CARY — More than 120 Wake County students are enjoying higher grades and improved confidence this year because of the WHIZard Academy for Mathematics & English®, which opened its first North Carolina Academy just one year ago. The WHIZard Academy in Cary is the franchisor's fastest growing US academy and the second fastest growing new academy in the history of the 15-year-old company. Based on this record-setting success, the company has aggressive plans to expand throughout North Carolina.

"We have enrolled over 120 students, from age 5 to over 55, in our first 12 months," said Rosemary Wyrick, Center Director and co-owner of the WHIZard Academy in Cary. Highly individualized, nurturing but rigorous academic support is the real "WHIZard magic" behind the educational success at the WHIZard Academy. Each student studies at his or her own pace in a quiet, private study station, free of distractions or embarrassment; only the tutor hears a student's questions.

"In math, we have helped students from kindergarten through AP Calculus, AP Statistics and college algebra. Some were at risk of failing, and some were ahead of grade level and wanted a challenging enrichment program. Many students have come for help with English, reading comprehension and writing, particularly to prepare for the state-mandated writing assessments in grades 4, 7 and 10," Wyrick said.

Wyrick said increasing student enrollment in schools creates the necessity for public/private partnerships, and companies such as the WHIZard Academy are well suited to enhance and reinforce school curriculums.

In its first year the WHIZard Academy has contributed significantly to the local Cary and Apex communities, as well as individual students and families. "We have donated free tutoring programs to several charity auctions," said Wyrick. "We are especially proud to recognize the wonderful school teachers in western Wake County by sponsoring the Math Teacher of the Month award program through the Cary Chamber of Commerce, as well as sponsoring one of the Chamber's annual Honor a Teacher awards."

The WHIZard Academy in Cary completed its first year of operation on February 24. In addition to enrolling over 120 students, the Cary WHIZard Academy achieved revenues in excess of $164,000.

Wyrick said the decision to locate North Carolina's first and model WHIZard Academy in Cary came easily, given what she knew about the schools and economy in North Carolina and Wake County. "The transition to year round schools means that education happens all year long," she said.

Balti Sauer, president of Academy for Mathematics & English USA, is pleased with the growth and success of the Cary WHIZard Academy. "We are very happy that our first Academy in North Carolina has contributed to the lives of so many students in such a short time, and that it's been so well received and welcomed by the community," he said. "Our team in North Carolina has done an outstanding job supporting their students and schools, as well as building the foundation for a successful and rewarding long term business."

Based on the record-setting success of the first WHIZard Academy in Cary, the company has aggressive plans to expand throughout North Carolina. Tom Wyrick, co-owner of the Cary WHIZard Academy and Master Franchisor for North Carolina, anticipates opening over 20 WHIZard Academies in North Carolina in the next six years. "This month we began offering WHIZard Academy franchises throughout North Carolina, building upon the amazing success of our first North Carolina unit. Educational tutoring is one of the most proven and recession-resistant franchise service industries, and the WHIZard Academy tutoring system has been perfected and proven over 15 years," he said.

The WHIZard Academy for Mathematics & English® will be the only educational franchise featured at two FranNet® sponsored Franchise Seminars, to be held March 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn at RDU Airport near Raleigh, and March 19 at the Hilton Hotel Executive Park in Charlotte.

Rosemary & Tom Wyrick at the opening of the Cary WHIZard Academy, February 2007	WHIZard Academy 3647 SW Cary Parkway, Cary NC