June 16, 2011 // Franchising.com // SAN FRANCISCO, - Summertime is upon us, and school is...in session? Perhaps not in the traditional classroom, but many students across the country take advantage of the break in classes for some extra instruction, whether to catch up to their peers, pursue particular interests, or even to gain a competitive edge before the next academic year begins. What's more, summertime tutoring offers opportunities for individual attention that are often all too scarce in today's schools.

Phil Van Poetsch, a 33-year Bay Area resident and a father, has seen the benefits of one-on-one tutoring first hand, a key factor in his decision to own and operate his own Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services franchise. "My three college age children achieved excellent grades via effective tutoring," he states. "Recognizing this as a potential business opportunity, I selected Club Z! based on the competency of their staff and their unique methods."

North America's largest one-on-one in-home tutoring program, with an excellent 15-year reputation and hundreds of thousands of happy clients nationwide, the Club Z! franchise is respected and well-loved for its supportive tutoring style and high success rates. By conducting sessions in the security and familiarity of the home environment, tutors are more easily able to eliminate distractions, helping children to concentrate, and the individualized attention gradually builds children's academic confidence. Tutoring is available to students of all age levels, with topics ranging from core academic subjects, to study and organizational skills, to standardized test preparation, and more.

The new San Francisco Bay area branch, says Mr. Van Poetsch, will also focus on providing quality tutoring to children with learning disabilities. Whatever the student's ability level, Club Z!'s one-on-one method allows the tutoring program to be customized specifically to fit their needs and learning styles. The program is also popular with parents thanks to its flexible scheduling and regular progress reports.

Mr. Van Poetsch brings extensive organizational experience with non-profits to his new endeavor. "As a founder of the New Start Furniture Fund," he states, "a non-profit providing free, complete home furnishings to distressed families, emphasis was placed on creating suitable areas for children's homework completion." This is not his only such effort - while living in England, he headed a project that benefited local youth even more directly.

"I came across a 6000 square foot disused factory, on an acre of land within a barbed wire fence to keep children out. I observed them playing on busy streets instead," says Mr. Van Poetsch. "Subsequently, I negotiated a 99 year lease at one GBP per year on the condition that I bring the building up to local code. Utilizing donated materials and prison work party labor, I converted the property into a youth center and study hall for deprived children."

Mr. Van Poetsch is excited at the opportunity to help local students and families by owning and managing his own Club Z! location, which will serve Atherton, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Portola Valley.

Despite the season, he stresses that summertime tutoring provides an ideal occasion to help students catch up in problem subjects, gain an advantage or learn more about their favorite topics, build study skills, and develop confidence in their own abilities and potential. In fact, many students enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of summertime sessions - and the fact that its benefits carry over, of course, straight into the next academic year.

To celebrate the grand opening of his new branch, Mr. Van Poetsch is currently waiving registration fees for all new clients. For additional information about Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services in the San Francisco Bay Area, please visit www.clubztutoring.com/sfbay or call 650-326-6300.