
                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.01



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                CONTACT: Contacts:
---------------------                                         Lee McGee
January 26, 2000                                              (410) 843-8704
                                                              Linda Palarino
                                                              (410) 843-8094



       SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS TO SELL ITS COMPUTER-BASED TESTING DIVISION
                     TO THOMSON CORPORATION FOR $775 MILLION

BALTIMORE - Sylvan Learning Systems [NASDAQ: SLVN] announced today that it has

reached a definitive agreement to sell its computer-based testing division,

Sylvan Prometric, to The Thomson Corporation for approximately $775 million in

cash, or over $600 million net of tax and transaction costs. The transaction is

expected to close before the end of the first quarter of this year subject to

certain regulatory approvals.


With 1999 revenues of approximately $214 million and more than 1,400 employees

worldwide, Prometric is the global leader in computer-based testing and

assessment services.


Through its worldwide network of more than 2,900 Authorized Prometric Testing

Centers and Sylvan Technology Centers in 141 countries, Prometric delivers more

than 2,400 different computerized exams for more than 120 client organizations.


"We have experienced outstanding growth in the Prometric computer-based testing

business over the last eight years. We delivered our first test in 1992 and by

1999 had created a worldwide leader in the testing industry," said Douglas L.

Becker, Co-chief executive officer

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of Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. "Thomson has the resources to take Prometric to

even higher levels of performance while allowing Sylvan to focus our full

attention on developing other promising businesses in our group of educational

services companies."


Sylvan added that its earnings for the fourth quarter of 1999 will fall short of

analyst expections. Additionally, the fourth quarter will include non-recurring

charges related to changes in the strategic direction of the Company. The

Company expects to give more clarity to investors on the fourth quarter results

and growth expectations for 2000 within the next few weeks. Additionally,

management will provide more guidance on the use of net proceeds from the sale

of the Prometric business, which will include continued investment in

educational services businesses.


Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of educational services to

families, schools and industry. The Sylvan Learning Centers and Sylvan Contract

Education Services divisions provide personalized instructional services to K-12

students through direct consumer relationships and under contract to school

systems. Sylvan provides courses to adult students throughout the world in the

areas of English language, Teacher Training and accredited University offerings

through the Wall Street Institute/ASPECT, Canter and Sylvan International

Universities subsidiaries. The Prometric subsidiary delivers computer-based

testing for academic admissions, Information Technology and professional

certification programs. Through its affiliate, Caliber Learning Network, Inc.,

formed as a joint initiative between Sylvan and MCI Communications Corp., Sylvan

has the ability to distribute world-class adult professional education and

training programs. Sylvan's services are delivered through its network of more

than 3,000 educational and testing centers around the globe.


THIS RELEASE MAY INCLUDE INFORMATION THAT COULD CONSTITUTE FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS MADE PURSUANT TO THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISION OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES
LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. ANY SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS MAY INVOLVE
RISK AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM
ANY FUTURE RESULTS ENCOMPASSED WITHIN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS
THAT COULD CAUSE OR CONTRIBUTE TO SUCH DIFFERENCES INCLUDE THOSE MATTERS
DISCLOSED IN THE COMPANY'S SECURITY AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILINGS.
                                       ***

