept of one-on-one tutoring, which has gained such wide acceptance today, was relatively unheard of then. With only six years of teaching experience, Stewart took a leap of faith, left the security of full-time employment and housing at Sanford School, and started her business out of a one bedroom apartment. “There was no formal business plan, no client base, just my faith that this was the right way to reach those students struggling in a traditional classroom,” she explains. “Within just one short year I had tutors working in my living room, dining room -- even the kitchen!”

Making tutors easily available to students it is another key to the longevity and success of the company. Since the beginning, Back to Basics instructors have responded to the individual needs of each student, traveling to wherever students are. “If that means that the tutor goes to a student’s home, office, school, or even daycare provider, that’s what we do,” says Stewart. “In addition, we provide instruction in over 20 private tutoring rooms at our 5,600-square-foot Educational Center.” And, instruction is available seven days a week, ensuring that students can work within their schedule.

But the most important factor in the company’s success is the revolutionary educational concept which is the cornerstone of the company’s foundation. The original concept for Back to Basics: “individualized, one-on-one tutoring geared toward each student’s learning style, pace, and needs, creating ongoing relationships between tutors and students,” initially set the firm apart from all others in the area. This individualized approach and freedom of choice has consistently resonated with children, parents, and adult students. It has also been widely imitated in the 20 years since Back to Basics began.

In fact, the sheer depth, breadth, and scope of the services the firm provides make Back to Basics completely different than other educational option. Franchises supplying group tutoring, small agencies, or individual tutors cannot provide the services offered by Back to Basics. Even today, 20 years later, many nationally recognized firms still do not take advantage of this simple, yet extremely effective model.

The firm’s steady growth over 20 years has consistently attracted both local and national attention. Back to Basics has been named one of the “Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies” by the Philadelphia Business Journal. The company's growth and distinctive teaching philosophy were featured nationally in Entrepreneur magazine, and their state-approved homeschooling program was highlighted in an article by the New York Times.

Founder Beverly Stewart, herself, has also been featured in numerous national publications, on radio and television, and is frequently quoted as an expert for both business and educational articles. She is also frequently engaged as a motivational speaker on a variety of topics including education, tutoring, and business. Stewart is the winner of the “Delaware Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year Award” 1998, the “She Knows Where She’s Going Award” 2001, the University of Delaware College of Human Services, Education and Public Policy “Outstanding Alumni Award” 2002,  the Debnam House “Mentor Award” 2002, top-three finalist for the 2003 national "James P. Boyle Award" for educational entrepreneurs, and the Small Business Administration’s Small Businessperson of the Year Award 2004.