Method Learning
“Can a legacy test-prep company evolve into a full-service 'get accepted and afford college' platform for families and schools?”
Founded1999
HQLeague City, United States
FoundersTom Ehlers
IndustryVertical SaaS / Education
The story
Method Learning began in 1999 as Method Test Prep, a standardized-test preparation company focused on ACT/SAT tutoring. Over 20+ years it built Methodize, an institutional online learning platform serving 1,000+ schools. The company has since rebranded to Method Learning and broadened its footprint from pure test prep into college advising and college financial planning — positioning itself as a full-funnel 'get accepted and afford college' partner for families. It remains a small (~33 employees), privately held US education services business, not a fintech.
Last 12 months
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Product timeline
1999
Tom Ehlers founds Method Test Prep to help students prepare for the ACT and SAT.· founding
2005
Frank McWilliams joins as President/Managing Partner; expansion into school-based ACT/SAT programs.· expansion
2015
Expansion of client partnerships team to serve independent, boarding, and public schools.· expansion
2020
Launch/growth of Methodize online learning platform now used by 1,000+ schools.· product
2024
Rebrand from Method Test Prep to Method Learning; broadened services into college advising and college financial planning.· pivot
The stack
1 layer disclosed in Method Learning’s embedded-finance stack
Lending
Installment plans for tutoring/advising packages (in-house billing)
Accounting gap: none