SpiderSmart is a nationwide tutoring franchise offering customized academic support for students ranging from elementary to high school. The brand traces its roots back to 1989, when founder Jeannie Jung opened a modest “Reading & Writing Center” in Northern Virginia, using two Sunday-school rooms as the first classroom space.

The concept gradually expanded and was formalized as SpiderSmart, Inc. in 2004, when the company was incorporated in Virginia. Its headquarters are now located in Vienna, Virginia, overseeing a network of learning centers across the country as well as an expanding online education platform.

SpiderSmart’s instructional philosophy centers on nurturing the “whole child,” emphasizing strong academics alongside critical thinking, confidence building, and a genuine interest in learning. Programs span reading, writing, math, current events, test prep, and public speaking.

One of the franchise’s signature features is its structured three-step method—Read, Write, Revise—which sets it apart from competitors that rely primarily on self-paced materials or loosely guided tutoring sessions.

The franchise opportunity became available in 2014, allowing business owners to operate learning centers under the established SpiderSmart brand and educational model.

Training

SpiderSmart offers a structured training program to ensure franchisees and their teams are fully prepared to operate a center effectively. The training combines virtual instruction, managerial preparation, and ongoing support tailored to the franchise’s needs.

1. Initial Training Program: SpiderSmart provides an initial virtual training program lasting approximately 20 hours. This program covers key aspects of developing, launching, operating, and promoting the business, with content customized based on the backgrounds of attendees.
2. Completion Requirement: The franchisee or their Designated Owner must successfully complete this initial training to SpiderSmart’s satisfaction before starting operations. This ensures foundational readiness and alignment with the system's standards.
3. Monthly Virtual Training: After opening, franchisees may attend monthly virtual training sessions lasting up to two hours. These sessions are designed to reinforce key operations and provide ongoing education throughout the first year.
4. Managerial and Teaching Standards: Franchisees and their designated managers must attend training, and may be required to meet specific proficiency standards for instruction delivery. This includes supporting lesson plans and maintaining educational quality.

Territory Protection

SpiderSmart provides its franchisees with a designated “Protected Territory” within which no other SpiderSmart franchise or company-owned business will be established. As long as the franchise agreement remains in effect and the franchisee complies with its terms, the franchisor (SSI) will not allow others to operate or market SpiderSmart services within that protected area.

However, SpiderSmart retains the right to use alternative distribution channels like the Internet or corporate programs that may reach into the Protected Territory without offering compensation to the franchisee.

Franchisees may not market or solicit customers outside of their assigned territory without written permission. At the same time, the franchisor may still promote the brand through national websites or online platforms accessible within any territory.