The tutoring-enrichment segment, third leg in ChildU 's business plan, is intended to supplement the work of tutors rather than replace them. Tutors can take on more students, reinforce their own work and deliver even better results, Udine said. Improved productivity of teachers and students, as well as fast, ongoing curriculum updates are cited as major Learning Odyssey pluses. While ChildU is concentrating on internal growth, Udine doesn't rule out the possibility of acquiring other companies in the field. Takeovers are a way to instantly acquire qualified curriculum developers and program engineers, he said.
Financial reality is never far from the surface.
A longer-term financial goal may be to take the young company public toward the end of the year, subject to market conditions and results to date. Mr. Marino is an Investment Banker working with ChildU . Dr. Fischler is a member of ChildU 's Education Advisory Board.