SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS INC
10-K, 1997-03-31
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

[X]  Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and
     Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996

                                       or

[ ]  Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
     Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from _________ to _________.

Commission File Number       0-22844

                          SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


           Maryland                                               52-1492296
(State or other jurisdiction of                               (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                              Identification No.)

1000 Lancaster Street, Baltimore Maryland                           21202
 (Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip Code)

        Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (410)843-8000

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                                        Name of each exchange on
    Title of each class                                     which registered
Common Stock, Par Value $.01                                     NASDAQ

      Securities registered pursuant to the Section 12(g) of the Act: None

    Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X]. No [ ].

    Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]

    The aggregate market value of voting Common Stock held by non-affiliates of
the registrant was approximately $453 million as of March 17, 1997.

The registrant had 24,516,623 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 17,
1997.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain information required by Part III of this Form 10-K will be filed by
amendment on Form 10-K/A, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission not later than April 30, 1997.


<PAGE>



                                      INDEX



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Page No.
                                                                        --------
<S>                                                                       <C>
PART I.

       Item 1.  Business................................................   3
       Item 2.  Properties..............................................  10
       Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.......................................  11
       Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.....  11

PART II.

       Item 5.  Market for Registrant's Common
                  Equity and Related Stockholder Matters................  12
       Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.................................  12
       Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                  Financial Condition and Results of
                  Operations............................................  16
       Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.............  23
       Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants
                  on Accounting and Financial Disclosure................  23

PART III.

       Items 10., 11., 12. and 13. will be filed by
         amendment on Form 10-K/A which will be
         filed with the Securities and Exchange
         Commission not later than April 30, 1997.......................  24


PART IV.

       Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules,
                  and Reports on Form 8-K...............................  24


SIGNATURES

</TABLE>



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                                     PART I.


ITEM 1.         BUSINESS

     Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. ("The Company" or "Sylvan") is a leading
international provider of educational and testing services. The Company delivers
a broad array of supplemental and remedial educational services and
computer-based testing services through three principal segments. Through its
Core Educational Services segment, the Company designs and delivers
individualized tutorial services to school-age children and adults through its
network of 620 franchised and Company-owned Sylvan Learning Centers in 49
states, five Canadian provinces, Hong Kong, South Korea and Guam. Sylvan
Prometric, the Company's testing services segment, administers computer-based
tests for major corporations, professional associations and governmental
agencies through its network of certification centers which are located
throughout the world. In addition, the Company's Contract Educational Services
segment now serves 72 schools and over 10,000 students by providing educational
services to public and non-public school districts receiving funding under
federal and state programs and provides contract educational and training
services on-site to employees of large corporations. In 1996, total systemwide
revenues were approximately $285.5 million, composed of $165.1 million from core
educational services ($139.5 million from franchised Learning Centers and $25.6
million from Company-owned Learning Centers, product sales and franchise sales
fees), $87.0 million from testing services and $33.4 million from contract
educational services. In December 1996, the Company acquired Wall Street
Institute International, B.V. and its commonly-controlled affiliates. Wall
Street and its affiliates teach the English language in Europe and Latin America
through a network of over 170 franchised and company-owned centers. Note 19 of
the 1996 audited financial statements contains additional disclosures regarding
the Company's business and geographic segments. As discussed further below, the
Company, in March 1997, announced a proposed merger with National Education
Corporation.

Proposed Merger With National Education Corporation

     In March 1997, the Company announced a proposed merger with National
Education Corporation ("NEC") in a stock-for-stock transaction. NEC is a
publicly-held provider of distance learning services, supplemental multimedia
educational materials, and professional training products and services. Under
the terms of the merger, the Company would issue 0.58 shares of its common stock
for each share of NEC common stock. Following the transaction, which is expected
to be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests, shareholders of NEC would hold
approximately 47% on a fully-diluted basis of the common stock of the combined
company. The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of
1997 and has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies. The
transaction is subject to federal anti-trust review and approval by the
shareholders of both companies.

Core Educational Services: Sylvan Learning Centers

     Sylvan is widely recognized as providing high quality educational services
with consistent, quantifiable results, and has delivered its core educational
service to more than 1,000,000 students primarily in grades three through eight
over the past 17 years. The Company's core educational service segment provides
supplemental instruction in reading, mathematics and reading readiness,
featuring an extensive series of standardized diagnostic tests, individualized
instruction, a student motivational system and continued involvement from both
parents and the child's regular school teacher.

     Typically, a parent contacts a Sylvan Learning Center because the parent
believes that his or her child may have insufficient reading or mathematics
skills. Parents learn about Sylvan from the Company's media advertising, from a
referral from another parent or from school personnel. Learning Center personnel
ask the parent to bring the student to the Learning Center to complete a series
of standardized diagnostic tests and to receive educational consultation.
Approximately 35% of phone inquiries result in a visit to a Learning Center. The
Learning Center's Sylvan-trained educators use test results to diagnose
students' weaknesses and to design an individual learning program for each
student. After the initial testing and consultation, the Company estimates that
more than 90% of parents enroll the student in a full course of study. The
program typically requires four to six months to complete and comprises

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approximately 36 to 60 hours of instruction. Instruction is generally given
twice a week for one hour per visit. Sylvan requires that all instructors be
certified teachers. The cost of the tests and initial consultation ranges from
$95 to $250, and fees average $35 per hour. The Company estimates that the
typical program costs approximately $1,500.

     Learning Centers range from 1,000 to 3,500 square feet. Instruction is
given at U-shaped tables designed to ensure that teachers work with no more than
three students at a time. The student's individualized one hour lesson includes
a five segment mastery approach. There are special incentives, such as tokens
redeemable for novelties and toys, to motivate the student to achieve the
program's objectives and to strengthen the student's enthusiasm for learning.
Personal computers at each Learning Center are used by the student as a
supplementary learning tool. The Learning Center's Director of Education
monitors the progress of each student after each hour of instruction.

     Instructors schedule parent conferences after every 12 hours of a student's
program. Throughout a student's course of study, the Learning Center tests the
student using the same standardized diagnostic tests, and the results are shared
with the parents in personal conferences, during which the student's
continuation in a Sylvan program is discussed.

     Franchise Operations. As of December 31, 1996, there were a total of 620
Learning Centers in 49 states, five Canadian provinces, Hong Kong, South Korea
and Guam operated by the Company or its franchisees. As of that date, there were
434 franchisees operating 581 Sylvan Learning Centers. During 1996, 55
franchised Learning Centers were opened and 6 were closed. In addition, during
1996, 11 franchisee-owned Learning Centers were acquired by the Company. Fewer
than 2% of franchisees are currently more than three months in arrears in the
payment of franchise royalties, and the Company does not believe that the
closing of any or all of the Learning Centers of these franchisees would have a
material adverse effect on the Company because the royalties earned from these
franchisees only represented approximately 1% of total franchise royalties
earned by the Company in 1996.

     The Company licenses franchisees to operate Sylvan Learning Centers in a
specified territory, the size of which depends on the number of school-age
children and average household incomes in the area. Franchisees must obtain the
Company's approval for the location and design of the Learning Center and of all
advertising, and must operate the Learning Center in accordance with the
Company's methods, standards and specifications. Most Learning Centers are
located in suburban areas and have approximately 10 employees, two of whom are
typically full-time employees and eight of whom are part-time instructors. The
cost to open a typical franchised Learning Center ranges from approximately
$79,000 to $145,000, including the franchise license fee, furniture, equipment
and an initial supply of certain items required to be purchased under the
Company's franchise agreement.

     The Company actively manages its franchise system. The Company requires
franchisees and their employees to attend two weeks of initial training in
Learning Center operations and Sylvan's educational programs. The Company also
offers franchisees continuing training each year. The Company employs field
operations managers that act as "consultants" to provide assistance to
franchisees in technology implementation, business development, marketing,
education and operations. These employees also facilitate regular communications
between franchisees and the Company.

     Sylvan operates a quality assurance review program to maintain the quality
of Sylvan Learning Centers. Sylvan's field operations managers confirm
franchisee compliance with the Company's standards, including training
requirements, exclusive use of approved educational materials and programs,
correct administration of testing materials, proper execution of supervisory
procedures, sufficient time spent in parent/teacher conferences, staffing and
Learning Center appearance. Sylvan's consultants counsel franchisees that fail
to meet the Company's quality or financial performance standards and assist
these franchisees in developing a plan to improve their Learning Centers'
performance. When necessary, the Company assists franchisees in selling their
franchises.

     The Company believes there is significant potential for additional
franchised Learning Centers both domestically and internationally. A number of
territories with only one Learning Center could support one or more additional
Learning Centers based upon the number of school-age children in the market
area. The Company is actively encouraging existing franchisees in these
territories to open additional Learning Centers. In addition, management has
identified at least 246 territories in North America, primarily in smaller
markets, in which there are no Learning

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Centers. The Company is actively seeking franchisees for a number of these
territories. Approximately 38 new territories were sold in 1996.

     The Company has sold franchise rights for the operation of Learning Centers
in South Korea, Hong Kong, China and Israel. Franchisees in these countries
offer the English version of the Sylvan program, and may not offer a foreign
language version of the program without paying additional fees to the Company to
subsidize the additional development costs. In pricing international franchise
rights, the Company takes into account estimates of the number of centers that
could be opened in an area.

     The Company's typical franchise agreement (the "License Agreement") grants
a license to operate a Sylvan Learning Center and to use Sylvan's trademarks
within a specified territory. The franchisee is required to purchase from Sylvan
certain diagnostic and instructional materials, student record forms, parental
information booklets and explanatory and promotional brochures developed by the
Company. Sylvan specifies requirements for other items necessary for operation
of a Learning Center, such as computers, instructional materials and furniture.
The Company currently offers a License Agreement with an initial term of ten
years, subject to unlimited additional ten year extensions at the franchisee's
option on the same terms and conditions. The initial license fee ranges from
$34,000 to $42,000, depending on factors such as the number of school-age
children in the territory. Royalties are either 8% or 9% of gross revenues of
the Learning Center, and the royalty rate depends upon the demographics of the
territory and is specified in the License Agreement. Advertising spending
requirements range from $1,000 to $3,500 per month, or up to 6% of gross
revenues, whichever is greater. The License Agreement has been revised
periodically, and several franchisees are operating under older agreements with
variations from the above terms. Approximately 10% of franchisees operate under
older agreements with royalties as low as 6% and without any requirement to
contribute to the national advertising fund. The remaining 90% of the
franchisees are required to contribute a minimum of 1.0% to 1.5% of gross
revenues to the national advertising fund. The fund is administered by the
Sylvan National Advertising Committee, Inc., which is owned equally by the
Company and the Sylvan Franchise Owners Association. Franchisees must submit
monthly financial data to the Company.

     Company-owned Learning Centers. As of December 31, 1996, Sylvan owned and
operated 39 Learning Centers: five in Baltimore, six in Dallas, six in Los
Angeles, five in the greater Philadelphia area, six in South Florida, six in the
greater Washington, D.C. area and five in the greater Minneapolis area. The
Company's operation of Learning Centers enables it to test new educational
programs, marketing plans and Learning Center management procedures. As of
December 31, 1996, nine of the Company-owned Learning Centers contained
Technology Centers for computer-based testing. Company-owned Learning Centers in
Baltimore, Dallas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, South Florida, greater Washington
D.C. and greater Minneapolis give the Company a local presence in key markets,
which has been helpful in marketing the Company's services to school districts
utilizing Title I funds and to employers interested in the Sylvan-At-Work and
PACE programs (see "Contract Educational Services" on page 7). The Company may
consider selected acquisitions of additional Learning Centers now operated by
franchisees.

Sylvan Prometric

     Sylvan has established 221 testing centers which are located in existing
Learning Centers, 20 stand-alone testing centers and, with the acquisition of
Drake in September 1995, added an additional 990 testing centers, 594 of which
are located in North America and the remainder in 95 foreign countries. In
addition, Sylvan acquired contract rights from the National Association of
Securities Dealers ("NASD") and assumed management of 56 NASD testing centers in
April 1996. Pursuant to the contract, the Company is in the process of reducing
the number of these testing centers. The Learning Center and stand-alone sites
contain up to 20 networked computers. The Company believes that it can increase
capacity by adding workstations at existing testing centers, as well as by
opening new testing centers. Opening a new testing center has taken, on average,
30 to 60 days. Computer-based tests, which can be offered during regular school
hours and on weekends, increase utilization of Learning Centers. Testing also
increases public awareness of Sylvan Learning Centers and the Company's core
educational services.

     Sylvan provides the supporting infrastructure and administration, including
computer equipment and software systems in each testing center and where
appropriate, registration and scheduling of candidates, downloading of
individual tests and training of Learning Center personnel in accordance with
procedures established by the sponsoring

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testing organization. The franchisee provides the space and Learning Center
personnel for staffing the testing center. The Company provides training and
certification of the Testing center personnel as computer-based test
administrators. The Company enters into contracts directly with the testing
organization, such as Educational Testing Services ("ETS"), under which Sylvan
receives a fee based upon the number of tests given. The Company has entered
into a separate agreement with each franchisee that operates a testing center,
whereby the franchisee receives a fee per test that decreases as the volume of
the tests delivered increases. The independently owned and managed testing
centers must meet certain criteria established by the Company for administering
computer-based testing. The owners of the testing centers are required to
furnish the space, equipment and personnel needed for their operation and
receive compensation for test delivery in various forms including hardware
obsolescence guarantees and marketing assistance for their core business.

     Principal customers in the information technology ("IT") industry are
Novell, Inc. and Microsoft Corp. IT customers sponsor worldwide certification
programs for various professionals such as network administrators and engineers,
service technicians, instructors, application specialists and developers, and
system administrators, operators and engineers. Certification testing for Novell
and Microsoft accounted for $40.6 million, or 47%, of Sylvan Prometric's
revenues in fiscal 1996.

     ETS, a leading educational testing firm, develops and administers more than
9.5 million tests each year, including the Graduate Record Exam ("GRE"), the
Graduate Management Admissions Test ("GMAT"), The Test of English as a Foreign
Language ("TOEFL"), the National Teachers Exam ("NTE") and the Advanced
Placement Program, sponsored by organizations such as the College Board. The
largest tests administered by ETS are the SAT, which is given annually to over
1.6 million college-bound students, and the PSAT, which is given annually to all
students in grade 10 or 11. As one of the largest and most influential test
developers and administrators, ETS is leading the conversion of tests to
computer-based format from pencil and paper versions.

     The Company developed a working relationship with ETS as a result of a
joint venture between ETS and a predecessor of the Company in the late 1980s.
This relationship facilitated the Company's entering into a master agreement
with ETS (the "ETS Agreement"), under which the Company is the exclusive
commercial provider of computer-based tests administered by ETS. This
exclusivity provision does not apply to the SAT, PSAT and Achievement Tests
which are sponsored by the College Board.

     During 1996, the Company recognized approximately $19.6 million, or 23% of
Sylvan Prometric's revenues in fiscal 1996, from services for ETS. The Company
provides testing services through contracts with ETS both domestically and
internationally. In April 1994, the Company entered into a ten year contract
with ETS to develop test sites and provide computer-based tests internationally.
During 1996, the Company expanded international testing for ETS to 88 permanent
and temporary sites in 54 countries. The terms of the contract stipulate that
the Company will be compensated for its services through a fee equal to approved
costs, plus 10 percent, and the Company recognizes revenues accordingly. The
Company also will be reimbursed for its cost of capital and any foreign exchange
losses. During 1996, the Company recognized revenues of approximately $7.6
million under this contract.

     Sylvan has been designated as the exclusive commercial provider of
computer-based tests administered by ETS (excluding tests not currently offered
by the College Board in computer-based format) so long as Sylvan is able to
provide sufficient capacity to meet the demand of candidates seeking to take
computer-based versions of tests, as determined in accordance with criteria set
forth in the ETS Agreement. The ETS Agreement provides that ETS may establish
ETS-operated testing centers, client-specific testing locations or testing
centers at colleges. However, ETS has agreed that Sylvan will receive at least
one-half of ETS' U.S. volume of computer-based tests covered by the ETS
Agreement. At present, there are no ETS-operated testing centers in existence.

     Under the ETS Agreement, the Company began offering computer-based versions
of ETS' PRAXIS examination, which is used to license beginning teachers, in
September 1992, and the GRE, which is used by graduate schools to evaluate
applicants, in October 1992. In August 1992, Sylvan and ETS were jointly awarded
a contract by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to develop and
deliver exclusively a computer-based licensing examination (NCLEX) for
registered and practical nurses. Beginning in April 1994, the test has been
offered exclusively in the computer-based version.

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     In addition to the tests offered through its partnership with ETS, the
Company is one of two entities licensed by the FAA to deliver computer-based
versions of various pilot and mechanic licensing tests for private aviation. In
addition to FAA testing, the Company provides testing services for organizations
in many other fields, such as for computer professionals, medical laboratory
technicians, and military candidates.

     Effective December 1, 1996, the Company purchased the privately held Wall
Street Institute International, B.V. and its commonly controlled affiliates
(collectively, "WSI"), a European based franchisor and operator of learning
centers where English is taught through a combination of computer-based and live
instruction. Typically, the instructional programs are approximately nine months
to one year in duration. With more than 170 franchised centers in operation
throughout Europe and Latin America, WSI had revenues of approximately $14.0
million for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996.

     The acquisition of WSI is an important step in Sylvan's strategy to
increase its services to the adult education marketplace and to expand
internationally. Sylvan began building a global network for the delivery of
computer-based testing services in early 1994 through an exclusive international
alliance with ETS. In addition to offering the English language programs, WSI
locations can be utilized by Sylvan to administer certain computer-based testing
programs throughout Europe and Latin America.

     WSI, which started franchising in 1991, has 82 centers in Spain with the
remainder in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Mexico, Chile, and
Venezuela. WSI 's international expansion was accomplished by selling Master
Licensing agreements, with each Master Licensor obtaining franchisees to open
centers in their development areas. Sylvan plans to continue this strategy to
expand WSI's presence globally, with a focus on Asia and the Pacific Rim region.

Contract Educational Services: Public and Non-Public School Based Programs
Funded by Federal Title I and state-based programs; PACE and Sylvan-At-Work

     Title I and state-based programs. The federal government and various state
and local governmental agencies allocate funds to local school districts to
provide supplemental and remedial education to academically and economically
disadvantaged students. The main program is the Title I (formerly Chapter I)
program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal law now
contains minimum student performance standards for each school district
receiving Title I funds. The Company believes that, because of its proven record
of achieving measurable improvement in the reading and mathematics skills of its
students nationwide, it is positioned to provide supplemental educational
services to school districts receiving Title I and similar state funds. As of
December 31, 1996, the Company had contracts to provide remedial educational
services to the following public schools: 22 Baltimore schools, 10 District of
Columbia schools, seven schools in four districts in Texas and Maryland, 14
schools in Chicago, three schools in Newark, five St. Paul schools, two schools
in Broward County, Florida, and one school in New Orleans. In January, 1997 the
Company was awarded contracts to provide services in public schools in the
districts of Charleston, Oklahoma City, and Richmond. In 1996, approximately 14%
of total revenues for the contract educational services segment were derived
from the contracts with the Baltimore City Schools.

     Using Company personnel, Sylvan offers virtually the same core educational
services to students in schools as is offered at Sylvan Learning Centers. The
school designates a classroom to be the Learning Center for the duration of the
contract and modifies the classroom to resemble a typical Learning Center.
Sylvan personnel administer standardized diagnostic tests and, based on the
results, prescribe an individualized learning program for each child. Students
typically receive two hours of instruction per week, which includes use of
personal computers as in a Learning Center. The Company can provide these
services to students after school, on Saturdays, during the summer or as a
"pullout" program during the regular school day, which is the method currently
prescribed by all current contracts. There is a high degree of individual
attention, with student to teacher ratios of no more than three to one. The
program is designed to include a high degree of parental involvement, and
teachers make a special effort to involve parents.

     Under most of its contracts, the Company has guaranteed that each student
who receives instruction in the Sylvan program and meets prescribed attendance
requirements will achieve some minimum measure of improvement required

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by the school districts, as measured by standardized tests. Improvement is
measured using various standardized measures, including normal curve equivalents
("NCE's"), a generally accepted statistical measure of student performance. The
typical minimum improvement required is two NCE's per year. If a student does
not achieve the required improvement, the Company will provide 12 hours of
remedial instruction to that student during the following summer or school year
without charge. The Company has not incurred significant expense related to this
guarantee. Under the contracts, the school districts pay the Company a set fee
for all services, materials and equipment. The contracts have terms of one to
three years, with the latest expiring in June 1998. All of the contracts contain
provisions for cancellation by school district officials based on funding
constraints.

     The Company is actively seeking contracts to provide its core educational
program to other school systems, offering to tailor its program to the system's
specific needs, and is in discussions with several other major school districts.
In addition to serving public school students, Sylvan can provide its service to
parochial or private school students through contracts with public school
districts. Public school districts are responsible for administering the Title I
funding for the non-public schools. Because government-funded services to any
parochial school students generally cannot legally be provided in the parochial
school, Sylvan offers the flexibility of conducting the program at a nearby
Learning Center, or providing temporary facilities.

     PACE. In March 1995, the Company acquired The PACE Group ("PACE"), a
provider of educational and training services to large corporations throughout
the United States. Services offered by PACE include racial and gender workplace
diversity training and skills improvement programs such as writing, advanced
reading, listening and public speaking. This acquisition complements the
Company's Sylvan-At-Work program and extends the core educational services the
Company offers to adults in the corporate workplace. PACE provides educational
and training services, typically on-site, to businesses throughout the United
States and generated $10.1 million in revenues for the year ended December 31,
1996. Management believes PACE is capitalizing on the trend toward outsourcing
of training services by large corporations. PACE licenses most of these programs
from the individuals who developed them and pays royalties ranging from 5% to
15% of the revenues generated from the programs. These programs are typically
offered on-site from one to several days at a time and are conducted by trained
instructors employed by PACE, or, in some cases, PACE will train the customer's
employees to conduct the programs. Additionally, a corporation may purchase a
site license to offer a particular PACE program. PACE currently has 26 sales
offices throughout the United States and markets the programs locally through
its sales force. PACE customers include Ford Motor Company, IBM, BankOne,
General Motors and AT&T.

     Sylvan-At-Work. The Company's Sylvan-At-Work program, which has been
offered since 1990, is a modified version of Sylvan's core educational service
provided to businesses on-site. Programs are currently offered for Motorola,
Inc. at one site in Austin, Texas; for Texas Instruments Incorporated at three
sites in the Dallas area; and, for Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. at one
site in Tennessee.


Marketing

     The Company and its franchisees market Sylvan's core educational service to
parents of school-aged children at all grade levels and academic abilities. Far
beyond tutoring, Sylvan Learning Centers' supplemental education utilizes a
diagnostic and prescriptive approach to address the specific needs of each and
every student. A portion of Sylvan's advertising includes spots on morning and
evening news on the national networks. Sylvan's advertising campaign
demonstrates the benefits of its personalized educational services through
testimonials of actual parents and Sylvan teachers. It positions Sylvan as the
leader in supplemental education and emphasizes Sylvan's high quality
curriculum, personalized attention and positive results: better grades and
improved self-esteem. Franchisees form local cooperatives to collectively
purchase local television and radio advertising and usually supplement their
efforts with local newspaper and direct mail. The company also has additional
marketing support for specific programs, including Reading, Math, Algebra,
Geometry, Study Skills, SAT/ACT College Prep, and Writing.

     The Company is actively involved in marketing computer-based testing
services to national and international academic testing organizations, such as
ETS, and licensing and professional certification organizations. The Company's
network of testing centers, centralized registration capability and
computer-based testing experience offer

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important competitive advantages. The Company markets its school-based
educational services to several public school systems and state education
departments. In 1995 and 1996, this marketing effort has been expanded to seek
contracts for both public and non-public schools, where both are administered by
the local public school district.

     Marketing efforts for the PACE programs are focused on large corporations
seeking to outsource their training and educational programs, through PACE's 26
sales offices throughout the United States. PACE's strategy is to offer
solutions to the customer's training needs rather than marketing specific
products.


Competition

     The Company is aware of only two direct national corporate competitors in
its core educational services segment: Huntington Learning Centers, Inc. and
Kumon Educational Institute. The Company believes these competitors operate
fewer centers than Sylvan and that these firms concentrate their services within
a smaller geographic area. In most areas served by Sylvan Learning Centers, the
primary competition is from individual tutors. State and local education
agencies also fund tutoring by individuals, which competes with the Company's
core educational services segment.

     The Company is not aware of any other private businesses competing to
provide Title I programs for public school students, and the Company's most
significant competitor remains the public school system itself. Given the unique
position of public education in the United States, the Company believes that
educational reforms implemented directly by school officials will not face the
same degree of public resistance that the Company may face. The Company also
competes with school reform efforts sponsored by private organizations and
universities and with consultants hired by school districts to provide
assistance in the identification of problems and implementation of solutions.
The Company is aware of several entities that currently provide Title I and
state-based programs for students attending parochial and private schools on a
contract basis.

     Sylvan Prometric also has a small number of direct competitors. These
competitors include organizations that have opened centers to offer specific
computer-based tests under contracts with the administrators of those tests.


Government Regulation

     Title I. Title I school districts are responsible for implementing Title I
in carrying out their educational programs. Final Title I regulations, which
were issued July 3, 1995, as well as provisions of Title I itself, direct Title
I school districts to satisfy obligations including involving parents in their
children's education, evaluating and reporting on student progress, providing
equitable services and other benefits to eligible non-public school students in
the district and other programmatic and fiscal requirements. In contracting with
school districts to provide Title I services, the Company has become, and will
continue to be, subject to various Title I requirements and may become
responsible to the school district for carrying out specific functions required
by law. For example, under the Baltimore City Schools' contract, Sylvan has
responsibility for soliciting parental involvement, introducing program content
adequate to achieve certain educational gains and maintaining the
confidentiality of student records. The Company's failure to adhere to Title I
requirements or to carry out regulatory responsibilities undertaken by contract
may result in contract termination, financial liability, or other sanctions.

     Franchise. The sale of franchises is regulated by various state authorities
as well as the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC"). The FTC requires that
franchisors make extensive disclosure to prospective franchisees but does not
require registration. A number of states require registration and prior approval
of the franchise offering document. In addition, several states have "franchise
relationship laws" or "business opportunity laws" that limit the ability of a
franchisor to terminate franchise agreements or to withhold consent to the
renewal or transfer of these agreements. While the Company's franchising
operations have not been materially adversely affected by such existing
regulation, the Company cannot predict the effect of any future legislation or
regulation.

                                        9

<PAGE>



Trademarks

     The Company has a federal trademark registration for the words "Sylvan
Learning Center" and distinctive logo (a reading child), a service mark for the
words "Sylvan Prometric" and various other trademarks and service marks and has
applications pending for a number of other distinctive phrases. The Company also
has obtained Canadian registrations of a number of the same trademarks. The
Company's License Agreement grants the franchisee the right to use the Company's
trademarks in connection with operation of the franchisee's Learning Center.


Employees

     As of December 31, 1996, the Company had approximately 2,850 employees,
1,250 of whom were classified as full-time and 1,600 of whom were classified as
part-time. Most of the Company's part-time employees are teachers in
school-based programs, Company-owned Learning Centers and Sylvan-At-Work
programs. None of the Company's employees is represented by a union, and the
Company considers its relationship with its employees to be good.


Backlog

     The Company supplies its educational and testing services when requested;
consequently, the Company has not experienced any backlog of services.


Effect of Environmental Laws

     The Company is in compliance with all environmental laws. Future compliance
with environmental laws is not expected to have a material effect on the
business.


ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

     The Company leases approximately 108,000 square feet of space in Baltimore,
Maryland for its administrative offices. In addition, the Company leases
approximately 55,000 square feet in Minneapolis, Minnesota for general office
space and a registration center. The Company also leases space for the 39
Company-owned Learning Centers in Maryland, Texas, California, Pennsylvania,
Delaware, New Jersey, Florida, Minnesota and Virginia, ranging from 1,500 to
3,500 square feet per Learning Center. The Company began leasing space for
Technology Centers in areas where there is no Learning Center franchise or
centers acquired from NASD. These spaces range from 500 to 3,500 square feet.
The Company had 80 Technology Centers leased as of December 31, 1996. The
Company leases 29 international testing sites ranging from 500 to 5,000 square
feet with the lease terms from three to five years.

                                       10

<PAGE>



ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     From time to time, the Company may be a party to routine litigation
incidental to its business. At this time, the Company is the defendant in a
legal proceeding pending in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of Iowa, Civil Action No. C96-334MJM, filed on November 18, 1996 by
ACT, Inc., an Iowa nonprofit corporation formerly known as American College
Testing Program, Inc. ("ACT"). ACT's claim arises out of the Company's purchase
of contract rights to administer testing services for the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). ACT has asserted that the Company
tortiously interfered with ACT's relations, contractual and quasi-contractual,
with the NASD, caused ACT to suffer the loss of its advantageous economic
prospects with the NASD and other ACT clients and that the Company has
monopolized and attempted to monopolize the computer-based testing services
market. ACT has claimed unspecified amounts of compensatory, treble and punitive
damages, as well as injunctive relief. The Company believes that all of ACT's
claims are without merit.

     At this time the Company is not a party, either as plaintiff or defendant,
in any other material litigation.


ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter ended December 31, 1996.


                                       11

<PAGE>


                                    PART II.


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

     The Company's Common Stock has traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market since its
initial public offering on December 9, 1993. It's trading symbol is SLVN. The
high and low trade prices for 1995 and 1996 for the Company's common stock are
set out in the following table. These prices are as reported by NASDAQ, and
reflect inter-dealer price quotations, without retail mark-up, mark down or
commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. All amounts
reported in the 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the 1996 audited
financial statements have been retroactively restated to reflect the effects of
a 3 for 2 stock split which occurred in November 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         1995                              High                     Low
         ----                             ------                  -----
      <S>                                 <C>                     <C>   
      1st Quarter                         $13.17                  $11.17
      2nd Quarter                         $14.33                  $11.09
      3rd Quarter                         $21.67                  $14.33
      4th Quarter                         $21.17                  $15.33

<CAPTION>
         1996                              High                     Low
         ----                             ------                  -----
      <S>                                 <C>                     <C>   
      1st Quarter                         $26.17                  $18.00
      2nd Quarter                         $27.50                  $21.33
      3rd Quarter                         $27.50                  $18.67
      4th Quarter                         $33.00                  $24.25
</TABLE>

     No dividends were declared on the Company's Common Stock during the years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the Company does not anticipate paying
dividends in the foreseeable future.

     The number of registered shareholders of record as of March 17, 1997 was
213.

     During the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company issued 861,500 shares
of its common stock that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
On November 8, 1996, the Company issued 824,000 shares to JLC Learning
Corporation pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement. On October 23, 1996,
the Company issued 37,500 shares to Jannick Education, Inc. for the purchase of
five franchised learning centers.


ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

     Sylvan is the successor to Sylvan Learning Corporation (the "Predecessor").
The Predecessor was founded in 1979 to develop the Sylvan Learning Centers
concept. In April 1985, Kinder-Care Learning Centers, Inc. ("Kinder-Care")
acquired the Predecessor and in July 1985, completed an initial public offering
of the Predecessor's common stock. The Predecessor operated as a public company
until February 1988, when Kinder-Care repurchased all of the publicly-held
shares of the Predecessor.

     On February 1, 1991, the Predecessor and KEE, Incorporated ("KEE"), a
computer training software development business owned by a group of investors
including Messrs. Hoehn-Saric and Becker, entered into a joint venture by
contributing substantially all of their assets to Sylvan KEE Systems, a Maryland
general partnership (the "Partnership"), each in exchange for a 50% interest in
the Partnership. Messrs. Hoehn-Saric and Becker assumed management
responsibility for the Partnership. The Partnership operated the business
through January 26, 1993, when KEE purchased all of the Predecessor's
outstanding common stock from Kinder-Care. The $8.0 million purchase price was
paid with $4.5 million in cash and KEE's $3.5 million 12% promissory note. The
cash portion of the purchase price came from the net proceeds of KEE's private
placement of $10.0 million of Series A Preferred Stock.

     Following KEE's purchase of the stock of the Predecessor, the Partnership
was dissolved, and all of its assets and liabilities were transferred to KEE.
KEE changed its name to Sylvan KEE Systems, Inc. and later to Sylvan Learning
Systems, Inc. in contemplation of the disposition of the assets of the KEE
division. During 1993, Sylvan sold all of KEE's assets and liabilities for $2.2
million to Computer Innovations Distribution Inc., which operates

                                       12

<PAGE>



under the name Computerland of Canada and is a subsidiary of SHL Systemhouse
Inc. Sylvan realized a gain of approximately $364,000 from this transaction.
KEE's business had generated operating losses for all periods and is presented
in the Statements of Operations as a discontinued operation.

     The following combined statement of operations data for the twelve months
ended December 31, 1992 are unaudited and consist of the operations of the
Partnership which was formed on February 1, 1991. On January 26, 1993, Sylvan
acquired the Predecessor and dissolved the Partnership. The selected statement
of operations data for the year ended December 31, 1993 consists of the results
of the Partnership for the month of January 1993 plus the results of Sylvan for
the eleven months ended December 31, 1993. The selected financial data for the
years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 have been derived from Sylvan's
financial statements which have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP. The financial
data should be read in conjunction with the historical Financial Statements and
Notes thereto.

     On February 17, 1995, the Company acquired by merger all of the outstanding
stock of Remedial Education and Diagnostic Services, Inc. and READS, Inc.
(collectively, "READS"). READS is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and
provides remedial and education services, psychological, diagnostic and
counseling services, career awareness training, and a variety of consulting
services. Services are delivered under contracts with school districts,
county-wide educational agencies and municipalities in the Eastern United
States. During 1994, the Company acquired by merger all of the outstanding stock
of Learning Services, Inc. ("LSI") and all of the outstanding stock of Loralex
Corporation ("Loralex"). These companies owned and operated a total of nine
Sylvan Learning Centers located in the Northeast United States and Florida,
respectively. All of these acquisitions have been accounted for by the Company
as poolings-of-interests and, accordingly, the Company's financial statements
have been restated for all periods prior to these acquisitions to include the
results of operations of READS, LSI and Loralex. See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Background." The
selected statements of operations data include the operations of PACE from March
1, 1995 and the operations of Drake from October 1, 1995, the respective periods
each of these subsidiaries were owned by the Company, as further described in
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Background". The selected statements of operations data include the
operations of Wall Street Institute International B.V. ("WSI") from December 1,
1996 through December 31, 1996, the period that WSI was owned by the Company, as
further described in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations - Background".

                                       13

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Partnership
                                                                            and Sylvan                      Sylvan
                                                             Partnership     Combined       ---------------------------------------
                                                                Year           Year           Year            Year          Year
                                                               Ended          Ended          Ended           Ended         Ended
                                                             December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,  December 31,
                                                               1992(1)        1993(1)        1994(1)         1995          1996
                                                              ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------     ---------
                                                                               (in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>      
Statements of Operations Data:
   Revenues:
       Franchise royalties ..............................     $   5,695      $   6,510      $   7,921      $   9,223      $  11,160
       Franchise sales fees .............................           352          1,008          1,256          2,132          3,184
       Company-owned learning center
          services ......................................         3,692          7,246          8,605         11,520         18,528
       Product sales ....................................         1,537          1,297          2,234          3,188          3,927
       Testing services .................................         1,300          3,572         13,665         34,566         86,951
       Contract educational services ....................         7,124          9,989         13,563         27,362         33,366
       Other ............................................           481             --             --             --             --
                                                              ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
          Total revenues ................................        20,181         29,622         47,244         87,991        157,116
                                                              ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
   Cost and expenses:
       Franchise services ...............................         2,195          2,778           3,84         15,875          6,532
       Company-owned learning center
          expense .......................................         3,400          6,873          7,655         10,369         16,073
       Cost of product sales ............................         1,782          1,009          1,759          2,431          2,952
       Testing service expense ..........................         2,022          3,052         14,025         30,348         71,518
       Contract educational services
          expense .......................................         6,316          8,751         11,880         25,120         29,071
       General and administrative expense(4) ............         5,433          6,255          4,998          6,206          8,755
       Loss on impairment of assets .....................            --             --             --          3,316             --
                                                              ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
          Total cost and expenses .......................        21,148         28,718         44,158         83,665        134,901
                                                              ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------

   Operating income (loss) ..............................          (967)           904          3,086          4,326         22,215
   Non-operating income (expense) .......................          (112)          (171)           224            391            363
   Interest income (expense), net .......................          (307)          (999)           152           (960)         1,015
                                                              ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
   Income (loss) from continuing
       operations before income taxes and
       extraordinary items ..............................        (1,386)          (266)         3,462          3,757         23,593
   Income taxes .........................................            (8)            (7)           (76)          (209)        (8,850)
                                                              ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
   Income (loss) from continuing
       operations before extraordinary
       items ............................................        (1,394)          (273)         3,386          3,548         14,743
   Discontinued operations(2):
       Loss from operations, net of tax .................        (1,700)          (375)            --             --             --
       Gain on disposal .................................           427            580             --             --             --
                                                              ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
       Income (loss) from discontinued
          operations ....................................        (1,273)           205             --             --             --
                                                              ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
   Net income (loss) before extraordinary
       items ............................................        (2,667)           (68)         3,386          3,548         14,743
   Extraordinary items(3) ...............................            --           (177)            --             --             --
                                                              ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
       Net income(loss) .................................     $  (2,667)     $    (245)     $   3,386      $   3,548      $  14,743
                                                              =========      =========      =========      =========      =========
   Income (loss) from continuing
       operations per share(5) ..........................                    $   (0.02)     $    0.23      $    0.22      $    0.60
                                                                             =========      =========      =========      =========
   Net income (loss) per share(5) .......................                    $   (0.02)     $    0.23      $    0.22      $    0.60
                                                                             =========      =========      =========      =========
   Weighted average shares outstanding(5) ...............                       11,553         15,119         15,972         23,582
                                                                             =========      =========      =========      =========
Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
   Net working capital (deficit) ........................     $  (2,559)     $  12,869      $  11,530      $  38,317      $  28,387
   Intangible assets and deferred contract
       costs ............................................           149          7,000          7,932         82,849        122,932
   Total assets .........................................         9,979         32,242         42,499        165,407        250,579
   Long-term debt and capital leases ....................         1,690          2,899          6,168          4,416          4,049
   Stockholders' or partners' equity (deficit) ..........          (210)        23,971         31,834        136,464        179,591
</TABLE>


                                                        (footnotes on next page)


                                       14

<PAGE>


- ----------
(1)  Prior to February 1, 1991, the Sylvan Learning Centers business was
     conducted by Sylvan Learning Corporation (the "Predecessor"). On February
     1, 1991, the Predecessor contributed the Sylvan Learning Centers business
     to Sylvan KEE Systems, a Maryland general partnership (the "Partnership")
     in exchange for a 50% partnership interest, and Sylvan contributed its
     computer training software development business to the Partnership in
     exchange for the other 50% partnership interest. On January 26, 1993,
     Sylvan acquired the Predecessor and dissolved the Partnership. On September
     3, 1993, Sylvan sold its computer training software development business.

     On February 17, 1995, Sylvan acquired by merger all of the outstanding
     stock of Remedial Education and Diagnostic Services, Inc. and READS, Inc.
     (collectively, "READS"). READS is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and
     provides remedial and education services, psychological, diagnostic and
     counseling services, career awareness training, and a variety of consulting
     services. Services are delivered under contracts with school districts,
     county-wide educational agencies and municipalities in the Eastern United
     States.

     During 1994, Sylvan acquired by merger all of the outstanding stock of
     Learning Services, Inc. ("LSI") and all of the outstanding stock of Loralex
     Corporation ("Loralex"). These companies owned and operated a total of nine
     Sylvan Learning Centers located in the Northeast United States and Florida.

     The READS, Loralex and LSI acquisitions have been accounted for by Sylvan
     as poolings-of-interests and, accordingly, Sylvan's financial statements
     have been restated for all periods presented to include the results of
     operations of READS, LSI and Loralex. See "Management's Discussion and
     Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Background."

(2)  Represents Sylvan's computer training software development business which
     was sold in September 1993; a Canadian computer training business, 80.1% of
     which was sold in 1992; and Sylvan's tuition financing subsidiary which was
     sold in October 1991.

(3)  Represents the $350,000 gain on extinguishment of a $3.5 million debt to
     Learning Centers, Inc., and a $527,000 loss on an extinguishment of $5.0
     million of notes payable to stockholders.

(4)  The Company has reclassified certain operating expenses previously included
     in general and administrative expense to division-specific expense
     categories. This change has been reflected for all periods presented.

(5)  All share and per share data have been restated to retroactively reflect a
     3-for-2 stock split of the Company's common stock for stockholders of
     record on November 7, 1996.


                                       15

<PAGE>



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS

ALL STATEMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, STATEMENTS REGARDING THE ANTICIPATED IMPACT OF UNCOLLECTIBLE
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ON FUTURE LIQUIDITY, EXPENDITURES TO DEVELOP LICENSING AND
CERTIFICATION TESTS UNDER EXISTING CONTRACTS, THE COMPANY'S CONTINGENT PAYMENT
OBLIGATIONS RELATING TO THE PACE AND DRAKE ACQUISITIONS, FUTURE CAPITAL
REQUIREMENTS, POTENTIAL ACQUISITIONS AND THE COMPANY'S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PLANS
ARE BASED ON CURRENT EXPECTATIONS. THESE STATEMENTS ARE FORWARD LOOKING IN
NATURE AND INVOLVE A NUMBER OF RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. ACTUAL RESULTS MAY
DIFFER MATERIALLY. AMONG THE FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER
MATERIALLY ARE THE FOLLOWING: CHANGES IN THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF THE
COMPANY'S CLIENTS; TIMING AND EXTENT OF TESTING CLIENTS' CONVERSIONS TO
COMPUTER-BASED TESTING; AMOUNT OF REVENUES EARNED BY THE COMPANY'S PACE AND
DRAKE OPERATIONS; THE AVAILABILITY OF SUFFICIENT CAPITAL TO FINANCE THE
COMPANY'S BUSINESS PLAN ON TERMS SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY; GENERAL BUSINESS
AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS; AND OTHER RISK FACTORS DESCRIBED IN THE COMPANY'S
REPORTS FILED FROM TIME TO TIME WITH THE COMMISSION. THE COMPANY WISHES TO
CAUTION READERS NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON ANY SUCH FORWARD LOOKING
STATEMENTS, WHICH STATEMENTS ARE MADE PURSUANT TO THE PRIVATE SECURITIES
LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1955 AND, AS SUCH, SPEAK ONLY AS OF THE DATE MADE.


Background

     In April 1991, the Partnership acquired a computer training business from
Computerland of Canada through a subsidiary, Learning Technologies of Canada,
Inc. ("LTC"). In June 1992, the Partnership sold 80.1% of the stock of LTC to
Computerland of Canada. Computerland of Canada purchased the remaining 19.9% of
LTC's stock in connection with Sylvan's sale of the entire KEE business in 1993.
The Partnership recognized a net gain of $427,000 upon the sale of 80.1% of
LTC's stock in 1992, and Sylvan recognized a gain of $216,000 upon the sale of
the remaining 19.9% of LTC's stock in 1993.

     During 1994, Sylvan acquired by merger all of the outstanding shares LSI
and Loralex. These companies owned and operated a total of nine Sylvan Learning
Centers located in the greater Philadelphia area and Southern Florida,
respectively. On February 17, 1995, in exchange for 525,108 shares of Sylvan's
Common Stock (having a then market value of approximately $6.0 million), Sylvan
acquired READS, a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based contract provider of various
remedial education, diagnostic and consulting services to non-public schools.
Each of these acquisitions has been accounted for by Sylvan as a
pooling-of-interests and, accordingly, Sylvan's financial statements have been
restated for all prior periods presented to include the results of operations of
LSI, Loralex and READS. In 1994, the LSI and Loralex Learning Centers generated
an aggregate of $4.1 million of revenues and $834,000 of operating income.
READS' revenues for 1994 totaled $7.7 million (including $2.6 million from a
related not-for-profit entity) and operating income of $630,000. Effective
February 28, 1995, Sylvan acquired PACE, a provider of educational services to
large corporations. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method
of accounting, and Sylvan's results of operations from March 1, 1995 include the
operations of PACE. PACE had total revenues of $9.6 million and $1.4 million of
operating income in 1994.

     On December 13, 1995 Sylvan consummated the purchase of privately-held
Drake, a leading provider of computer-based certification, licensure and
assessment testing, at which time the Company transferred an initial purchase
price valued at approximately $70.0 million to the Sellers. The transaction was
effective September 30, 1995. An additional amount of $8.1 million is payable to
the Sellers based on the 1996 financial results of the Sylvan Prometric
division. Additional consideration may be payable to the Sellers if defined
future operating results of the computer-based testing business are achieved.



                                       16

<PAGE>



     Effective December 1, 1996, Sylvan acquired Wall Street Institute
International B.V. and its commonly-controlled affiliates ("WSI"), a
European-based franchisor and operator of learning centers that teach the
English language. This transaction was accounted for using the purchase method
of accounting and Sylvan's results of operations from December 1, 1996 include
the operations of WSI. WSI had total revenues of $14.3 million and $4.2 million
of operating income for its most recent fiscal year which ended August 31, 1996.
Sylvan paid $4.9 million of the approximately $20.0 million purchase price in
cash and the remainder in 714,884 shares of Sylvan common stock. Sylvan has
agreed to register 209,520 of such shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended on April 28, 1997.

     The discussion of Sylvan's results of operations herein relates to the
continuing operations of Sylvan. The results of operations discussion of PACE is
included for the period from March 1, 1995. The results of operations discussion
of Drake is included for the period from October 1, 1995. The results of
operations discussion of WSI is included for the period December 1, 1996 through
December 31, 1996.

     Sylvan generates revenues from three business segments: core educational
services which primarily consist of franchise sales, royalties and Sylvan-owned
Learning Center revenues; testing services, which consist of computer-based
testing fees paid to Sylvan primarily by test administrators; and contract
educational services, which consist of revenues attributable to providing
supplemental and remedial education services to school districts and major
corporations.


Results of Operations

  Comparison of results for the year ended December 31, 1996 to the year ended
  December 31, 1995.

     Revenues. Total revenues increased by $69.1 million, or 79%, to $157.1
million for the year ended December 31, 1996, compared to the same period in
1995. This increase resulted from higher revenues in all business segments --
core educational services, testing services and contract educational services.

     Core educational services revenues increased by $10.7 million, or 41%, to
$36.8 million for 1996. Franchise royalties increased $1.9 million or 21%, for
1996. This increase in franchise royalties was due to an overall 19% increase in
revenues at existing Learning Centers open for more than one year combined with
a net increase of 49 new full and satellite Centers opened in 1996. A satellite
Center is a center operating within an existing franchise territory.

     Franchise sales fees increased by $1.1 million, or 49%, to $3.2 million for
the year ended December 31, 1996 compared to the same period in 1995. For the
year ended December 31, 1996, there were four area development agreements sold
for $1.7 million and 38 franchise Center licenses sold, as compared to 43
franchise Center licenses and two area development agreements sold for $550,000
in the same period in 1995.

     Revenues from Company-owned Learning Centers increased by $7.0 million, or
61%, to $18.5 million during 1996. Revenue growth related to student enrollment
increases for Centers operating over 12 months as of December 31, 1996 resulted
in $3.4 million, or 30%, of the increase for 1996 compared to 1995.
Approximately $3.2 million of the revenue increase resulted from the acquisition
of eleven centers from two franchisees. The opening of one new Center after
December 31, 1995 resulted in an additional $350,000 of revenue during 1996.
Product sales increased by $739,000, or 23%, to $3.9 million for 1996 resulting
from overall student enrollment increases at franchised Centers.

     Contract educational services revenue increased by $6.0 million, or 22%, to
$33.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. Revenue from public and
non-public school contracts increased by $4.1 million for the year


                                       17

<PAGE>



ended December 31, 1996. Revenue from PACE accounted for $1.9 million of the
increase for 1996. The PACE increase results from the fact that the acquisition,
accounted for as a purchase, was effective February 28, 1995, and as such the
1995 results only reflect ten months of PACE results.

     Revenue from public and non-public school contracts obtained after December
31, 1995 contributed $2.2 million to revenue for 1996. Revenue from existing
public school public and non-public contracts increased by $2.8 million in 1996,
primarily related to the contracts being in effect for a full year in 1996.
Revenue from existing public and non-public school contracts decreased by $0.9
million in 1996 due to non-recurring revenues included in the 1995 period.

     Testing services revenue increased by $52.4 million, or 152%, to $87.0
million during the year ended December 31, 1996, compared to the year ended
December 31, 1995. The significant increase in testing services revenues
resulted primarily from the acquisition of Drake which provided increased
revenues from information technology (IT) clients. Increased services under
Educational Testing Service (ETS) contracts, including the cost-plus
international contract and GRE, and other professional testing revenue
increases, including the implementation of a management contract with the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), also contributed to
the increase in testing services revenues. Effective March 1, 1996, the Company
entered into a management contract with the NASD to operate their testing
centers delivering computer-based testing to securities brokers and dealers. The
Company has a 10 year contract to provide testing for the NASD.

     Cost and Expenses. Franchise services expense increased by $0.7 million, to
$6.5 million or 46% of franchise royalties and sales for the year ended December
31, 1996, compared to $5.9 million, or 52% of franchise royalties and sales for
the year ended December 31, 1995. The increased margin in 1996 primarily relates
to the effects of leveraging the fixed costs of supporting this line of business
over a larger revenue base.

     Company-owned Learning Center expense increased by $5.7 million, to $16.1
million or 87% of Company-owned Learning Center services revenues for the year
ended December 31, 1996, compared to $10.4 million, or 90% of Company-owned
Learning Center services revenues for the year ended December 31, 1995. $3.1
million of the increase relates to the acquisition of 11 Learning Centers. The
remaining increase in expenses were primarily advertising, labor and general
overhead associated with increased Center enrollment. Expenses for Centers
operating over 12 months as of December 31, 1996 accounted for $2.2 million of
the increase for 1996, and represent 64% of incremental same Center revenue. The
opening of one new Company-owned Learning Center since December 31, 1995
increased expenses by $375,000, or 107% of the revenue of that Center for the
year ended December 31, 1996.

     Contract educational services expense increased by $4.0 million to $29.1
million, or 87% of contract educational services revenues during 1996, compared
to $25.1 million, or 92% of contract educational services revenues during 1995.
The decline in contract educational services expenses as a percentage of revenue
resulted from increased revenues without corresponding increases in overhead.
Operating expenses for Title I schools increased $2.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 1996, while operating expenses for PACE accounted for $1.1 million
of the increase for the same period. The PACE increase results from the fact
that the acquisition, accounted for as a purchase, was effective February 28,
1995, and as such the 1995 results only reflect ten months of PACE results.

     Testing services expenses for the year ended December 31, 1996 increased by
$41.2 million to $71.5 million, or 82% of total testing services revenue,
compared to $30.3 million, or 88% of total testing services revenue for the year
ended December 31, 1995. The increase resulted primarily from the acquisition of
Drake and the increased registration and delivery costs associated with
additional volume of tests. 1996 expenses include $2.4 million of amortization
of contract rights related to the Drake acquisition. 1995 expenses included $4.1
million of amortization of contract rights, imputed interest and salary
termination charges related to the Drake acquisition. Excluding non-


                                       18

<PAGE>


recurring charges, testing services expenses as a percentage of testing services
revenues increased to 79% in 1996 from 76% in 1995. The principal reasons for
the percentage increase in 1996 are the full year of amortization of goodwill
associated with the Drake acquisition and the partial year amortization of
certain deferred contract costs and contract rights in 1996 and increased
staffing levels required to meet the growth in business volumes that occurred
during 1996 and expected growth in business volumes in 1997.

     General and administrative expense increased by $2.6 million to $8.8
million during 1996 from $6.2 million during 1995, but decreased as a percentage
of revenues from 7% to 6%. The percentage decline resulted from increased
revenues from all segments without corresponding increases in overhead. Interest
expense decreased by $1.3 million to $0.5 million during 1996 from $1.8 million
during 1995 due principally to the $1.1 million of interest expense imputed on
the purchase of Drake discussed in the following section.


  Comparison of results for the year ended December 31, 1995 to the year ended
  December 31, 1994.

     Revenues. Total revenues increased by $40.8 million, or 86%, to $88.0
million for the year ended December 31, 1995, compared to the same period in
1994. This increase resulted from higher revenues in all business segments--core
educational services, testing services and contract educational services.

     Core educational services revenues increased by $6.1 million, or 30%, to
$26.1 million for 1995. Franchise royalties increased $1.3 million or 16%, for
1995. This increase in franchise royalties was due to a net increase of 31 new
Centers in new territories and 15 new satellite Centers (Centers operating
within existing franchise territories) in 1995, combined with an overall 14%
increase in revenues at existing Learning Centers open for more than one year.

     Franchise sales fees increased $876,000 to $2.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 1995 compared to the same period in 1994. For the year ended
December 31, 1995, there were two area development agreements sold for $550,000
and 43 franchise Center licenses sold, as compared to 31 franchise Center
licenses and one $117,000 area development agreement sold in the same period in
1994.

     Revenues from Company-owned Learning Centers increased $2.9 million, or
34%, to $11.5 million during 1995. The increase primarily resulted from same
center revenue growth related to student enrollment increases. Product sales
increased $954,000 or 43%, to $3.2 million for 1995. Approximately $338,000 of
the increase in product sales was due to sales of new versions of Math and
Algebra programs (which began in the second half of 1994) with the remainder
resulting from overall increases in student enrollment.

     Contract educational services revenue increased by $13.8 million to $27.4
million for the year ended December 31, 1995. Revenues from public and
non-public school contracts increased $5.4 million for the year ended December
31, 1995, due to $2.8 million in revenue from new public and non-public school
contracts obtained after December 31, 1994, and by a $2.6 million increase in
revenues from public and non-public school contracts existing in 1994 accounted
for using the percentage of completion method. Revenues from PACE accounted for
$8.3 million of the increase. The PACE acquisition, accounted for as a purchase,
was effective February 28, 1995.

     Testing service revenues increased $20.9 million to $34.6 million for the
year ended December 31, 1995. Testing services revenues accounted for
approximately 39% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 1995,
compared to 29% of total revenues for the same period in 1994. Revenues from
Drake, acquired as of September 30, 1995, accounted for $11.7 million of the
increase and consisted primarily of revenues from information technology
clients. Revenue from the ETS international contract accounted for $3.7 million
of the increase resulting from the fact that the contract was in effect during
the entire 1995 period, as compared to six

                                       19

<PAGE>



months in 1994, as well as increasing activity in international development.
During 1995, Sylvan sold the exclusive development rights for testing centers in
India for $500,000 and in the Middle East for $500,000. The remaining increase
in testing services revenues for the year ended December 31, 1995 was
attributable to a $1.7 million increase in revenue from the NCLEX test for the
licensing of registered and practical nurses, which began in April 1994,
$769,000 of revenue from test development fees for ASVAB (the Armed Services
Vocational Aptitude Battery tests) and other test volume increases in the GRE,
PRAXIS and FAA tests.

     Cost and Expenses. Franchise services expense increased by $2.0 million, to
$5.9 million or 52% of franchise royalties and sales for the year ended December
31, 1995, compared to $3.9 million, or 42% of franchise royalties and sales for
the year ended December 31, 1994. The reduced margin in 1995 primarily relates
to increased marketing and advertising costs incurred to produce a new national
advertising campaign.

     Company-owned Learning Center expense increased $2.7 million, to $10.4
million or 90% of Company-owned Learning Center services revenues for the year
ended December 31, 1995, compared to $7.7 million, or 89% of Company-owned
Learning Center services revenues for the year ended December 31, 1994. The
increased expenses were primarily advertising, labor and general overhead
associated with increased Center enrollment.

     Contract educational services expense increased $13.2 million to $25.1
million, or 92% of contract educational services revenues during 1995, compared
to $11.9 million, or 88% of contract educational services revenues during 1994.
Operating expenses for public and non-public school contracts increased $5.4
million for the year ended December 31, 1995, while operating expenses for PACE
accounted for $7.5 million for the same period. The increase in contract
educational services expense as a percent of related revenues during the year
resulted from the following three factors: (i) 1994 included consulting fee
revenues of $500,000 with no associated costs; (ii) higher total cost estimates
relating to contracts obtained from READS accounted for under the percentage of
completion method and (iii) PACE operating margins of approximately 10% during
1995 reduced overall segment margins.

     Testing services expense for 1995 increased $16.3 million to $30.3 million,
or 88% of total testing service revenues, compared to $14.0 million, or 103% of
total testing services revenues for 1994. The decrease in testing services
expense as a percentage of testing services revenues was attributable to several
factors, including the fixed and semi-variable nature of test delivery and
registration costs included in this segment. In addition, Sylvan recognized $1
million of testing revenues in the 1995 period related to the sale of exclusive
development rights for testing centers in India and the Middle East and $769,000
of testing revenues related to the contract to develop the ASVAB test. These
revenues have significantly higher margins than fees for test delivery and
registration services. The ability of Sylvan to generate fees in the future from
the sale of development rights and test development services cannot be assured.

     Testing services expenses during the fourth quarter of 1995 included
amortization expense of $2.1 million related to contract rights recorded upon
the acquisition of Drake, which is primarily composed of amortization related to
two contracts which will be fully amortized by June 1996, and $1.1 million of
non-recurring interest expense imputed on the unpaid purchase price from
September 30, 1995 to December 13, 1995, the closing date for the acquisition.
The Company also paid salaries to Drake employees which have been identified and
notified of their termination totalling approximately $800,000 in the fourth
quarter of 1995.

     General and administrative expense increased by $1.2 million to $6.2
million during 1995 from $5.0 million during 1994, but decreased as a percentage
of revenues from 11% to 7%. The percentage decline resulted from increased
revenues from all segments without corresponding increases in overhead. Interest
expense increased by $1.2 million to $1.8 million during 1995 from $0.6 million
during 1994 due principally to the $1.1 million of interest expense imputed on
the purchase of Drake discussed above.


                                       20

<PAGE>



     During 1995 Sylvan recorded a non-recurring loss on impairment of assets of
$3.3 million associated with the Drake acquisition. The Drake acquisition and
resulting consolidation of operations resulted in the determination that certain
assets in this division are not recoverable and, therefore, have been written
down to their realizable value.

     During 1995 the Company reduced its valuation allowance relating to
deferred income tax assets by $3.1 million. Approximately $1.1 million of this
reduction was recorded through the allocation of the Drake purchase price. The
remaining decrease of $2.0 million reduced the Company's effective tax rate by
54%.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Cash provided by operating activities was $23.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 1996 as compared to cash used in operating activities of $3.0
million in the comparable period of 1995. Cash flow from operations before
working capital changes increased from $14.8 million in the 1995 period to $29.2
million in the 1996 period, primarily as a result of significant overall growth
in Company operations before considering non-cash charges, which primarily
consist of depreciation, amortization and deferred income taxes.

     Sylvan's investment in working capital has significantly reduced cash flow,
particularly as a result of the growth in accounts and notes receivable. The
$9.0 million increase in accounts and notes receivable is the result of a 79%
increase in revenue during 1996. Of the $9.0 million cash flow reduction
attributable to an increase in accounts and notes receivable, $4.9 million is
related to Sylvan's expanding testing contracts and $1.1 million is related to
new and expanded public school contracts. The increase in amounts due from
expanding testing contracts resulted from higher domestic testing volumes and a
significant increase in billings under the international contract with ETS to
establish overseas testing capacity. Payments are typically made by ETS monthly
for domestic activity and quarterly for international services. Accounts
receivable from public school-based programs have increased due to billings
under new contracts obtained in 1996. Increases in revenue for all business
segments contributed to the remaining accounts and note receivable increase of
$3.0 million. Sylvan believes that uncollectible accounts receivable will not
have a significant effect on future liquidity, as a significant portion of its
accounts receivable are due from enterprises with substantial financial
resources, such as ETS and governmental units.

     Sylvan continues to incur expenditures for additions to property and
equipment, which totaled $13.3 million in the 1996 period. These additions
consist primarily of furniture and equipment for general business expansion,
including expenditures for new public school-based programs' classrooms and
equipment needed for overseas testing centers operated by Sylvan. Under the
international testing contract with ETS, Sylvan is reimbursed for overseas
equipment expenditures as the equipment is depreciated. This reimbursement
includes a financing charge over the reimbursement period. Sylvan may spend up
to $1.8 million over the next 18 months to develop licensing and certification
tests under contracts with various testing organizations.

     The increase in other investments resulted primarily from the purchase of
non-voting convertible preferred stock in Jostens Learning Corporation for $21.9
million by issuance of 824,000 shares of the stock of the Company.

     The Company's accounts payable and accrued expenses have increased by $13.7
million to $26.0 million at December 31, 1996 from $12.3 million at December 31,
1995. Approximately $3.3 million of the increase relates to the 1996 acquisition
of WSI, which was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. In
addition, $4.9 million of the increase relates to accrued payments due to
non-affiliated testing centers as discussed in Note 2 to the 1996 audited
financial statements. The remaining $5.5 million increase relates to the overall
increase in expense levels due to the Company's growth. The Company's deferred
revenue has increased by $2.9 million

                                       21

<PAGE>



to $9.4 million at December 31, 1996 from $6.5 million at December 31, 1995.
Approximately $1.6 million of the increase relates to the acquisition of WSI.
The remaining increase of $1.3 million relates to the overall increase in
business volumes due to the Company's growth. The noncurrent liabilities due to
former shareholders of Drake and Wall Street Institute will be satisfied through
issuance of common stock in 1997.

     The Company paid the NASD $4.9 million during the year ended December 31,
1996 pursuant to an agreement related to the management of the NASD testing
centers and the acquisition of contract rights to provide testing based on a ten
year contract with the NASD. The Company also acquired the computer equipment in
the NASD testing centers.

     During the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company incurred $10.4 million
in costs to obtain new contracts with certain Drake Authorized Testing Centers
to deliver computer-based testing. These expenditures were recorded as deferred
contract costs and are being amortized over the contract terms of three years.

     The Company has entered into a loan agreement with a bank, (hereinafter the
"credit line") that provides an unsecured revolving line of credit. The credit
line allows the Company to borrow a maximum of $15.0 million through the
expiration date of May 31, 1998, at which time the total outstanding principal
balance can be converted into a term loan, at the option of the Company. The
term loan would be repaid over 24 months from the time of issuance. The credit
line and the term loan both bear interest at a floating rate equal to the 30 day
London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 1.15% per annum. The credit line
had no outstanding borrowings at December 31, 1996. During 1996 the Company
repaid $3.5 million of borrowings made under a previous line of credit
agreement.

     During 1996, Sylvan received $5.1 million of cash as a result of the
exercise of stock options and warrants to purchase 661,700 shares of Common
Stock.

     Sylvan believes that its capital resources will be sufficient over the next
12 to 24 months to fund expected expansion of its business, including working
capital needs and expected investments in property and equipment.

     Sylvan continues to review other companies in the education or
computer-based testing industries for potential acquisitions. Additional capital
resources may be necessary to acquire and thereafter operate additional
businesses.


Contingent Matters

     In connection with the PACE acquisition, Sylvan will be required to make a
contingent payment equal to 6.5 times PACE's 1997 earnings before interest and
income taxes ("EBIT"). If PACE's EBIT is less than $2.7 million for 1997, the
PACE shareholders may elect to have the payment calculation based on EBIT for
either calendar year 1998 or 1999. The contingent payment is payable partially
in cash and partially in Common Stock. The amount of any contingent payment to
the PACE Stockholders will be capitalized as goodwill when paid and amortized
over the remaining estimated recovery period. PACE is expected to meet its cash
needs from its operations. PACE provides most of its services to large
corporations with favorable credit histories. PACE operations are not capital
intensive and historically have generated positive cash flow from operations.

     The agreement with Drake provides for future contingent payments based on
achievement of certain specified revenue targets between 1997 and 1998 (or 1999
at election of the Sellers). The contingent payment of up to $40.0 million, if
earned, is payable 12.5% in cash (or more at discretion of the Company) with the
remainder in shares of Common Stock. The amount of any contingent payments will
be capitalized as goodwill when paid and amortized over the remaining estimated
recovery period. Based on testing revenues earned by the Company in

                                       22

<PAGE>



1996, 20% of the Revenue Escrow Shares have been earned. These 357,143 Revenue
Escrow Shares will be released to the sellers in April 1997. At December 31,
1996, an additional $8.1 million of goodwill which relates to the earned shares
was recorded which will be amortized over the remaining life of 24 years.

Effects of Inflation

     Inflation has not had a material effect on Sylvan's revenues and income
from continuing operations in the past three years. Inflation is not expected to
have a material future effect.


Quarterly Fluctuations

     Sylvan's revenues and operating results have varied substantially from
quarter to quarter and may continue to vary, depending upon the timing of
implementation of new computer-based testing contracts and contracts funded
under Title I or similar programs. Based on Sylvan's limited experience,
revenues generated by computer-based testing services may vary based on the
frequency or timing of delivery of individual tests and the speed of test
administrators' conversion of tests to computer-based format. Revenues or
profits in any period will not necessarily be indicative of results in
subsequent periods.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     The financial statements of the Company are included on pages 30 through 60
of the report as indicated on page 29.


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     There were no changes in accountants, disagreements, or other events
requiring reporting under this Item.


                                       23

<PAGE>


                                    PART III.


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.

     Information required under the caption "Directors and Executive Officers of
Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc." will be included in the Form 10-K/A, which will
be filed by April 30, 1997.

     Information required pertaining to compliance with Section 16 (a) of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 under the caption "Directors and Executive
Officers of Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc." will be included in the Form 10-K/A,
which will be filed by April 30, 1997.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     Information required under the caption "Executive Compensation" will be
included in the Form 10-K/A, which will be filed by April 30, 1997.


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     Information required under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management" will be included in the Form 10-K/A, which
will be filed by April 30, 1997.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

     Information required is set forth under the caption "Certain Relationships
and Related Transactions" will be included in the Form 10-K/A, which will be
filed by April 30, 1997.


                                    PART IV.


ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)  The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

1.   Financial Statements

     The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a separate section
     of this Report.


                                       24

<PAGE>



2.   Financial Statement Schedules

     Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     Financial Statements and Schedules Omitted:

     All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable
     accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are
     inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K:

     The following reports on Forms 8-K and 8-K/A were filed by the Registrant
     during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 1996:

     1)   Report on Form 8-K dated November 8, 1996 and amended under Form 8-K/A
          on December 9, 1996 relating to a Securities Purchase Agreement dated
          November 1, 1996 by and between Registrant and JLC Holdings, Inc.,
          Software Systems Corp and JLC Learning Corporation.

     2)   Report on Form 8-K dated November 18, 1996 relating to a complaint
          filed against Registrant by ACT, Inc.


                                       25

<PAGE>



3.   Exhibits

(a)  Exhibits:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Exhibit
         Number                               Description
         ------                               -----------

          <S>       <C>                                                        

          3.01      Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Charter.(b)

          3.02      Amended and Restated Bylaws.(b)

          3.03      Amended and Restated Bylaws dated September 27, 1996.

          4.01      Specimen Common Stock Certificate.(b)

          4.02      Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 26, 1993
                    by and among Sylvan KEE Systems, Inc., the holders of Junior
                    Preferred Stock and the investors listed on Exhibit A
                    hereto.(b)

          4.03      Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of Sylvan KEE
                    Systems, Inc. dated January 26, 1993.(b)

          4.04      Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of Sylvan KEE
                    Systems, Inc. dated July 14, 1993.(b)

          4.05      Form of Option to Purchase Common Stock dated July 27,
                    1995.(a)

          4.06      Rights Agreement by and between Registrant and State Street
                    Bank & Trust Company dated as of October 1, 1996.(i)

          5.01      Opinion of Piper & Marbury L.L.P.(a)

          10.01     Agreement of Lease by and between Rouse & Associates-Quarry
                    and KEE Systems, Inc. dated May 15, 1990.(b)

          10.02     Agreement of Lease by and between Rouse & Associated-Quarry
                    and KEE Systems, Inc. dated May 6, 1990.(b)

          10.03     Lease Agreement between Harbor East Parcel G-Office, LLC and
                    Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. dated August 24, 1995.(c)

          10.04     Master Agreement Between Educational Testing Service and
                    Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. for Computer-Based Testing
                    Services at Sylvan Technology Centers dated September 1,
                    1993. (Portions of this document have been omitted pursuant
                    to a request for confidential treatment.)(b)

          10.05     Term Lease Master Agreement between Sylvan Learning Systems
                    and IBM Credit Corporation dated March 31, 1992.(b)

          10.06     Director Stock Option Plan.(b)

          10.07     Employee Stock Option Plan.(b)

          10.08     Management Stock Option Plan.(b)

          10.19     KEE, Incorporated Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.(b)

          10.10     Sylvan Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement
                    and Covenant Not to Compete.(b)

          10.11     $2.5 Million Revolving Loan, $3.76 Million Term Loan and
                    $5.0 Million Revolving Loan with NationsBank.(d)

          10.12     Indemnification Agreement by and between Sylvan KEE Systems,
                    Tom D. Wippman and David H. Jacobson dated September 17,
                    1992.(b)

          10.13     Guaranty Agreement by Sylvan KEE Systems in favor of
                    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. dated October 1, 1992.(b)

          10.14     Form of Non-Competition Agreement by and between Sylvan KEE
                    Systems, Inc. and Douglas L. Becker dated January 26,
                    1993.(b)

          10.15     Certification and Testing Services Agreement by and between
                    TRO Learning, Inc. and Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. dated
                    August 31, 1993.(b)

          10.16     Plato Educational Products Purchase and License Agreement by
                    and between TRO Learning, Inc. and Sylvan Learning Systems,
                    Inc. dated August 31, 1993.(b)

          10.17     Form of Franchise Agreement.(b)

          10.18     Form of Technology Center Agreement.(b)

          10.19     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated July 14, 1994 by
                    and between Registrant and Learning Services, Inc.(e)
</TABLE>


                                       26

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
          <S>       <C>                                                        
          10.20     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated July 14, 1994 by
                    and between Registrant and Loralex Learning, Inc.(e)

          10.21     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated February 17, 1995
                    by and between Registrant and Remedial Education and
                    Diagnostic Services, Inc.(f)

          10.22     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of March 1,
                    1995, by and between Registrant and the PACE Group.(g)

          10.23     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of July 28,
                    1995, by and between Registrant and Drake Prometric, L.P.(h)

          10.24     Lease Agreement dated August 24, 1995, First Amendment dated
                    May 13, 1996 and Second Amendment dated November 11, 1996 by
                    and between Registrant and Harbor East, LLC.

          10.25     Revolving Credit Note to NationsBank, N.A. dated December
                    31, 1996.

          10.26     Senior Management Option Plan dated March 29, 1996.

          10.27     Securities Purchase Agreement by and between Registrant and
                    JLC Holdings, Inc., Software Systems Corporation and JLC
                    Learning Corporation dated November 1, 1996.(j)

          11.00     Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings.

          21.00     Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

          23.01     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
</TABLE>


(a)  Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Company's Registration
     Statement on Form S-1 dated February 26, 1996.

(b)  Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Company's Registration
     Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-69558).

(c)  Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Company's Registration
     Statement on Form S-3 as amended by a Registration Statement on Form S-1
     (No. 33-97870).

(d)  Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Company's Quarterly
     Report for the Quarter ended September 30, 1995.

(e)  Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     July 20, 1994.

(f)  Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     February 27, 1995.

(g)  Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     May 5, 1995.

(h)  Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     July 21, 1995.

(i)  Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     September 27, 1996.

(j)  Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     November 1, 1996.


                                       27

<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES
                                   ----------


     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
of the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on March 26, 1997.

                                             SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.
                                             (Registrant)


                                             By:  /s/ R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                   R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric
                                                   Chairman of the Board


            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on March 26, 19967

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature                                               Capacity
- ---------                                               --------

<S>                                                     <C>
/s/ R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric                          Director and Chairman of
- -----------------------------------                     the Board
R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric


/s/ Douglas L. Becker                                   Secretary
- -----------------------------------
Douglas L. Becker


/s/ B. Lee McGee                                        Vice President and Chief
- -----------------------------------                     Financial Officer
B. Lee McGee


/s/ Donald Berlanti                                     Director
- -----------------------------------
Donald Berlanti


/s/ Phillip Samper                                      Director
- -----------------------------------
Phillip Samper


/s/ James H. McGuire                                    Director
- -----------------------------------
James H. McGuire
</TABLE>


                                       28


<PAGE>




Item 14 (a) (1)

                          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                                               ----
The Company:
<S>                                                                                                                             <C>
      Report of Independent Auditors..........................................................................................  30
      Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1996...............................................  31
      Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996..............................  33
      Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995
        and 1996..............................................................................................................  34
      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996..............................  35
      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..............................................................................  36

Item 14 (a) 2 - Financial Statement Schedule:

      Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.........................................................................  61
</TABLE>




                                       29


<PAGE>




                         Report of Independent Auditors


The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sylvan Learning
Systems, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. Our audits also
included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a).
These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Sylvan Learning
Systems, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial
statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein.



/s/ Ernst & Young

Baltimore, Maryland
February 27, 1997

                                       30

<PAGE>




Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              December 31,             December 31,
                                                                                                  1995                    1996
                                                                                             -------------            -------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>                      <C>          
Assets
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                                                  $   2,528,865            $  11,082,263
  Available-for-sale securities                                                                 30,379,065               16,298,988

  Receivables:
    Accounts receivable                                                                         20,578,345               31,518,862
    Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
      on uncompleted contracts                                                                   3,028,558                3,565,201
    Notes receivable                                                                             1,583,843                3,000,190
                                                                                             -------------            -------------
                                                                                                25,190,746               38,084,253
    Allowance for doubtful accounts                                                             (1,466,027)              (1,378,854)
                                                                                             -------------            -------------
                                                                                                23,724,719               36,705,399

  Inventory                                                                                      3,639,392                4,469,577
  Deferred income taxes                                                                          1,271,925                  619,553
  Prepaid expenses                                                                               1,942,806                2,643,885
                                                                                             -------------            -------------
Total current assets                                                                            63,486,772               71,819,665

Notes receivable, less current portion                                                           1,875,359                  474,043
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
  on uncompleted contracts, less current portion                                                   673,181                  549,448

Property and equipment:
  Furniture and equipment                                                                       19,564,005               30,556,702
  Leasehold improvements                                                                         1,958,236                5,427,734
                                                                                             -------------            -------------
                                                                                                21,522,241               35,984,436
  Accumulated depreciation                                                                      (6,142,009)             (11,271,237)
                                                                                             -------------            -------------
                                                                                                15,380,232               24,713,199

Intangible assets:
  Goodwill                                                                                      74,653,356              103,986,427
  Contract rights                                                                                7,857,346               13,881,337
  Other                                                                                          2,451,091                2,570,091
                                                                                             -------------            -------------
                                                                                                84,961,793              120,437,855
   Accumulated amortization                                                                     (4,640,450)             (10,736,219)
                                                                                             -------------            -------------
                                                                                                80,321,343              109,701,636

Deferred contract costs, net of accumulated amortization
  of $684,177 as of December 31, 1995 and $2,066,893 as of
  December 31, 1996                                                                              2,528,029               13,230,340

Investments in affiliates                                                                          182,320                3,895,602
Other investments                                                                                  338,681               24,219,888
Other assets                                                                                       620,754                1,975,030
                                                                                             -------------            -------------
Total assets                                                                                 $ 165,406,671            $ 250,578,851
                                                                                             =============            =============
</TABLE>



                                       31
<PAGE>


Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             December 31,             December 31,
                                                                                                1995                       1996
                                                                                            -------------             -------------
<S>                                                                                         <C>                       <C>          
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                     $  12,253,614             $  25,962,463
  Bank lines of credit                                                                          3,500,000                        --
  Current portion of long-term debt                                                             1,895,567                 2,474,607
  Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings
    on uncompleted contracts                                                                      237,644                    65,465
  Due to former shareholders of Wall Street Institute                                                  --                 4,920,565
  Deferred revenue                                                                              6,487,134                 9,413,183
  Other current liabilities                                                                       795,967                   596,311
                                                                                            -------------             -------------
Total current liabilities                                                                      25,169,926                43,432,594

Long-term debt, less current portion                                                            2,520,512                 1,574,682
Deferred income taxes                                                                             884,612                 2,338,154
Due to former shareholders of Drake                                                                    --                 8,142,856
Due to former shareholders of Wall Street Institute                                                    --                15,150,115
Other long-term liabilities                                                                       367,790                   349,771

Commitments and contingent liabilities                                                                 --                        --

Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share--authorized
    10,000,000 shares, no shares issued and
    outstanding as of December 31, 1996 and 1995                                                       --                        --
  Common stock, par value $.01 per share--authorized
    40,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding shares of
    20,930,193 as of December 31, 1995 and 22,566,215
    as of December 31, 1996                                                                       209,302                   225,662
  Additional paid-in capital                                                                  139,793,913               168,555,237
  Foreign currency translation adjustments                                                         70,000                    (4,131)
  Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)                                                      (3,609,384)               10,813,911
                                                                                            -------------             -------------
Total stockholders' equity                                                                    136,463,831               179,590,679
                                                                                            -------------             -------------


Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                                  $ 165,406,671             $ 250,578,851
                                                                                            =============             =============
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes.



                                       32
<PAGE>


Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Years Ended December,31,
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             1994                    1995                   1996
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                    <C>                    <C>          
Revenues
Franchise royalties                                                     $   7,920,666          $   9,222,996          $  11,159,986
Franchise sales fees                                                        1,255,835              2,131,990              3,183,954
Company-owned learning center services                                      8,605,254             11,520,024             18,527,854
Product sales                                                               2,233,779              3,188,181              3,927,493
Contract educational services                                              13,563,560             27,361,930             33,366,684
Testing services                                                           13,664,969             34,565,697             86,950,689
                                                                        -------------          -------------          -------------
Total revenues                                                             47,244,063             87,990,818            157,116,660

Cost and expenses
Franchise services                                                          3,840,575              5,875,095              6,531,733
Company-owned learning center expense                                       7,655,129             10,368,983             16,073,377
Cost of product sales                                                       1,758,857              2,431,156              2,951,771
Contract educational services expense                                      11,880,494             25,119,852             29,070,498
Testing services expense                                                   14,024,666             30,348,283             71,518,481
General and administrative expense                                          4,998,399              6,205,480              8,755,406
Loss on impairment of assets                                                       --              3,315,541                     --
                                                                        -------------          -------------          -------------
Total expenses                                                             44,158,120             83,664,390            134,901,266
                                                                        -------------          -------------          -------------

Operating income                                                            3,085,943              4,326,428             22,215,394

Other income (expense)
Investment and other income                                                   708,390                872,245              1,543,785
Interest expense                                                             (556,488)            (1,832,377)              (529,469)
Gain on sale of company center                                                151,214                     --                     --
Equity in net income of unconsolidated
   subsidiaries                                                                72,747                390,692                363,396
                                                                        -------------          -------------          -------------
Income before income taxes                                                  3,461,806              3,756,988             23,593,106

Income taxes                                                                  (76,249)              (209,159)            (8,850,000)
                                                                        -------------          -------------          -------------
Net income                                                              $   3,385,557          $   3,547,829          $  14,743,106
                                                                        =============          =============          =============


Earnings per common and common equivalent share                                 $0.23                  $0.22                  $0.60
                                                                        =============          =============          =============


Earnings per common share, assuming full dilution                               $0.22                  $0.21                  $0.60
                                                                        =============          =============          =============
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes.



                                       33
<PAGE>


Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Foreign       Retained
                                                                          Additional    Currency       Earnings          Total
                                                              Common       Paid-In     Translation   (Accumulated    Stockholders'
                                                              Stock        Capital     Adjustments     Deficit)         Equity
                                                             --------    ------------  -----------   ------------    ------------
<S>                                                          <C>         <C>             <C>         <C>             <C>         
Balance at January 1, 1994                                   $125,719    $ 34,382,852    $     --    $(10,537,770)   $ 23,970,801

Options and warrants exercised for purchase
     of 454,935 shares of common stock                          4,549       3,048,194                                   3,052,743
Shares of common stock issued to ETS                            1,305       1,498,695                                   1,500,000
Additional registration costs relating to 1993
     stock offering                                                           (69,950)                                    (69,950)
Distributions to shareholders of pooled entity                                                             (5,000)         (5,000)
Net income for 1994                                                                                     3,385,557       3,385,557
                                                             --------    ------------    --------    ------------    ------------

Balance at December 31, 1994                                  131,573      38,859,791          --      (7,157,213)     31,834,151

Options and warrants exercised for purchase
     of 731,871 shares of common stock                          7,319       4,210,937                                   4,218,256
Issuance of 262,446 shares of common stock in
     connection with the acquisition of PACE                    2,624       3,158,237                                   3,160,861
Issuance of 3,928,572 shares of common stock
     in connection with the acquisition of Drake               39,286      49,460,714                                  49,500,000
Issuance of 2,850,000 shares of common
     stock, net of offering costs of $3,367,266                28,500      44,104,234                                  44,132,734
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                                    70,000                          70,000
Net income for 1995                                                                                     3,547,829       3,547,829
                                                             --------    ------------    --------    ------------    ------------

Balance at December 31, 1995                                  209,302     139,793,913      70,000      (3,609,384)    136,463,831

Options and warrants exercised for purchase of 661,700
     shares of common stock, including income tax
     benefit of $1,887,006                                      6,617       6,991,426                                   6,998,043
Issuance of 824,000 shares of common stock in connection
     with the investment in Jostens Learning Corporation        8,240      21,209,760                                  21,218,000
Issuance of 116,605 shares of common stock in
     connection with other acquisitions                         1,166          27,225                    (319,811)       (291,420)
Exercise of underwriter's overallotment option to purchase
     33,750 shares of common stock in connection with 1995
     public stock offering                                        337         532,913                                     533,250
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                                   (74,131)                        (74,131)
Net income for 1996                                                                                    14,743,106      14,743,106
                                                             --------    ------------    --------    ------------    ------------

Balance at December 31, 1996                                 $225,662    $168,555,237    $ (4,131)   $ 10,813,911    $179,590,679
                                                             ========    ============    ========    ============    ============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.


                                       34
<PAGE>


Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      Years Ended
                                                                                                      December 31,
                                                                                ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      1994               1995               1996
                                                                                ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                <C>                <C>         
Operating activities
Net income                                                                       $  3,385,557       $  3,547,829       $ 14,743,106
      Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
        (used in) operating activities:
           Depreciation                                                             2,429,646          3,351,925          5,129,228
           Amortization                                                             1,000,446          4,323,351          7,478,485
           Interest imputed on purchase of Drake                                           --          1,125,000                 --
           Loss on impairment of assets                                                    --          3,315,541                 --
           Provision for doubtful accounts                                            183,628            (42,631)            55,738
           Deferred income taxes                                                           --           (387,313)         2,105,914
           Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries                        (72,747)          (390,692)          (363,396)
           Other                                                                     (268,214)                --                 --
           Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
             Accounts and notes receivable                                         (3,213,189)       (10,108,638)        (9,041,497)
             Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings
               on uncompleted contracts                                            (2,528,600)        (1,021,779)          (412,910)
             Inventory                                                               (994,685)        (1,457,262)          (238,312)
             Prepaid expenses                                                         (57,898)        (1,359,046)          (404,354)
             Other assets                                                            (461,105)          (246,085)        (1,068,363)
             Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                   (260,876)        (3,194,458)         4,326,761
             Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings
               on uncompleted contracts                                               262,208           (455,600)          (233,665)
             Deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities                         164,423            (39,159)         1,213,549
                                                                                 ------------       ------------       ------------

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                                  (431,406)        (3,039,017)        23,290,284
                                                                                 ------------       ------------       ------------

Investing activities
Change in advances to unconsolidated subsidiaries                                    (104,291)           287,970            (98,922)
Purchase of available-for-sale securities                                         (17,615,859)       (91,603,867)       (31,260,524)
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities                                13,245,422         66,595,240         45,340,601
Investment in and advances to affiliates                                                   --                 --         (3,250,964)
Increase in other investments                                                              --                 --         (2,329,874)
Proceeds from sale of company-owned center                                            119,084                 --                 --
Purchase of property and equipment                                                 (7,940,669)        (4,802,278)       (13,271,749)
Refund of deposits on equipment                                                        31,104                 --                 --
Purchase of contract rights                                                                --                 --         (4,890,576)
Cash received upon acquisition of PACE                                                     --            682,411                 --
Cash received upon acquisition of Wall Street Institute                                    --                 --          2,012,565
Purchase of Drake Prometric, L. P., including direct costs of
  acquisition, net of cash acquired                                                        --        (16,979,737)                --
Cash paid for intangible assets                                                            --           (500,000)                --
Expenditures for deferred contract costs and other assets                          (1,779,011)          (801,586)        (6,941,769)
                                                                                 ------------       ------------       ------------

Net cash used in investing activities                                             (14,044,220)       (47,121,847)       (14,691,212)
                                                                                 ------------       ------------       ------------

Financing activities
Payments to stockholders                                                             (238,956)          (775,223)          (199,656)
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants                                      2,982,794          4,218,256          5,111,037
Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                              1,500,000         44,132,734            533,250
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                                            4,800,000                 --                 --
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations                           (2,163,581)        (2,175,695)        (1,916,174)
Proceeds from bank lines of credit                                                         --          3,500,000                 --
Payments on bank lines of credit                                                           --                 --         (3,500,000)
                                                                                 ------------       ------------       ------------

Net cash provided by financing activities                                           6,880,257         48,900,072             28,457
                                                                                 ------------       ------------       ------------

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash                                                   --             70,000            (74,131)
                                                                                 ------------       ------------       ------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                               (7,595,369)        (1,190,792)         8,553,398
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                   11,315,026          3,719,657          2,528,865
                                                                                 ------------       ------------       ------------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                       $  3,719,657       $  2,528,865       $ 11,082,263
                                                                                 ============       ============       ============
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes.


                                       35
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



1.   Basis of Presentation and Description of Business

Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) is an international
provider of educational and testing services. The Company conducts operations in
three separate business segments - core educational services, testing services,
and contract educational services. The core educational services segment designs
and delivers individualized tutorial services to school-age children and adults
through a network of 620 franchised and Company-owned Sylvan Learning Centers in
operation in 49 states, five Canadian provinces, Hong Kong, Guam and South
Korea. In addition, in December 1996 the Company acquired Wall Street Institute
International, B.V. and its commonly controlled affiliates. Wall Street and its
affiliates teach the English language in non-English speaking countries in
Europe and Latin America through a network of over 170 franchised and
company-owned centers. The Company's testing segment ("Sylvan Prometric")
administers computer-based tests for major corporations, professional
associations and governmental agencies through a network of certification
centers which are located throughout the world. The contract educational
services segment provides educational programs to employees of large
corporations, and to public and non-public school districts through contracts
funded by federal Title I and state-based programs.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sylvan Learning
Systems, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in affiliates
owned more than 20%, but not in excess of 50%, and corporate joint ventures are
reported using the equity method.

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.

2.   Accounting Policies

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.




                                       36
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



2.   Accounting Policies (continued)

Investments

Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized
gains and losses, net of tax, reported in a separate component of stockholders'
equity. The amortized cost of debt securities in this category is adjusted for
amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such
amortization is included in investment income. Realized gains and losses and
declines in value judged to be other than temporary on available-for-sale
securities are included in investment income. The cost of securities sold is
based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on
securities classified as available-for-sale are included in investment income.

Inventory

Inventory, consisting primarily of computer software and educational,
instructional, and marketing materials and supplies, is stated at the lower of
cost (first-in, first-out) or market value.

Accounting For Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be
Disposed Of

In 1995, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards
Board Statement No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of. The Statement prescribes the accounting
for the impairment of long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and
intangible assets, as well as the accounting for long-lived assets that are held
for disposal. The initial adoption of this Statement in 1995 did not have a
material impact on the reported results of operations of the Company.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Intangible Assets

Goodwill consists of the cost in excess of fair value of the net assets of
entities acquired in purchase transactions, and is amortized over the expected
periods of benefit, which range from 10 to 25 years. At December 31, 1995 and
1996, accumulated amortization of goodwill is $1,110,944 and $4,803,586,
respectively.




                                       37
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


2.   Accounting Policies (continued)

Contract rights consist of the allocated cost of acquiring computer-based
testing contracts in business combinations accounted for as purchases. Contract
rights are being amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the
related contract, which range from three months to 10 years. At December 31,
1995 and 1996, accumulated amortization of contract rights is $2,978,112 and
$5,193,199, respectively.

Deferred Contract Costs

Deferred contract costs include costs incurred to develop computer-based tests
under contractual arrangements with customers. Under these arrangements, the
Company incurs certain costs related to the development of new computer-based
tests on behalf of the customer in return for the right to deliver the
computer-based tests and collect a testing fee from either the candidate or the
sponsoring organization. These costs are capitalized and amortized over the
shorter of the estimated utility period of the test or the contractual period
for delivery of the test.

Deferred contract costs also include payments and accruals of approximately
$10,400,000 in 1996 made to non-affiliated computer-based testing centers that
have entered into three-year contracts with Sylvan to deliver information
technology computer-based certification tests. In accordance with the terms of
these contracts, the independent testing centers have received an advance
payment and will receive no additional fees upon delivery of the computer-based
certification tests. These costs are being amortized over the contractual term
of three years.

Revenue Recognition

Franchise sales fees relate to single-center and area franchise sales. Revenue
related to these sales is recognized when all material services or conditions
relating to the sales have been substantially performed or satisfied by the
Company. For single-center franchise sales, the criteria for substantial
performance include: (1) receipt of an executed franchise license agreement, (2)
receipt of full payment of the franchise fee, (3) completion of requisite
training by the franchisee or center director, and (4) completion of site
selection assistance and site approval. Area franchise sales generally transfer
to the licensee the right to develop and operate centers in a specified
territory, primarily in a foreign country, and the Company's future obligations
are insignificant. Area franchise fees are recognized upon the signing of the
license agreement and the determination that (1) all material services or
conditions relating to the sale have been satisfied and the fee is
non-refundable, (2) a minimum payment of 50% of the fee is required within 90
days of the date of the agreement, and (3) the Company has the ability to
estimate the collectibility of any unpaid amounts. Franchise sales


                                       38
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


2.   Accounting Policies (continued)

fees not meeting the recognition criteria are recorded as deferred revenue if
not refundable, or deposits from franchisees if refundable. Commissions paid on
sales of franchises are recorded as a current asset until the corresponding
revenue is recognized.

Fixed price contracts with school districts receiving funds under the federal
Title I program and state-based programs are accounted for using the
percentage-of-completion method. Income is recognized based on the percentage of
contract completion determined by the total expenses incurred to date as a
percentage of total estimated expenses at the completion of the contract. Total
contract income is estimated as contract revenue less total estimated costs
considering the most recent cost information. Revenues from cost-plus-fee
contracts are recognized on the basis of costs incurred during the period plus
the fee earned.

Franchise royalties are reported as revenue as the royalties are earned and
become receivable, unless collection is not assured or the royalties are 90 days
or more in arrears.

Revenue from the sale of products to franchisees is recognized when shipped.
Testing revenues are recognized upon the completion of tests.

Stock Options Granted to Employees

The Company records compensation expense for all stock-based compensation plans
using the intrinsic value method prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees. In October 1995 the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation, which encourages companies to recognize expense for stock-based
awards based on their estimated value on the date of grant. Statement No. 123,
effective for 1996, does not require companies to change their existing
accounting for stock-based awards, but if the new fair value method is not
adopted, pro forma income and earnings per share data should be provided in the
notes to the financial statements. The Company has disclosed in Note 13, the
required pro forma information as if the fair value method had been adopted.

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial statements of certain foreign subsidiaries that are measured in
local functional currencies have been translated into U.S. dollars in accordance
with FASB Statement No. 52, Foreign Currency Translation. All balance sheet
accounts have been translated using the rates of exchange at the balance sheet
date. Results of operations have been translated using the average rates
prevailing throughout the year. Translation gains or losses resulting from the
changes in exchange rates from year to year, are accumulated as a separate
component of stockholders' equity.


                                       39
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


2.   Accounting Policies (continued)

The financial statements of other foreign subsidiaries, primarily those
subsidiaries providing services overseas to Educational Testing Services (see
Note 17), prepare financial statements using the U.S. dollar as the functional
currency. The transactions of these subsidiaries that are denominated in foreign
currencies have been remeasured in U.S. dollars. Any resulting gain or loss is
recorded as an adjustment of the amount due from ETS as the contract with ETS
requires ETS to bear the risk of realized translation gains or losses.

Reclassifications and Stock Split

Certain amounts in the 1995 and 1994 consolidated financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the 1996 presentation.

In October 1996, the Company declared a 3-for-2 stock split of its common stock
for stockholders of record on November 7, 1996. Accordingly, all share and per
share data including stock option, warrant and earnings per share information
have been restated in the consolidated financial statements to retroactively
reflect the stock split.

3.   Acquisitions

Wall Street Institute International, B.V. and Affiliates

Effective December 1, 1996, the Company acquired substantially all of the
operating net assets of Wall Street Institute International, B.V. and its
commonly controlled affiliates (collectively, "WSI"). The Company and the
sellers signed a definitive purchase agreement in December 1996 that provided
for an effective date of the sale of December 1, 1996. The Company's control of
the operations of WSI commenced at the effective date, and the Company recorded
the acquisition using the purchase method of accounting on December 1, 1996. WSI
is a European-based franchisor and operator of learning centers that teach the
English language through a combination of computer-based and live instruction.
WSI has a network of more than 170 franchised centers in operation throughout
Europe and Latin America.

The purchase price of WSI consisted of cash of $4,921,000, 505,364 shares of
restricted common stock valued at $9,250,000, and 209,520 shares of unrestricted
common stock valued at $5,900,000. The restricted stock may not be transferred
by the sellers for a period of three years, unless the Company, in its sole
discretion, removes the restriction. The Company must use its best efforts to
register the 209,520 shares of unrestricted common stock by April 28, 1997. In
the event that the Company is unable to register the common stock by April 28,
1997, the sellers are entitled to interest calculated at an increasing rate (10%
to 15%) on the initial value of the common stock until such


                                       40
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


3.   Acquisitions (continued)

time as the unrestricted common stock is registered. If the unrestricted common
stock is unregistered at any time during the period from October 28, 1997
through November 12, 1997, the sellers at their option may require the Company
to repurchase the unrestricted common stock for $5,900,000, plus any unpaid
interest. Of the 505,364 shares of restricted common stock issued to the
sellers, 124,292 shares are held in escrow to indemnify the Company against any
subsequent losses resulting from any misrepresentation or breach of certain
covenants. The unrestricted common stock held in escrow will be released in
varying amounts to the sellers through 2001.

In connection with the acquisition of WSI, the Company in January 1997 loaned
the principal stockholder of the seller $2,500,000. The loan is due in lump sum
in January 2000, and bears interest payable quarterly at the rate of prime plus
one percent. The loan is secured by restricted common stock of the Company with
a value of $2,500,000, adjusted annually for changes in the market price of the
Company's common stock.

The Company on the closing date of the acquisition entered into option
agreements to purchase two franchisees of WSI, and granted the owners of these
same franchisees put rights that require, in certain circumstances and at the
election by the right holders, the Company to purchase the franchisees. At the
Company's option it may purchase the two franchisees at any time during the
period from September 1, 2001 through September 1, 2005 for an amount equal to
seven times the previous fiscal years' earnings before interest and taxes,
adjusted for certain defined items. The franchisees may require the Company to
purchase substantially all of their net assets during the same four-year period
if defined levels of operating results are met or exceeded at the end of the
most recently completed fiscal year. The purchase price is payable 10% in cash
and 90% in common stock, or at the Company's option, entirely in cash.

The total purchase price of $21,071,000, including $1,000,000 of direct
acquisition costs, was allocated as follows:

<TABLE>
            <S>                                           <C>        
            Working capital                               $ 2,795,000
            Fixed assets                                    1,125,000
            Other assets                                      329,000
            Goodwill                                       19,852,000
                                                          -----------
                                                           24,101,000

            Less liabilities assumed
              Debt                                          1,417,000
              Deferred revenue                              1,613,000
                                                          -----------
                                                            3,030,000
                                                          -----------

                                                          $21,071,000
                                                          ===========
</TABLE>


                                       41
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



3.   Acquisitions (continued)

Goodwill is being amortized over its estimated useful life of 25 years. The cash
portion of the purchase price was recorded as a current liability at December
31, 1996, and the portion of the purchase price represented by common stock has
been recorded as a noncurrent liability at December 31, 1996. Upon closing of
the transaction in January 1997, the Company paid the cash portion of the
purchase price to the sellers of $4,921,000 and recorded the issuance of 714,884
shares of common stock to the sellers through a reduction in the noncurrent
liability of $15,150,115. In December 1996, the Company recorded $172,000 of
imputed interest expense related to the acquisition.

The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the consolidated results of
operations as if the WSI acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the
respective periods presented, and does not purport to be indicative of what
would have occurred had the acquisition been made at that date or of results
which may occur in the future:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Year ended December 31,
                                                            1995          1996
                                                         -----------------------
                                                              (in thousands)
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>     
            Revenues                                     $101,130      $169,778
            Net income                                     $5,563       $16,882
            Net income per share - fully diluted            $0.32         $0.67
</TABLE>


The PACE Group

Effective February 28, 1995, the Company purchased the assets and liabilities of
The PACE Group ("PACE"), a provider of educational services to corporations. The
initial consideration for the acquisition was 262,446 shares of common stock
having an aggregate market value of $3,160,861. The acquisition was accounted
for using the purchase method of accounting. Additional contingent consideration
is payable in an amount equal to 6.5 times PACE's earnings before interest and
income taxes (EBIT) in 1997, determined in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. If EBIT is less than $2.7 million in 1997, the PACE
shareholders may elect to have the payment calculation based on EBIT for either
calendar year 1998 or 1999. The contingent payment is payable two-thirds in cash
and one-third in shares of common stock, unless the PACE shareholders determine
that a smaller cash payment is desired for their income tax purposes. The
Company will record any additional consideration payable to the PACE
shareholders as additional goodwill, and will amortize that amount over the
remaining amortization period. At February 28, 1995, goodwill of approximately
$3.5 million was recorded and is being amortized over a period of 25 years.


                                       42
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


3.   Acquisitions (continued)

Results of operations of PACE are included in the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations from March 1, 1995. For the year ended December 31,
1996, PACE EBIT was approximately $1.2 million (unaudited).

Drake Prometric, L.P.

Effective September 30, 1995, the Company acquired Drake Prometric, L.P.
("Drake"), a Minneapolis based provider of computer-based certification,
licensure and assessment testing programs. As of that date, Drake had a network
of 820 testing centers on six continents, 472 of which were located in North
America and the remainder in 69 foreign countries.

The Company acquired Drake for an initial purchase price of $20.0 million in
cash and 5,714,286 restricted shares of common stock (the "Initial Shares"). Of
the Initial Shares, 1,785,714 shares (the "Revenue Escrow Shares") were placed
in escrow and will be released to the sellers to the extent that certain revenue
targets relating to portions of the combined computer-based testing business are
achieved from 1996 through 1998. The sellers may receive up to an additional
$40.0 million (payable 12.5% in cash and the balance in either cash or
restricted shares of common stock, at the Company's option) to the extent other
revenue targets relating to portions of the combined computer-based testing
business are achieved in 1998 or 1999 (with the measuring year selected by the
sellers).

The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The
initial purchase price consisted of the following components, totaling $70.6
million.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                  <C>        
Cash, net of $1,125,000 of imputed interest ..................       $18,875,000
Initial Shares, excluding contingently issuable
      Revenue Escrow Shares (3,928,572 shares),
      with an estimated fair market value of
      $12.60 per share .......................................        49,500,000
Acquisition costs ............................................         1,847,227
Accrued Drake reorganization costs ...........................           422,954
                                                                     -----------
                                                                     $70,645,181
                                                                     ===========
</TABLE>




                                       43
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


3.   Acquisitions (continued)

The purchase price includes 714,285 shares of common stock placed in escrow to
indemnify the Company for potential undisclosed liabilities, as these shares are
likely to ultimately be released from escrow. The Company also accrued $422,954
of costs related to estimated Drake employee termination costs resulting from
the integration of the Drake business. The purchase price was adjusted for
imputed interest between the effective date and December 13, 1995, the date the
Drake acquisition was consummated. This amount, calculated using a rate of 8%
per annum, was $1,125,000.

Approximately $4.8 million of contract rights and $69.8 million of goodwill were
recorded. The contract rights are being amortized over their respective terms,
and no term exceeds five years. Goodwill is being amortized over 25 years, its
estimated useful life. The Company will record the contingent consideration
consisting of the 1,785,714 Revenue Escrow Shares and the additional contingent
payment of up to $40.0 million when the contingencies are resolved and the
additional consideration is payable. Based on testing revenues earned by the
Company in 1996, 20% of the Revenue Escrow Shares have been earned. These
357,143 Revenue Escrow Shares will be released to the sellers in April 1997. At
December 31, 1996, an additional $8.1 million of goodwill which relates to the
earned shares was recorded which will be amortized over the remaining life of 24
years.

Remedial Education and Diagnostic Services, Inc. and READS, Inc.

On February 17, 1995, the Company acquired by merger all of the outstanding
stock of Remedial Education and Diagnostic Services, Inc. and READS, Inc.
(collectively, "READS") in exchange for 525,108 shares of common stock. The
acquisition was accounted for as a pooling of interests and accordingly, the
Company's financial statements for periods prior to the merger have been
restated to include the results of operations, financial position and cash flows
of READS.

READS is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and provides remedial and education
services, psychological, diagnostic and counseling services, career awareness
training, and a variety of consulting services. Services are delivered under
contracts with school districts, county-wide educational agencies and
municipalities in the eastern United States.




                                       44
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


4.   Available-For-Sale Securities

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities (cost approximates
fair value):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          December 31,
                                                     1995                1996
                                                 -----------         -----------
<S>                                              <C>                 <C>        
Stock mutual fund                                $        --         $ 3,500,061
U.S. Treasury bills and
      notes                                       14,005,903           2,998,927
Municipal bonds                                   16,373,162           9,800,000
                                                 -----------         -----------

                                                 $30,379,065         $16,298,988
                                                 ===========         ===========
</TABLE>

The Company has not had any significant realized or unrealized gains or losses
on its investments during the periods presented. As of December 31, 1996, the
Company has approximately $6.5 million of investments that mature in 1997, $1.8
million of investments that mature in 2004 and $8.0 million of investments that
mature in 2026. These investments are classified as current as the Company
expects to sell them in 1997.

5.   Acquisition of Contract Rights

In August 1996 the Company acquired the right to provide computer-based tests on
behalf of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("the NASD") for
a period of ten years. In addition, Sylvan assumed certain lease obligations of
approximately 50 testing centers previously operated by the NASD, and acquired
equipment and leasehold improvements related to these leased centers. Sylvan
paid the NASD $5,146,000 to acquire these rights and fixed assets, of which
$4,871,832 was recorded as contract rights and $242,841 was recorded as fixed
assets. In addition, as contemplated by the terms of the contract, the Company
will incur in the first six months of 1997 an additional $1,395,000 of costs
related to the acquisition of the contract rights from the NASD. The total
contract rights recorded of $6,266,832 are being amortized over the contract
life of 10 years using the straight-line method.



                                       45
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


6.   Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts

Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted fixed-price contracts and
cost-plus-fee contracts are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              December 31,
                                                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                1995                              1996
                                                                   -------------------------------    ------------------------------
                                                                    Fixed Price      Cost-Plus-Fee     Fixed Price     Cost-Plus-Fee
                                                                     Contracts         Contracts        Contracts        Contracts
                                                                   ------------      ------------     ------------     ------------
<S>                                                                <C>               <C>              <C>              <C>         
Cost incurred on uncompleted contracts                             $ 10,108,393      $  5,199,044     $ 13,420,902     $  6,749,577
Estimated earnings                                                    2,592,135           519,265        4,788,132          916,168
                                                                   ------------      ------------     ------------     ------------
                                                                     12,700,528         5,718,309       18,209,034        7,665,745
Less: Billings to date                                               11,966,610         3,062,906       17,507,158        4,331,725
                                                                   ------------      ------------     ------------     ------------
                                                                   $    733,918      $  2,655,403     $    701,876     $  3,334,020
                                                                   ============      ============     ============     ============

Included in the accompanying consolidated balance
  sheets under the following captions:

Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings
  on uncompleted contracts                                         $    922,232      $  2,106,326     $    505,787     $  3,059,414
Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings
  on uncompleted contracts, less current portion                        124,104           549,077          274,842          274,606
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings
  on uncompleted contracts                                             (237,644)               --          (65,465)              --
Other long-term liabilities                                             (74,774)               --          (13,288)              --
                                                                   ------------      ------------     ------------     ------------
                                                                   $    733,918      $  2,655,403     $    701,876     $  3,334,020
                                                                   ============      ============     ============     ============
</TABLE>


7.   Investments

Investments in Affiliates

At December 31, 1995, the Company's investments in affiliates consists of (i) a
50% interest in Sylvan National Advertising Committee, Inc. ("SNAC") in the
amount of $97,266, which is engaged in purchasing advertising and marketing
services for Sylvan Learning Centers, and (ii) a 34% interest in ADEPT Merger,
Inc. ("ADEPT") in the amount of $85,054, a corporate joint venture formed to
develop a computer-based examination for safe automobile driver certifications.

At December 31, 1996, the Company's investments in affiliates consists of a 50%
interest in SNAC ($559,584), a 10% interest in Caliber Learning Network, Inc.
($2,850,964), a corporate joint venture formed to develop distance learning
programs, and a 34% interest in ADEPT ($485,054).



                                       46
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


7.   Investments (continued)

Consolidated retained earnings at December 31, 1996 includes $644,561 related to
undistributed earnings of equity method investees.

Other Investments

Other investments consist of non-marketable investments in common and preferred
stocks of private companies in which the Company does not exercise significant
influence. These investments are carried at the lower of cost or estimated net
realizable value.

At December 31, 1996, other investments consist primarily of a $21.9 million
non-voting convertible preferred stock investment in Jostens Learning
Corporation, a company that develops educational software products.

8.   Bank Lines of Credit

The Company has entered into a loan agreement with a bank, (hereinafter, "the
credit line") that provides an unsecured revolving line of credit. The credit
line allows the Company to borrow a maximum of $15.0 million through the
expiration date of May 31, 1998, at which time the total outstanding principal
balance can be converted into a term loan, at the option of the Company. The
term loan would be repaid over 24 months from the time of issuance. The credit
line and the term loan both bear interest at a floating rate equal to the 30 day
London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 1.15% per annum (6.68% at December
31, 1996). The balance on the credit line was $3.5 million at December 31, 1995
and no amounts were outstanding at December 31, 1996.

9.   Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              December 31, 
                                                            1995         1996 
                                                         -----------------------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>       
Note payable to a bank, bearing interest at 1.10%
over the LIBOR (6.63% at December 31, 1996)
The loan is payable in monthly installments of
$80,000 plus interest through May, 1999                  $3,280,000   $2,320,000

Other notes payable bearing interest
at rates ranging from 8% to 14%                           1,136,079    1,729,289
                                                         ----------   ----------
                                                         $4,416,079   $4,049,289
                                                         ==========   ==========
</TABLE>



                                       47
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


9.   Long-Term Debt (continued)

Future maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 1996 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      Years ending December 31:
<S>                                                            <C>       
               1997                                            $2,474,607
               1998                                             1,174,682
               1999                                               400,000
                                                               ----------
                                                               $4,049,289
                                                               ==========
</TABLE>

10.  Leases

Operating Leases

The Company conducts all of its operations from leased facilities. These
facilities include the Company's corporate headquarters and other office
locations, warehouse space, certain testing sites, and Company-owned learning
centers. The terms of these leases are five years or less, with the exception of
the Company's corporate headquarters, which has a lease term of ten years, and
generally contain renewal options. The Company also leases certain equipment
under operating leases of 36 months or less.

Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 1996, by year and in the
aggregate, under all noncancellable operating leases are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      Years ending December 31:
<S>                                                           <C>       
                1997                                          $ 5,210,839
                1998                                            4,405,175
                1999                                            3,389,597
                2000                                            2,779,558
                2001                                            2,364,000
                Thereafter                                      9,548,518
                                                              -----------
                                                              $27,697,687
                                                              ===========
</TABLE>


Rent expense for cancelable and noncancellable leases was $5.7 million, $3.6
million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.



                                       48
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


11.  Contingencies

On November 18, 1996, ACT, Inc. filed suit against the Company alleging that the
Company violated federal antitrust laws and committed various state law torts in
connection with the operations of its computer-based testing operations and in
obtaining a testing services contract from the NASD. The Company believes the
grounds of the lawsuit are without merit and intends to defend the lawsuit
vigorously. Management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of the lawsuit,
but believes that the ultimate resolution of the matter will not have a material
effect on consolidated financial position.

The Company is subject to other legal actions arising in the ordinary course of
its business. In management's opinion, the Company has adequate legal defenses
and/or insurance coverage with respect to the eventuality of such actions and
does not believe any settlement would materially affect the Company's financial
position.

12.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of the Company's financial instruments, which consist primarily
of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, available-for-sale
investments, accounts payable, and short and long-term debt, approximate their
carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets.

It was not practical to estimate the fair value of the Company's other
investments because of the lack of quoted market prices of the underlying equity
securities and the inability to determine fair value without incurring excessive
costs. Management does not believe that the value of these investments have been
impaired.

13.  Stock Options and Warrants

Stock Options

Under a non-qualified stock option plan for key employees adopted by the
stockholders, the Company has outstanding stock options at December 31, 1996 to
purchase 300,509 shares of common stock for $2.54 per share and options to
purchase 287,947 shares of common stock for $.63 per share. All outstanding
options are fully vested and expire on December 31, 1997, and no additional
options may be granted under this plan

The Company also has an Employee Stock Option Plan ("the Employee Plan") which
provides for the granting of stock options to purchase up to 3,200,000 shares of
common stock. All options granted under the Employee Plan vest ratably over a
five-year period and expire six years after date


                                       49
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


13.  Stock Options and Warrants (continued)

of grant. At December 31, 1996, options to purchase 2,984,917 shares of common
stock have been granted under the Employee Plan.

Under a Management Stock Option Plan ("Management Plan"), the Company has
outstanding stock options at December 31, 1996 to purchase 163,500 shares of
common stock for $11.25 per share. All outstanding options are fully vested, and
expire on December 1, 2001. No additional options may be granted under the
Management Plan.

In March 1996, the Company established the Senior Management Stock Option Plan
("the Senior Management Plan") to replace the Management Plan. The Senior
Management Plan provides for the granting of stock options to purchase up to
2,250,000 shares of common stock. At December 31, 1996, options to purchase
1,035,000 shares of common stock have been granted under the Senior Management
Plan. Options granted under this plan expire ten years after the date of grant.
Of this amount, options for 165,000 shares became immediately vested, with the
balance vesting ratably over three years.

In October 1993 the stockholders approved the establishment of the Director
Stock Option Plan ("Director Plan") for all non-employee members of the Board of
Directors. Under the Director Plan, options to purchase 172,500 shares of common
stock may be issued to certain members of the Board of Directors. No individual
is eligible to receive more than 33,750 options under this plan and options
granted under this plan expire at varying times three months after a director
ceases his term on the Board. At December 31, 1996, options to purchase 168,750
shares of common stock have been granted under the Director Stock Option Plan.

During 1995 the Board of Directors granted 37,500 options to the former
shareholder of READS at an exercise price of $11.62 per share. These options
vest ratably over a five-year period. In addition, an option to purchase an
aggregate of 75,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $13.16 per
share was granted in connection with the purchase of the rights to contracts to
provide remedial education services to certain non-public schools under the
federal Title I Program. All of these options are exercisable at December 31,
1996.

In 1994 the Company sold 130,436 shares of restricted stock and options to
purchase common stock to ETS for $1.5 million. During 1995, the Company received
$2.0 million of cash as a result of the exercise by ETS of options to purchase
173,913 shares of common stock. Pursuant to the initial option agreement, upon
exercise of the initial option, ETS was granted an additional one-year option to
purchase 121,458 shares at an exercise price of $16.47 per share. This option
was exercised on October 22, 1996.



                                       50
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


13.  Stock Options and Warrants (continued)

The following table summarizes the stock option activity of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                         Weighted
                                                                              Options                  Options           Average
            Outstanding                                                     Outstanding              Exercisable     Exercise Prices
            -----------                                                     -----------              -----------     ---------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                      <C>                  <C>
Balances at January 1, 1994                                                  2,540,465                1,115,469
Granted                                                                        484,413
Became exercisable                                                                                      515,159
Exercised                                                                     (450,147)                (450,147)
                                                                             ---------                ---------
Balance at December 31, 1994                                                 2,574,731                1,180,481
Granted                                                                        919,083
Became exercisable                                                                                      573,684
Exercised                                                                     (258,663)                (258,663)
                                                                             ---------                ---------
Balances at December 31, 1995                                                3,235,151                1,495,502            $ 7.69
Granted                                                                      1,847,875                                     $21.92
Became exercisable                                                                                      765,823
Exercised                                                                     (384,563)                (384,563)           $10.87
Forfeited                                                                      (84,450)                 (84,450)           $11.24
                                                                             ---------                ---------
Balances at December 31, 1996                                                4,614,013                1,792,312
                                                                             =========                =========

Weighted average exercise price at
December 31, 1996                                                               $13.06                    $6.67
                                                                             =========                =========
</TABLE>



Exercise prices for options outstanding as of December 31, 1996 ranged from
$0.63 to $26.67 consisting of the following ranges:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Weighted                                Weighted
       Range of            Options              Average             Options             Average          Weighted Average Remaining
   Exercise Prices       Outstanding        Exercise Prices       Exercisable       Exercise Prices           Contractual Life
   ---------------       -----------        ---------------       -----------       ---------------           ----------------
<S>                       <C>                  <C>                  <C>                 <C>                     <C>      
 $0.63-$2.54                588,456             $1.61               588,456             $ 1.61                  1.0 years
 $5.22-$9.12              1,416,550             $6.17               786,745             $ 6.11                  3.2 years
$10.17-$17.00               764,882            $13.23               252,111             $11.31                  4.6 years
$17.00-$26.67             1,844,125            $21.92               165,000             $20.33                  8.1 years
</TABLE>



                                       51
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


13.  Stock Options and Warrants (continued)

Options exercised and the range of related option prices follow:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      Year ended           Options exercised          Exercise Prices Per Share
      ----------           -----------------          -------------------------
<S>                             <C>                          <C> 
         1994                   450,147                      $0.63-$7.33
         1995                   258,663                      $0.63-$11.50
         1996                   384,563                      $0.63-$16.47
</TABLE>

For the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, pro forma net income and
earnings per share information required by Statement 123 has been determined as
if the Company had accounted for its stock options using the fair value method.
The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of grant using a
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions for 1995 and 1996 respectively: risk-free interest rate of 6.00% and
6.00%, dividend yield of 0% and 0%, volatility factors of the expected market
price of the Company's common stock of .428 and .399, and an expected life of
granted options which varies from zero to five years depending upon the vesting
period. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during
1996 was $8.33.

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the
fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully
transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly
subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because
the Company's stock options have characteristics significantly different from
those of traded options and because changes in the subjective input assumptions
can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the
existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair
value of its stock options.

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options
is amortized to expense over the options' vesting periods. The Company's pro
forma information follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1995                 1996
                                                 ----------          -----------
<S>                                              <C>                 <C>        
Pro forma net income                             $2,651,259          $11,885,334
                                                 ==========          ===========
Pro forma earnings per share:
     Primary                                          $0.17                $0.49
                                                      =====                =====
     Fully diluted                                    $0.16                $0.49
                                                      =====                =====
</TABLE>

The effect of compensation expense from stock options on 1995 pro forma net
income reflects only the vesting of 1995 awards. However, 1996 pro forma net
income reflects the second year


                                       52
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


13.  Stock Options and Warrants (continued)

of vesting of the 1995 awards and the first year of vesting of 1996 awards.
Because the granted stock options vest over periods ranging from zero to five
years, not until 2001 is the full effect of recognizing compensation expense for
stock options representative of the possible effects on pro forma net income for
future years.

Stock Warrants

In January 1993, the Company issued warrants to purchase 272,721 shares of
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for $4.39 per share, which approximated
fair market value at the date of issuance. On December 9, 1993 in connection
with the initial public offering, the warrants automatically converted into
common stock warrants which allow holders to purchase 409,085 shares of common
stock for $2.93 per share. During 1996 and 1995, warrants to purchase 134,499
and 235,497 shares were exercised, respectively. The remaining 39,089 warrants
expire in September 1997.

The Company also issued warrants to purchase 205,167 shares of common stock for
$2.93 per share to the placement agent for the January 1993 preferred stock
offering. Warrants to purchase 88,182 and 100,983 shares were exercised in 1996
and 1995, respectively. The remaining 16,002 warrants expire in January 1998.

In July 1993 warrants to purchase 239,364 shares of common stock for $5.22 per
share were issued in connection with a $5.0 million financing. Warrants to
purchase 54,457, 136,728 and 4,788 shares of common stock were exercised in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The remaining 43,391 warrants expire in July
1998.

14.  Impairment Loss

In September 1995 the Company determined that certain assets of the testing
services segment were impaired as a result of the acquisition of Drake. These
assets, consisting of computer equipment, software and other assets, were
impaired because of dissimilar technical requirements for Drake computer-based
tests, or because their use was limited by virtue of the acquisition of similar
productive assets from Drake. The amount of the impairment loss was determined
by evaluating the likely sales proceeds from the disposition of the assets as
compared to their book value.




                                       53
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


15.  Income Taxes

Significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   December 31,
                                      1994            1995              1996
                                  ----------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>              <C>               <C>        
Current:
      Federal                     $        --      $   250,334       $ 4,991,497
      Foreign                              --          133,887           372,996
      State                            76,249          212,251         1,379,593
                                  -----------      -----------       -----------
Total current                          76,249          596,472         6,744,086

Deferred(benefit):
      Federal                              --         (300,168)        1,773,051
      State                                --          (87,145)          332,863
                                  -----------      -----------       -----------
Total deferred                             --         (387,313)        2,105,914
                                  -----------      -----------       -----------
                                  $    76,249      $   209,159       $ 8,850,000
                                  ===========      ===========       ===========
</TABLE>

The Company uses the liability method to account for income taxes. Deferred
income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the
carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and
the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the
Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are summarized as follows:


                                       54
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


15.  Income Taxes (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           December 31,
                                                       1995            1996
                                                    -----------     ----------- 
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>        
Deferred tax assets:
      Net operating loss carryforwards              $ 3,288,617     $ 2,277,600
      Loss on impairment of assets                      302,729          71,601
      Deferred revenue                                  427,574         443,618
      Allowance for doubtful accounts                   163,008         301,205
      Amortization of intangible assets                 361,537         459,040
      Equity share of income from affiliates             19,499          53,841
      Inventory reserve                                  53,050          60,094
      Non-deductible reserves                                --          75,920
      Other                                               9,826         133,056
                                                    -----------     ----------- 
Total deferred tax assets                             4,625,840       3,875,975

Deferred tax liabilities:
      Deferred contract costs                                --       1,746,807
      Contract rights                                 1,113,887         316,619
      Depreciation                                      252,332         684,508
      Amortization of software                          202,157         175,183
      Unbilled receivables                              293,567         266,432
      Prepaid expenses                                   86,080         106,586
      Other                                              12,904          20,841
                                                    -----------     ----------- 
Total deferred tax liabilities                        1,960,927       3,316,976
                                                    -----------     ----------- 
Net future income tax benefits                        2,664,913         558,999
Valuation allowance for net deferred
      tax assets                                     (2,277,600)     (2,277,600)
                                                    -----------     ----------- 
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)               $   387,313     $(1,718,601)
                                                    ===========     =========== 
</TABLE>

The net operating loss carryforwards at December 31, 1996 are related to a
subsidiary of the Company, and are available only to offset future taxable
income of the subsidiary. These net operating loss carryforwards will begin to
expire in 2007.

The reconciliation of the reported income tax expense to the amount that would
result by applying the U.S. federal statutory tax rates to income before income
taxes is as follows:



                                       55
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


15.  Income Taxes (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Year ended December 31,
                                                                                  1994                 1995                 1996
                                                                              -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>                  <C>                  <C>        
Tax expense at U.S. statutory rate                                            $ 1,151,000          $ 1,277,000          $ 8,022,000
Permanent differences                                                                  --              828,000              813,000
State income tax expense, net of
      federal tax effect                                                          216,000              123,000            1,130,000
Reduction for income of pooled entities
      operating as S-corporations prior to date
      of merger                                                                  (357,000)                  --                   --
Tax effect of foreign income taxed at lower rate                                       --              (87,000)            (704,000)
Change in valuation allowance affecting
      tax expense                                                                (912,000)          (2,026,000)                  --
Available tax credits                                                                  --                   --             (254,000)
Other                                                                             (22,000)              94,000             (157,000)
                                                                              -----------          -----------          -----------

                                                                              $    76,000          $   209,000          $ 8,850,000
                                                                              ===========          ===========          ===========
</TABLE>

Income before income taxes from foreign operations was $2.8 million in 1996 and
$0.6 million in 1995.

16.  Earnings Per Share

Income per common and common equivalent share is based upon the average number
of shares of common stock outstanding during each year, adjusted for the
dilutive effect of common stock equivalents determined using the modified
treasury stock method in 1994, and the treasury stock method in 1995 and 1996.

Earnings per common share, assuming full dilution, is calculated on the same
basis as the previously described primary computation, except that the
computations assume that the end-of-year market price of the Company's common
stock (rather than the average market price during the year) is used to
determine the number of shares that would be assumed to be repurchased using the
treasury stock method.

As described more fully in Note 3, the Company may be required to issue
additional shares of common stock in future years in connection with the
acquisition of PACE. The 1995 and 1996 earnings per share calculations assume
that 95,693 and 88,890 shares, respectively, are issuable upon the determination
of the final purchase price. These respective amounts were calculated assuming
that PACE were to achieve its respective current year operating results in the
year of


                                       56
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


16.  Earnings Per Share (continued)

determination. The calculation also assumes that net income is reduced by
$171,000 and $630,000 as a result of the additional goodwill amortization that
would have been recorded in 1995 and 1996, respectively, if the assumed
contingent shares were issued on the date of acquisition.

The Company may also be required to issue additional shares of common stock as a
result of the Drake acquisition. The 357,143 Revenue Escrow shares to be
released in April 1997 (as discussed in Note 3) are considered outstanding in
1996 for primary and fully diluted earnings per share. The remaining contingent
shares are not considered in the computations since the effect on earnings per
share is antidilutive in 1995 and 1996 if the conditions required for issuance
of the contingent shares are assumed to have been met.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      December 31,
                                                                                     1994                1995                1996
                                                                                  --------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                               <C>                 <C>                 <C>       
Per common and common equivalent share:
Weighted average number of shares of common
      stock outstanding during the period                                         13,107,967          13,718,007          21,614,816

Dilutive effect of options and warrants                                            1,763,895           1,851,103           1,379,485

Common stock contingently issuable                                                        --              95,693             446,033
                                                                                  ----------          ----------          ----------

Total common and common equivalent shares of
      stock considered outstanding during the year                                14,871,862          15,664,803          23,440,334
                                                                                  ==========          ==========          ==========

Per common share, assuming full dilution                                          15,119,015          15,971,819          23,582,023
                                                                                  ==========          ==========          ==========
</TABLE>


17.  Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company has an agreement with Educational Testing Services ("ETS") to be the
exclusive commercial provider of ETS computer-based tests through the year 2000.
In addition, in 1994 the Company entered into a ten-year contract with ETS to
provide computer-based tests internationally. The international testing contract
with ETS stipulates that the Company will be compensated for its services for a
fee equal to approved costs plus 10 percent, and the Company recognizes revenues
accordingly. Operating costs under the contract will be paid at cost plus 10
percent on a quarterly basis by ETS. Start-up costs will be paid ratably over a
period not to exceed 10 years. The Company incurs financing costs to fund the
contract and ETS has agreed to reimburse these costs at the prime rate of
interest. Total revenues from ETS represented approximately 12.5%, 20.5% and
21.8% of consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.



                                       57
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



17.  Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk (continued)

The testing business acquired upon the acquisition of Drake in September 1995 is
highly concentrated with two customers. These customers contributed
approximately 23% and 28% to consolidated revenues during 1996 and the fourth
quarter of 1995, respectively. The Company expects the contracts with these two
customers to be renewed at the expiration date of the existing contracts. The
failure of these contracts to be renewed under similar terms would have a
detrimental effect on future operating results and significantly impair the
Company's ability to recover the remaining goodwill balance of approximately
$74.0 million related to the acquisition of Drake.

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to credit risk are
investments in available-for-sale securities, accounts receivable and notes
receivable. The Company maintains an allowance for losses on receivables based
on the collectibility of all amounts owed. The Company generally does not
require collateral for trade receivables. Notes receivable are generally
collateralized by assets of the debtors. At December 31, 1996, the Company does
not have any significant concentrations of credit risk.

18.  Defined Contribution Retirement Plan

The Company sponsors a defined contribution retirement plan under section 401(k)
of the Internal Revenue Code. The provisions of this plan allow for voluntary
employee contributions, subject to certain annual limitations, and discretionary
Company contributions which are allocated to eligible participants based upon
compensation. All employees are eligible after meeting certain service
requirements. The Company made no contributions to this plan in any of the
periods presented.

19.  Business and Geographic Segment Information

The Company's operations are classified into three primary business segments:
core educational services, contract educational services and testing services.
The core educational services segment involves the design and delivery of
personalized tutorial services to individuals through a network of franchised
and Company-owned Sylvan Learning Centers. The contract educational services
segment offers educational services under contract to public and private school
districts receiving funding under the federal Title I and other education
programs and provides contract educational and training services on-site to
employees of large corporations. The testing services segment delivers
computer-based tests both domestically and internationally.


                                       58
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


19.  Business and Geographic Segment Information (continued)

Summarized financial information by business segment for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Year ended December 31,
                                                                          1994                     1995                     1996
                                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>                      <C>                      <C>          
Operating revenue:
      Core educational services                                      $  20,015,534            $  26,063,191            $  36,799,287
      Contract educational services                                     13,563,560               27,361,930               33,366,684
      Testing services                                                  13,664,969               34,565,697               85,281,600
      Other                                                                     --                       --                1,669,089
                                                                     -------------            -------------            -------------
Total revenue                                                        $  47,244,063            $  87,990,818            $ 157,116,660
                                                                     =============            =============            =============

Operating income (loss):
      Core educational services                                      $   4,849,654            $   5,299,391            $   8,064,192
      Contract educational services                                      1,207,265                1,608,245                3,081,660
      Testing services                                                  (2,970,976)              (2,581,208)              10,237,792
      Other                                                                     --                       --                  831,750
                                                                     -------------            -------------            -------------
Total operating income                                               $   3,085,943            $   4,326,428            $  22,215,394
                                                                     =============            =============            =============

Total assets:
      Core educational services                                      $   8,051,776            $  12,863,792            $  41,744,146
      Contract educational services                                      5,585,433               17,904,803               18,485,036
      Testing services                                                  17,329,631               98,200,486              127,651,141
      Other                                                                     --                       --               26,345,435
      Corporate                                                         11,531,959               36,437,590               36,353,093
                                                                     -------------            -------------            -------------
Total assets                                                         $  42,498,799            $ 165,406,671            $ 250,578,851
                                                                     =============            =============            =============

Depreciation and amortization:
      Core educational services                                      $     591,747            $     895,430            $     945,968
      Contract educational services                                        419,624                  823,742                1,082,981
      Testing services                                                   2,310,947                5,601,471                9,846,889
      Other                                                                     --                       --                   64,673
      Corporate                                                            107,774                  354,633                  667,202
                                                                     -------------            -------------            -------------
Total depreciation and amortization                                  $   3,430,092            $   7,675,276            $  12,607,713
                                                                     =============            =============            =============

Capital expenditures:
      Core educational services                                      $     809,080            $     331,022            $     888,959
      Contract educational services                                        909,900                2,338,719                2,381,177
      Testing services                                                   6,221,689                1,894,847                5,937,046
      Other                                                                     --                       --                       --
      Corporate                                                                 --                  237,690                4,064,567
                                                                     -------------            -------------            -------------
Total capital expenditures                                           $   7,940,669            $   4,802,278            $  13,271,749
                                                                     =============            =============            =============
</TABLE>

There were no significant intersegment sales or transfers during the period.
Operating income or loss by business segment excludes interest income and
expense, earnings and losses on equity


                                       59
<PAGE>


                 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

19.  Business and Geographic Segment Information (continued)

investments, and investment and other income of $375,863 in 1994, ($569,440) in
1995 and $1,377,712 in 1996. Allocated corporate expenses are applied to each
segment based on each segment's percentage of total revenues. Corporate assets
consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, corporate property and
equipment, and other assets.

The Company reports information related to geographic locations based on the
location of the regional service centers, which for the years ended December 31,
1995 and 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1995               1996
                                                 ------------       ------------
<S>                                              <C>                <C>         
Operating revenue:
           North America                         $ 77,305,710       $128,093,523
           Europe                                   7,980,827         18,804,612
           Asia/Pacific Rim                         2,704,281         10,218,525
                                                 ------------       ------------
Total revenue                                    $ 87,990,818       $157,116,660
                                                 ============       ============

Operating income:
           North America                         $  2,383,827       $ 11,122,080
           Europe                                   1,205,230          8,232,240
           Asia/Pacific Rim                           737,371          2,861,074
                                                 ------------       ------------
Total operating income                           $  4,326,428       $ 22,215,394
                                                 ============       ============

Identifiable assets:
           North America                         $155,784,373       $208,822,558
           Europe                                   7,440,001         36,563,504
           Asia/Pacific Rim                         2,182,297          5,192,789
                                                 ------------       ------------
Total identifiable assets                        $165,406,671       $250,578,851
                                                 ============       ============
</TABLE>

There were no reportable geographic segments meeting disclosure criteria for the
year ended December 31, 1994.

20.  Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Interest payments were $0.4 million, $1.8 million and $0.5 million for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The 1995 amount includes
imputed interest payments of $1.1 million related to the acquisition of Drake.

Income tax payments were $4.0 million, $1.8 million and $57,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.


                                       60
<PAGE>



                 SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

                 SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            COL. A                                  COL. B                  COL. C                      COL. D             COL. E
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           ADDITIONS
                                                               -----------------------------------
                                                  BALANCE AT                                                             BALANCE AT
         DESCRIPTION                             BEGINNING OF  CHARGED TO COSTS  CHARGED TO OTHER   DEDUCTIONS-DESCRIBE    END OF
                                                   PERIOD        AND EXPENSES    ACCOUNTS-DESCRIBE                         PERIOD
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>             <C>               <C>               <C>                 <C>       
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
  DEDUCTED FROM ASSET ACCOUNTS:
    ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS               $1,466,027      $  280,444        $        0        ($ 367,617)(1)      $1,378,854
    INVENTORY RESERVE                             $  132,626      $   70,000        $        0        ($  44,316)(2)      $  158,310
                                                  ----------      ----------        ----------        ----------          ----------
        TOTALS                                    $1,598,653      $  350,444        $        0        ($ 411,933)         $1,537,164
                                                  ==========      ==========        ==========        ==========          ==========
                                                                                   
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,1995                                                        
  DEDUCTED FROM ASSET ACCOUNTS:                                                    
    ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS               $  490,226      $  531,929        $  950,000(3)     ($ 506,128)(1)      $1,466,027
    INVENTORY RESERVE                             $  228,415      $   22,615        $        0        ($ 118,404)(2)      $  132,626
                                                  ----------      ----------        ----------        ----------          ----------
        TOTALS                                    $  718,641      $  554,544        $  950,000        ($ 624,532)         $1,598,653
                                                  ==========      ==========        ==========        ==========          ==========
                                                                                   
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,1994                                                        
  DEDUCTED FROM ASSET ACCOUNTS:                                                    
    ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS               $  626,643      $  158,621                          ($ 295,038)(1)      $  490,226
    INVENTORY RESERVE                             $  486,471      $   20,330                          ($ 278,386)(2)      $  228,415
                                                  ----------      ----------                          ----------          ----------
        TOTALS                                    $1,113,114      $  178,951                          ($ 573,424)         $  718,641
                                                  ==========      ==========                          ==========          ==========
                                                                                 
</TABLE>

(1)  REDUCTION OF RESERVE DUE TO ACTUAL ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE WRITE OFFS.

(2)  REDUCTION OF RESERVE DUE TO SALES OF RESERVED INVENTORY AND CHANGES IN
     ESTIMATES.

(3)  REPRESENTS THE RESERVE BALANCE ACQUIRED BY THE PURCHASE OF PACE AND DRAKE
     DURING 1995 AS FOLLOWS:

     PACE      $200,000
     DRAKE     $750,000



                                       61
<PAGE>



                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number                             Description                                                    Page No.
- ------                             -----------                                                    --------

<S>                   <C>                                                                           <C>
 3.03                 Amended and Restated Bylaws dated
                      September 27, 1996                                                             ___

10.24                 Lease Agreement dated August 24, 1995, First
                      Amendment dated May 13, 1996 and Second
                      Amendment dated November 11, 1996 by and
                      between Registrant and Harbor East, LLC.                                       ___

10.25                 Revolving Credit Note to NationsBank, N.A. dated
                      December 31, 1996.                                                             ___

10.26                 Senior Management Option Plan dated March 29, 1996                             ___

11.00                 Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings                                ___

21.00                 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.                                                ___

23.01                 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP                                                   ___

</TABLE>


                                       62




                          SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.

                              Amended and Restated

                                     BYLAWS

        Reflecting All Amendments Duly Adopted Through September 27, 1996

                                    ARTICLE I

                                     OFFICES

     Section 1. Principal Office. The principal office of the Corporation in the
State of Maryland shall be located at 1000 Lancaster Street, Baltimore, Maryland
21202, or at any other place or places as the Board of Directors may designate.

     Section 2. Additional Offices. The Corporation may have offices at such
other places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the
business of the Corporation may require.

                                   ARTICLE II

                            MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

     Section 1. Place. All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the
principal office of the Corporation or at such other place within the United
States as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting.

     Section 2. Annual Meeting. An annual meeting of the stockholders for the
election of directors and the transaction of any business within the powers of
the Corporation shall be held during the month of May in each year on a date and
at the time set by the Board of Directors, beginning with the year 1990.

     Section 3. Special Meetings. The president, chief executive officer or
Board of Directors may call special meetings of the stockholders. Special
meetings of stockholders shall also be called by the secretary upon the written
request of the stockholders entitled to cast at least fifty percent (50%) of all
votes entitled to be cast at the meeting. Such request shall state the purpose
of such meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at such meeting. The
secretary shall inform such stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of
preparing and mailing such notice of the meeting

Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc., Amended and Restated Bylaws
Reflecting all amendments adopted as of September 27, 1996
T:\DEPT\LEGAL\KDL\96BYLAWS.SKS                                      Page 1 of 13



<PAGE>




and, upon payment to the Corporation of such costs, the secretary shall give
notice to each stockholder entitled to notice of the meeting.

     The Board of Directors, the President, chief executive officer or secretary
shall fix a record date for such special meetings of the stockholders, which
date shall be at least ten (10) days, but not more than ninety (90) days, before
the date of the meeting.

     Section 4. Notice. Not less than ten (10) nor more than ninety (90) days
before each meeting of stockholders, the secretary shall give to each
stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting and to each stockholder not
entitled to vote who is entitled to notice of the meeting, written or printed
notice stating the time and place of the meeting and, in the case of a special
meeting or as otherwise may be required by statute, the purpose for which the
meeting is called, either by mail or by presenting it to such stockholder
personally or by leaving it at his residence or usual place of business. If
mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United
States mail addressed to the stockholder at his post office address as it
appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid.

     Section 5. Scope of Notice. No business shall be transacted at a special
meeting of stockholders except that specifically designated in the notice. Any
business of the Corporation may be transacted at the annual meeting without
being specifically designated in the notice, except such business as is required
by statute to be stated in such notice.

     Section 6. Quorum. At any meeting of stockholders, the presence in person
or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all votes entitled to
be cast at the meeting shall constitute a quorum, but this section shall not
affect any requirement under any statute or the charter for the vote necessary
for the adoption of any measure. If, however, such quorum shall not be present
at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote at such
meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting
from time to time to a date not more than one hundred twenty (120) days after
the original record date without notice other than announcement at the meeting
until such quorum shall be present. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum
shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been
transacted at the meeting as originally notified.

     Section 7. Voting. For directors: Except as set forth in the charter, each
share of stock may be voted for as many individuals as there are directors to be
elected. Votes may only be cast "for" the election of a director. Cumulative
voting shall not be allowed. At any election of directors or of a single
director, as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and receiving
the highest number of votes for election to the Board shall be considered duly
elected. On other matters: A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of
stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to
approve any other matter which may properly come before the meeting, unless more
than a majority of the votes cast is required by statute or the charter. Unless
otherwise provided in the charter, each outstanding share of stock shall be
entitled to one vote for or against each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting
of stockholders.


Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc., Amended and Restated Bylaws
Reflecting all amendments adopted as of September 27, 1996
T:\DEPT\LEGAL\KDL\96BYLAWS.SKS                                      Page 2 of 13



<PAGE>




     Section 8. Proxies. A stockholder may vote the shares of stock owned of
record by him, either in person or by proxy executed in writing by the
stockholder or by his duly authorized attorney in fact. Such proxy shall be
filed with the secretary of the Corporation before or at the time of the
meeting. No proxy shall be valid after eleven (11) months from the date of its
execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

     Section 9. Voting of Shares by Certain Holders. Shares registered in the
name of another corporation, if entitled to be voted, may be voted by the
president, a vice president or a proxy appointed by the president or a vice
president of such other corporation, unless some other person who has been
appointed to vote such shares pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the board
of directors of such other corporation presents a certified copy of such bylaw
or resolution, in which case such person may vote such shares. Any fiduciary may
vote shares registered in his name as such fiduciary, either in person or by
proxy.

     Shares of its own stock directly or indirectly owned by this Corporation
shall not be voted at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the
total number of outstanding shares entitled to be voted at any given time,
unless they are held by it in a fiduciary capacity, in which case they may be
voted and shall be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares
at any given time.

     The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution a procedure by which a
stockholder may certify in writing to the Corporation that any shares of stock
registered in the name of the stockholder are held for the account of a
specified person other than the stockholder. The resolution shall set forth the
class of stockholders who may certify, the purpose for which the certification
may be made, the form of certification and the information to be contained in
it; if the certification is with respect to a record date or closing of the
stock transfer books, the time after the record date or closing of the stock
transfer books within which the certification must be received by the
Corporation; and any other provisions with respect to the procedure which the
Board of Directors considers necessary or desirable. On receipt of such
certification, the person specified in the certification shall be regarded as,
for the purposes set forth in the certification, the stockholder of record of
the specified stock in place of the stockholder who makes the certification.

     Section 10. Inspectors. At any meeting of the stockholders, the chairman of
the meeting may, or upon the request of any stockholder shall, appoint one or
more persons as inspectors for such meeting. Such inspectors shall ascertain and
report the number of shares represented at the meeting based upon their
determination of the validity and effect of proxies, count all votes, report the
results and perform such other acts as are proper to conduct the election and
voting with impartiality and fairness to all the stockholders.

     Each report of an inspector shall be in writing and signed by him or by a
majority of them if there be more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If
there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report
of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of
shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima
facie evidence thereof.

Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc., Amended and Restated By Laws
Reflecting all amendments adopted as of September 27, 1996
T:\DEPT\LEGAL\KDL\96BYLAWS.SKS                                      Page 3 of 13



<PAGE>




     Section 11. Informal Action by Stockholders. Any action required or
permitted to be taken at a meeting of stockholders may be taken without a
meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth such action, is signed by each
stockholder entitled to vote on the matter and any other stockholder entitled to
notice of a meeting of stockholders (but not to vote thereat) has waived in
writing any right to dissent from such action, and such consent and waiver are
filed with the minutes of proceedings of the stockholders.

     Section 12. Voting by Ballot. Voting on any question or in any election may
be viva voce unless the presiding officer shall order or any stockholder shall
demand that voting be by ballot.

                                   ARTICLE III

                                    DIRECTORS

     Section 1. General Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation
shall be managed under the direction of its Board of Directors.

     Section 2. Number, Tenure and Qualifications. The number of directors of
the Corporation shall be nine. The Board of Directors shall be divided into
three classes, each consisting of three persons, with each class of directors
serving a staggered term of one, two or three years commencing with the initial
classification of the Board. At each annual election after such classification,
the number of directors for the class whose term expires on the day of such
election shall be elected for a term ending on the third annual meeting of
stockholders after their election and until their successors are elected and
qualified.

     Section 3. Annual and Regular Meetings. An annual meeting of the Board of
Directors shall be held immediately after and at the same place as the annual
meeting of stockholders, no notice other than this bylaw being necessary. The
Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place, either within
or without the State of Maryland, for the holding of regular meetings of the
Board of Directors without other notice than such resolution.

     Section 4. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may
be called by the Chairman or at the request of the president, the chief
executive officer, or by a majority of the Directors. The person or persons
authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any place,
either within or without the State of Maryland, as the place for holding any
special meeting of the Board of Directors called by them.

     Section 5. Notice. Notice of any special meeting shall be given by written
notice delivered personally, telegraphed, telecopied or mailed to each director
at his business or residence address. Personally delivered, telecopied or
telegram notices shall be given at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the
meeting. Notice by mail shall be given at least five (5) days prior to the
meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in
the United States mail properly addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. If
notice be given by telegram, such notice shall be deemed

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<PAGE>




to be given when the telegram is delivered to the telegraph company. If notice
be given by telecopy, such notice shall be deemed to be given upon confirmation
of transmission. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of
any annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be
specified in the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these
Bylaws.

     Section 6. Quorum. A majority of the whole number of directors shall
constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of
Directors, provided that, if less than a quorum of directors is present at said
meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time
to time without further notice.

     The directors present at a meeting which has been duly called and convened
may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the
withdrawal of enough directors to leave less than a quorum.

     Section 7. Voting. The action of the majority of the directors authorized
to vote shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of
a greater proportion is required for such action by applicable statute or by the
charter.

     Section 8. Telephone Meetings. Members of the Board of Directors may
participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or similar
communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear
each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall
constitute presence in person at the meeting.

     Section 9. Informal Action by Directors. Any action required or permitted
to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a
meeting, if a consent in writing to such action is signed by each director and
such written consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of
Directors.

     Section 10. Filling Vacancies by Directors. Any vacancy on the Board of
Directors, other than a vacancy caused by an expansion in the number of
directors, may be filled by vote of a majority of the remaining directors then
in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.
Regardless of the term remaining for the class of directors in which the vacancy
arose, every director elected by the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy shall
serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is
elected and qualifies.

     Section 11. Filling Vacancies by Stockholders. Any vacancy caused by an
increase in the number of directors shall be filled by the shareholders at an
annual meeting or at a special meeting called for that purpose. The shareholders
may also elect a director at any time to fill any vacancy not filled by the
directors. If the Board of Directors accepts the resignation of a director
tendered to take effect at a future time, the Board or the shareholders may
elect a successor to take office when the resignation becomes effective.

     Section 12. Compensation. Directors may receive compensation for their
services as directors and may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any,
at each annual, regular or special

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meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof; nothing herein
contained shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the
Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

     Section 13. Removal of Directors. The stockholders may, at any time, remove
any director for cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
the shares entitled to vote for the election of directors.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                   COMMITTEES

     Section 1. Number. Tenure and Qualifications. The Board of Directors may
appoint from among its members an Executive Committee and other committees,
composed of one or more directors, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of
Directors.

     Section 2. Powers. The Board of Directors may delegate to committees
appointed under Section 1 of this Article any of the powers of the Board of
Directors, except as prohibited by law.

     Section 3. Meetings. In the absence of any member of any such committee,
the members thereof present at any meeting, whether or not they constitute a
quorum, may appoint a director to act in the place of such absent member.

     Section 4. Telephone Meetings. Members of a committee of the Board of
Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or
similar communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can
hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means
shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

     Section 5. Informal Action by Committees. Any action required or permitted
to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors may be taken
without a meeting, if a consent in writing to such action is signed by each
member of the committee and such written consent if filed with the minutes of
proceedings of such committee.

                                    ARTICLE V

                                    OFFICERS

     Section 1. General Provisions. The officers of the Corporation shall be a
chairman of the board, vice chairman of the board, president, one or more vice
presidents (if so elected by the Board of Directors), a secretary, and treasurer
and such other officers as the Board of Directors from time to time may consider
necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the Corporation. The
officers of the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors
at the first meeting

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of the Board of Directors held after each annual meeting of stockholders. If the
election of officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be
held as soon thereafter as may be convenient. Each officer shall hold office
until his successor is elected and qualifies or until his death, resignation or
removal in the manner hereinafter provided. Any two or more offices except
president and vice president may be held by the same person. In its discretion,
the Board of Directors may leave unfilled any office except that of president,
treasurer and secretary. Election or appointment of an officer or agent shall
not of itself create contract rights between the Corporation and such officer or
agent.

     Section 2. Removal. Any officer or agent of the Corporation may be removed
by the Board of Directors if in its judgment the best interests of the
Corporation would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice
to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed.

     Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of
Directors for the balance of the term.

     Section 4. Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors may elect a
chief executive officer. The chief executive officer shall have the
responsibility for implementation of the policies of the Corporation, as
determined by the Board of directors, and for the administration of the business
affairs of the Corporation.

     Section 5. Chief Operating Officer. The Board of Directors may elect a
chief operating officer. Said officer will have the responsibility and duties as
set forth by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer.

     Section 6. Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board. The chairman of the
board shall preside over the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the
stockholders at which he shall be present. In the absence of the chairman of the
board, the vice chairman of the board shall preside at such meetings at which he
shall be present. The chairman of the board and the vice chairman of the board
shall, respectively, perform such other duties as may be assigned to him or them
by the Board of Directors.

     Section 7. President. The president shall in general supervise and control
all of the business and affairs of the Corporation. Unless the president is not
a member of the Board of Directors, in the absence of both the chairman and vice
chairman of the board, he shall preside at all meetings of the Board of
Directors and of the stockholders at which he shall be present.
In the absence of a designation of a chief executive officer by the Board of
Directors, the president shall be the chief executive officer and shall be ex
officio a member of all committees that may, from time to time, be constituted
by the Board of Directors. He may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or
other instrument which the Board of Directors has authorized to be executed,
except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the
Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the
Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general
shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such other
duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

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     Section 8. Vice Presidents. In the absence of the president or in the event
of a vacancy in such office, the vice president (or in the event there be more
than one vice president, the vice presidents in the order designated at the time
of their election or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of
their election) shall perform the duties of the president and when so acting
shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the
president; and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be
assigned to him by the president or by the Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice president
or as vice president for particular areas of responsibility.

     Section 9. Secretary. The secretary shall (a) keep the minutes of the
proceedings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors and committees of the
Board in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices
are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required
by law; (c) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the
Corporation; (d) keep a register of the post office address of each stockholder
which shall be furnished to the secretary by such stockholder; (e) have general
charge of the stock transfer books of the Corporation; and (f) in general
perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the
president or by the Board of Directors.

     Section 10. Treasurer. The treasurer shall have the custody of the
corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of
receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall
deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of
the Corporation in such depositaries as may be designated by the Board of
Directors.

     He shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the
Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall
render to the president and Board of Directors, at the regular meetings of the
Board or whenever they may require it, an account of all his transactions as
treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

     If required by the Board of Directors, he shall give the Corporation a bond
in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the
Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and
for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of his death, resignation,
retirement or removal from office, all books, papers, vouchers, money and other
property of whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging to
the Corporation.

     Section 11. Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers. The assistant
secretaries and assistant treasurers, in general, shall perform such duties as
shall be assigned to them by the secretary or treasurer, respectively, or by the
president or the Board of Directors. The assistant treasurers shall, if required
by the Board of Directors, give bonds for the faithful performance of their
duties in such sums and with such sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board
of Directors.

     Section 12. Annual Report. The president or other executive officer of the
Corporation shall prepare or cause to be prepared annually a full and correct
statement of the affairs of the Corporation, including a balance sheet and a
statement of the results of operations for the preceding

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fiscal year, which shall be submitted at the annual meeting of the stockholders
and filed within twenty (20) days thereafter at the principal office of the
Corporation in the State of Maryland.

     Section 13. Salaries. The salaries of the officers shall be fixed from time
to time by the Board of Directors and no officer shall be prevented from
receiving such salary by reason of the fact that he is also a director of the
Corporation.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                      CONTRACTS, LOANS CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

     Section 1. Contracts. The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or
agent to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any instrument in the
name of and on behalf of the Corporation and such authority may be general or
confined to specific instances.

     Section 2. Checks and Drafts. All checks, drafts or other orders for the
payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of
the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of
the Corporation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by
the Board of Directors.

     Section 3. Deposits. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed
shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in such
banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may
designate.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                                 SHARES OF STOCK

     Section 1. Certificates of Stock. Each stockholder shall be entitled to a
certificate or certificates which shall represent and certify the number of
shares of each class of stock held by him in the Corporation. Each certificate
shall be signed by the president or a vice president and countersigned by the
secretary or an assistant secretary or the treasurer or an assistant treasurer
and may be sealed with the corporate seal. The signatures may be either manual
or facsimile. Certificates shall be consecutively numbered and if the
Corporation shall, from time to time, issue several classes of stock, each class
may have its own number series. A certificate is valid and may be issued whether
or not an officer who signed it is still an officer when it is issued. Each
certificate representing stock which is restricted as to its transferability or
voting powers, which is preferred or limited as to its dividends or as to its
share of the assets upon liquidation or which is redeemable at the option of the
Corporation, shall have a statement of such restriction, limitation, preference
or redemption provision, or a summary thereof, plainly stated on the
certificate. In lieu of such


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statement or summary, the Corporation may set forth upon the face or back of the
certificate a statement that the Corporation will furnish to any stockholder.
upon request and without charge, a full statement of such information,

     Section 2. Transfers of Stock. Upon surrender to the Corporation or the
transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate of stock duly endorsed or
accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to
transfer, the Corporation shall issue a new certificate to the person entitled
thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books.

     The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any
share or shares of stock as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, shall
not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such
share on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or
other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of the State of
Maryland or in Article II, Section 9 hereof.

     Section 3. Lost Certificate. The Board of Directors may direct a new
certificate to be issued in place of any certificate previously issued by the
Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed upon the making of an
affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be
lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the
Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the
issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed
certificate or his legal representative to advertise the same in such manner as
it shall require and/or to give bond, with sufficient surety, to the Corporation
to indemnify it against any loss or claim which may arise as a result of the
issuance of a new certificate.

     Section 4. Fixing of Record Date. Except in the case of special meetings of
stockholders, in which event Article II, Section 3, shall control, the Board of
Directors may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining
stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders, or
stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any
other rights, or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other
proper purpose. Such record date, in any case, shall not be prior to the close
of business on the day the record date is fixed and shall be not more than
ninety (90) days, and in the case of an annual meeting of stockholders not less
than ten (10) days, before the date on which the meeting or particular action
requiring such determination of stockholders is to be held or taken.

     If no record date is fixed (a) the record date for the determination of
stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at an annual meeting of
stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day on which the notice of
meeting is mailed or the 30th day before the meeting, whichever is the closer
date to the meeting; and (b) the record date for the determination of
stockholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend or an allotment of any
other rights shall be the close of business on the day on which the resolution
of the Board of Directors, declaring the dividend or allotment of rights, is
adopted.

     When a determination of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of
stockholders has been made as provided in this section, such determination shall
apply to any adjournment thereof.


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     Section 5. Stock Ledger. The Corporation shall maintain at its principal
office or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent, an
original or duplicate stock ledger containing the name and address of each
stockholder and the number of shares of stock of each class held by such
stockholder.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                   FISCAL YEAR

     The Board of Directors shall have the power, from time to time, to fix the
fiscal year of the Corporation by a duly adopted resolution.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                    DIVIDENDS

Section 1. Declaration. Dividends upon the shares of stock of the Corporation
may be declared by the Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of law and
the charter. Dividends may be paid in cash, property or shares of the
Corporation, subject to the provisions of law and the charter.

     Section 2. Contingencies. Before payment of any dividends, there may be set
aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or
sums as the Board of Directors may from time to time, in its absolute
discretion, think proper as a reserve fund for contingencies, for equalizing
dividends, for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation or for
such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall determine to be in the best
interest of the Corporation, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish
any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

                                    ARTICLE X

                                      SEAL

     Section 1. Seal. The corporate seal shall be the word "SEAL" or have
inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and
the word "Maryland." The Board of Directors may authorize one or more duplicate
seals and provide for the custody thereof.

     Section 2. Affixing Seal. Whenever the Corporation is required to place its
corporate seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of
any law, rule or regulation relating to a corporate seal to place the word
(SEAL) adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the
document on behalf of the Corporation.


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                                   ARTICLE XI

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

     Section 1. Definitions. As used in this Article XI, any word or words that
are defined in Section 2-418 of the Corporations and Associations Article of the
Annotated Code of Maryland (the "Indemnification Section"), as amended from time
to time, shall have the same meaning as provided in the Indemnification Section.

     Section 2. Indemnification of Directors and Officers. The Corporation shall
indemnify and advance expenses to a director or officer of the Corporation in
connection with a proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by and in
accordance with the Indemnification Section.

     Section 3. Indemnification of Other Agents and Employees. With respect to
an employee or agent, other than a director or officer of the Corporation, the
Corporation may, as determined by and in the discretion of the Board of
Directors of the Corporation, indemnify and advance expenses to such employees
or agents in connection with a proceeding to the extent permitted by and in
accordance with the Indemnification Section.

                                   ARTICLE XII

                                WAIVER OF NOTICE

     Whenever any notice is required to be given pursuant to the charter or
bylaws of the Corporation or pursuant to applicable law, a waiver thereof in
writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before
or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of
such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any
meeting need be set forth in the waiver of notice, unless specifically required
by statute. The attendance of any person at any meeting shall constitute a
waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends a meeting for
the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the
ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

                                  ARTICLE XIII

                               AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

     Section 1. By Directors. The Board of Directors shall have the power to
adopt, alter or repeal any Bylaws of the Corporation or to make new Bylaws,
without the approval or consent of the stockholders, but subject to the
limitation that any modification to the By Laws made by the Directors shall be
subject to repeal by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
common stock then entitled to vote.


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         Section 2. By Stockholders. The stockholders shall have the power to
adopt, alter or repeal any Bylaws of the Corporation and to make new Bylaws by
the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the common stock then
entitled to vote.

                                   ARTICLE XIV

                        INTERESTED DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     Section 1. Contracts Valid. No contract or transaction between the
Corporation and one or more of its Directors or officers or between the
Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association, or other
organization in which one or more of its Directors or officers are Directors or
officers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for
this reason, or solely because the Director or officer is present at or
participates in the meeting of the board or committee thereof which authorizes
the contract or transaction, or solely because his or their votes are counted
for such purposes, if:

     (a)  The material facts as to his relationship or interest and as to the
          contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of
          Directors or the committee, and the board or committee in good faith
          authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a
          majority of the disinterested Directors, even though the disinterested
          Directors be less than a quorum; or

     (b)  The material facts as to his relationship or interest and as to the
          contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the shareholders
          entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is
          specifically approved in good faith by vote of the shareholders; or

     (c)  The contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the
          time it is authorized, approved or ratified, by the Board of
          Directors, a committee thereof, or the shareholder.

     Section 2. Determining a Quorum . Common or interested Directors may be
counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of
Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction



                   [SEAL]
       SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.
                 CORPORATE
                    1989
                    SEAL
                  MARYLAND



                                     O. Steven Jones
                                     ------------------------------------
                                     O. Steven Jones, Assistant Secretary

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Reflecting all amendments adopted as of September 27, 1996
T:\DEPT\LEGAL\KDL\96BYLAWS.SKS                                     Page 13 of 13





                                 LEASE AGREEMENT

                                     between
                       HARBOR EAST PARCEL G - OFFICE, LLC
                                  (as Landlord)

                                       and

                          SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.
                                   (as Tenant)

                             Dated: August 24, 1995









<PAGE>




                                Table of Contents

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
1.  Definitions ...........................................................   1

2.  Completion of Leased Premises .........................................  10

2A. Lease Commencement Date ...............................................  10

3.  Rent and Additional Charges ...........................................  11

4.  Common Areas ..........................................................  16

5.  Services and Utilities ................................................  16

6.  Use of Leased Premises ................................................  22

7.  Care of Leased Premises and Building ..................................  25

8.  Rules and Regulations .................................................  27

9.  Tenant's Alterations ..................................................  27

10. Name of Building; Tenant's Signs ......................................  31

11. Tenant's Insurance ....................................................  32

12. Landlord's Insurance ..................................................  35

13. Damage by Fire or Other Casualty ......................................  36

14. Condemnation ..........................................................  40

15. Assignment and Subletting .............................................  41

16. Default Provisions ....................................................  43

17. Security Deposit ......................................................  47

18. Bankruptcy Termination Provision ......................................  48

19. Landlord May Perform Tenant's Obligations .............................  49

20. Subordination .........................................................  49

21. Attornment ............................................................  51

22. Quiet Enjoyment .......................................................  52





                                       i


<PAGE>



23. Right of Access to Leased Premises ....................................  52

24. Limitation on Landlord's Liability ....................................  53

25. Estoppel Certificates .................................................  55

26. Surrender of Leased Premises ..........................................  55

27. Holding Over ..........................................................  55

28. Arbitration ...........................................................  56

29. Parking ...............................................................  56

30. Transfer of Landlord's Interest .......................................  58

31. Leasing Commissions ...................................................  58

32. Recordation ...........................................................  59

33. Commercial Purposes ...................................................  59

34. General Provisions ....................................................  59

35. Options to Extend Term ................................................  62

36. Expansion Options .....................................................  66

37. Roof Options ..........................................................  67

38. Security Plan .........................................................  67

39. Tenant's Allowance ....................................................  68

40. City Approvals ........................................................  68

41. Tenant's Right to Terminate ...........................................  68



                                       ii








<PAGE>




EXHIBITS

A    Floor Plan of Leased Premises
B    Construction Agreement
C    Cleaning Specifications
D    Rules and Regulations
E    Determination of Net Rentable Area
F    Description of Land
G    Security Plan
H    Signage
I    Area Plan
J    Commission Agreement





                                      iii







<PAGE>


                                 LEASE AGREEMENT

     THIS LEASE AGREEMENT is made this __ day of August, 1995, between (i)
HARBOR EAST PARCEL G - OFFICE, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company
(hereinafter referred to as "Landlord"), and (ii) SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.
a Maryland corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Tenant").

     WITNESSETH: Subject to the terms of this Lease, which, except for the
payment of Rent and Additional Charges, shall be effective as of and from the
date hereof, Landlord hereby leases to Tenant, and Tenant hereby leases from
Landlord, the Leased Premises, for the Term.

     1. Definitions.

     (a) General Interpretive Principles. For purposes of this Lease, except as
otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires, (i) the
terms defined in this Section have the meanings assigned to them in this Section
and include the plural as well as the singular, and the use of any gender herein
shall be deemed to include the other genders; (ii) accounting terms not
otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles; (iii) references herein to "Sections,"
"subsections," "paragraphs" and other subdivisions without reference to a
document are to designated Sections, subsections, paragraphs and other
subdivisions of this Lease; (iv) a reference to a subsection without further
reference to a Section is a reference to such subsection as contained in the
same Section in which the reference appears, and this rule shall also apply to
paragraphs and other subdivisions; (v) the words "herein," "hereof," "hereunder"
and other words of similar import refer to this Lease as a whole and not to any
particular provision; and (vi) the word "including" means "including, but not
limited to."

     (b) Definitions. As used in this Lease the following words and phrases
shall have the meanings indicated:

     Additional Charges: All amounts (including the Parking Fees set forth in
Section 29) payable by Tenant to Landlord under this Lease other than Basic
Rent. All Additional Charges shall be deemed to be additional rent and all
remedies applicable to the non-payment of Basic Rent shall be applicable
thereto.

     Additional Insureds: Any Mortgagee of the Land or the Building, or both,
and, if Landlord is a lessee of the Land or the Building, or both, the fee
owner.

     Advance Rent: $45,833 representing the estimated Basic Rent for the first
full month of the Term after the Lease Commencement Date, which Tenant shall pay
to Landlord upon execution of this Lease and which Landlord shall credit against
the corresponding monthly installment of Basic Rent.




<PAGE>




     Affiliate: When used with respect to a Person, any corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or individual controlled by, under common
control with, or which controls such Person (the term "control" for these
purposes shall mean the ability, whether by the ownership of shares or other
equity interests, by contract or otherwise, to elect a majority of the directors
of a corporation, to make management decisions on behalf of, or independently to
select the managing partner of, a partnership, or otherwise to have the power
independently to remove and then select a majority of those individuals
exercising managerial authority over an entity, and control shall be
conclusively presumed in the case of the ownership of fifty (50%) or more of the
equity interests).

     Alterations: Tenant Work and any alterations, installations, improvements,
additions, renovations or physical changes to the Leased Premises (other than
Tenant Work) made by or on behalf of Tenant or any Person claiming through or
under Tenant before or after the Lease Commencement Date.

     Basic Rent: For each Lease Year, an amount equal to the product obtained by
multiplying the Rentable Area by the Rent per Square Foot for such Lease Year.

     Building: The office building located on the Land, which has a mailing
address of 1000 Lancaster Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21231.

     Building Rentable Area: The total net rentable area in the Building, as
determined by Landlord's architect from the architectural plans for the
Building, without field measurement, in accordance with the provisions of
Exhibit E to this Lease is approximately 120,000 square feet.

     Business Days: All days except Saturdays after 1 p.m., Sundays and Legal
Holidays.

     Common Areas: All areas, spaces and improvements within the Building and on
the Land which are provided by Landlord, without a separate charge, for the
non-exclusive convenience and use of the tenants of the Building and their
agents, employees and invitees, including public elevators, lobbies, corridors,
escalators, stairways and stairwells, public restrooms and comfort stations,
truck loading areas and entrances and exits designated by Landlord for ingress
and egress.

     Default  Interest Rate: A fluctuating rate per annum equal to the lesser of
(i) the sum of (x) the prime  rate of  NationsBank,  N.A.,  said  prime  rate to
change from time to time as and when the change is announced as being effective,
and (y) three



                                        2


<PAGE>




percent (3%), or (ii) the maximum rate of interest chargeable under applicable
law, if any, with respect to the applicable payment.

     Event of Default: As defined in Section 16(a) as an event of default.

     Floor: A floor of the Building located above the foundation slab or above a
below-grade area which is designated as a cellar or a basement. The term "Floor"
preceded by a number shall mean the indicated floor of the Building.

     Hazardous Substances: The term shall include (i) any "hazardous
substances," "pollutants" or "Contaminants" as those terms are defined in the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as
amended: (ii) regulated substances and material described in the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, other federal, state or local laws
seeking to prevent pollution or contamination of land, air or water, and any
regulations thereunder; (iii) any "hazardous substance" as defined by the laws
of the State of Maryland, as amended; (iv) any oil, petroleum products or
byproducts, as defined by the laws of the State of Maryland, as amended; (v)
asbestos; (vi) polycholorinated biphensyls; and (vii) other materials defined or
identified as dangerous, unsafe or hazardous (at or above statutory or
regulatory levels), in any Legal Requirements governing the use, storage or
disposition of such materials.

     Initial After-Hours HVAC Rate: $25 per hour per floor for the first Lease
Year.

     Initial Calendar Year: The calendar year in which the Operating Expense
Commencement Date occurs.

     Insurance Requirements: The usual and customary provisions and requirements
of all policies of fire, property damage and liability insurance from time to
time maintained by Landlord, and all rules and regulations promulgated by any
Board of Fire Insurance Underwriters or fire insurance rating organization,
applicable from time to time to the Building, the Land or the Parking
Facilities.

     Land: The parcel of real property described in Exhibit F to this Lease.

     Landlord: The landlord named herein and any subsequent owner or lessee,
from time to time, of Landlord's interest in the Land and/or the Building during
the period of such owner's or lessee's ownership.






                                       3


<PAGE>




     Landlord's Notice Address: 600 S. Bond Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231.

     Lease: This Lease Agreement, as amended from time to time, and all
Exhibits, Riders and Addenda attached hereto.

     Lease Commencement Date: October 1, 1996, except as otherwise provided in
Section 2A of this Lease.

     Lease Year: The period commencing on the Lease Commencement Date and ending
on the last day of the month which completes 12 full calendar months after the
Lease Commencement Date, and each 12 month period thereafter commencing on the
first day after the end of the immediately preceding Lease Year, except that the
last Lease Year shall end on the last day of the Term.

     Leased Premises: The area located on the 4th and 5th Floor of the Building,
and designated as Suites 400 and 500. The Leased Premises are outlined on the
floor plan attached as Exhibit A to this Lease consisting of the number of
square feet determined by Landlord's architect consistent with Exhibit E.

     Leasehold Estate: Tenant's interest in the Leased Premises pursuant to this
Lease.

     Leasing Broker: Miller Corporate Real Estate.

     Legal Holidays: New Years Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving
Day, Christmas Day, and Memorial Day.

     Legal Requirements: All laws, statutes, ordinances, orders, rules,
regulations and requirements, including all mandatory energy conservation
requirements applicable to the Building, of all federal, state and municipal
governments, and the appropriate agencies, officers, departments, boards and
commissions thereof, whether now or hereafter in force, applicable to the Land,
the Building, the Parking Facilities and the Leased Premises, or any part
thereof; all applicable local, State and Federal laws and regulations relating
to the use on, storage in, and the removal from, the Land and/or the Building of
hazardous or toxic material, petro-chemical products or asbestos or products
containing asbestos; notices from a Mortgagee of the Building as to the manner
of use or occupancy or the maintenance, repair or condition of the Leased
Premises and/or the Building; and all covenants, conditions and restrictions of
record affecting the use or occupancy of the Building.

     Minor Alterations: Alterations which do not affect the Common Areas, the
structural elements of the Building, the exterior appearance of the Building, or
the operating efficiency of the





                                       4


<PAGE>



Building, and which in the aggregate, do not exceed 820,000 per project in cost.
constitute Minor Alterations.

     Mortgage: Any mortgage, deed of trust or other security instrument of
record creating an interest in or affecting title to the Land or the Building,
or both, or any part thereof, including a leasehold mortgage or subleasehold
mortgage, and any and all renewals, modifications, consolidations or extensions
of any such instrument; Mortgagee shall mean the holder or beneficiary of any
Mortgage.

     Operating Expense Commencement Date: Lease Commencement Date.

     Operating Expenses: The aggregate of all reasonable and customary costs and
expenses incurred on an accrual basis by Landlord in connection with the
management, operation, maintenance, repair, cleaning, safety and administration
of the Leased Premises, the Building and the Land, including employees' wages,
salaries, welfare and pension benefits, other fringe benefits and payroll taxes
for on-site employees; Real Estate Taxes; telephone service; painting of Common
Areas; exterminating service; detection and security services; sewer rents and
charges; premiums for fire and casualty, liability, workmen's compensation,
sprinkler, water damage and other insurance; repairs and maintenance; building
supplies; uniforms and dry cleaning; snow removal; the cost of obtaining and
providing electricity, water and other public utilities; trash removal;
janitorial and cleaning supplies; cleaning and janitorial services; landscaping
maintenance; window cleaning; service contracts for the maintenance of
elevators, boilers, HVAC and other mechanical, plumbing and electrical
equipment; sales and use taxes payable in connection with tangible personal
property and services purchased for the management, operation, maintenance,
repair, cleaning, safety and administration of the Land and the Building;
accounting fees relating to the determination of Operating Expenses and
Operating Expense Increases and the preparation of statements required by
tenants' leases; management fees, whether or not paid to any Person having an
interest in or under common ownership with Landlord; fees paid in connection
with the challenge of any proposed assessment which would result in an increase
in the Real Estate Taxes, provided however, that Landlord shall only pursue such
challenges if it reasonably expects the resulting savings to exceed the cost of
such challenge; purchase and installation of indoor plants in the Common Areas;
purchase and installation of additional landscaping not included in the original
landscaping plan for the Building and replacement or substitute landscaping; and
all other expenses now or hereafter reasonably and customarily incurred in
connection with the operation, maintenance, and management of Peer Group
Buildings. If Landlord makes an expenditure for a capital improvement to the





                                       5


<PAGE>




Land or the Building, whether by installing energy conservation or labor-saving
devices to reduce Operating Expenses, to comply with Legal Requirements or
otherwise, and if, under generally accepted accounting principles, such
expenditure is not a current expense, then, except as otherwise provided in the
next sentence, the cost thereof shall be amortized over a period equal to the
useful life of such improvement, determined in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and the amortized cost allocated to each
calendar year during the Term, together with an imputed interest amount
calculated on the unamortized portion thereof using an interest rate equal to
the prime rate of NationsBank, N.A. at the time of the expenditure, shall be
treated as an Operating Expense. The cost of all repairs, replacements and
improvements required to maintain the Building as a first-class office building,
other than those related to structural or building systems or those excluded
below, shall be treated as an Operating Expense even if the cost would otherwise
be classified as a capital expenditure under generally accepted accounting
principles. Refunds of Real Estate Taxes (reduced by Landlord's reasonable
expenses in obtaining such refunds), amounts payable by tenants of the Building
for after-hours heating or air- conditioning and for excess electrical usage,
recoveries of expenses and other separate charges made to tenants of the
Building for special services and (to the extent that Operating Expenses include
the cost of any repair or reconstruction work) the amount of any insurance
recoveries (net of the costs of collection), all determined on an accrual basis,
shall be credited against Operating Expenses in computing the amount thereof.
Operating Expenses shall not include financing or mortgage costs; depreciation
expense: advertising for vacant space or building promotion; leasing
commissions; executive salaries; the cost of tenant improvements; ground rent;
or legal fees for leasing vacant space in the Building or enforcing Landlord's
rights under leases with tenants for space in the Building. In addition,
Operating Expenses shall not include the following:

          (i) fees for licenses and permits obtained by or for Landlord in
     connection with any non-office use activity by a tenant within the
     Building, such as retail or commercial uses;

          (ii) management fees paid to Affiliates of Landlord or other related
     Persons, provided however, that such fees can be included in Operating
     Expenses to the extent they are negotiated as arm's length arrangements;

          (iii) expenses not generally treated as operating expenses under
     generally accepted accounting principles except as specifically set forth
     above;

          (iv) any repairs or improvements made (A) by third parties to correct
     defects in prior construction, (B) to bring the








                                       6

<PAGE>




     Building in compliance with Legal Requirements applicable prior to the
     Lease Rental Commencement Date or (C) to cure Landlord's default under the
     terms of this Lease or any other space lease with a tenant in the Building;

          (v) increases in salary and benefits to employees of Landlord which
     are in excess of the prevailing increases within downtown Baltimore:

          (vi) expenses properly treated as indirect corporate or office
     overhead for other sites under generally accepted principles of office
     building management;

          (vii) costs or renovating, decorating or improving space for tenants
     or other occupants of the building, or vacant space:

          (viii) expenses in connection with services provided to tenants which
     are not consistent with services provided to all other tenants;

          (ix) interest and penalties on taxes, utility bills and other costs
     due to Landlord's negligence; and

          (x) fees paid to Tenant or other tenants in the Building as
     reimbursement for audit expenses incurred due to errors by Landlord in the
     calculation of Operating Expenses; and

          (xi) costs incurred by Landlord in challenging the application of
     Legal Requirements, or fees and expenses incurred or payable as a result of
     such application provided, however, that such costs can be included as
     Operating Expenses if Landlord reasonably expects the resulting savings
     arising from such challenge to exceed the cost of the challenge.

Operating Expenses are subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3(d).

     Parking Facilities: Any above grade parking structure and the surface
parking areas on the Land or on other parcels located in the Inner Harbor East
subdivision designated as available for Tenant's use during the term of this
Lease in accordance with Section 29 of this Lease.

     Peer Group Buildings: First-class, Class A office buildings in downtown
Baltimore of comparable age, quality and location.

     Person: A natural person, a partnership, a corporation and any other form
of business or legal association or entity.







                                       7

<PAGE>




     Real Estate Taxes: All taxes, assessments, vault rentals, and other
charges, if any, general, special or otherwise, including all assessments for
schools, public betterments and general or local improvements, levied or
assessed upon or with respect to the ownership of and/or all other taxable
interests in the Building and the Land imposed by any public or quasi-public
authority having jurisdiction and personal property taxes levied or assessed on
Landlord's personal property used in connection with the management, operation,
maintenance, repair, cleaning, safety and administration of the Land and the
Building less all applicable credits. Except for taxes, fees, charges and
impositions described in the next succeeding sentence, Real Estate Taxes shall
not include any federal or state estate or inheritance taxes or taxes on income.
If at any time during the Term the methods of taxation shall be altered so that
in addition to or in lieu of or as a substitute for the whole or any part of any
Real Estate Taxes levied, assessed or imposed there shall be levied, assessed or
imposed (i) a tax, license fee, excise or other charge on the rents received by
Landlord, or (ii) any other type of tax or other imposition in lieu of, or as a
substitute for, or in addition to, the whole or any portion of any Real Estate
Taxes, then the same shall be included as Real Estate Taxes. A tax bill or true
copy thereof, together with any explanatory or detailed statement of the area or
property covered thereby, submitted by Landlord to Tenant shall be conclusive
evidence of the amount of taxes assessed or levied, as well as of the items
taxed. If any real property tax or assessment levied against the land, buildings
or improvements covered thereby or the rents reserved therefrom shall be
evidenced by improvement or other bonds, or in other form, which may be paid in
annual installments only the amount paid or payable in any calendar year,
including the interest, if any, thereon, shall be included as Real Estate Taxes
for that calendar year. The Real Estate Taxes for the first Lease Year
includible as Operating Expenses shall not exceed $.75 per square foot. Landlord
shall make timely applications for, diligently pursue and use best efforts to
keep in place all discounts applicable as a result of the Building being located
in a State Enterprise Zone or Federal Empowerment Zone.

     Rent Per Square Foot: Eleven Dollars ($11.00) per square foot of Rentable
Area during the first Lease Year. For each Lease Year (or part of a Lease Year)
thereafter during the Term, the Rent per Square Foot shall be an amount equal to
102.15% of the Rent per Square Foot for the immediately preceding Lease Year.

     Rentable Area: The net rentable area of the Leased Premises, as determined
by Landlord's architect from the approved permit sets of construction drawings
for the Leased Premises, without field measurement, in accordance with the
provisions of






                                       8

<PAGE>




Exhibit E to this Lease. Landlord's architect has initially estimated the
Rentable Area to be approximately 50,000 square feet.

     Rules and Regulations: The rules and regulations attached as Exhibit D to
this Lease as modified from time to time by Landlord pursuant to Section 8.

     Security Deposits: A sum equivalent to one (1) month's Basic Rent.

     Taking: A taking of property, or any interest therein or right appurtenant
or accruing thereto, by condemnation or eminent domain or by action or
proceedings, or agreement in lieu thereof, pursuant to governmental authority.

     Tenant: The tenant named herein, any Affiliate thereof and any permitted
assignee under Section 15.

     Tenant's Associates: Tenant's subtenants, agents, employees, invitees,
licensees, customers and clients, and guests or contractors of any of the
foregoing.

     Tenant's Notice and Billing Address: Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc., 9135
Guilford Road, Columbia, MD 21046, (before the Lease Commencement Date), or the
Premises (after the Lease Commencement Date).

     Tenant's Personal Property: All furniture, furnishings, business machines,
equipment and other moveable property installed in the Leased Premises by, or at
the expense of, Tenant and (i) not affixed to the Land or the Building; or (ii)
affixed but removable without substantial damage (which damage can be and is
repaired by Tenant).

     Tenant's Proportionate Share: The percentage (rounded off to two decimal
points) from time to time which the Rentable Area is of the Building Rentable
Area.

     Tenant's Space Layout: As defined in Section 4 of Exhibit B.

     Tenant's Work: As defined in Exhibit B.

     Term: The period commencing on the Lease Commencement Date and ending on
the last day of the calendar month which completes ten (10) full years after the
Lease Commencement Date, but in any event the Term shall end on any date when
this Lease is sooner terminated.






                                       9

<PAGE>




     Unavoidable Delays: Delays caused by strikes, acts of God, lockouts, labor
difficulties, riots, explosions, sabotage, accidents, shortages or inability to
obtain labor or materials, Legal Requirements, governmental restrictions, enemy
action, civil commotion, fire or other casualty or similar causes beyond the
reasonable control of Landlord, other than as to Landlord, delays caused by
financial difficulties experienced by Landlord, whether in securing initial
financing or otherwise.

2.   Completion of Leased Premises.

     a. The completion of the Leased Premises shall be done in accordance with
the provisions of Exhibit B to this Lease.

     b. Construction on the Building shall commence by September 30, 1995.

     c. The Base Building shall be built in accordance with plans and
specifications prepared by Landlord's architect, a copy of which have been
delivered to Tenant. Landlord agrees to provide to Tenant, upon request, copies
of such plans and specifications as may be needed by Tenant to install
improvements, make alterations or perform repairs which are Tenant's
responsibility hereunder, or which Tenant may need to perform in the event of an
emergency.

     2A. Lease Commencement Date. Except as otherwise provided in Exhibit B, the
Lease Commencement Date shall occur sixty (60) days after Landlord has delivered
the-Leased Premises to Tenant in a Floor Ready Condition (the "Tenant Work
Period") provided that the Date of Substantial Completion has occurred. If the
Date of Substantial Completion has not occurred by the end of the Tenant Work
Period, the Lease Commencement Date shall be the Date of Substantial Completion.
Landlord and Tenant anticipate the following schedule: (i) the Leased Premises
will be delivered to Tenant in a Floor Ready Condition on August 1, 1996; (ii)
the Date of Substantial Completion will be September 1, 1996, and (iii) the
Lease Commencement Date will be October 1, 1996. If the Date of Substantial
Completion for the Base Building has not occurred by October 15, 1996, Landlord
shall pay Tenant liquidated damages in the amount of $1,424.00 per day for each
day of delay after October 15, 1996 not caused by Tenant's Delay (as defined in
Exhibit B) until the Lease Commencement Date occurs. Within 10 days after the
Lease Commencement Date has been determined, Tenant shall, at the request of
Landlord, execute and deliver to Landlord a written instrument setting forth the
precise dates of commencement and expiration of the Term and the Rentable Area,
and certifying that Tenant is in possession of the Leased Premises and has no
claims, defenses, offsets or counterclaims against Landlord, or specifying each
such claim, defense, offset or counterclaim.






                                       10

<PAGE>




     Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant may elect to use Landlord's
Contractor to perform the Tenant Work. In such event, subject to: (i) Tenant
complying with a reasonable schedule developed by Landlord for preparation and
delivery of Tenant Work Construction Documents: (ii) Tenant's timely approval of
costs for Tenant Work; and (iii) Unavoidable Delay, the Lease Commencement Date
will be the date of substantial completion by Landlord's Contractor of Tenant
Work (as determined by Tenant's architect and Landlord's architect) or the Date
of Substantial Completion, whichever is later.

     3.   Rent and Additional Charges.

     (a) Payments of Rent and Additional Charges. Tenant shall pay the Basic
Rent for each Lease Year in equal monthly installments in advance on the Lease
Commencement Date and thereafter on the first day of each month (or part of a
month) during the Term. If the Lease Commencement Date is not the first day of a
month, Basic Rent for the month in which the Lease Commencement Date occurs
shall be pro-rated on the basis of the number of days in the month before and
after the Lease Commencement Date. Landlord acknowledges receipt of the
Advance--Rent. The difference, if any, between the Advance Rent and the first
monthly installment of Basic Rent shall be adjusted as of the Lease Commencement
Date. The Basic Rent and all Additional Charges shall be paid promptly when due,
in lawful money of the United States, without notice or demand and without
deduction, diminution, abatement, counterclaim or setoff of any amount or for
any reason whatsoever, except as otherwise expressly provided in subsection (b)
and in Sections 13(b) and 14(a), to Landlord at Landlord's Notice Address or at
such other address or to such other Person (including a successor to Landlord's
interest in the Building) as Landlord may from time to time designate. If Tenant
makes any payment to Landlord by check, such payment shall be by check of Tenant
and Landlord shall not be required to accept the check of any other Person, and
any check received by Landlord shall be deemed received subject to collection.
If any check is mailed by Tenant, Tenant shall post such check in sufficient
time prior to the date when payment is due so that such check will be received
by Landlord on or before the date when payment is due. Tenant shall assume the
risk of lateness or failure of delivery of the mails, and no lateness or failure
of the mails will excuse Tenant from its obligation to make the payment in
question when required under this Lease. If, during the Term, Landlord receives
two or more checks from Tenant which are returned by Tenant's bank for
insufficient funds or are otherwise returned unpaid, Tenant agrees that all
checks thereafter shall be either bank, certified or cashiers' checks. All bank
service charges resulting from any bad checks shall be borne by Tenant. The rent
reserved under this Lease shall be the total of all Basic Rent and Additional
Charges, increased and adjusted as elsewhere






                                       11

<PAGE>




herein provided, payable during the entire Term and, accordingly, the methods of
payment provided for herein, namely, annual and monthly rental payments, are for
convenience only and are made on account of the total rent reserved hereunder.

     (b) Payment of Operating Expenses. Tenant shall pay as additional rent
Tenant's Proportionate Share of Operating Expenses for each calendar year,
commencing with the Initial Calendar Year.

     (i) Landlord shall make a reasonable estimate of Tenant's Operating
Expenses for each calendar year after the Initial Calendar Year (based on the
projected Real Estate Taxes payable for the real estate tax fiscal years
included in such calendar year, the other Operating Expenses for the preceding
calendar year and anticipated increases in other Operating Expenses for the
current calendar year). Tenant shall pay to Landlord a properly prorated share
of the estimated amount of Tenant's Operating Expenses for each calendar year on
the first day of each month in advance, beginning on the first day of the first
calendar year after the Initial Calendar Year.

     (ii) If Landlord's estimate of Tenant's Operating Expenses for any calendar
year is not received by Tenant on or before January 1 of the calendar year,
Tenant shall continue to pay the monthly installments of Operating Expenses at
the rate established for the immediately preceding calendar year until Tenant
receives a new estimate for the calendar year. Within 15 days after receipt of a
new estimate of Operating Expenses for the calendar year, Tenant shall pay to
Landlord in a lump sum the arrearages in the monthly estimates for each month in
the calendar year before receipt of the estimate, if any, and shall pay the
remaining monthly installments for the calendar year on the first day of each
month in advance during the balance of the calendar year.

     (iii) Within 120 days after the end of each calendar year, including the
Initial Calendar Year, Landlord shall submit to Tenant a statement prepared by
Landlord's independent certified public accountant (the "Annual Operating
Expense Statement") setting forth in reasonable detail the Operating Expenses
for such calendar year and the amount (if any) of Tenant's Proportionate Share
of Operating Expenses for such calendar year. If Tenant's Proportionate Share of
Operating Expenses so stated are more than the amount (if any) theretofore paid
by Tenant for Operating Expenses based on Landlord's estimate for the calendar
year, Tenant shall pay to Landlord the deficiency after the submission of the
Annual Operating Expense Statement. Such payment shall be made with the next
payment of Basic Rent due at least 20 days after receipt by Tenant of all such
information. If Tenant's Proportionate Share of Operating Expenses so stated are
less than






                                       12

<PAGE>




the amount (if any) theretofore paid by Tenant for Operating Expenses based on
Landlord's estimate for the calendar year, Landlord shall credit the excess
against the next monthly installment of Basic Rent thereafter payable by Tenant
under this Lease, except that Landlord shall refund the excess (if any) for the
calendar year within which the last Lease Year ends to Tenant within 15 days
after submission of the Annual Operating Expense Statement for such calendar
year.

     (iv) If the Lease Commencement Date shall not coincide with the beginning
of a calendar year, the amount of Operating Expenses payable for the Initial
Calendar Year shall be pro-rated on a daily basis between Landlord and Tenant
based on the number of days in the Initial Calendar Year occurring on and after
the Lease Commencement Date. If the last day of the Term shall not coincide with
the end of a calendar year, the amount of Operating Expenses payable for the
calendar year in which the last day of the Term occurs shall be pro-rated on a
daily basis between Landlord and Tenant based on the number of days in which
this Lease is in effect. Tenant's obligation under this subsection to pay
Operating Expense Increases and Landlord's obligation to reimburse Tenant for an
overpayment of Operating Expenses shall survive the expiration of the Term or
the earlier termination of this Lease.

     (c) Tenant's Right to Audit the Annual Operating Expense Statement. Tenant
shall have the right to audit the Annual Operating Expense Statement for any
calendar year at any time within 90 days after Tenant receives such Annual
Operating Expense Statement. The cost of any such audit shall be paid by Tenant,
except that, if it is determined on the basis of such audit (or if, in
accordance with the following provisions, it is otherwise ultimately determined)
that the amount of Operating Expenses for any calendar year was overstated by
more than seven percent (7%), then the cost of the audit shall be paid by
Landlord. Landlord shall pay to Tenant any overpayment of Tenant's Proportionate
Share of Operating Expense Increases for the calendar year in question within 30
days after the amount of the overpayment has been established by the audit or by
arbitration as provided in this subsection. If Tenant fails to exercise its
right of audit within the 90-day period, the amount of Tenant's Operating
Expenses for the calendar year shall be conclusively established as the amount
set forth in the Annual Operating Expense Statement for such calendar year
delivered by Landlord to Tenant pursuant to subsection (b) as to all matters
other than fraud. If, however, Tenant timely exercises its right of audit, the
amount of Tenant's Operating Expenses for such calendar year shall be
conclusively established as the amount determined as a result of such audit
unless, within 90 days after receipt of a report of the same from the auditors
selected by Tenant, Landlord, at its expense, shall contest the amount thereof,
in which event the amount of Tenant's






                                       13

<PAGE>




Proportionate Share of Operating Expenses shall be conclusively established by
an arbitration proceeding conducted pursuant to Section 28.

     (d) Gross Up of Operating Expenses.

     (i) If, during all or any part of a calendar year, any part of the Building
Rentable Area is leased to a tenant (hereinafter referred to as a "Special
Tenant") which, in accordance with the terms of its lease, provides its own
cleaning and janitorial services, has separately metered electrical service or
is not otherwise required to pay Operating Expenses on the basis of operating
expenses for the Building which include substantially the same components as the
Operating Expenses (as defined in Section 1(b), the Operating Expenses for such
calendar year shall be increased by the additional costs for cleaning and
janitorial service, electricity and the other expenses, as reasonably estimated
by Landlord, that would have been incurred by Landlord if Landlord had furnished
and paid for cleaning and janitorial services for the space occupied by the
Special Tenant, the space occupied by the Special Tenant was not separately
metered for electricity or Landlord had furnished and paid for any other service
which the Special Tenant did not receive and which was not included in operating
expenses as defined in the Special Tenant's lease.

     (ii) If the average occupancy level of the Building for any calendar year
is less than 95%, the Operating Expenses for such calendar year shall be
increased by the additional Operating Expenses, as reasonably estimated by
Landlord, that would have been incurred by Landlord in providing the same
services provided to Tenant (and included in Operating Expenses) if the average
occupancy level of the Building for the calendar year had been 95%. For purposes
of the preceding sentence, the "average occupancy level of the Building" for any
calendar year shall be the arithmetic average of the Building Rentable Area
occupied by tenants on the first day of each month during the calendar year.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, as long as Tenant occupies at least its current
share of space in the Building, Tenant shall not be responsible for more than
eighty percent (80%) of all Operating Expenses.

     (e) Interest. If Tenant fails to make any payment of Basic Rent or
Additional Charges within five days after the due date thereof, interest shall
accrue on the unpaid portion thereof from the due date at the Default Interest
Rate, and shall be payable on demand.

     (f) Accord and Satisfaction. No payment by Tenant or receipt by Landlord of
any lesser amount than the amount stipulated to be






                                       14


<PAGE>


paid hereunder shall be deemed other than on account of the earliest stipulated
Basic Rent or Additional Charges nor shall any endorsement or statement on any
check or letter be deemed an accord and satisfaction, and Landlord may accept
any check or payment without prejudice to Landlord's right to recover the
balance due or to pursue any other remedy available to Landlord.

     (g) Late Payment Charge. If Tenant fails to pay any Basic Rent or
Additional Charges within five days after the same become due and payable,
Tenant shall also pay to Landlord on demand a late payment service charge (to
cover Landlord's administrative and overhead expenses of processing late
payments and not to be a penalty) equal to the greater of $100.00 or 5% of such
unpaid sum for each and every calendar month or part thereof after the due date
that such sum has not been paid to Landlord. Such payment shall not excuse the
untimely payment of rent.

     (h) Adjustment of Basic Rent for Increases in Rent per Square Foot.
Whenever there is a change in the Rent per Square Foot during a Lease Year
pursuant to any of the provisions of this Lease, the Basic Rent for the Lease
Year in which the change occurs shall be adjusted as of the date on which the
change becomes effective so that the Basic Rent for the period before the change
becomes effective shall be determined by the Rent per Square Foot in effect
immediately before the change and the Basic Rent for the period after the change
becomes effective shall be determined by the new Rent per Square Foot in effect
immediately after the change. Tenant shall continue to pay the Basic Rent at the
monthly amount in effect immediately before the change becomes effective until
notified by Landlord of an increase in the Basic Rent resulting from the
increase in the Rent per Square Foot. Within 15 days after receipt of a notice
from Landlord of the increase in the Basic Rent resulting from the increase in
the Rent per Square Foot, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, in a lump sum, an amount
equal to the difference between (i) the Basic Rent, adjusted to reflect the
increase in the Rent per Square Foot, for the period beginning on the date on
which the increase in the Rent per Square Foot became effective and ending on
the first day of the month in which Tenant receives Landlord's notice of the
increase, and (ii) the Basic Rent previously paid by Tenant to Landlord for the
same period.

     (i) No Setoff. Tenant shall not have the right to setoff or deduct any
amount allegedly owed by Landlord to Tenant under this Lease from any of the
Basic Rent or Additional Charges payable by Tenant under this Lease. Tenant's
sole remedy with respect to any claim against Landlord shall be to commence an
independent legal action against Landlord.



                                       15


<PAGE>




     4.   Common Areas.

     (a) Subject to the Rules and Regulations, for 24 hours of each day and
throughout the Term, Tenant and Tenant's Associates shall have the non-exclusive
right, in common with others, to use the Common Areas. Subject to subsection (b)
below, Landlord shall have the right at any time, without Tenant's consent, (i)
to change the arrangement or location of entrances, passageways, doors,
doorways, corridors, stairs or other public portions of the Land, the Building
and the Parking Facilities, provided any such change does not interfere with
Tenant's access to the Leased Premises or the Parking Facilities; (ii) to grant
to any Person an exclusive right to conduct a particular business or undertaking
in the Building that is not inconsistent with Tenant's permitted use of the
Leased Premises: (iii) to use and/or lease the roof of the Building and the
Common Areas for any purposes not inconsistent with the terms of this Lease;
(iv) to subdivide the Land or to combine the Land with other adjoining real
property; and (v) to add additional floors to the Parking Facilities (other than
to the Building), to erect additional buildings on the Land and to erect
temporary scaffolds and other devices in connection with the construction,
repair and maintenance of the Land or the Building, or both. Landlord's exercise
of any of the foregoing rights shall not constitute an actual or constructive
eviction, in whole or in part, or entitle Tenant to any abatement or diminution
of rent, or relieve Tenant from any of its obligations under this Lease, or
impose any liability upon Landlord, by reason of inconvenience or annoyance to
Tenant, or injury to or interruption of Tenant's business, or otherwise.
Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to mitigate such inconvenience or
annoyance (but with no obligation to employ labor at overtime or other premium
pay rates).

     (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) above, no modifications shall be made to
all or part of the Common Areas, if as a result thereof: (i) any part of the
Building or the Leased Premises would be in violation of any Legal Requirement;
(ii) the security plan for the Building, the Leased Premises or the Parking
Facilities is compromised or diminished in effectiveness; (iii) any part of the
Common Areas are used for retail or marketing purposes except for advertising
the availability of space in the Building; or (iv) the appearance of the
Building is inconsistent with first class, Class A office buildings in downtown
Baltimore of comparable age, quality and location (the "Peer Group Buildings").

     5.   Services and Utilities.

     (a) Building Services. Throughout the Term, Landlord agrees that the
Building will be maintained in the same manner as other Peer Group Buildings,
and that, subject to Unavoidable Delays and Legal Requirements, it will furnish,
or cause to be furnished, all



                                       16

<PAGE>




necessary maintenance, repairs, utilities and services, including, without
limitation, the initial capital improvements and equipment installations, as
well as the subsequent maintenance, services and repairs as set forth below to
the following services:

     (1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (b) and (c), normal and usual
electricity for lighting purposes and the operation of ordinary office equipment
consisting of an average of 5 watts per square foot of Rentable Area;

     (2) Adequate supplies for toilet rooms located in the Common Areas and in
the Leased Premises (if any);

     (3) Cleaning and janitorial services after business hours on Business Days
in accordance with the standards set forth in Exhibit C to this Lease;

     (4) Hot and cold running water in the toilet rooms located in the Common
Areas and at valved outlets at the locations in the Leased Premises (if any)
shown on Tenant's Space Layout;

     (5) Subject to the provisions of subsections (d), heating, ventilating and
air-conditioning to the Leased Premises as may seasonally be required to
maintain a minimum temperature within all of the Leased Premises of 72(degree)F
in winter when outdoor temperatures are 10(degree)F, or above, and a maximum
temperature within all of the Leased Premises of 76(degree)F in summer when
outdoor temperatures are 91(degree)F or below, between the hours of 8:00 A.M.
and 7:00 P.M. on Business Days and between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M.
on Saturdays ("normal business hours") unless Saturday is a Legal Holiday in
accordance with the standards set forth in subsection (f);

     (6) Automatically operated elevator service 24 hours a day, seven days a
week, but Landlord may limit the number of elevators in the Building in
operation at times other than during normal business hours on Business Days but
in no event less than one;

     (7) All electric bulbs and fluorescent tubes in light fixtures in the
Common Areas and Building Standard light fixtures in the Leased Premises shall
be promptly replaced when necessary;

     (8) A security access system for the Common Areas of the Building; and

     (9) Sufficient access cards, to be used in conjunction with the security
system, to provide each employee of Tenant with a card, and a system for
disarming and replacing cards as employees leave or are replaced.





                                       17


<PAGE>




     (b) Electricity. Landlord shall not be liable in any way to Tenant for any
failure or defect in the supply or character of electrical energy furnished to
the Leased Premises by reason of any requirement, act or omission of the public
utility providing the Building with electricity. Tenant's use of electrical
energy in the Leased Premises shall not at any time exceed the capacity of any
of the electrical conductors and equipment in or otherwise serving the Leased
Premises. Tenant shall not install or operate in the Leased Premises any
electrically operated equipment which uses electric current in excess of the
capacity specified in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) without Landlord's prior
consent, which consent may be conditioned upon Tenant's agreement to pay an
additional charge to compensate Landlord for Tenant's excessive consumption of
electricity and to pay the cost of any additional wiring or electrical equipment
or installations which may be required for the operation of such equipment. In
order to ensure that such normal capacity is not exceeded and to avert a
possible adverse effect upon the Building electrical service Tenant shall give
notice to Landlord before Tenant connects to the Building electrical
distribution system any electrically operated equipment other than lamps,
typewriters, personal computers, copy machines and similar small office
machines. Any feeders or risers to supply Tenant's electrical requirements in
addition to those originally installed, and all other equipment proper and
necessary in connection with such feeders or risers, shall be installed by
Landlord upon Tenant's request, at the sole cost and expense of Tenant, but only
if, in Landlord's reasonable judgment, such additional feeders or risers are
permissible under all Legal Requirements and Insurance Requirements and the
installation of such feeders or risers will not cause permanent damage or injury
to the Building or cause or create a dangerous condition or unreasonably
interfere with other tenants of the Building. Tenant may elect, at Tenant's sole
cost and expense to separately meter full floors of the Leased Premises.

     (c) Landlord's Right to Meter Tenant's Electrical Usage. If, at any time or
from time to time, the estimated connected electrical load (including lighting
and power) used by Tenant's lighting and electrically operated equipment exceeds
the capacity specified in paragraph (1) of subsection (a), Landlord may either
(i) install a separate electric meter for the Leased Premises, at Tenant's sole
cost and expense, and Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for the cost of
electricity it consumes, as recorded by such meter, in excess of the amount of
electricity that would be consumed by a tenant whose consumption of electricity
was equal to, but did not exceed, the specified limits, or (ii) from time to
time have a survey made by an independent electrical engineer or electrical
consulting firm to be selected and paid for by Landlord to determine the amount
of electricity consumed by Tenant in excess of the amount of electricity that
would be consumed by a tenant whose




                                       18


<PAGE>




consumption of electricity was equal to, but did not exceed, the specified
limits, and Tenant shall pay to Landlord the cost of excess electricity it
consumes as determined by such electrical engineer or consulting firm.

     (d) After-Hours Heating and Air-Conditioning. Landlord shall provide heat
and air-conditioning at times in addition to those specified in paragraph (5) of
subsection (a) at Tenant's expense, if Tenant gives Landlord notice before 3:00
P.M. (in the case of after-hours service on weekdays) and before 3:00 P.M. on
Fridays or the day preceding a Legal Holiday (in the case of after-hours service
on Saturdays, Sundays or Legal Holidays). Landlord shall have the right
throughout the Term to charge Tenant for after-hours use of heat or
air-conditioning at an hourly rate which represents Landlord's reasonable
estimate of its actual cost of providing such after-hours service, including
labor, cost of electricity and wear and tear on equipment, plus an allowance of
10% thereof to cover general overhead but in no event more than comparable
charges at Peer Group Buildings. During the first Lease Year, Landlord's charge
for after-hours service shall not exceed the Initial After Hours HVAC Rate. If
the same after-hours service is also requested by other tenants on the same
floor of the Building as Tenant, the charge therefor to each tenant requesting
such after-hours service shall be a pro-rated amount based upon the square
footage of the leased premises of all tenants on the same floor requesting such
after-hours services. Tenant shall pay such charges to Landlord within 15 days
after Tenant's receipt of an invoice therefor.

     Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Tenant may, in lieu of
being charged for after-hours service, request Landlord to install at Tenant's
sole cost and expense a separate electric meter with time of day capability for
the Leased Premises and thereafter Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for the cost
of electricity it consumes, as recorded by such meter, plus Tenant's pro rata
share of the maintenance and depreciation associated with that portion of the
HVAC system attributable to such after hours use and reasonable administration
costs associated therewith, if applicable.

     (e) Landlord's Right to Maintain Pipes, Conduits. etc. Landlord reserves
the right to erect, install, use, maintain and repair pipes, ducts, conduits,
cables, plumbing, vents and wires in, to and through the Leased Premises as and
to the extent that Landlord may now or hereafter deem to be necessary or
appropriate for the proper operation and maintenance of the Building, or other
tenants' installations in the Building, and the right at all times to transmit
water, heat, air-conditioning and electric current through such pipes, conduits,
cables, plumbing, vents and wires. In exercising its rights under this
subsection, Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to minimize interference with
Tenant's business




                                       19


<PAGE>



in the Leased Premises (but with no obligation to employ labor at overtime or
other premium pay rates).

     (f) HVAC Specifications. Landlord represents to Tenant that the HVAC system
for the Leased Premises has been designed to provide for the comfortable
occupancy of the Leased Premises at temperatures consistent with those provided
in other Peer Group Buildings subject to Legal Requirements. Landlord shall not
be responsible if the normal operation of the Building air-conditioning system
shall fail to provide conditioned air within comfortable temperatures levels (i)
in any portions of the Leased Premises which have a connected electrical load
for all purposes (including lighting and power) in excess of 5 watts per square
foot of Rentable Area or which have a human occupancy factor in excess of one
individual for each 100 square feet of Rentable Area (the average electrical
load and human occupancy factors for which the Building air-conditioning system
is designed), (ii) because of the arrangement of partitioning or other
Alterations made by or on behalf of Tenant or any Person claiming through or
under Tenant (including work performed by Landlord for Tenant pursuant to
Exhibit B), (iii) in any portions of the Leased Premises exposed to direct
sunlight in which Tenant fails to keep the venetian blinds closed, or (iv)
because of the failure by Tenant or its employees to use the HVAC system in the
manner in which it was designed to be used. Tenant agrees to observe and comply
with all reasonable rules from time to time prescribed by Landlord for the
proper functioning and protection of the HVAC systems in the Building.

     (g) Cessation of HVAC and Mechanical Services. Landlord reserves the right
to stop the service of heating, air-conditioning, ventilating, elevator,
plumbing, electricity or other mechanical systems or facilities in the Building,
if necessary by reason of accident or emergency, or for repairs, alterations,
replacements, additions or improvements which, in the reasonable judgment of
Landlord, are desirable or necessary, until said repairs, alterations,
replacements, additions or improvements shall have been completed. The exercise
of such right by Landlord shall not constitute an actual or constructive
eviction, in whole or in part, or relieve Tenant from any of its obligations
under this Lease, or impose any liability upon Landlord or its agents by reason
of inconvenience or annoyance to Tenant, or injury to, or interruption of,
Tenant's business, or otherwise, or entitle Tenant to any abatement or
diminution of rent. Except in cases of emergency repairs, Landlord will give
Tenant reasonable advance notice of any contemplated stoppage of any such
systems or facilities. In all cases, Landlord will use due diligence to complete
any such repairs, alterations, replacements, additions or improvements with
reasonable promptness. Landlord shall also perform any such work in a manner
reasonably designed to minimize interference with




                                       20


<PAGE>



Tenant's normal business operations (but with no obligation to employ labor at
overtime or other premium pay rates).

     (h) Unavoidable Delays in Providing Building Services. Landlord does not
make any warranty that the services to be provided by this Section will be free
from any irregularity or stoppage. Landlord shall use due diligence to correct
any such irregularity or stoppage. However, if Landlord fails to supply, or is
delayed in supplying, any service expressly or impliedly to be supplied by
Landlord under this Lease, or is unable to make, or is delayed in making, any
repairs, alterations, additions, improvements or decorations, or is unable to
supply, or is delayed in supplying, any equipment or fixtures, and if such
failure, delay or inability results from Unavoidable Delays, such failure, delay
or inability shall not constitute an actual or constructive eviction, in whole
or in part, or relieve Tenant from any of its obligations under this Lease, or
impose any liability upon Landlord or its agents by reason of inconvenience to
Tenant, or injury to, or interruption of, Tenant's business, or otherwise, or
entitle Tenant to any abatement or diminution of rent. Provided, however, should
any disruption in service or utilities which has any material adverse impact on
Tenant's business last beyond five (5) consecutive days, Tenant shall be
entitled to abate one day of Basic Rent for each day of further disruption of
services.

     (i) Landlord, in addition to any other obligations set forth in this Lease,
shall be responsible for making all repairs, alterations and improvements
resulting from: (1) any deficiencies or defects in the initial plans for the
Building, including any failures to meet current Legal Requirements; (2) an
inability to enforce any guaranties or warranties provided in conjunction with
the construction of the Base Building in the Leased Premises; and (3) future
Legal Requirements applicable to the Building, the Parking Facilities or the
Leased Premises provided, however, that Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for the
cost of any repairs, alterations and improvements in the Leased Premises as
Additional Rent on a monthly basis over a period of time equal to the useful
life of the repairs, alterations and improvements.

     (j) Work During Non-Business Hours. Landlord agrees that, except in the
event of serious emergencies requiring immediate attention, at Tenant's request
and at Tenant's sole expense (as to the additional cost of performing the work
during non-business hours), all work required to be done in the Leased Premises
shall be performed during hours which are not normal business hours.




                                       21


<PAGE>



     6.   Use of Leased Premises and Building.

     (a) Permitted Use. Tenant and its permitted subtenants shall use and occupy
the Leased Premises solely for general office purposes and other legally
permitted uses which are mutually agreed upon by Landlord and Tenant, including
transmitting equipment and studios; seminar rooms and auditoriums; training
areas and work stations; dining areas, vending areas and classrooms in
accordance with the applicable Legal Requirements and zoning regulations
consistent with the character and dignity of the Building, and shall not use or
permit or suffer the use of the Leased Premises for any other purpose whatsoever
without the prior consent of Landlord which shall not be unreasonably withheld
or delayed. Tenant shall control its business and control Tenant's Associates in
such a manner as not to create a nuisance or interfere with, annoy or disturb
other tenants or Landlord in the management of the Building. Tenant shall not
permit or suffer the Leased Premises to be occupied by anyone other than Tenant
except as provided by Section 15. Tenant shall at all times have access to the
Leased Premises, the Building, and the Parking Facilities 24 hours a day, seven
days a week, subject, however, in all respects to all the terms contained in
this Lease. However, Landlord may regulate and restrict access to the Building
and the Parking Facilities at times other than normal business hours on Business
Days for security purposes so long as Tenant's employees, agents and business
invitees have reasonable access to the Leased Premises, and the Parking
Facilities without unreasonable inconvenience.

     (b) Payments of Taxes. Throughout the Term, Tenant covenants and agrees to
pay 10 days before delinquency any and all taxes, assessments and public charges
levied, assessed or imposed upon Tenant's business conducted in the Leased
Premises, upon the Leasehold Estate or upon Tenant's Personal Property other
than Real Estate Taxes.

     (c) Restrictions on Use. Throughout the Term, Tenant shall not : (i)
knowingly use or permit or suffer the use of any portion of the Leased Premises,
the Building or the Parking Facilities for any unlawful purpose; (ii) use the
plumbing facilities for any purpose other than that for which they were
constructed, or dispose of any foreign substances therein; (iii) place a load on
any floor exceeding the floor load per square foot which such floor was designed
to carry in accordance with the plans and specifications of the Building; (iv)
install, operate or maintain in the Leased Premises any heavy item of equipment
except in such manner as to achieve a proper distribution of weight; (v) strip,
overload, damage or deface the Leased Premises, the Common Areas or the Parking
Facilities, or the fixtures therein or used therewith; (vi) move any bulky
furniture or equipment into or out of the Leased Premises except at such times
and using such loading docks,




                                       22


<PAGE>




entrances and elevators as Landlord may from time to time designate; (vii) use
any floor adhesive in the installation of any carpeting without Landlord's prior
written consent; or (viii) install in the Leased Premises any other equipment of
any kind or nature which will or may necessitate any changes, replacements or
additions to, or in the use of, the water system, HVAC system, plumbing system,
or electrical system serving the Leased Premises or the Building, unless the
Alterations involved in making such changes, replacements or additions have been
approved by Landlord in writing and made pursuant to Section 9(a).

     (d) Compliance with Legal Requirements.

     (i) Landlord represents and warrants to the Tenant that the Building, the
Parking Facilities and the Leased Premises are or will be in compliance with all
applicable Legal Requirements, including the Americans With Disabilities Act, at
the Lease Commencement Date, and that Landlord is not now aware of any Legal
Requirements that will go into effect subsequent to that date which have not
been incorporated in the design and construction of the Building, the Parking
Facilities and the Leased Premises.

     (ii) Tenant, at its expense, shall make any Alterations required after the
Lease Commencement Date to comply with Legal Requirements to the extent the
obligation to comply with such Legal Requirements arises uniquely from Tenant's
use or manner of use of the Leased Premises and not from any general office or
educational use.

     (iii) Neither Landlord nor Tenant shall use or occupy the Leased Premises,
or knowingly permit the Leased Premises, the Building or the Parking Facilities
to be used or occupied in violation of any Legal Requirements. Specifically,
Tenant is obligated to comply with all provisions of the Americans With
Disabilities Act applicable to Alterations made to the Leased Premises beyond
those to be made by Landlord as part of Landlord's work, and Landlord is
responsible for all other forms of compliance.

     (iv) If, after the commencement of the Term, any governmental authority
shall contend or declare that the Leased Premises or the Building are being used
for a purpose which is in violation of any Legal Requirements, (i) Tenant shall,
upon five days' notice from Landlord, immediately discontinue such use of the
Leased Premises, unless Tenant has in the interim, undertaken to challenge the
claim, and the continuation of such challenge does not jeopardize Landlord's
interest in the Building (whether through bonding or by way of the limited
nature of remedies available to the governmental authority), and (ii) Landlord
shall seek to discontinue such use in a manner that avoids any adverse




                                       23


<PAGE>




consequences to Tenant, including disruption of service and/or utilities. If
thereafter the governmental authority asserting such violation threatens,
commences or continues proceedings against Landlord for Tenant's failure to
discontinue such use, in addition to any and all rights, privileges and remedies
given to Landlord under this Lease for default therein, Landlord shall have the
right to terminate this Lease forthwith. Tenant shall save, defend, indemnify
and hold harmless Landlord from and against any and all liability for any such
violation or violations resulting from Tenant's actions or failure to take
action. Landlord shall save, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Tenant from and
against any liability for any violation or violations resulting from Landlord's
actions or failure to take action.

     (e) Compliance with Insurance Requirements. Tenant shall not use or occupy
the Leased Premises, or permit the Leased Premises, the Building or the Parking
Facilities be used or occupied, in violation of Insurance Requirements. Tenant
shall not do, or permit anything to be done, in or upon the Leased Premises, the
Building or the Parking Facilities, or bring or keep anything therein, which
shall increase the premiums payable for casualty and property damage insurance
for the Land, the Building or the Parking Facilities or on any property located
therein. If, by reason of the failure of Tenant to comply with the provisions of
this subsection, the premiums payable for casualty and property damage insurance
for the Land, the Building or the Parking Facilities shall at any time be higher
than they otherwise would be, then Tenant shall reimburse Landlord and any other
tenant of the Building, on demand, for that part of all premiums for any
insurance coverage that shall have been charged because of such violation by
Tenant and which Landlord or such other tenant, or both, shall have paid on
account of an increase in the rate or rates in its own policies of insurance.

     (f) No Flammable Substances. Tenant shall not bring or permit to be brought
or kept in or on the Leased Premises any flammable, combustible or explosive
substance except standard cleaning fluid, standard equipment, materials and
supplies (including magnetic tape) customarily used in conjunction with business
machines and equipment of the type used from time to time by Tenant in
reasonable quantities.

     (g) Hazardous Substances.

     (i) Tenant shall not (either with or without negligence) cause or permit
the escape, disposal or release of any Hazardous Substances. Tenant shall not
allow the storage or use of such Hazardous Substances in any manner not
sanctioned by law or by the highest standards prevailing in the industry for the
storage and use of such Hazardous Substances, nor allow to be brought into




                                       24


<PAGE>




the Leased Premises any Hazardous Substances except to use in the ordinary
course of Tenant's business.

     (ii) Landlord has provided Tenant with a copy of a Limited Phase II
Environmental Site Assessment Inner Harbor East-Parcel G prepared by Engineering
Consulting Services, Ltd. and dated June 20, 1995 (the "Environmental Report").
Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that it has no knowledge of any
Hazardous Substances on the site, other than as noted in the Environmental
Report. Any remediation required in connection with matters described in the
Environmental Report shall be Landlord's responsibility, and the indemnity
described in clause (iii) below shall apply to such Landlord obligation.

     (iii) Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that Landlord will not
directly, nor knowingly permit others to, cause or permit the escape, disposal
or release of any Hazardous Substances anywhere on the Land or within the
Parking Facilities and the Building and Landlord will indemnify and hold Tenant
harmless from any liability, cost or expense resulting from a violation of these
provisions if caused by Landlord or persons acting at Landlord's direction.

     (iv) Any expenses incurred by either party for the purpose of testing shall
be borne by the party undertaking the test, unless a determination is made that
a violation has occurred of this Section 6(g), in which event the party
responsible for the violation shall bear the cost of the testing.

     (v) Each party shall execute affidavits, representations and the like from
time to time at the other party's request concerning the responding party's best
knowledge and belief regarding the presence of Hazardous Substances on the
Leased Premises.

     (vi) In all events, Tenant shall indemnify Landlord in the manner elsewhere
provided in this Lease from any release of hazardous materials on the Leased
Premises occurring while Tenant is in possession, or elsewhere if caused by
Tenant or Persons acting under Tenant or at Tenant's direction.

     7.   Care of Leased Premises and Building.

     (a) Maintenance and Repairs by Tenant. Tenant shall act with care in its
use and occupancy of the Leased Premises and the fixtures therein and, at
Tenant's sole cost and expense, shall furnish its own electric bulbs and
fluorescent tubes for all light fixtures in the Leased Premises which are not
Building Standard fixtures and, except as otherwise provided in Section 13,
shall make all repairs and replacements to the Leased Premises, other




                                       25

<PAGE>



than structural necessitated or caused by the willful or negligent acts or
omissions of Tenant, Tenant's Associates or any Person claiming through or under
Tenant or by the use or occupancy or manner of use or occupancy of the Leased
Premises by Tenant, Tenant's Associates or any such Person. Without affecting
Tenant's obligations set forth in the preceding sentence, Tenant, at Tenant's
sole cost and expense, shall also (i) make all repairs and replacements, as and
when necessary, to Alterations (other than for correcting Landlord's work), and
(ii) perform all maintenance and make all repairs and replacements, as and when
necessary, to any air-conditioning equipment, private elevators, escalators,
conveyors or mechanical systems (other than the standard equipment and systems
serving the Building) which may be installed in the Leased Premises by Landlord
or Tenant. In addition to the foregoing, all damage or injury to the Leased
Premises or its fixtures, appurtenances and equipment or to the Building or to
its fixtures, appurtenances and equipment caused by Tenant moving property in or
out of the Building or by installation or removal of furniture, fixtures or
other property by Tenant shall be repaired, restored or replaced promptly by
Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, to the reasonable satisfaction of
Landlord. All such aforesaid repairs, restoration and replacements shall be in
quality and class equal to the original work or installation and shall be made
in accordance with accepted construction practices.

     (b) Landlord's Responsibility for Maintenance and Repairs. Except as
otherwise provided in subsection (a), Landlord shall make or cause to be made
the following repairs as and when necessary: (i) structural repairs to the
Building, provided, however, that Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for the costs
of structural repairs to the Leased Premises due to Tenant's negligence as
Additional Rent; (ii) repairs required in order to provide the elevator,
plumbing, electrical, HVAC and other services to be furnished by Landlord
pursuant to this Lease; (iii) maintenance and repairs to exterior portions of
the Building, including the windows, balconies and roof; (iv) repairs to the
Common Areas unless caused by the misconduct or negligent action of Tenant or
Tenant's Associates; and (v) any other repairs required under other provisions
of this Lease (including Section 5(i) above. Landlord's obligations under the
preceding sentence shall not accrue until after notice by Tenant to Landlord of
the necessity for any specific repair. Landlord shall perform its obligations
under this subsection in accordance with accepted construction practices so as
to minimize interference with Tenant's business in the Leased Premises (but with
no obligation to employ labor at overtime or other premium pay rates).




                                       26


<PAGE>



     8.   Rules and Regulations,

     Tenant shall, and shall cause Tenant's Associates to, comply with and
observe all reasonable rules and regulations concerning the use, management,
operation, safety and good order of the Leased Premises, the Common Areas, the
Parking Facilities and the Building which may from time to time be promulgated
by Landlord, provided that such rules and regulations are not inconsistent with
the provisions of this Lease, do not increase the cost of occupancy to Tenant,
do not reduce the scope of Landlord's obligations hereunder and do not
materially interfere with Tenant's use of the Leased Premises. Initial rules and
regulations, which shall be effective until amended by Landlord, are attached as
Exhibit D to this Lease. Tenant shall be deemed to have received notice of any
amendment to the rules and regulations when a copy of such amendment has been
delivered to Tenant at the Leased Premises or has been delivered to Tenant in
the manner prescribed for the giving of notices. Tenant may not dispute the
reasonableness of any additional rule or regulation unless Tenant's intention to
do so is asserted by notice given to Landlord within 30 days after notice is
given to Tenant of the adoption of any such additional rule or regulation.
Landlord shall make reasonable efforts to uniformly enforce the Rules and
Regulations, and the covenants or agreements contained in any other lease.
Tenant may challenge the implementation of particular Rules and Regulations on
the basis that they are not comparable to rules and regulations of Peer Group
Buildings. In the event the Rules and Regulations conflict with any provisions
set forth in the Lease, the Lease provisions will control.

     9.   Tenant's Alterations.

     (a) Tenant's Alterations. Except for Minor Alterations which require no
prior consent or approval from Landlord, Tenant shall not make or perform, or
permit the making or performance of, any Alterations without Landlord's prior
consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this subsection or
Landlord's consent to any Alterations, all Alterations made during the Term
shall be made and performed in conformity with and subject to the following
provisions: (i) all Alterations shall be made and performed at Tenant's sole
cost and expense and, except for Minor Alterations, at such time and in such
manner as Landlord may reasonably designate; (ii) all Alterations, except for
Minor Alterations, shall be made only by contractors or mechanics approved by
Landlord; (iii) no Alteration shall affect any part of the Building other than
the Leased Premises or adversely affect any service required to be furnished by
Landlord to Tenant or to any other tenant or occupant of the Building; (iv) all
business machines and mechanical equipment shall be placed and maintained by
Tenant in settings sufficient in Landlord's reasonable judgment to absorb and
prevent vibration, noise and annoyance to other tenants or




                                       27


<PAGE>



occupants of the Building; (v) Tenant shall submit to Landlord reasonably
detailed plans and specifications for each proposed Alteration and shall not
commence any such Alteration without first obtaining Landlord's approval of such
plans and specifications, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed, but Landlord shall have the right to withhold its consent to
Alterations involving structural changes or changes affecting the Common Areas
or the Building for any reason whatsoever; (vi) all Alterations in or to the
electrical facilities in or serving the Leased Premises shall be subject to the
provisions of Section 5(b); (vii) notwithstanding Landlord's approval of plans
and specifications for any Alteration, all Alterations shall be made and
performed in full compliance with all Legal Requirements and Insurance
Requirements and in accordance with the Rules and Regulations; (viii) all
materials and equipment to be incorporated in the Leased Premises as a result of
all Alterations shall be of good quality; (ix) Tenant shall require any
contractor performing Alterations to carry and maintain at all times during the
performance of the Alterations, at no expense to Landlord, (I) a policy of
Commercial General Liability Insurance, including contractor's liability
coverage, completed operations coverage and contractor's protective liability
coverage, naming Landlord and (at Landlord's request) the Additional Insureds,
as additional insureds, with such policy to afford protection to the limit of
not less than $5,000,000 combined single limit annual aggregate for bodily
injury, death and property damage, and (II) workmen's compensation or similar
insurance in the form and amounts required by the laws of the Jurisdiction in
which the Building is located; (x) except as to Minor Alterations, Tenant shall
carry (or shall cause its contractor to carry) at all times during the
performance of the Alterations, at no expense to Landlord, a policy of Builders
Risk Insurance written on the Completed Value Form covering the Alterations in
an amount equal to 100% of the replacement cost thereof; and (xi) if the
estimated cost of an Alteration exceeds $100,000, Tenant shall, before
commencement of work, at Tenant's sole cost and expense, furnish to Landlord a
surety company performance and payment bond, issued by a surety company
reasonably acceptable to Landlord, or other security satisfactory to Landlord,
in an amount at least equal to the estimated cost of the Alteration, or a
guaranty satisfactory to Landlord guaranteeing the completion thereof within a
reasonable time, free and clear of all liens and in accordance with the plans
and specifications approved by Landlord. In the event of any dispute between the
parties as to whether or not Landlord has acted reasonably in any case with
respect to which Landlord is required, pursuant to the provisions of this
subsection (a) to do so, Tenant's sole remedy shall be to submit such dispute to
arbitration pursuant to Section 28. If the determination in any such arbitration
shall be adverse to Landlord, Landlord nevertheless shall not be liable to
Tenant for breach of Landlord's covenant to act




                                       28


<PAGE>




reasonably, and Tenant's sole remedy in such event shall be to proceed with the
proposed Alterations.

     (b) No Union Conflicts. Tenant shall not knowingly, at any time before or
during the Term, directly or indirectly employ, or permit the employment of, any
contractor, mechanic or laborer in the Leased Premises, whether in connection
with any Alteration or otherwise, if such employment will interfere with, or
cause any conflict under, any collective bargaining agreement with other
contractors, mechanics or laborers engaged in the construction, maintenance or
operation of the Building by Landlord, Tenant or others.

     (c) Tenant's Right to Cure. If Tenant shall be in default under this
Section by reason of the making of any Alteration not hereby authorized or by
reason of failure to give any notice or to obtain any approval required herein,
Tenant may cure such default within the applicable grace period provided in this
Lease for curing such default by immediately commencing the removal of such
Alteration and restoring the Leased Premises to the condition they were in
before the Alteration was made.

     (d) Title to, and Removal of, Alterations. Title to all Alterations made by
Tenant, at its expense, after the Lease Commencement Date shall be and remain in
Tenant throughout the Term, but on the expiration or earlier termination of this
Lease Tenant hereby covenants and agrees that title to all Alterations not
previously removed from the Leased Premises pursuant to this subsection, and the
right to possess and use the same, shall automatically pass to and be vested in
Landlord without payment or consideration of any kind. Although the provisions
of the preceding sentence are intended to be self-executing, Tenant hereby
agrees, upon such earlier expiration or termination of this Lease, to execute
any further deed, bill of sale or document requested by Landlord to confirm
Landlord's title to Alterations and Tenant's grant and conveyance thereof to
Landlord pursuant to this subsection. Tenant hereby appoints Landlord
irrevocably as its attorney-in-fact with an interest to execute, acknowledge and
deliver on its behalf any such deed, bill of sale or document. As long as an
Event of Default has not occurred and is not continuing, Tenant may, at its
expense, remove from the Leased Premises before the expiration of the Term any
Alterations made by Tenant after the Lease Commencement Date the removal of
which Landlord shall have consented to before the Alteration was made. Tenant
shall repair all damage to the Leased Premises caused by the removal of such
Alterations and Tenant shall repair, including all necessary replacements, all
adjoining surfaces to a condition equivalent to Building Standard Work. Any
Alterations which Tenant has the right to remove and which are not removed from
the Leased Premises at the expiration of the Term shall be deemed to have been
abandoned by




                                       29


<PAGE>




Tenant and may be disposed of by Landlord without thereby incurring liability to
Tenant.

     (e) Removal of Tenant's Personal Property. All of Tenant's Personal
Property shall remain the property of Tenant and may, at its expense, be removed
from the Leased Premises at any time during the Term. Tenant shall, at its
expense, remove all of Tenant's Personal Property at the expiration of the Term.
Tenant shall repair all damage to the Leased Premises caused by the removal of
Tenant's Personal Property to the condition it was in before the installation of
the item removed, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Any of Tenant's Personal
Property which is not removed from the Leased Premises at the expiration of the
Term shall be deemed to have been abandoned by Tenant and may be disposed of by
Landlord without thereby incurring liability to Tenant.

     (f) Landlord's Right to Remove Alterations and Tenant's Personal Property.
If Tenant fails to remove Alterations or Tenant's Personal Property and make the
repairs required by subsections (d) or (e), Landlord shall have the right,
provided there is no event of default, after notice and failure of Tenant to
cure same within 5 days, to remove such Alterations or Tenant's Personal
Property or make such repairs and Tenant shall reimburse Landlord, on demand,
for any costs incurred by Landlord as a result of such removal or repair.

     (g) Mechanics' Liens. Notice is hereby given that Landlord shall not be
liable to any Person for any labor or materials furnished or to be furnished to
Tenant upon credit, and that no mechanic's, materialman's or other lien for any
such labor or materials shall attach to or affect the reversion or other estate
or interest of Landlord in and to the Leased Premises, the Building or the Land.
Whenever and as often as any mechanic's lien or materialman's lien shall have
been filed against the Leased Premises, the Building or the Land based upon any
act or interest of Tenant or of anyone claiming through or under Tenant, or if
any lien with respect thereto shall have been filed affecting any materials,
machinery or fixtures used in the construction, repair or operation thereof or
annexed thereto by Tenant or anyone claiming through or under Tenant, Tenant
shall, at its expense, immediately take such action by bonding, deposit or
payment as will remove or satisfy the lien or other security interest. If Tenant
fails to bond remove or discharge the lien or other security interest within 30
days after receipt of demand therefor by Landlord, Landlord, in addition to any
other remedy under this Lease and without waiving or releasing Tenant's default
in not timely discharging the lien or security interest, may pay the amount
secured by such lien or security interest or discharge the same by deposit and
the amount so paid or deposited shall be collectible as additional rent. The
provisions of this subsection




                                       30


<PAGE>




shall not be applicable to liens filed with respect to work done for Tenant's
account by Landlord at Landlord's expense.

     (h) Plans. Promptly after the completion of any Alterations, Tenant shall
deliver to Landlord a complete set of "as built" drawings showing the
Alterations in place to the extent such drawings are prepared.

     10.  Name of Building; Tenant's Signs.

     (a) Name. Landlord expressly reserves the right to have the Building
designated by a street number or numbers and to affix to the Building, at
locations designated by Landlord, signs indicating any such number or numbers
and the name of the Building as selected from time to time by Landlord. The name
of the Building shall reflect the address of the Building.

     (b) Exterior Signs. Except as set forth below, Landlord has not granted to
Tenant any rights in or to the roof or the exterior surfaces of the perimeter
walls of the Building, control of which is hereby reserved to Landlord. Landlord
agrees to allow Tenant, at Tenant's sole cost and expense, to erect signage on
the exterior of the Building, the size, shape and illumination of such signage
to be mutually agreed to by Landlord and Tenant and further subject to the
review and approval of Baltimore City. The size, design, location and content
(which may include the word "SYLVAN" and/or a corporate logo) of the exterior
signage shown on Exhibit H has been approved by Landlord and Tenant. Landlord
hereby agrees that such approval is granted for comparable signage in
substitution of that shown should Tenant's name and/or logo change. Landlord
shall not grant rights to any other tenant to have any exterior signage on the
roof or top floor of the Building. Tenant shall not display or erect any
lettering, signs, advertisements, awnings or other projections on the interior
of the Leased Premises which can be seen from the exterior of the Building,
without the prior written consent of Landlord which shall not be unreasonably
withheld. Landlord shall provide at Tenant's expense customary suite entry door
lettering identifying Tenant in the style and color selected by Landlord for the
Building. The number, size, color, style and configuration of such lettering
shall be determined by Landlord. Except for the retail tenants, no other tenant
shall display a sign on the exterior of the Building as long as Tenant occupies
at least its current share of space in the Building.

     If at any time during the Term hereof, including all renewals, construction
on any of those parcels located on the Inner Harbor East Subdivision Plan as
shown on Exhibit I hereto, the effect of which materially and adversely blocks
or obstructs the view of the signage containing the name of Tenant as permitted
by




                                       31


<PAGE>



this Section 10(b), then subject to applicable governmental regulations, Tenant
shall be permitted to relocate such signs to such other location on the exterior
of the Building as Tenant may reasonably require, provided such relocation is
performed at Tenant's sole cost and expense and does not adversely affect the
structural integrity of the Building. Such relocation shall be subject to
Landlord's prior written approval which shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed.

     (c) Building Directory. Landlord shall provide a directory in the main
lobby of the Building, at its expense, upon which Landlord, at Landlord's
expense, will affix Tenant's name and a reasonable and customary number of names
of its officers, partners or employees as designated by Tenant. The size, color
and style of such directory and names affixed thereto shall be selected by
Landlord.

     (d) Ground Level Exterior Signs. Landlord agrees that either (i) Tenant at
its sole cost and expense shall be permitted to erect one sign on the first
floor exterior of the Building or at such other location on the Land as Tenant
shall reasonably require containing the name and logo of Tenant (the "Sylvan
Sign"), subject to applicable governmental regulations and subject to Landlord's
prior written approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; or
(ii) Landlord at its sole cost and expense shall erect an exterior directory
sign at the entrance to the Building listing all of the tenants in the Building
with Tenant's name prominently displayed and sized in proportion to the square
footage leased by Tenant in the Building (the "Building Directory Sign").

     The election to choose a Sylvan Sign or a Building Directory Sign shall be
in Landlord's sole discretion and shall be made prior to the Lease Commencement
Date.

     11.  Tenant's Insurance.

     (a) Liability Insurance. Tenant, at Tenant's sole cost and expense, shall
obtain and maintain in effect throughout the Term a policy of Commercial General
Liability Insurance (ISO form or equivalent) naming Landlord and (at Landlord's
request) the Additional Insureds as additional insureds, protecting Landlord,
Tenant and, if applicable, the Additional Insureds against liability for bodily
injury, death and property damage occurring upon or in the Leased Premises, with
such policy to afford protection to the limit of not less than $1,000,000 with
respect to bodily injury or death or damage to property arising from any one
occurrence and $2,000,000 from the aggregate of all occurrences within each
policy year. If the policy also covers locations other than the Leased Premises,
the policy shall include a provision to the effect that the aggregate limit of
$2,000,000 shall apply




                                       32


<PAGE>



separately at the Leased Premises and that the insurer will provide notice to
Landlord if the aggregate is reduced either by payment of claims or the
establishment of reserves for claims if the payments or reserves exceed
$250,000. If the aggregate limit of $2,000,000 is reduced by the payment of a
claim or the establishment of a reserve, Tenant agrees to take immediate steps
to have the aggregate limit restored by endorsement to the existing policy or
the purchase of an additional insurance policy which complies with this
subsection.

     (b) Property Damage Insurance. Tenant, at Tenant's sole cost and expense,
shall obtain and maintain throughout the Term a policy of property damage
insurance on Alterations and Tenant's Personal Property in an amount sufficient
to prevent Tenant from becoming a co-insurer.

     (c) Policy Requirements. The insurance policies required to be obtained by
Tenant under this Section: (i) shall be issued by an insurance company of
recognized responsibility qualified to do business in the jurisdiction in which
the Building is located which is rated A or better (and is in a Financial Size
Category of Class VIII or higher) by Best's Key Rating Guide or which has an
equivalent financial rating from a comparable insurance rating organization, and
(ii) shall provide (and each certificate evidencing the existence of such
insurance policy shall certify) that the insurance policy shall not be canceled
or amended (other than to increase the amount of coverage) unless Landlord shall
have received 30 days' prior written notice of such cancellation or amendment.
All limits of liability required by subsection (a) may be satisfied by
maintaining a policy of primary insurance and a policy or policies of excess
liability insurance. Neither the issuance of any insurance policy required under
this Lease nor the minimum limits specified herein with respect to Tenant's
insurance coverage shall be deemed to limit or restrict in any way Tenant's
liability arising under or out of this Lease.

     (d) Evidence of Insurance. On or before the Lease Commencement Date, and at
least 15 days before the expiration of the expiring certificate previously
furnished, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord a certificate of insurance
evidencing the issuance of each insurance policy required to be obtained by
Tenant under this Section.

     (e) Landlord's Indemnification. Except for the willful or grossly negligent
acts or omissions (where applicable law imposes a duty to act) of Landlord or
its agents, employees or contractors, Tenant hereby agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless Landlord, the Additional Insureds and the officers, directors, agents
and employees of, and the partners in, Landlord and the Additional Insureds,
from and against any and all claims, losses, actions,




                                       33


<PAGE>



damages, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and
disbursements) that (i) arise from or are in connection with Tenant's
possession, use, occupancy, management, repair, maintenance or control of all or
any part of the Leased Premises, the making or removal of Alterations and the
performance of all related construction work, or that relate in any other manner
to the business conducted by Tenant in the Leased Premises, or (ii) arise from
or are in connection with any willful or negligent act or omission of Tenant or
Tenant's Associates, or (iii) result from any default, breach, violation or
nonperformance of this Lease or any provision therein by Tenant, or (iv) arise
from injury or death to individuals or damage to property sustained on or about
the Leased Premises. Tenant shall, at its own cost and expense, upon notice
thereof from Landlord, defend any and all actions, suits and proceedings which
may be brought against Landlord, the Additional Insureds and the officers,
directors, agents and employees of, and the partners in, Landlord and the
Additional Insureds, or any of them, with respect to the foregoing or in which
Landlord, the Additional Insureds and the officers, directors, agents and
employees of, and the partners in, Landlord and the Additional Insureds, or any
of them, may be impleaded. Tenant shall pay, satisfy and discharge any and all
final money judgments which may be recovered against Landlord, the Additional
Insureds and the officers, directors, agents and employees of, and the partners
in, Landlord and the Additional Insureds, or any of them, in connection with the
foregoing. For so long as Tenant is in compliance with the insurance
requirements of this Section 11, the indemnity provided above shall be limited
to the policy limits of such insurance, excluding only such deductibles as
Tenant maintains, provided, however, that Tenant is still liable if the act is
not covered by Tenant's insurance or insurance coverage is not in place.

     (f) Contractual Liability Insurance. Tenant agrees to keep and maintain as
part of the coverage of its policy(ies) of liability insurance contractual
liability coverage or a contractual liability endorsement covering Tenant's
liability to Landlord for bodily injury or damage to property of others under
subsection (e), in the same limits required by subsection (a).

     (g) Prohibition Against Concurrent Insurance. All property damage insurance
shall be written as primary insurance. Tenant shall not take out separate
insurance concurrent in form or contributing in the event of loss with any
property damage insurance carried by Landlord for the Building unless Landlord
is included therein as an insured.




                                       34


<PAGE>



     12.  Landlord's Insurance.

     (a) Property Damage Insurance. Landlord, at its cost and expense, but
subject to Section 3(b), shall obtain and maintain throughout the Term a policy
of property damage insurance covering the Building and the Parking Facilities,
but not Alterations or Tenant's Personal Property, providing all-risk coverage
in such amount as any first Mortgagee of the Building may from time to time
require or in such greater amount as Landlord may from time to time determine,
but in no event less than the replacement cost (excluding footings and
foundations) of the Building and the Parking Facilities.

     (b) Liability Insurance. Landlord, at Landlord's cost and expense, but
subject to Section 3(b), shall obtain and maintain in effect throughout the Term
a policy of Commercial General Liability Insurance (ISO form or equivalent)
insuring Landlord against liability for bodily injury, death and property damage
occurring upon, in or about the Land, the Building and the Parking Facilities,
with such policy to afford protection to the limit of not less than 85,000,000
combined single limit annual aggregate for bodily injury, death and property
damage.

     (c) Blanket Policy. Landlord shall have the right to comply with and to
satisfy its obligations under subsections (a) and (b) by means of any so-called
blanket policy or policies of insurance covering this and other liability and
locations of Landlord and its Affiliates, provided that such policy or policies
by the terms thereof shall allocate to the Building and the liabilities to be
insured under this Section an amount not less than the amount of insurance
required to be carried pursuant to this Section, so that the proceeds from such
insurance shall not be less than the amount of proceeds that would be available
if Landlord were insured under a unitary policy.

     (d) Waiver of Subrogation. Landlord and Tenant shall each include in each
of its property damage insurance policies, including Landlord's policies of rent
insurance and Tenant's policies of business interruption insurance, if any, a
waiver of the insurer's right of subrogation against the other party and the
officers, directors, agents and employees of, and the partners in, the other
party (and, in the case of Tenant's policies, against the Additional Insureds
and their respective officers, directors, agents and employees), or, if such
waiver at any time becomes unobtainable (i) an express agreement that such
policy shall not be invalidated if the insured waives or has waived before the
loss the right of recovery against any party responsible for an insured
casualty, or (ii) any other form of permission for the release of such
responsible party, provided such waiver, agreement or permission is obtainable
under normal commercial




                                       35


<PAGE>



insurance practice at the time. If such waiver, agreement or permission is not,
or ceases to be, obtainable without additional charge or at all, the insured
party shall so notify the other party promptly after notice thereof. If the
other party agrees in writing to pay the insurer's additional charge therefor,
such waiver, agreement or permission shall (if obtainable) be included in the
policy. Landlord and Tenant hereby acknowledge and agree that such waiver is
obtainable under normal commercial insurance practice on the date of this Lease
at no additional charge.

     (e) Tenant's Indemnification. Except for the willful or grossly negligent
acts or omissions (where applicable law imposes a duty to act) of Tenant or its
agents, employees or contractors, Landlord hereby agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless Tenant and the officers, directors, agents and employees or Tenant,
from and against any and all claims, losses, actions, damages, liabilities and
expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements) that (i) arise
from or are in connection with the performance of Landlord's obligations under
this Lease, or (ii) arise from or are in connection with any willful or
negligent act or omission of Landlord or its agents, or (iii) result from any
default, breach, violation or nonperformance of this Lease or any provision by
Landlord, or (iv) arise from injury or death to individuals or damage to
property sustained on or about the Common Areas, the Land or the Parking
Facilities. Landlord shall, at its own cost and expense, upon notice thereof
from Tenant, defend any and all actions, suits and proceedings which may be
brought against Tenant, and the officers, directors, agents and employees of,
and the partners in, Tenant or any of them, with respect to the foregoing or in
which Tenant and the officers, directors, agents and employees of, and the
partners in, Tenant or any of them, may be impleaded. Landlord shall pay,
satisfy and discharge any and all final money Judgments which may be recovered
against Tenant, and the officers, directors, agents and employees of, and the
partners in Tenant, or any of them, in connection with the foregoing. For so
long as Landlord is in compliance with the insurance requirements of this
Section 11, the indemnity provided above shall be limited to the policy limits
of such insurance, excluding only such deductibles as Landlord maintains.

     (f) Evidence of Insurance. Landlord shall provide to Tenant, at the times
and in the manner required of Tenant under Section 11(d), comparable evidence
of compliance with the terms of this Section 12.

     13.  Damage by Fire or Other Casualty.

     In the event of loss of, or damage to, the Leased Premises or the Building
by fire or other casualty, the rights and obligations of Landlord and Tenant
shall be as follows:




                                       36


<PAGE>



     (a) Repair of Damage. If all or any part of the Leased Premises is damaged
by fire or other casualty, Tenant shall give prompt notice thereof to Landlord.
Landlord, upon receiving such notice, shall proceed promptly and with reasonable
diligence, subject to Unavoidable Delays, to repair, or cause to be repaired,
such damage, but not damage to Alterations or Tenant's Personal Property, in a
manner reasonably designed to minimize interference with Tenant's occupancy (but
with no obligation to employ labor at overtime or other premium pay rates). If
all or any part of the Common Areas is damaged by fire or other casualty,
Landlord shall proceed promptly and with reasonable diligence, subject to
Unavoidable Delays, to repair, or cause to be repaired, such damage, in a manner
designed to minimize interference with Tenant's occupancy (but with no
obligation to employ labor at overtime or other premium pay rates).

     (b) Abatement of Basic Rent and Additional Charges. If all or any part of
the Leased Premises is rendered untenantable by reason of damage caused by a
fire or other casualty, whether to the Leased Premises or the Building, and the
damaged part is not in fact be used by Tenant, the Basic Rent and Additional
Charges shall be abated for the proportion of the Leased Premises rendered
untenantable for the period between the date of the fire or other casualty and
the date when the damage which Landlord is obligated to repair shall have been
repaired or the date on which this Lease is terminated pursuant to subsection
(c), whichever occurs first. However, if, before the date when all of the damage
required to be repaired by Landlord shall have been repaired, any part of the
Leased Premises so damaged shall be repaired to the condition required by
subsection (e), then the amount by which the Basic Rent and Additional Charges
shall be abated shall be equitably apportioned for the period beginning on the
date of completion of such repair. If Tenant reoccupies a portion of the Leased
Premises during the period of repair, the Basic Rent and Additional Charges
allocable to such reoccupied portion, based upon the proportion which the
reoccupied portion of the Leased Premises bears to the total area of the Leased
Premises, shall be payable by Tenant from the date of such occupancy. If, by
reason of some action or inaction on the part of Tenant or Tenant's Associates
after the occurrence of an insured peril, Landlord or the Additional Insureds
shall be unable to collect all of the insurance proceeds applicable to the
damage or destruction of the Leased Premises or the Building caused by such
insured peril, then, without prejudice to any other remedy which may be
available to Landlord against Tenant, the abatement of rent provided for in this
subsection shall not be effective to the extent of uncollectible insurance
proceeds. For purposes of this Section, all or a part of the Leased Premises
shall be deemed to be "untenantable" if, because of the fire or other casualty,
Tenant is materially impaired in its use of all or




                                       37


<PAGE>



such part of the Leased Premises for the uses permitted by Section 6(a).

     (c) Termination of Lease by Landlord or Tenant. If as a result of fire or
other casualty more than one-half (1/2) of the Building Rentable Area is
rendered untenantable, Landlord within 60 days after the date of the fire or
casualty may terminate this Lease by notice to Tenant, specifying a date, not
less than 20 nor more than 40 days after the giving of the notice, on which the
Term shall expire as fully and completely as if such date were the date herein
originally fixed for the expiration of the Term. If the Leased Premises are
damaged as a result of fire or other casualty and if Landlord reasonably
determines that the damage to the Leased Premises (but not the damage to
Alterations or Tenant's Personal Property) is so extensive that the damage
cannot be substantially repaired within 90 days after the receipt of insurance
proceeds but in no event more than 270 days after the date of the fire or other
casualty (except for Unavoidable Delays), Landlord shall notify Tenant of that
fact. Within 15 days after receipt of Landlord's notice, Tenant may terminate
this Lease by notice to Landlord, specifying a date, not less than 20 nor more
than 40 days after the giving of such notice, on which the Term shall expire as
fully and completely as if such date were the date originally fixed for the
expiration of the Term, except that Tenant shall not have the right to terminate
this Lease if the fire or other casualty was caused by the willful or negligent
act or omission of Tenant or Tenant's Associates. If either Landlord or Tenant
terminates this Lease pursuant to this subsection, the Basic Rent and Additional
Charges shall be apportioned as of the date of such termination. Any dispute
between Landlord and Tenant concerning the time periods within which the Leased
Premises can be repaired should be submitted to arbitration pursuant to Section
28. If neither Landlord nor Tenant so elects to terminate this Lease, then
Landlord shall proceed to repair the damage to the Building and the damage to
the Leased Premises (but not the damage to Alterations or Tenant's Personal
Property, if any shall have occurred), and the Basic Rent and Additional Charges
shall meanwhile be apportioned and abated all as provided in subsection (b).

     (d) Insurance Proceeds. The proceeds payable under all policies of property
damage insurance maintained by Landlord on the Building shall belong to and be
the property of Landlord, and Tenant shall not have any interest in such
proceeds. Tenant agrees to look to its own policies of property damage insurance
in the event of damage to Alterations or Tenant's Personal Property.

     (e) Limitation on Landlord's Duty to Repair. Landlord shall not be
required to repair or replace Alterations or Tenant's Personal Property, but
Landlord's only obligation under subsection (a) shall be to repair or replace
the portions of the Building and




                                       38


<PAGE>



the Base Building Work to the condition necessary to enable Tenant, in
accordance with accepted construction practices, to begin the performance of the
repair or replacement of Tenant Work. Except as required by Section 12(e),
Landlord shall not be obligated to make any payment to Tenant for damages or
compensation for inconvenience, loss of business or annoyance arising from any
damage to or repair or restoration of any portion of the Leased Premises or of
the Building.

     (f) Inapplicability of Other Laws. The provisions of this Section shall be
considered an express agreement governing any instance of damage or destruction
of the Building or the Leased Premises by fire or other casualty, and any law
now or hereafter in force providing for such a contingency in the absence of
express agreement shall have no application.

     (g) Landlord Released from Liability. As long as Tenant's policies of
property damage insurance include the waiver of subrogation or agreement or
permission to release liability referred to in Section 12(d), Tenant hereby
waives (and agrees to cause all other occupants of the Leased Premises to
execute and deliver to Landlord instruments waiving) any right of recovery
against Landlord, the Additional Insureds and any of their respective officers,
directors, agents, employees, partners, contractors or invitees, for any loss or
damage to Alterations or Tenant's Personal Property caused by fire or other
insured peril. If at any time any of Tenant's policies shall not include a
waiver of subrogation or agreement or permission or similar provisions, the
waiver set forth in the preceding sentence shall, upon notice given by Tenant to
Landlord, be of no further force or effect from and after the giving of such
notice (or, if the insurer shall not grant a waiver for all of the required
parties, the waiver shall be of no force or effect only with respect to the
required parties not included in the waiver). If Tenant fails to obtain and
maintain the policy of property damage insurance required by Section 11(b),
Tenant hereby waives (and agrees to cause all occupants of the Leased Premises
to execute and deliver to Landlord instruments waiving) any right of recovery
against Landlord, the Additional Insureds and any of their respective officers,
directors, agents, employees, partners, contractors and invitees for any loss or
damage to Alterations or Tenant's Personal Property caused by fire or other
perils of the type that would have been insured against by a policy of property
damage insurance if Tenant had obtained the policy and the policy had been in
effect on the date of the fire or other insured peril.

     (h) Tenant Released from Liability. As long as Landlord's policies of
property damage insurance include the waiver of subrogation or agreement or
permission to release liability referred to in Section 12(d), Landlord hereby
waives any right of




                                       39


<PAGE>



recovery against Tenant, any other permitted occupant of the Leased Premises and
any of their respective officers, directors, agents, employees, partners,
contractors or invitees for any loss or damage to the Building caused by fire or
other insured peril. If at any time any of Landlord's policies of property
damage insurance shall not include such waiver of subrogation or agreement or
permission or similar provisions, the waiver set forth in the foregoing sentence
shall be of no further force or effect (or, if the insurer shall not grant
waiver for all of the required parties, the waiver shall be of no force or
effect only with respect to the required parties not included in the waiver).

     14.  Condemnation.

     (a) Effect of Taking. In the event of a Taking of the whole of the Leased
Premises, this Lease shall terminate as of the date of such Taking. If only a
part of the Leased Premises shall be so taken then, except as otherwise provided
in this subsection, this Lease shall continue in force and effect, but from and
after the date of the Taking the Basic Rent and Additional Charges shall be
equitably reduced on the basis of the Rentable Area so taken. If a part of the
Building shall be taken, and if either (i) the part of the Building so taken
contains more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the Rentable Area immediately
before such Taking, or (ii) in Landlord's reasonable opinion, it shall be
impracticable to continue to operate the Building, then Landlord, at Landlord's
option, may give to Tenant within 60 days after the date upon which Landlord
shall have received notice of the Taking, a 30 days' notice of termination of
this Lease. If a part of the Building shall be taken, and if either (i) the part
of the Building so taken contains more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the
Rentable Area immediately before such Taking, or (ii) by reason of such Taking
all or substantially all of the Leased Premises becomes untenantable (within the
meaning of Section 13(b) and Tenant does not, in fact, use all or substantially
all of the Leased Premises for the uses permitted by Section 6(a), then Tenant,
at Tenant's option, may give to Landlord within 60 days after the date upon
which Tenant shall have received notice of such Taking, a 30 days' notice of
termination of this Lease. If a 30 days' notice of termination is given by
Landlord or Tenant, this Lease shall terminate upon the earlier of (x) the date
on which title to the part of the Building taken vests in the condemning
authority, or (y) the expiration of the 30-day period. If this Lease is
terminated pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this subsection, then, to the
extent permitted by applicable law and such Taking, Tenant shall have access to
the Leased Premises in order to remove Tenant's Personal Property and any other
property which Tenant is entitled to remove pursuant to this Lease during the
period of 30 days from the date Tenant is permitted access therefor. If a Taking
occurs which does not result in the termination of this Lease, Landlord shall
repair,




                                       40


<PAGE>



alter and restore the remaining portions of the Leased Premises (but not
Alterations) to their former condition to the extent that the same may be
feasible.

     (b) Award. Landlord shall have the exclusive right to receive any and all
awards made with respect to the Leased Premises, the Building and the Land
accruing by reason of a Taking or by reason of anything lawfully done in
pursuance of public or other authority. Tenant hereby releases and assigns to
Landlord all of Tenant's rights to such awards and covenants to deliver such
further assignments and assurances thereof as Landlord may from time to time
request, hereby irrevocably designating and appointing Landlord as its
attorney-in-fact coupled with an interest to execute and deliver in Tenant's
name and behalf all such further assignments. Tenant shall not have the right to
claim any award for the value of the Leasehold Estate, but Tenant shall have the
right to make its own claim against the condemning authority for a separate
award for the value of Alterations made by Tenant, at its expense, reduced by
the amount (if any) of Tenant's Allowance (as defined in Exhibit B), and any
of Tenant's Personal Property, for moving and relocation expenses and for
business damages and/or consequential damages, as may be allowed by law which do
not constitute part of the compensation for the Building or the Land, or both,
and do not diminish the amount of the award to which Landlord would otherwise be
entitled.

     15.  Assignment and Subletting.

     (a) Assignment and Subletting Permitted. So long as Tenant remains
primarily liable for the obligations of Tenant under this Lease, Tenant may,
subject to the terms and requirements of this Lease and subject to Landlord's
approval, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, including the use
restrictions in Section 6, assign its leasehold estate under this Lease and/or
sublet all or part of the Leased Premises. Any rent collected by Tenant in
connection with an assignment or a sublease, shall be and remain the property of
Tenant, whether or not equal to, less than or in excess of the Basic Rent and
Additional Charges payable hereunder, provided, however, that any true profits
from rents collected by Tenant shall be shared between Tenant and Landlord on an
equal basis.

     (b) Release of Tenant in Connection with an Assignment or Sublease. After
the 5th year Tenant may request, and Landlord may grant to Tenant, a release
from further liability under this Lease in conjunction with an assignment of the
Lease to an entity whose net worth as determined by an independent certified
public accountant equals or exceeds Tenant's net worth at the Lease Commencement
Date. Landlord may request such information of Tenant




                                       41


<PAGE>



and the proposed assignee as is consistent with applicable Legal Requirements
and customary practice.

     (c) Change of Corporate Control. If any assignee of Tenant is a
corporation, any transfer of any of the corporation's issued and outstanding
capital stock or any issuance of additional capital stock, as a result of which
the majority of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the corporation is
held by a Person or Persons who do not hold a majority of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of the corporation on the date of the assignment of
this Lease shall be deemed an assignment under this Section 15; provided,
however, that this sentence shall not apply to a corporation if any of the
outstanding voting stock of such corporation is registered under federal or
state securities laws. If any assignee of Tenant is a partnership, any transfer
of any interest in the partnership or any other change in the composition of the
partnership which results in a change in the control of the partnership from the
Person or Persons controlling the partnership on the date on which the
partnership acquires the Leasehold Estate, shall be deemed an assignment under
this Section 15.

     (d) Documentation. No permitted assignment or subletting shall be valid
unless, within 10 days after the consummation thereof, Tenant shall deliver to
Landlord (i) in the case of an assignment, (x) a duplicate original instrument
of assignment in form reasonably satisfactory to Landlord, duly executed by
Tenant, and (y) an instrument in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Landlord, duly executed by the assignee, in which such assignee shall agree to
observe and perform, and to be personally bound by, all of the terms, covenants
and conditions of this Lease on Tenant's part to be observed and performed,
whether or not accruing before or after the date of such assignment and whether
or not relating to matters arising before or after such assignment, or (ii) in
the case of a subletting, a duplicate original counterpart of the sublease
signed by Tenant and the subtenant.

     (e) Landlord's Right to Collect Rent. If the Leasehold Estate is assigned,
whether or not in violation of the provisions of this Section, Landlord may
collect rent from the assignee. If the Leased Premises or any part thereof are
sublet to, or occupied or used by, any Person other than Tenant, whether or not
in violation of this Section, Landlord, after an Event of Default has occurred
and while such Event of Default is continuing, may collect rent from the
subtenant, user or occupant. In either case, Landlord shall apply the amount
collected to the Basic Rent and Additional Charges payable under this Lease, but
neither any such assignment, subletting, occupancy or use, whether with or
without Landlord's prior consent, nor any such collection or application shall
be deemed to be a waiver of any term, covenant or condition of this Lease or the
acceptance by Landlord of such assignee,




                                       42


<PAGE>



subtenant, occupant or user as Tenant. The consent by Landlord to any assignment
or subletting shall not relieve Tenant from its obligation to obtain the express
prior consent of Landlord to any further assignment or subletting. The listing
of any name other than that of Tenant on any door of the Leased Premises or on
any directory in the Building, or otherwise, shall not operate to vest in the
Person so named any right or interest in this Lease or in the Leased Premises or
be deemed to constitute, or serve as a substitute for, any prior consent of
Landlord required under this Section, and it is understood that any such listing
shall constitute a privilege extended by Landlord which shall be revocable at
Landlord's will by notice to Tenant. Neither an assignment of the Leasehold
Estate nor a subletting, occupancy or use of the Leased Premises or any part
thereof by any Person other than Tenant, nor the collection of rent by Landlord
from any Person other than Tenant as provided in this subsection, nor the
application of any such rent as provided in this subsection shall, in any
circumstances, relieve Tenant from its obligation fully to observe and perform
the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease on Tenant's part to be
observed and performed, except under the terms of subsection (b) above.

     16.  Default Provisions.

     (a) Events of Default. Each of the following events shall be deemed to be,
and is referred to in this Lease as, an "Event of Default "::

     (1) A default by Tenant in making any payment of Basic Rent on the day such
payment is due and payable which continues for more than ten days after the due
date subject to paragraph (b) below;

     (2) A default by Tenant in making any payment of Additional Charges on the
day such payment is due and payable which continues for more than ten days after
Landlord shall have given Tenant a written notice specifying such default:

     (3) Subject in all instances to Unavoidable Delays, the neglect or failure
of Tenant to perform or observe any of the terms, covenants or conditions
contained in this Lease on Tenant's part to be performed or observed (other than
those referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) above and (4) and (5) below) which
is not remedied by Tenant (i) within 30 days after Landlord shall have given to
Tenant notice specifying such neglect or failure, or (ii) in the case of any
such neglect or failure which cannot with due diligence and in good faith be
cured within 30 days, within such additional period, if any, as may be
reasonably required to cure such default with due diligence and in good faith
provided that Tenant commences the curing of the same within the 15-day period




                                       43


<PAGE>



(it being intended that, in connection with any such default which is not
susceptible of being cured with due diligence and in good faith within 30 days,
the time within which the Tenant is required to cure such default shall be
extended for such additional period as may be necessary for the curing thereof
with due diligence and in good faith);

     (4) The assignment, transfer, mortgaging or encumbering of this Lease or
the subletting of the Leased Premises in a manner not permitted by Section 15:

     (5) The taking of this Lease or the Leased Premises, or any part thereof,
upon execution or by other process of law directed against Tenant, or upon or
subject to any attachment at the instance of any creditor of or claimant against
Tenant, which execution or attachment shall not be discharged or disposed of
within 60 days after the levy thereof;

     (6) The failure of Tenant to take possession of the Leased Premises on the
Lease Commencement Date or within 45 days (increased by the number of days of
delay caused by Tenant or by Tenant Work pursuant to Sections 8 and 9 of Exhibit
B to this Lease) thereafter; or

     (7) Except during the last year of the Lease Term, the vacating or
abandonment of the Leased Premises by Tenant; provided that Tenant shall not be
deemed to have vacated or abandoned the Leased Premises (a) in connection with
alterations or repairs, (b) as a result of Unavoidable Delays, (c) as a result
of a condemnation or taking, (d) as a result of damage or destruction, and (e)
in any case, for a period of nine (9) months after temporarily vacating the
Leased Premises.

     (b) Landlord has no obligation to give Tenant notice of a Basic Rent
payment default. Landlord shall, however, give Tenant notice of such default as
long as (i) Tenant has not committed any previous defaults hereunder; and (ii)
the Building is either owned by Landlord first named in this Lease or managed by
The Evans Company or a related entity. Under such circumstances, Tenant shall
have ten (10) days after Landlord has given Tenant a written notice specifying
such default in which to make its payment of Basic Rent. This subsection 16(b)
is not binding upon any creditors or lenders of Landlord.

     (c) Landlord's Rights upon Event of Default. Upon the occurrence of an
Event of Default, Landlord shall have the right, at its election, then or at any
time thereafter, either:

     (1) To give notice to Tenant that this Lease will terminate on a date to be
specified in such notice, which date may




                                       44


<PAGE>



be five (5) days from the date of such notice or any day thereafter, and on the
date specified in such notice Tenant's right to possession of the Leased
Premises shall cease and this Lease shall thereupon be terminated, but Tenant
shall remain liable as provided in subsection (d); or

     (2) Without demand or notice, to reenter and take possession of the Leased
Premises, or any part thereof, and repossess the same as of Landlord's former
estate and expel Tenant and those claiming through or under Tenant and remove
the effects of both or either, either by summary proceedings, or by action at
law or in equity, or by force (if necessary) or otherwise, without being deemed
guilty of any manner of trespass and without prejudice to any remedies for
arrears of rent or preceding breach of covenant.

     If Landlord elects to reenter under paragraph (2), Landlord may terminate
this Lease, or, from time to time, without terminating this Lease, may relet the
Leased Premises, or any part thereof, as agent for Tenant for such term or terms
and at such rental or rentals and upon such other terms and conditions as
Landlord may deem advisable, with the right to make alterations and repairs to
the Leased Premises. No such reentry or taking of possession of the Leased
Premises by Landlord shall be construed as an election on Landlord's part to
terminate this Lease unless a written notice of such intention is given to
Tenant under paragraph (1) or unless the termination thereof is decreed by a
court of competent jurisdiction. Tenant waives any right to the service of any
notice of Landlord's intention to reenter provided for by any present or future
law. Landlord shall make a good faith effort to mitigate damages by seeking to
relet the Leased Premises.

     (d) Tenant's Liability for Damages. If Landlord terminates this Lease
pursuant to subsection (b), Tenant shall remain liable (in addition to accrued
liabilities) to the extent legally permissible for (i) the sum of (A) all Basic
Rent , Additional Charges and additional rent provided for in this Lease until
the date this Lease would have expired had such termination not occurred
accelerated and due and payable as of the date of default, and (B) any and all
reasonable expenses incurred by Landlord in reentering the Leased Premises,
repossessing the same, making good any default of Tenant, painting, altering or
dividing the Leased Premises, combining the same with any adjacent space for any
new tenants, putting the same in proper repair, reletting the same (including
any and all reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements and reasonable
brokerage fees incurred in so doing), and any and all expenses which Landlord
may incur during the occupancy of any new tenant (other than expenses of a type
that are Landlord's responsibility under the terms of this Lease); less (ii) the
net proceeds of any reletting actually received by Landlord. Tenant




                                       45


<PAGE>



agrees to pay to Landlord the difference between items (i) and (ii) above with
respect to each month during the Term, at the end of such month. Any suit
brought by Landlord to enforce collection of such difference for any one month
shall not prejudice Landlord's right to enforce the collection of any difference
for any subsequent month. In addition to the foregoing, Tenant shall pay to
Landlord, whether or not the Lease is terminated such sums as the court which
has jurisdiction thereover may adjudge reasonable as attorneys' fees with
respect to any successful legal proceeding or action instituted by Landlord to
enforce the provisions of this Lease. Landlord shall have the right, at its sole
option, to relet the whole or any part of the Leased Premises for the whole of
the unexpired Term, or longer, or from time to time for shorter periods, for any
rental then obtainable, giving such concessions of rent and making such special
repairs, alterations, decorations and paintings for any new tenant as Landlord,
in its sole and absolute discretion, may deem advisable. Tenant's liability
under this subsection shall survive the institution of summary proceedings and
the issuance of any warrant thereunder. Landlord shall be under no obligation to
relet the Leased Premises.

     (e) Buy Out/Liquidated Damages. The following described "buy-out" right
shall be available to Tenant, at any time upon 60 days prior written notice, and
to Landlord, at any time after a termination of this Lease under Section 16(c).
The amount payable shall be due from Tenant 90 days from the date of the written
notice, should Tenant so choose, or at such time as Landlord specifies should it
exercise the right. In either event, the amount payable by Tenant shall be
liquidated and final damages in lieu of any further liability by Tenant under
this Lease, and shall be an amount equal to the difference, discounted to the
date of such demand at an annual rate of interest equal to the then-current
yield on actively traded U.S. Treasury bonds with July - December, 2006
maturities, as published in the Federal Reserve Statistical Release for the week
before the date of such termination or notice, between (i) the Basic Rent and
Additional Charges, computed on the basis of the then-current annual rate of
Basic Rent and Additional Charges and all fixed and determinable increases in
Basic Rent, which would have been payable from the date of such demand to the
date when this Lease would have expired, if it had not been terminated, and (ii)
the then fair rental value of the Leased Premises for the same period (and
pass-through of operating expenses, comparable to the terms hereof). Upon
payment of such liquidated and agreed final damages, Tenant shall be released
from all further liability under this Lease with respect to the period after the
date of such demand or option. If, after the Event of Default giving rise to the
termination of this Lease, but before presentation of proof of such liquidated
damages, the Leased Premises, or any part thereof, shall be relet by Landlord
for a term of one year or more, the amount of rent reserved and pass




                                       46


<PAGE>



through of operating expenses upon such reletting shall be deemed to be the fair
rental value for the part of the Leased Premises so relet during the term of
such reletting.

     (f) Rights and Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies herein
conferred are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies, and
shall be in addition to every other right, power, and remedy that Landlord and
Tenant may have, whether specifically granted herein, or presently or hereafter
existing at law, in equity, or by statute.

     17.  Security Deposit.

     (a) Use and Application. Tenant hereby deposits with Landlord the Security
Deposit, as security for the prompt, full and faithful performance by Tenant of
each and every obligation of Tenant hereunder. If an Event of Default occurs,
Landlord may (or if Landlord defaults hereunder, Tenant may) use, apply or
retain the whole or any part of the Security Deposit for the payment of (i) any
Basic Rent or Additional Charges which Tenant may not have paid or which may
become due after the occurrence of such Event of Default (or Landlord default),
(ii) any sum expended by Landlord on Tenant's behalf in accordance with the
provisions of this Lease, or (iii) any sum which Landlord may expend or be
required to expend by reason of Tenant's default, including any damages or a
deficiency in the reletting of the Leased Premises as provided in Section 16.
The use, application or retention of the Security Deposit, or any portion
thereof, by Landlord shall not prevent Landlord from exercising any other right
or remedy provided by this Lease or by law and shall not operate as a limitation
on any recovery to which Landlord may otherwise be entitled. If any portion of
the Security Deposit is used, applied or retained by Landlord for the purposes
set forth above, Tenant shall, within 10 days after a demand therefor is made by
Landlord, deposit cash with Landlord in an amount sufficient to restore the
Security Deposit to its original amount provided, however, that if the Security
Deposit is applied to Basic Rent as a result of a default by Landlord, Tenant is
not obligated to restore the Security Deposit until Landlord cures its default.

     (b) Return of Security Deposit. Landlord shall keep the Security Deposit in
an interest bearing account. If Tenant shall fully and faithfully comply with
all of the provisions of this Lease, the Security Deposit, or any balance
thereof, shall be returned to Tenant after the expiration of the Term, with
interest. Tenant shall be responsible for all income taxes arising from the
interest income. In the absence of evidence satisfactory to Landlord of any
permitted assignment of the right to receive the Security Deposit, or the
remaining balance thereof, Landlord may return the same to the original Tenant,
regardless of one or more




                                       47


<PAGE>



assignments of the Leasehold Estate or the Security Deposit. In such event, upon
the return of the Security Deposit (or balance thereof) to the original Tenant,
Landlord shall be completely relieved from liability under this Section.

     (c) Transfer of Security Deposit. In the event of a transfer of Landlord's
interest in the Leased Premises, Landlord shall transfer the Security Deposit to
the transferee thereof. In such event, upon notice to Tenant of such transfer,
Landlord shall be released from all liability or obligation for the return of
the Security Deposit to Tenant, and Tenant agrees to look solely to such
transferee for the return of the Security Deposit and the transferee shall be
bound by all provisions of this Lease relating to the return of the Security
Deposit. Tenant acknowledges that a Mortgagee shall not be liable for the return
of the Security Deposit unless the Mortgagee actually receives the Security
Deposit.

     (d) Restrictions on Encumbering. The Security Deposit shall not be
mortgaged, pledged, assigned or encumbered in any manner whatsoever by Tenant.

     18.  Bankruptcy Termination Provision.

     At Landlord's election, this Lease shall automatically terminate and
expire, without the performance of any act or the giving of any notice by
Landlord, upon the occurrence of any of the following events: (1) Tenant's
admitting in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become
due, or (2) the commencement by Tenant of a voluntary case under the federal
bankruptcy laws, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or any other
applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, or (3)
the entry of a decree or order for relief by a court having jurisdiction in the
premises in respect of Tenant in an involuntary case under the federal
bankruptcy laws, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or any other
applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, and the
continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of
60 consecutive days, or (4) Tenant's making an assignment of all or a
substantial part of its property for the benefit of its creditors, or (5)
Tenant's seeking or consenting to or acquiescing in the appointment of, or the
taking of possession by, a receiver, trustee or custodian for all or a
substantial part of its property, or (6) the entry of a court order without
Tenant's consent, which order shall not be vacated, set aside or stayed within
60 days from the date of entry, appointing a receiver, trustee or custodian for
all or a substantial part of its property. The provisions of this Section shall
be construed with due recognition for the provisions of the federal bankruptcy
laws, where applicable, but shall be interpreted in a manner which




                                       48


<PAGE>



results in a termination of this Lease in each and every instance, and to the
fullest extent, that such termination is permitted under the federal bankruptcy
laws, it being of prime importance to the Landlord to deal only with tenants who
have, and continue to have, a strong degree of financial strength and financial
stability.

     19.  Landlord May Perform Tenant's Obligations.

     If Tenant shall fail to keep or perform any of its obligations as provided
in this Lease with respect to (a) maintenance of insurance as required
hereunder, (a) repairs and maintenance of the Leased Premises, (c) compliance
with Legal Requirements, or (d) the making of any other payment or performance
of any other obligation, then Landlord may (but shall not be obligated to do so)
upon the continuance of such failure on Tenant's part for 10 days after notice
to Tenant, or without notice in the case of an emergency, and without waiving or
releasing Tenant from any obligation, and as an additional but not exclusive
remedy, make any such payment or perform any such obligation. All sums so paid
by Landlord and all necessary incidental costs and expenses, including
attorneys' fees and disbursements, incurred by Landlord in making such payment
or performing such obligation, together with interest thereon from the date of
payment at the Default Interest Rate, shall be deemed additional rent and shall
be paid to Landlord on demand or, at Landlord's option, may be added to any
installment of Basic Rent thereafter falling due, and if not so paid by Tenant,
Landlord shall have the same rights and remedies as in the case of a default by
Tenant in the payment of Basic Rent.

     20.  Subordination/Non-Disturbance.

     (a) Non-Disturbance. At least 30 days prior to the Lease Commencement Date,
but in any event in conjunction with any closing on financing or refinancing for
the Building, during the Term, and during any renewal periods, Landlord shall
procure for the benefit of Tenant an agreement from each Mortgagee and ground
lessor, confirming each Mortgagee's and ground lessor's agreement that Tenant's
rights under this Lease and right to possession of the Leased Premises, shall
not be disturbed by Mortgagee or ground lessor, whether in conjunction with the
exercise of remedies under the Mortgage or the ground lease or otherwise, so
long as Tenant is not in default hereunder, and further assuring to Tenant that
it will not be named as a defendant in any action taken by the Mortgagee or the
ground lessor against the Landlord.

     (a) Mortgages. This Lease and the Leasehold Estate shall have priority
over, and be senior to, the lien of any Mortgage made by Landlord after the date
of this Lease. However, if at any time or from time to time during the Term and
any renewal periods, a Mortgagee or prospective Mortgagee requests that this
Lease be sub-




                                       49


<PAGE>



ject and subordinate to its Mortgage, and if (x) the Mortgagee has provided to
Tenant a non-disturbance agreement consistent with paragraph (a) above, and (y)
Landlord consents to such subordination, this Lease and the Leasehold Estate
shall be subject and subordinate to the lien of such Mortgage and to all
renewals' modifications, replacements, consolidations and extensions thereof and
to any and all advances made thereunder and interest thereon. Tenant agrees
that, within 10 days after receipt of a request therefor from Landlord, it will,
from time to time, execute and deliver any instrument or other document required
by any such Mortgagee to subordinate this Lease and the Leasehold Estate to the
lien of such Mortgage. If, at any time or from time to time during the Term, a
Mortgagee of a Mortgage made prior to the date of this Lease shall request that
this Lease have priority over the lien of such Mortgage, and if Landlord
consents thereto, this Lease and the Leasehold Estate shall have priority over
the lien of such Mortgage and all renewals, modifications, replacements,
consolidations and extensions thereof and all advances made thereunder and
interest thereon, and Tenant shall, within 10 days after receipt of a request
therefor from Landlord, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all documents
and instruments confirming the priority of this Lease. In any event, however, if
this Lease shall have priority over the lien of a first Mortgage, this Lease
shall not become subject or subordinate to the lien of any subordinate Mortgage,
and Tenant shall not execute any subordination documents or instruments for any
subordinate Mortgagee, without the written consent of the first Mortgagee.

     (c) Ground Leases. Subject to the requirement of subsection (a) above this
Lease and the Leasehold Estate shall be subject and subordinate to the Ground
Lease between the City of Baltimore and Landlord and to each and every ground or
underlying lease hereafter made of the Building or the Land, or both, and to all
renewals, modifications, replacements and extensions thereof. Tenant agrees
that, within 10 days after receipt of request therefor from Landlord, it will,
from time to time, execute, acknowledge and deliver any instrument or other
document required by any such lessor to subordinate this Lease and the Leasehold
Estate to such ground or underlying lease.

     (d) Mortgagee's Right to Cure. If (i) the Building or the Land, or both, or
Landlord's leasehold estate in the Building or the Land, or both, is at any time
subject to a Mortgage, and (ii) this Lease, or the Basic Rent and Additional
Charges payable under this Lease, is assigned to the Mortgagee, and (iii) the
Tenant is given notice of such assignment, including the name and address of the
assignee, then, in that event, Tenant shall not terminate this Lease or make any
abatement in the Basic Rent or Additional Charges payable hereunder for any
default on the part of the Landlord without first giving notice, in the manner
provided elsewhere in




                                       50


<PAGE>



this Lease for the giving of notices, to such Mortgagee, specifying the default
in reasonable detail, and affording such Mortgagee a reasonable opportunity to
make performance, at its election, for and on behalf of the Landlord, except
that (x) the Mortgagee shall have at least 30 days to cure the default; (y) if
such default cannot be cured with reasonable diligence and continuity within 30
days, the Mortgagee shall have any additional time as may be reasonably
necessary to cure the default with reasonable diligence and continuity; and (z)
if the default cannot reasonably be cured without the Mortgagee having obtained
possession of the Building, the Mortgagee shall have such additional time as may
be reasonably necessary under the circumstances to obtain possession of the
Building and thereafter to cure the default with reasonable diligence and
continuity. If more than one Mortgagee makes a written request to Landlord to
cure the default, the Mortgagee making the request whose lien is the most senior
shall have such right. This provision shall not preclude prudent and reasonable
action by Tenant in the event of an emergency.

     21.  Attornment.

     In the event of (a) a transfer of Landlord's interest in the Building, (b)
the termination of any ground or underlying lease of the Building or the Land,
or both, or (c) the purchase or other acquisition of the Building or Landlord's
interest therein in a foreclosure sale or by deed in lieu of foreclosure under
any Mortgage or pursuant to a power of sale contained in any Mortgage, then in
any of such events Tenant shall, at the request of Landlord or Landlord's
successor in interest, attorn to and recognize the transferee or purchaser of
Landlord's interest or the lessor under the terminated ground or underlying
lease, as the case may be, as Landlord under this Lease for the balance then
remaining of the Term, and thereafter this Lease shall continue as a direct
lease between such Person, as "Landlord," and Tenant, as "Tenant," except that
such lessor, transferee or purchaser shall not be liable for any act or omission
of Landlord before such lease termination or before such Person's succession to
title, nor be subject to any offset, defense or counterclaim accruing before
such lease termination or before such Person's succession to title, nor be bound
by any payment of Basic Rent or Additional Charges before such lease termination
or before such Person's succession to title for more than one month in advance.
Tenant shall, within 10 days after request by Landlord or the transferee or
purchaser of Landlord's interest or the lessor under the terminated ground or
underlying lease, as the case may be, execute and deliver an instrument or
instruments confirming the foregoing provisions of this Section. Tenant hereby
waives the provisions of any present or future law or regulation which gives or
purports to give Tenant any right to terminate or otherwise adversely affect
this Lease, or the obligations of Tenant hereunder, upon or as a result of the




                                       51


<PAGE>



termination of any such ground or underlying lease or the completion of any such
foreclosure and sale.

     22.  Quiet Enjoyment.

     Landlord covenants that Tenant, upon paying the Basic Rent and the
Additional Charges provided for in this Lease, and upon performing and observing
all of the terms, covenants, conditions and provisions of this Lease on Tenant's
part to be kept, observed and performed, shall quietly hold, occupy and enjoy
the Leased Premises during the Term without hindrance, ejection or molestation
by Landlord or any Person lawfully claiming through or under Landlord.

     23.  Right of Access to Leased Premises.

     (a) Landlord's Right of Entry. Landlord and its agents, employees and
contractors shall have the following rights in and about the Leased Premises:
(i) to enter with prior written notice (except in an emergency) the Leased
Premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of performing any obligation of
Landlord under this Lease or exercising any right or remedy reserved to Landlord
in this Lease, and if, in the case of an emergency, Tenant or its officers,
partners, agents or employees shall not be personally present or shall not open
and permit an entry into the Leased Premises at any time when such entry shall
be necessary, forcibly to enter the Leased Premises; (ii) to exhibit the Leased
Premises to others at reasonable times and for reasonable purposes after
notifying Tenant and obtaining Tenant's consent, which shall not be unreasonably
withheld. Tenant may accompany Landlord and restrict sensitive areas of the
Leased Premises; (iii) to make such repairs, alterations, improvements or
additions, or to perform such maintenance, including the maintenance of all
plumbing, electrical and other mechanical facilities installed by Landlord, as
Landlord may deem necessary or desirable to comply with its obligations
hereunder; and (iv) to make such repairs, alterations or improvements, or to
perform maintenance, of all HVAC, elevator, plumbing, electrical and other
mechanical facilities installed by Landlord, as may be required from time to
time by this Lease to be made or performed by Landlord. Landlord agrees to give
reasonable advance notice before it exercises its rights under this subsection,
except that Landlord may enter the Leased Premises without notice in the case of
an emergency creating an imminent risk of injury to person or damage to
property.

     (b) Landlord's Reservation of Rights in Adjacent Areas. Landlord reserves
the right to use, including access thereto through the Leased Premises, all
parts (except surfaces facing the interior of the Leased Premises) of all
exterior walls, windows and doors bounding the Leased Premises (including
exterior Building




52


<PAGE>



walls, corridor walls, doors and entrances), all terraces and roofs adjacent to
the Leased Premises, all space in or adjacent to the Leased Premises used for
shafts, stacks, stairways, chutes, pipes, conduits, ducts, fan rooms, heating,
air-conditioning, plumbing, electrical and other mechanical facilities installed
by Landlord, service closets and other Building facilities. Nothing contained in
this Section shall impose any obligation upon Landlord with respect to the
operation, maintenance, alteration or repair of the Leased Premises or the
Building, except as expressly provided in this Lease. Landlord agrees to repair
and restore any damage to the Leased Premises resulting from the use of the
rights reserved hereunder to Landlord.

     (c) Effect of Landlord's Entry. The exercise by Landlord or its agents,
employees or contractors of any right reserved to Landlord in this Section shall
not constitute an actual or constructive eviction, in whole or in part, or
entitle Tenant to any abatement or diminution of rent, or relieve Tenant from
any of its obligations under this Lease, or impose any liability upon Landlord,
or its agents, or upon any lessor under any ground or underlying lease, by
reason of inconvenience or annoyance to Tenant, or injury to or interruption of
Tenant's business, or otherwise. Landlord agrees to exercise its rights under
this Section in a manner reasonably designed to minimize interference with
Tenant's normal business operations. Except when an emergency exists, Landlord
agrees to exercise such rights during hours that are not normal business hours.

     (d) Tenant's Right of Access prior to the Lease Rental Commencement Date.
Landlord agrees to provide reasonable access to the Leased Premises during
construction of the Building in order to permit Tenant and its consultants to
take measurements, plan improvements and otherwise prepare for the installation
of Tenant's Personal Property and the Alterations.

     24.  Limitation on Landlord's Liability.

     (a) Accidents, etc. Except for damages resulting from the willful or
grossly negligent act or omission (where applicable law or this Lease imposes a
duty to act) of Landlord, its agents and employees, Landlord shall not be liable
to Tenant or Tenant's Associates for any damage or loss to the property of
Tenant or others located in or on the Leased Premises, the Building or the Land,
or for any accident or injury, including death, to Persons or for any loss,
compensation or claim, including claims for interruption or loss of Tenant's
business, based on, arising out of or resulting from the necessity of
maintaining or repairing any portion of the Building or the Parking Facilities;
the use or operation (by Tenant or any other Person or Persons whatsoever) of
any elevators, or heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing or other




                                       53


<PAGE>



equipment or apparatus; the termination of this Lease by reason of, or the
occurrence of, damage or destruction of the Building or the Leased Premises; any
fire, robbery, theft, and/or any other casualty; any unlawful breach of
Landlord's security system for the Building; any leaking in any part or portion
of the Leased Premises or the Building; any water, wind, rain, or snow that may
leak into, or flow from, any part of the Leased Premises or the Building; any
acts or omissions of any other occupant of any space in the Building; any water,
gas, steam, fire, explosion, electricity or falling plaster; the bursting,
stoppage or leakage of any pipes, sewer pipes, drains, conduits, appliances,
sprinkler system, plumbing or other works; or any other similar cause.

     (b) Parking Facilities. Except for damages resulting from the willful or
grossly negligent act or omission (where applicable law or this Lease imposes a
duty to act) of Landlord, its agents and employees, Landlord shall not be liable
for any damage or loss to any automobile (or any personal property therein)
parked in or on the Parking Facilities or any other part of the Land, or for any
injury sustained by any individual in, on or about the Parking Facilities or any
other part of the Land.

     (c) Liability Limited to Landlord's Estate. Notwithstanding any provision
to the contrary, Tenant agrees that (i) the liability of Landlord and Landlord's
Partners for the satisfaction of any Claim shall be limited to Landlord's
Estate, (ii) no other properties or assets of Landlord, Landlord's Partners or
the officers, directors, agents or employees of Landlord or any of Landlord's
Partners shall be subject to levy, execution or other enforcement procedures for
the satisfaction of any Claim or any judgment based on a Claim, and (iii) if
Tenant acquires a lien on or interest in any other properties or assets of
Landlord, any of Landlord's Partners or any of the officers, directors, agents
or employees of Landlord or any of Landlord's Partners by judgment or otherwise,
Tenant shall promptly release such lien on or interest in such other properties
and assets by executing, acknowledging and delivering to Landlord an instrument
to that effect prepared by Landlord's attorneys. For purposes of this
subsection, (x) the term "Landlord's Estate" shall mean the estate and property
of Landlord in and to the Building and the Land , (y) the term "Claim" shall
mean any claim which Tenant may have against Landlord arising out of or in
connection with this Lease, the relationship of landlord and tenant or Tenant's
use of the Leased Premises, and (z) the term "Landlord's Partners" shall mean,
in the case of a Landlord which is a partnership, the Persons who are partners
in such partnership.




                                       54


<PAGE>



     25.  Estoppel Certificates.

     Each party agrees from time to time, within 10 days after request therefor
by the other party, to execute, acknowledge and deliver to the other party a
statement in writing certifying to the other party, any Mortgagee, any assignee
of a Mortgagee, or any purchaser, of the Building or the Land, or both, or any
other Person designated by the other party, as of the date of such statement,
(i) that Tenant is in possession of the Leased Premises; (ii) that this Lease is
unmodified and in full force and effect (or, if there have been modifications,
that this Lease is in full force and effect as modified and setting forth such
modifications): (iii) whether or not there are then existing any set-offs or
defenses known to Tenant against the enforcement of any right or remedy of
Landlord, or any duty or obligation of Tenant, hereunder (and, if so, specifying
the same in detail); (iv) the dates, if any, to which any Basic Rent or
Additional Charges have been paid in advance: (v) that the certifying party has
no knowledge of any uncured defaults on the part of Landlord under this Lease
(or, if the certifying party has knowledge of any such uncured defaults,
specifying the same in detail); (vi) that the certifying party has no knowledge
of any event having occurred that authorizes the termination of this Lease by
the other party (or, if the certifying party has such knowledge, specifying the
same in detail); (vii) the amount of any Security Deposit held by Landlord; and
(viii) any additional facts reasonably requested by the other party or any such
Mortgagee, assignee of a Mortgagee or purchaser

     26.  Surrender of Leased Premises.

     (a) Possession of Leased Premises. Tenant shall, on or before the last day
of the Term, except as otherwise expressly provided elsewhere in this Lease,
remove all of Tenant's Personal Property and peaceably and quietly leave,
surrender and yield up to the Landlord the Leased Premises, free of
subtenancies, broom clean and in good order and condition except for reasonable
wear and tear, damage by fire or other casualty, or conditions requiring repair
by Landlord hereunder at Landlord's expense.

     (b) Inspection of Leased Premises. At the time Tenant surrenders the Leased
Premises at the end of the Term, or within three days thereafter, Landlord and
Tenant, or their respective agents, shall make an inspection of the Leased
Premises and shall prepare and sign an inspection form to describe the condition
of the Leased Premises at the time of surrender.

     27.  Holding Over.

     If Tenant shall hold over possession of the Leased Premises after the end
of the Term, Tenant shall be deemed to be occupying




                                       55


<PAGE>



the Leased Premises as a Tenant from month to month, at one hundred fifty
percent (150%) of the Basic Rent, adjusted to a monthly basis. Any hold over of
possession of all or any part of the Leased Premises after the end of the Term
shall be subject to all other conditions, provisions and obligations of this
Lease, including the obligation to pay Additional Charges, insofar as the same
are applicable, or as the same shall be adjusted, to a month to month tenancy.

     28.  Arbitration.

     In any case in which it is provided by the terms of this Lease that any
matter shall be determined by arbitration, then such arbitration shall be in
accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules then in effect of the American
Arbitration Association. The arbitration proceeding shall be conducted in
Baltimore City, Maryland, by one arbitrator selected in accordance with the
Commercial Arbitration Rules. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator
may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. All direct and
reasonable costs of the arbitration proceeding, including compensation of the
arbitrator but excluding any compensation paid to counsel, agents, employees,
and witnesses of either party, shall be borne equally by the parties or as the
arbitrator shall determine.

     29.  Parking.

     Tenant shall be guaranteed parking within the Parking Facilities for 150
cars for the Term.

     (a) All Parking Facilities shall either be paved, striped and fenced
surface lots, that comply with all applicable Legal Requirements and are
consistent with the Security Plan described on Exhibit G, or are contained
within structured deck or garage parking. If the Parking Facilities are on
surface lots, Tenant's spaces shall be consolidated (as opposed to dispersed) in
a cohesive grouping, and marked so as to minimize the chance of usage by
unauthorized parkers. Tenant may, at Tenant's expense require Landlord to
designate with customary signage the restriction of a portion of such spaces to
"Sylvan Visitor Parking Only" or similar wording.

     (b) Attached as Exhibit I is a plat showing the Inner Harbor East
subdivision, and identifying the location of Parcels B, C and P. Tenant's
parking area shall initially be located on an undeveloped portion of Parcel P in
closest proximity to the Building. Landlord has the authority to provide parking
on this parcel. Tenant's parking area shall be designated as reserved for the
use of Tenant's employees and visitors. Tenant shall be responsible for assuring
that only authorized persons park in




                                       56


<PAGE>



Tenant's parking area. As Parcel P is developed, Landlord shall offer Tenant the
option of utilizing structured parking on Parcels B, C or P, where available, at
structured parking rates, as set forth below, or moving its parking area to
surface lots on undeveloped portions of Parcels B or C that meet the
requirements of paragraph (a) above. No parking spaces shall be relocated until
substitute space, meeting the standards of paragraph (a) above, have been
completed and are available for immediate use.

     (c) In addition to the parking spaces on Parcels B, C or P described above,
Tenant shall have the option of renting, at the structured space rates described
below, up to 25 spaces within the structured parking to be constructed on
Parcels R and Q, some of which may be designated for "Sylvan Visitor Parking
Only" or similar wording.

     (d) The rates to be paid by Tenant for parking during the Term shall be as
follows:

          (i) During the first five years of the Lease, Tenant shall pay the
     following Parking Fees for surface parking:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Cost Per                 Estimated*
     Lease Year                Space/Day                Annual Cost
     ----------                ---------                -----------
          <S>                  <C>                       <C>    
          1                    Free                      $     0
          2                    $0.25                     $ 9,375
          3                    $0.50                     $18,750
          4                    $0.75                     $28,125
          5                    $1.00                     $37,500
                        
</TABLE>

*Assumes all 150 spaces are used 5 days per week, 50 weeks per year.

          (ii) During the first five years of the Lease, Tenant shall pay the
     following Parking Fees for structured parking:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Market Cap
                                            For Structured
        Lease Year                             Space/Day
        ----------                             ---------
             <S>                                <C>  
             1                                  $5.00
             2                                  $5.15
             3                                  $5.30
             4                                  $5.46
             5                                  $5.63
</TABLE>

          (iii) For Lease Years 6 through 10, Tenant shall be provided with
     discounted parking as follows:




                                       57


<PAGE>



     150 spaces shall be offered to Tenant at a rate equal to 75% of the current
     market rate but in no event shall the cost to Tenant exceed the following
     rates. In the event the parties are unable to mutually agree on the market
     rate, then same shall be determined by using the methodology set forth in
     Section 35(d) hereof.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             Market Cap                 Market Cap
                             for Surface              for Structured
       Lease Year             Space/Day                 Space/Day
       ----------             ---------                 ---------
          <S>                  <C>                       <C>    
           6                   $2.90                     $5.80
           7                   $2.99                     $5.97
           8                   $3.07                     $6.15
           9                   $3.17                     $6.33
          10                   $3.26                     $6.52
</TABLE>

          (e) Tenant agrees to use the Parking Facilities for the parking of
     passenger automobiles and vans and for no other purposes.

          (f) If Tenant rents more space in the Building or on the Inner Harbor
     East site, Tenant shall be offered a proportionate increase in the number
     of parking spaces, to the extent they are available, at market rates.

          (g) Parking rates during any renewal periods shall be provided at
     market rates.

     30.  Transfer of Landlord's Interest.

     If the original Landlord named in this Lease, or any successor to the
original Landlord's interest in the Building, conveys or otherwise disposes of
its interest in the Land and/or the Building, then upon such conveyance or other
disposition all liabilities and obligations on the part of the original
Landlord, or such successor Landlord, as Landlord under this Lease, which accrue
after such conveyance or disposition shall cease and terminate and each
successor Landlord shall, without further agreement, be bound by Landlord's
covenants and obligations under this Lease, but only during the period of such
successor Landlord's ownership of the Building. A copy of the recorded deed
conveying the interest in the Building shall be satisfactory evidence of a
successor Landlord's interest.

     31.  Leasing Commissions.

     Landlord and Tenant each represent and warrant to the other that, except
for the Leasing Broker, neither of them has employed or dealt with any broker
or finder in carrying on the negotiations




                                       58


<PAGE>



relative to this Lease. Landlord and Tenant shall each indemnify and hold
harmless the other from and against any claim or claims for brokerage or other
commission arising from or out of any breach of the foregoing representation and
warranty. Landlord recognizes that the Leasing Broker and the Cooperating Broker
are entitled to the payment of a commission for services rendered in the
negotiation and obtaining of this Lease, and Landlord has agreed to pay such
commission pursuant to a separate agreement, a copy of which is attached as
Exhibit J.

     32.  Recordation.

     Tenant shall not record this Lease without the written consent of Landlord.
Upon Landlord's request or with Landlord's written consent, the parties agree to
execute a short form of this Lease for recording purposes, containing such items
as Landlord believes appropriate or desirable, the expense thereof to be borne
by Landlord. If such a short form of this Lease is recorded, upon the
termination of this Lease, Tenant shall execute, acknowledge, and deliver to
Landlord all right, title, and interest of Tenant in and to the Premises arising
from this Lease or otherwise.

     33.  Commercial Purposes.

     The parties stipulate that the Premises is being leased exclusively for
business, commercial, manufacturing, mercantile, or industrial purposes within
the meaning of Section 8-110(a) of the Real Property Article of the Annotated
Code of Maryland, and that the provisions of Section 8-110(b) of such Article
(or any future statute) pertaining to the redemption of reversionary interests
under leases shall be inapplicable.

     34.  General Provisions.

     (a) Binding Effect. The terms contained in this Lease shall be binding
upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and, subject to the
provisions of Section 15, each of their respective legal representatives,
successors and assigns.

     (b) Governing Law. It is the intention of the parties hereto that this
Lease shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the
jurisdiction in which the Building is located.

     (c) Waivers. No failure by either party to insist upon the strict
performance of any term of this Lease or to exercise any right or remedy
consequent upon a breach thereof, and no acceptance by Landlord of full or
partial rent during the continuance of any such breach, shall constitute a
waiver of any such breach or of any such term. No term of this Lease to be kept,
observed or performed by Landlord or by Tenant, and no breach thereof, shall be
waived,




                                       59


<PAGE>



altered or modified except by a written instrument executed by Landlord or by
Tenant, as the case may be. No waiver of any breach shall affect or alter this
Lease, but each and every term of this Lease shall continue in full force and
effect with respect to any other then existing or subsequent breach thereof.

     (d) Notices. Every notice, request, consent, approval or other
communication (hereafter in this subsection collectively referred to as
"notices" and singly referred to as a "notice") which Landlord or Tenant is
required or permitted to give to the other pursuant to this Lease shall be in
writing and shall be delivered personally or by overnight courier service or
shall be sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested,
first-class postage prepaid, if to Landlord, at Landlord's Notice Address, or if
to Tenant, at Tenant's Notice Address, or at any other address designated by
either party by notice to the other party pursuant to this subsection. Any
notice delivered to a party's designated address by (a) personal delivery, (b)
recognized overnight national courier service, or (c) registered or certified
mail, return receipt requested, shall be deemed to have been received by such
party at the time the notice is delivered to such party's designated address.
Confirmation by the courier delivering any notice given pursuant to this
subsection shall be conclusive evidence of receipt of such notice. Landlord and
Tenant each agrees that it will not refuse or reject delivery of any notice
given hereunder, that it will acknowledge, in writing, receipt of the same upon
request by the other party and that any notice rejected or refused by it shall
be deemed for all purposes of this Lease to have been received by the rejecting
party on the date so refused or rejected, as conclusively established by the
records of the U.S. Postal Service or the courier service. Any notice required
to be given within a stated period of time which is sent by certified or
registered mail shall be considered timely if postmarked before midnight of the
last day of such period.

     (e) Entire Agreement. This Lease contains the final and entire agreement
between said parties, and they shall not be bound by any terms, statements,
conditions or representations, oral or written, express or implied, not
contained in this Lease. However, the terms of this Lease shall be modified, if
so required, for the purpose of complying with or fulfilling the requirements of
any Mortgagee secured by a first Mortgage that may now be or hereafter become a
lien on the Building, provided, however, that such modification shall not be in
substantial derogation or diminution of any of the rights of the parties
hereunder, nor increase any of the obligations or liabilities of the parties
hereunder.

     (f) Jury Trial. Landlord and Tenant each hereby waives all right to trial
by jury in any claim, action, proceeding or counterclaim by either Landlord or
Tenant against the other on any




                                       60


<PAGE>



matters arising out of or in any way connected with this Lease, the relationship
of Landlord and Tenant and/or Tenant's use or occupancy of the Leased Premises.

     (g) Venue. Tenant hereby waives any objection to the venue of any action
filed by Landlord against Tenant in any state or federal court in the
jurisdiction in which the Building is located, and Tenant further waives any
right, claim or power, under the doctrine of forum non conveniens or otherwise,
to transfer any such action filed by Landlord to any other court.

     (h) Authority. If Tenant is a corporation, concurrently with the signing of
this Lease, Tenant shall furnish to Landlord certified copies of the resolutions
of its Board of Directors (or of the executive committee of its Board of
Directors) authorizing Tenant to enter into this Lease; and it shall furnish to
Landlord evidence (reasonably satisfactory to Landlord and its counsel) that
Tenant is a duly organized corporation in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation, is qualified to do business in good standing
in the jurisdiction in which the Building is located, has the power and
authority to enter into this Lease, and that all corporate action requisite to
authorize Tenant to enter into this Lease has been duly taken.

     Landlord shall provide to Tenant similar evidence of Landlord's authority
to execute, deliver and perform in accordance with this Lease, and shall further
deliver to Tenant, prior to the full execution of this Lease, a copy of
Landlord's title insurance policy evidencing the ownership of the Land and the
liens, encumbrances and easements to which the Land is subject.

     (i) Time of the Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of all
Tenant's obligations under this Lease.

     (j) Invalidity and Reduction of Charges. If any provision of this Lease
shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby and the
remainder of this Lease shall not be affected by such holding and shall be fully
valid and enforceable. In the event any late charge, interest rate or other
payment provided herein exceeds the maximum applicable charge legally allowed,
such late charge, interest rate or other payment shall be reduced to the maximum
legal charge, rate or amount.

     (k) Captions. The captions in this Lease are for convenience only and shall
not affect the interpretation of the provisions hereof.




                                       61


<PAGE>



     (l) No Partnership. This Lease is not intended to create a partnership or
joint venture between Landlord and Tenant in the conduct of their respective
businesses.

     (m) Counterparts. This Lease may be executed in several counterparts, each
of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.

     (n) Authority. If Tenant is a corporation, partnership or other legal
entity, the individual who executes and delivers this Lease on behalf of Tenant
represents and warrants to Landlord that he or she is duly authorized to do so.

     (o) No Offer. The submission of an unsigned counterpart of this Lease to
Tenant shall not constitute an offer or option to lease the Leased Premises.
This Lease shall become effective and binding only upon the execution and
delivery by Landlord and Tenant.

     (p) Survival. Tenant's obligations under Sections 3(b), 3(e), 3(g), 6(d),
6(g), 9(d), 9(e), 9(f), 9(g), 11(c), 11(e), 14(b), 15(d), 16(c), 24(c) and 26
and Landlord's obligations under Sections 6(g) and 12(e) shall survive the
expiration of the Term or the earlier termination of this Lease. Nothing herein
shall be construed to limit Tenant's right to collect any amounts owed to Tenant
under Sections 2A and 39(a) following the expiration of the Lease or the earlier
termination of this Lease.

     35.  Options to Extend Term.

     (a) Renewal Options. Tenant shall have the option to renew the Term
provided in Section l(b) (the "Initial Term") for two additional periods of five
(5) years each (each of such additional periods being hereinafter referred to as
a "Renewal Period"). Each renewal option shall be exercisable by Tenant by
giving notice of the exercise of such renewal option to Landlord at least 365
days before the expiration of the Initial Term, in the case of the first renewal
option, or at least 365 days before the expiration of the first Renewal Period,
in the case of the second renewal option, except that if the Rent per Square
Foot for the first Lease Year in a Renewal Period has not been determined by the
last day on which the renewal option for such Renewal Period must be exercised
in accordance with the procedure set forth in subsection (d), the period of time
within which the Tenant may exercise the renewal option for such Renewal Period
shall be extended until 30 days after the determination of the Rent per Square
Foot for the first Lease Year in such Renewal Period. Time shall be of the
essence in connection with Tenant's exercise of the renewal options. Tenant may
not exercise the renewal option for either Renewal Period unless the Rent per
Square Foot for such




                                       62


<PAGE>



Renewal Period has previously been determined by agreement between Landlord and
Tenant or by appraisal in accordance with the procedure set forth in subsection
(d). Tenant may not exercise the renewal option for the second Renewal Period
unless Tenant has previously exercised the renewal option for the first Renewal
Period in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. Tenant may not
exercise the renewal option for either Renewal Period if an Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing. If (i) the last day on which Tenant has the right to
exercise a renewal option (the "Last Exercise Date"), occurs less than 365 days
before the expiration of the Initial Term, in the case of the first renewal
option, or less than 365 days before the expiration of the first Renewal Period,
in the case of the second renewal option, and (ii) Tenant does not exercise the
renewal option, the Term shall be extended until the last day of the month in
which the 365th day after the Last Exercise Date occurs; unless prior to the
Last Exercise Date, Tenant advises Landlord that it will not exercise its
applicable renewal option. For purposes of determining the Basic Rent payable
during the extension provided by the preceding sentence, the Rent per Square
Foot shall be 95% of the fair rental value of the Leased Premises as actually
determined by the procedure described in subsection (d) with respect to the
Renewal Period for which Tenant did not exercise its renewal option. If Tenant
timely exercises the options to renew this Lease in accordance with the
provisions of this Section, then the Term shall be extended accordingly. Except
as otherwise expressly provided in this Section, each Renewal Period shall be
upon the same terms, covenants and conditions set forth in this Lease with
respect to the Initial Term and Tenant's obligations to pay Tenant's
Proportionate Share of Operating Expenses pursuant to Section 3(b) shall
continue without interruption during each Renewal Period and the extension
provided for in the seventh sentence, except that there shall be no renewal
options after the second Renewal Period. All references in this Lease to the
"Term" shall include each Renewal Period for which Tenant shall have effectively
exercised its renewal option.

     (b) Rent Per Square Foot During Renewal Periods.

     (1) First Lease Year. If Tenant exercises the renewal option provided by
subsection (a) to extend the Initial Term for a Renewal Period, the Rent per
Square Foot for the first Lease Year in the Renewal Period shall be an amount
equal to 95% of the fair rental value (per square foot) of the Leased Premises
as of the first day of the Renewal Period as determined by mutual agreement
between Landlord and Tenant or by appraisal by one or more commercial real
estate brokers in the manner provided in subsection (d).




                                       63


<PAGE>



     (2) Balance of First Renewal Period. For each Lease Year (or part of a
Lease Year) thereafter during the Renewal Period, the Rent per Square Foot shall
be an amount equal to 102.15% of the Rent per Square Foot for the immediately
preceding Lease Year.

     (c) [Omitted].

     (d) Method of Determining Rent per Square Foot. If Tenant desires to
exercise the renewal option provided by subsection (a) to extend the Initial
Term for a Renewal Period, and if Landlord and Tenant are unable mutually to
agree on the Rent per Square Foot for the first Lease Year in such Renewal
Period at least 420 days before the end of the last Lease Year in the Initial
Term, in the case of the first renewal option, or at least 420 days before the
end of the last Lease Year in the first Renewal Period, in the case of the
second renewal option, Tenant shall notify Landlord of its desire to determine
the Rent per Square Foot by appraisal pursuant to this subsection not more than
450 days and not less than 420 days before the end of the last Lease Year in the
Initial Term or the last Lease Year in the first Renewal Period, as the case may
be, and in such notice Tenant shall designate the broker appointed by it. The
giving of such notice shall not constitute an exercise of the option by Tenant.
Within 20 days thereafter, Landlord shall, by notice to Tenant, designate a
second broker. If Landlord does not so designate a second broker within the
20-day period, the first broker appointed by Tenant shall proceed to make his
valuation, in which case the fair rental value of the Leased Premises for the
first Lease Year in the Renewal Period shall be the amount determined by the
first broker. Each broker shall make an independent determination of the fair
rental value of the Leased Premises for the first Lease Year in the applicable
Renewal Period. If the two brokers so appointed agree on the fair rental value
of the Leased Premises within 15 days after the appointment of the second
broker, the fair rental value of the Leased Premises for the first Lease Year in
the applicable Renewal Period shall be the amount determined by them. If the two
brokers so appointed do not agree on the fair rental value of the Leased
Premises within 15 days after the appointment of the second broker, but if the
difference between the fair rental value determined by each broker is not more
than $1.00 per square foot, the fair rental value of the Leased Premises for the
first Lease Year in the applicable Renewal Period shall be an amount equal to
the quotient obtained by dividing the sum of the fair rental value determined by
each broker by two. If the two brokers so appointed do not agree on the fair
rental value of the Leased Premises, and if the difference between the fair
rental value determined by each broker is more than $1.00 per square foot, the
two brokers shall jointly appoint a third broker. If the two brokers so
appointed shall be unable, within 15 days after the appointment of the second
broker, either (i) to




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<PAGE>



agree on the fair rental value of the Leased Premises (or to disagree on such
value with a difference of $1.00 or less per square foot) or (ii) to agree on
the appointment of a third broker, they shall give written notice of such
failure to agree to the parties, and, if the parties fail to agree upon the
selection of a third broker within 10 days after the brokers appointed by the
parties give such notice, then within 10 days thereafter either of the parties
upon notice to the other party may request such appointment by the then
President of the Baltimore City Board of Realtors (or any organization successor
thereto), or in his failure to act, may apply for such appointment to the
Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland. If a third broker is appointed, he
shall make his valuation within 15 days after his appointment and the fair
rental value of the Leased Premises for the first Lease Year in the applicable
Renewal Period shall be an amount equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the
sum of the fair rental values determined by the two brokers who were closest to
each other in amount, by two.

     (e) Qualifications of Brokers and Method of Valuation. Each broker
appointed pursuant to subsection (d) shall be an individual of recognized
competence who has had a minimum of 10 years' experience in the leasing of
commercial office space in the metropolitan Baltimore, Maryland area. All
valuations of the fair rental value of the Leased Premises shall be in writing
and shall be expressed in terms of an annual rent per square foot of Rentable
Area. Each broker shall determine the fair rental value of the Leased Premises,
as a whole, as of the first day of the first Lease Year in each Renewal Period
on the basis of all relevant factors affecting fair rental value, including the
actual Operating Expenses for the calendar year ending during the Lease Year
immediately preceding the Renewal Period. The party appointing each broker shall
be obligated, promptly after receipt of the valuation report prepared by the
broker appointed by such party, to deliver a copy of such valuation report to
the other party in the manner provided elsewhere in this Lease for the giving of
notices. If a third broker is appointed, the third broker shall be directed, at
the time of his appointment, to deliver copies of his valuation report, promptly
after its completion, to Landlord and Tenant in the manner provided elsewhere in
this Lease for the giving of notices.

     (f) Expenses of Brokers. The expenses of each of the first two brokers
appointed pursuant to subsection (d) shall be borne by the party appointing such
broker. The expenses of the third broker appointed pursuant to subsection (d)
shall be paid one-half by Landlord and one-half by Tenant. Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions, if Tenant gives a notice to Landlord pursuant to
subsection (d) to determine the fair rental value of the Leased Premises for a
Renewal Period by appraisal, and if, after the fair




                                       65


<PAGE>



rental value of the Leased Premises for the first Lease Year in such Renewal
Period has been determined by appraisal, Tenant does not exercise its option to
extend the Term for such Renewal Period within the time required by subsection
(a), Tenant shall reimburse Landlord, on demand, for all expenses of Landlord's
appraisal and the third appraisal, if any.

     36.  Expansion Options.

     (a) During the six month period following the date of this Lease, Tenant
shall have the option of leasing additional space in the Building under the same
terms and conditions, including Basic Rent, as are set forth in this Lease. In
addition, during such six month period, as to any unleased space and until such
space in the Building is initially leased, as Landlord receives an offer or
proposal to rent space in the Building which Landlord wishes to accept, Landlord
shall notify Tenant and Tenant shall have five (5) business days to notify
Landlord in writing that it wishes to lease the space under the same terms and
conditions including Basic Rent as are set forth in this Lease.

     (b) After the end of the six month period following the date of this Lease,
as to any unleased space and until such space in the Building is initially
leased, as Landlord receives an offer or proposal to rent space in the Building
which Landlord wishes to accept, Landlord shall notify Tenant and Tenant shall
have five (5) business days to notify Landlord in writing that it wishes to
lease the space at fair rental value pursuant to Section 35. All concessions
relating to tenant improvements shall be at market rates.

     (c) If Tenant has given Landlord twelve (12) month's prior written notice
of its intent to lease additional space in the Building, Tenant shall have the
option of renting an additional 5,000 square feet in the Building after the
third Lease Year commencing upon the termination of the initial short term
leases entered into by Landlord, if any, but in no event later than twelve (12)
months after the end of the third Lease Year. If Tenant exercises its option to
rent the additional 5,000 contiguous square feet and if Tenant has given
Landlord twelve (12) months prior written notice at the end of the fourth Lease
Year, Tenant shall have the option to lease an additional 10,000 contiguous
square feet after the fifth Lease Year upon the termination of the initial short
term leases entered into by Landlord, if any, but in no event later than twelve
(12) months after the end of the fifth Lease Year. The Basic Rent for any
additional space in the Building leased by Tenant shall be an amount equal to
fair rental value as determined pursuant to Section 35 and all concessions
relating to Tenant improvements shall be at market rates. All other terms and
conditions of this Lease shall apply. If Tenant exercises its




                                       66


<PAGE>



option to rent additional space, the space shall be made available to Tenant at
the termination of any pre-existing short term leases entered into by Landlord
for the space.

     37. Roof Options. Tenant shall have an ongoing right of first negotiation
for space on the Roof as long as it is available. Tenant may rent space on the
roof of the Building for uses approved by Landlord in advance at market rates.
Notwithstanding the foregoing sentences, upon Tenant's written request, Landlord
shall make available to Tenant, without any rental or other charge, except as
provided below, an area on the Roof measuring approximately twenty (20) feet by
twenty (20) feet, together with an easement thereto, for the purposes of the
installation, operation and maintenance of a receiving satellite dish and
communications equipment in such location as may be reasonably required by
Tenant. The size and type of such satellite dish and equipment shall be at the
sole discretion of Tenant subject only to applicable governmental regulations.
The installation and operation of the satellite dish and equipment shall be at
the sole cost and expense of Tenant and Tenant shall promptly repair any damage
to the Roof resulting from the installation and operation of such satellite dish
and equipment.

     Tenant shall also pay reasonable administrative expenses incurred by
Landlord, if any, arising out of or in connection with the installation and
operation of such satellite dish and equipment. If as a direct cause of Tenant's
operation of such satellite dish and equipment, Landlord is unable to lease all
or any part of the remainder of the Roof to prospective tenants, then Tenant
shall be obligated to pay rent on that portion of the Roof it occupies at market
rates. Landlord further agrees that it will not lease any other portion of the
Roof to any tenant or permit any tenant to use the Roof in a manner which will
materially and adversely affect Tenant's use of the Roof for the purposes
intended hereby. Tenant may terminate its use of the Roof at any time during the
Term, or any renewals, upon written notice to Landlord. Following such notice,
Tenant shall remove the satellite dish and equipment and promptly repair any
damage to the Roof resulting from such removal.

     38. Security Plan. Upon the Lease Commencement Date, Landlord shall
implement a security plan for the Building and Parking Facilities that includes
the items listed on Exhibit G (the "Security Plan"). The Security Plan shall not
be materially revised by Landlord without obtaining the prior written consent of
the Tenant, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.




                                       67


<PAGE>



     39. Tenant's Allowance.

     (a) Landlord shall give Tenant an allowance to cover the cost of Tenant's
Work in an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying $15.00 by the
Rentable Area, or a total allowance of 8750,000 ("Tenant's Regular Allowance").

     (b) Landlord shall give Tenant an additional allowance ("Tenant's Special
Allowance") in an amount equal to $350,000 which may be used to reimburse Tenant
for any direct costs paid or incurred by Tenant in designing, preparing and
completing the Leased Premises including, without limitation, the purchase of
furniture and equipment. Tenant's Regular Allowance and Tenant's Special
Allowance are collectively referred to herein as "Tenant's Allowance. " Tenant
shall not be entitled to receive any part of the Tenant's Allowance which is not
used.

     (c) Tenant shall have the right, by written request given to Landlord at
any time or from time to time within ninety (90) days after completion of
Tenant's Work, to require Landlord to disburse to Tenant, by check, Tenant's
Allowance, as needed by Tenant to pay for the costs and expenses of the type
referred to in this subsection. Tenant agrees to furnish to Landlord copies of
bills and invoices supporting each request for funds pursuant to this subsection
at the time such request is made. Landlord shall pay the amount requested by
Tenant in writing, on the 15th day of the month after the month in which
Landlord receives Tenant's written request, except that if Landlord receives
Tenant's written request on or after the 25th day of a month, Landlord shall not
be required to make the payment to Tenant until the 15th day of the second
succeeding month.

     (d) During each of the first ten Lease Years Tenant shall pay as Additional
Rent, ten percent (10%) of the amount paid by Landlord to Tenant as Tenant's
Special Allowance above plus interest at the rate of twelve percent (12%). Such
sum shall be paid in equal monthly installments, in advance, commencing on the
Lease Commencement Date, and continuing thereafter on the first day of each and
every month thereafter for a period of one hundred and twenty (120) months.

     40. City Approvals. Both parties acknowledge that Landlord has not obtained
all Baltimore City approvals relating to the execution of the Ground Lease
referenced in Section 20(c) herein. In the event such approvals are not obtained
by February 29, 1996, this Lease shall be null and void. Landlord shall
diligently pursue receipt of the appropriate City approvals.

     41. Tenant's Right to Terminate. In the event Landlord has not completed
construction of the Building for whatever reason and


                                       68


<PAGE>



regardless of force majeure by April 1, 1997, Tenant shall have the right, at
its discretion, to terminate this Lease Agreement upon written notice to
Landlord.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have caused this Lease to be signed
by their duly authorized partners or officers as of the day and year first above
written.

Witness:                             Landlord

                                     Harbor East Parcel G - Office, LLC

                                     By: Presidential Entertainment Associates, 
                                         LLC, Member

                                     By: Paterakis/Tsakalos Family Partnership, 
                                         LLP, Member

/s/ Jeri Zlatkowski                  By: /s/ William Patarakis            (SEAL)
- -------------------                      ---------------------------------
                                         Name: William Pararakis
                                         Partner

/s/ Jeri Zlatkowski                  By: /s/ Nicholas Tsakalos            (SEAL)
- -------------------                      ---------------------------------
                                         Name: Nicholas Tsakalos
                                         Partner



                                     By: Paterakis/Tsakalos Family Partnership,
                                         LLP, Member

/s/ Jeri Zlatkowski                  By: /s/ William Patarakis            (SEAL)
- -------------------                      ---------------------------------
                                         Name: William Pararakis
                                         Partner

/s/ Jeri Zlatkowski                  By: /s/ Nicholas Tsakalos            (SEAL)
- -------------------                      ---------------------------------
                                         Name: Nicholas Tsakalos
                                         Partner


                                       69


<PAGE>




Witness:                             Tenant

                                     Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc.

/s/ Illegible                        By:  /s/ Douglas L. Becher
- -------------------                      ---------------------------------
                                         Name:  Douglas L. Becher
                                         Title: President

     The undersigned joins herein to acknowledge that it will make Parcels P, B
and C available to Landlord to satisfy the surface parking requirements
described in Section 29(b) hereof.


                                     Harbor East Limited Partnership


                                     By: Paterakis/Tsakalos Family Partnership
                                         LLP


                                     By: /s/ Nicholas Tsakalos            (SEAL)
                                         ---------------------------------      
                                         Name: Nicholas Tsakalos                
                                     

                                     By: /s/ William Patarakis            (SEAL)
                                         ---------------------------------      
                                         Name: William Pararakis                


                                       70


<PAGE>


                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                            FLOOR PLAN LEVELS 3 & 4
                               INNER HARBOR EAST
                              BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
                                    PARCEL G



<PAGE>


                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                               FLOOR PLAN LEVEL 5
                               INNER HARBOR EAST
                              BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
                                    PARCEL G



<PAGE>


                                   EXHIBIT B

                        DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT

     THIS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is attached to
and made a part of that certain Lease Agreement dated August _, 1995 (the
"Lease") by and between Inner Harbor East Parcel G - Office LLC ("Landlord") and
Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc.

                                    ARTICLE 1
                                     GENERAL

1.1 Purpose. This Agreement sets forth the agreement of the parties for the
design and construction of an office building and other improvements (the
"Project") on the site located on Lancaster Street, Baltimore, Maryland, and
more particularly described in Exhibit F to the Lease (the "Project Site"). The
Project will be comprised of the preparation and improvement of the Project Site
and the construction of the Base Building (hereinafter defined), for which
Landlord shall be responsible for the design and construction as more
particularly set forth herein, and the Tenant Work, for which Tenant shall be
responsible for the design and construction as more particularly set forth
herein.

1.2 Scope of Work. The scope of work to be performed pursuant to this Agreement
includes the development and preparation of Construction Documents (as
hereinafter defined) for the Project and the performance of all work thereunder
and reasonably inferable therefrom in order to complete the Project as a
fully-equipped, fully-functioning, first-class office building and related
improvements.

1.3 Landlord's Representative. Landlord hereby designates Steve McBride to be
its designated representative for purposes of contact between Landlord and
Tenant in connection with the design and construction of the Project, including,
without limitation, the giving of notices and approvals ("Landlord's
Representative"). Landlord shall have the right, by timely written notice given
to Tenant in the manner provided in the Lease for the giving of notices, to
remove the existing Landlord's Representative and to appoint another individual
to act as Landlord's Representative. However, no more than one (1) person shall
act as Landlord's Representative at any given time. Landlord agrees that
Landlord's Representative shall have the authority to bind Landlord with respect
to all matters for which the consent or approval of Landlord is required or
permitted pursuant to this Agreement and that all consents, approvals and
waivers given in writing by Landlord's Representative shall bind Landlord and
may be relied



<PAGE>



upon by Tenant. Landlord hereby ratifies all actions and decisions with respect
to the design and construction of the Project that Landlord's Representative has
taken or made prior to the execution of the Lease.

1.4 Tenant's Representative. Tenant hereby designates John Hoey to be its
designated representative for purposes of contact between Tenant and Landlord in
connection with the design and construction of the Project, including, without
limitation, the giving of notices and approvals. Tenant shall have the right, by
timely written notice given to Landlord in the manner provided in the Lease for
the giving of notices, to remove the existing Tenant's Representative and to
appoint another individual to act as Tenant's Representative. However, no more
than one (1) person shall act as Tenant's Representative at any given time.
Tenant agrees that Tenant's Representative shall have the authority to bind
Tenant with respect to all matters for which the consent or approval of Tenant
is required or permitted pursuant to this Agreement and that all consents,
approvals and waivers given in writing by Tenant's Representative shall bind
Tenant and may be relied upon by Landlord. Tenant hereby ratifies all actions
and decisions with respect to the design and construction of the Project that
Tenant's Representative has taken or made prior to the execution of the Lease.


                                    ARTICLE 2
                                   DEFINITIONS

2.1 The following words and phrases used in this Agreement shall have the
respective definitions ascribed to them:

     Base Building: The building to be constructed pursuant to this Agreement
and to Annex 1, excluding interior finishing of the space for Tenant's use and
occupancy but including toilet rooms, telephone closets, mechanical equipment
rooms (complete with air handling equipment and electrical closets with
high-voltage and low-voltage panel boards and transformers), elevators and
stairwells, main lobby, the Parking Structure (hereinafter defined), preliminary
and final site work, landscaping and all other improvements described in the
Base Building Construction Documents (as hereinafter defined) and all other
improvements required in order to obtain a non-residential use permit for the
building (exclusive of the Tenant Work).

     Base Building Construction Contract: The contract between Landlord and
Landlord's Contractor for the performance of the Base Building Work (hereinafter
defined).

     Base Building Construction Documents: The final construction drawings and
specifications for the Base Building, approved by Landlord and by appropriate
governmental authorities, and all


                                       2
<PAGE>



addenda issued prior to and all modifications issued after the execution of the
Base Building Construction Contract.

     Base Building Work: All items of work, materials, equipment and
installation (including Project site work) necessary to the construction and
completion of the Base Building in accordance with the Base Building
Construction Documents.

     Date of Substantial Completion: The date on which the Base Building is
substantially complete as evidenced by (i) a Certificate of Substantial
Completion issued by Landlord's Architect and (ii) a Non-Residential Use Permit
(shell only) for the Base Building issued by appropriate local government
authorities of Baltimore City.

     Floor Ready Condition: The condition of the Leased Premises when it meets
the standards set forth in Annex 2 of this Agreement so that the Leased Premises
are ready to receive Tenant Work.

     Landlord's Architect: Beatty/Harvey/Fillat, the architect selected by
Landlord to develop and prepare the Base Building Construction Documents. For
the purposes of this Agreement, the term "Landlord's Architect" shall include
Beatty/Harvey/Fillat and all other engineers, architects, designers and/or
consultants retained by either Landlord or Beatty/Harvey/Fillat in the execution
of the Base Building Work pursuant to this Agreement and their respective
subcontractors and subconsultants.

     Landlord's Contractor: The contractor or contractors selected by Landlord.

     Parking Structure: The parking structure to be constructed by the Landlord,
as part of the Base Building.

     Tenant Construction Delay: The cumulative total of all delays after the
execution of this Lease which are due solely to the acts or omissions of Tenant,
its agents, employees or contractors. Tenant Construction Delay shall include,
without limitation, delays in the performance of Base Building Work caused by
the performance of Tenant Work.

     Tenant Work: All interior finish work which is not included in the Base
Building Work but which is required to complete the Base Building for Tenant's
use and occupancy for the purposes permitted by the Lease.

     Tenant Work Construction Contract: The contract between Tenant and Tenant's
Contractor for the performance of the Tenant Work.

     Tenant Work Construction Documents: The final construction drawings and
specifications for the Tenant Work.



                                       3
<PAGE>



     Tenant's Architect: As identified in Paragraph 3.1 of this Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement, the term "Tenant's Architect" shall be deemed to
include all architects, engineers designers, and consultants retained by either
Tenant or Tenant's Architect in the execution of the design of the Tenant Work
pursuant to this Agreement and their respective subcontractors and
subconsultants.

     Tenant's Contractor: The contractor or contractors selected by Tenant to
perform the Tenant Work. 

2.2 Other Terms. Other capitalized terms used in this Agreement, unless
otherwise expressly defined in this Agreement, shall have those definitions
respectively ascribed to them in this Lease.


                                    ARTICLE 3
                             CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

3.1 Tenant Work Construction Documents. Landlord and Tenant agree that Tenant
has the unconditional right, without penalty, to select the architect of its
choice for the preparation of the Tenant Work Construction Documents (the
"Tenant's Architect"). Tenant shall be responsible for the timely preparation
and completion of the Tenant Work Construction Documents.

3.2 The Tenant Work Construction Documents shall set forth, among other things,
the proposed configuration of the Tenant Work, the materials to be used in the
construction thereof and all appropriate electrical, plumbing, mechanical and
finish specifications and schedules.

3.3 Tenant shall deliver to Landlord, for its review and comment, preliminary
plans and specifications of the construction documents for the Tenant Work.
Landlord shall review and approve the preliminary plans and specifications to
assure that the Tenant Work is consistent with the Base Building Construction
Documents. Within five (5) business days after its receipt of preliminary plans
and specifications of the construction documents for the Tenant Work, Landlord
shall provide to Tenant its written comments to the documents. Tenant shall take
complete responsibility for ensuring that the Tenant Work Construction Documents
comply with all applicable legal requirements. Tenant shall not be entitled to a
postponement of the Lease Commencement Date for any delay in the commencement or
completion of the Tenant Work caused by the failure of the Tenant Work
Construction Documents to comply with applicable legal requirements.

3.4 After Tenant revises the Tenant Work Construction Documents based on
Landlord's comments, Tenant shall submit to Landlord, for its timely review and
comment, final plans and specifications for the Tenant Work. Within five (5)
business days of its receipt of final plans and specifications, Landlord shall
confirm to Tenant in


                                       4
<PAGE>



writing its approval or give Tenant any additional comments. The failure of
Landlord to review or comment on the construction documents for the Tenant Work
in a timely manner shall not operate as a bar to Tenant from approving final
construction documents for the Tenant Work and submitting them to appropriate
governmental authorities for approval. The government-approved final
construction documents for the Tenant Work shall be the "Tenant Work
Construction Documents. " Tenant shall deliver to Landlord two (2) complete sets
of Tenant Work Construction Documents promptly after Tenant receives the
government permits to construct the Tenant Work.

3.5 Landlord's comments or failure to comment on any of the documents prepared
by Tenant pursuant to the is Article 3 shall not be deemed to be an approval of
or admission as to the legality or accuracy of the work described in such
documents or as to the adequacy of the design or the coordination of such work.


                                    ARTICLE 4
                        PERFORMANCE OF THE WORK GENERALLY

4.1 Cooperation of the Parties. Landlord and Tenant agree to cooperate with one
another in the performance of their respective construction obligations for the
Project pursuant to this Agreement and specifically relating to those portions
of the Base Building construction that may affect Tenant's construction costs.
Landlord and Tenant each agree to work expeditiously and in good faith with the
other and with the respective contractors, architects and others to complete the
Base Building Work and the Tenant Work in a timely manner in accordance with the
respective construction documents and to cause their respective architects,
contractors and employees to do the same. Landlord shall respond to requests for
information from Tenant within ten (10) days. Landlord shall provide Tenant with
a detailed schedule for its Base Building construction. Notwithstanding this
mutual cooperation, Landlord shall not have any right to direct Tenant's
Architect, Tenant's Contractor or Tenant's employees and Tenant shall not have
any right to direct Landlord's Architect, Landlord's Contractor or Landlord's
employees.

4.2 Coordination of Contractors. Landlord shall properly coordinate the Base
Building Work with the Tenant Work and shall ensure that the Base Building
Construction Contract provides for such opportunity. Tenant shall properly
coordinate the Tenant Work with the Base Building Work and shall ensure that the
Tenant Work Construction Contract provides for such opportunity. Tenant shall
ensure that the Tenant Work Construction Contract includes appropriate
provisions to the effect that, if any part of the Tenant Work depends on the
proper execution or results of the Base Building Work, then Tenant's Contractor
shall inspect the Base Building Work and shall promptly report to Tenant (with
copies to Landlord and to Landlord's Contractor) any defects it discovers in


                                       5
<PAGE>



the Base Building Work that render it unsuitable for the proper execution of the
Tenant Work. Landlord shall construct the Base Building in accordance with the
Base Building Construction Documents.

4.3 Landlord shall cause Landlord's Contractor to perform the Base Building Work
in a manner that does not unreasonably interfere with the performance by
Tenant's Contractor of the Tenant Work. Tenant shall cause Tenant's Contractor
to perform the Tenant Work in a manner that does not unreasonably interfere with
the performance by Landlord's Contractor of the Base Building Work.

4.4 Construction Contract Provisions. The Base Building Construction Contract
and the Tenant Work Construction Contract shall each include, without
limitation, sufficient and appropriate provisions for: (i) reasonably detailed
and unambiguous procedures for the administration of change orders and
construction change directives, (ii) in the case of the Base Building
Construction Contract, express warranties that the work performed under the Base
Building Construction Contract is warranted to be free from defects in materials
and workmanship for a period of at least one (1) year from the Date of
Substantial Completion, (iii) insurance in forms and amounts customary for the
construction of a first-class office building in Baltimore, Maryland (iv) the
performance of work under the respective construction contracts and subcontracts
in accordance with the respective construction documents and in accordance with
the standards of workmanship and materials for a first-class office building in
Baltimore, Maryland, (v) the timely payment of sums due under the respective
construction contract and the prompt discharge of all liens and claims of lien,
(vi) reasonable measures for conducting operations in a manner which guards
against damage to property and injury to persons, (vii) the coordination of work
by separate contractors, (viii) in the case of the Tenant Work Construction
Contract, the agreement that Tenant's Contractor shall not file a mechanic's or
materialman's lien against Landlord's interest in the Land, the Base Building,
or both, and shall limit its lien rights to Tenant's Leasehold Estate, and (ix)
in the case of the Base Building Construction Contract, the agreement that
Landlord's Contractor shall not file a mechanic's or materialman's lien against
all or part of the Tenant Work but shall limit its lien rights to Landlord's
interest in the Land, the Base Building or both.


                                       6
<PAGE>



                                    ARTICLE 5
                         PERFORMANCE OF THE TENANT WORK

5.1 Tenant Allowances. Landlord shall provide Tenant with a construction
allowance as set forth in Section 39 of the Lease. The Tenant Regular Allowance
and the Tenant Special Allowance shall be collectively referred to as the
"Tenant Allowances. "

5.2 Tenant shall be responsible for all costs to design and perform the Tenant
Work in excess of the respective Tenant Allowances, except for damage to the
Tenant Work caused by Landlord, Landlord's Contractor or their respective
employees or agents.

5.3 Tenant Work Construction Contract. The Tenant Work shall be constructed in
accordance with the Tenant Work Construction Documents. Landlord and Tenant
agree that Tenant has the unconditional right, without penalty, to select the
contractor of its choice to perform the Tenant Work ("Tenant's Contractor"). All
Tenant Work shall be constructed by Tenant's Contractor under a written
construction contract between Tenant and Tenant's Contractor (the "Tenant Work
Construction Contract"). Tenant agrees that the bid documents for the Tenant
Work shall include the standards of Floor Ready Condition. Tenant reserves its
right to substitute contractors and shall give reasonable notice of any such
substitution to Landlord.

5.4 Government Permits and Approvals. Tenant shall be responsible for timely
obtaining, from appropriate governmental authorities, all licenses, permits and
approvals necessary for the proper performance of the Tenant Work and for the
cost of such licenses, permits and approvals. Landlord shall cooperate with
Tenant in obtaining such licenses, permits and approvals.

5.5 Tenant's Cost Obligations. Tenant shall be responsible for all costs
associated with removing or discharging liens or claims of lien asserted by
Tenant's Architect or Tenant's Contractor.

5.6 Landlord Right of Access and Inspection, Progress of the Work. Landlord and
Landlord's Architect shall have the right of access to inspect the Tenant Work
and Tenant shall allow Landlord and Landlord's Architect free and unrestricted
access to the Tenant Work for such inspections, provided such access and
inspection do not unreasonably interfere with or delay the performance of the
Tenant Work. Landlord, Tenant, Tenant's Architect, Landlord's Architect and,
where appropriate, Landlord's Contractor and Tenant's Contractor shall meet on a
regular basis to discuss the progress of the construction of the Tenant Work and
its coordination with the Base Building Work. Tenant and Landlord shall hold
such meetings more frequently when needed.

5.7 Utilities; Protection of Work, Clean-up. Tenant shall make arrangements with
Landlord for temporary water, power and other


                                       7
<PAGE>



utilities and connections therefor and the use of the porta-sans for the Base
Building during the period when the Tenant Work is being performed. Landlord
shall pay the cost of temporary utilities up to the date that the Leased
Premises are delivered to Tenant in Floor Ready Condition for its construction
of Tenant Work; thereafter, Tenant shall be responsible for the cost of such
utilities in the Leased Premises. Tenant shall be responsible for the removal
(including cost) of trash and construction debris resulting from the performance
of Tenant Work. Tenant shall take all reasonable steps to protect the Base
Building Work from and against damage arising out of its performance of the
Tenant Work. Landlord shall take all reasonable steps to protect the Tenant Work
from and against damage arising out of its performance of Base Building Work.

Upon completion of the Tenant Work, Tenant shall remove all surplus materials,
debris and rubbish of whatever kind remaining in any part of the Base Building
brought in or created in the performance of the Tenant Work. Tenant shall make,
whether directly or through Landlord, all payments when due for the Tenant Work,
whether to contractors or others. When the Tenant Work is completed, Tenant
shall furnish to Landlord one (1) set of "as-built" plans of mylars and one (1)
set of specifications for the Tenant Work prepared and sealed by Tenant's
Architect.

5.8 Neither Tenant nor Tenant's Contractor shall store materials required for
performance of the Tenant Work in any part of the Base Building that is leased
to another tenant. Landlord shall permit Tenant and Tenant's contractors use of
unoccupied portions of the Project for field offices, staging and construction
materials storage at no charge.


                                   ARTICLE 5A
                                 LANDLORD'S WORK

5A.1 Landlord shall prepare the Project Site and construct the Base Building in
a good and workmanlike manner, with reasonable diligence, in accordance with the
Base Building Construction Documents and to the standard set forth in Section
1.2.

5A.2 Landlord will give Tenant, to the extent available, the benefit of all
warranties relating to equipment installed in the Leased Premises.

5A.3 Tenant Right of Access. Tenant and Tenant's Architect shall have the right
of access to inspect the Base Building and Landlord shall allow Tenant and
Tenant's Architect free and unrestricted access to the Base Building for such
inspections, provided such access and inspection do not unreasonably interfere
with or delay the performance of the Base Building Construction.


                                       8
<PAGE>




5A.4 Tenant shall have thirty (30) days to give notice to Landlord of any
defects in the Base Building construction. Subject to Unavoidable Delays,
Landlord shall have sixty (60) days from the date of receipt of notice from
Tenant to correct such defects.


                                    ARTICLE 6
                           DELIVERY OF LEASED PREMISES

6.1 Prior to the Date of Substantial Completion of the Base Building, Landlord
shall deliver possession of the Leased Premises to Tenant in Floor Ready
Condition, except for touch-up, minor finish and similar so-called "punchlist"
items that do not prevent Tenant from beginning to perform Tenant Work in the
Leased Premises. When Landlord believes that the Base Building Work on the
Leased Premises is about to be completed, Landlord, Tenant, Tenant's Architect
and Tenant's Contractor shall walk through and make a visual inspection of the
Leased Premises, and Landlord's Architect and Tenant's Architect shall jointly
prepare a schedule of "punchlist" work for the Leased Premises within 30 days of
the delivery of the Leased Premises. Landlord shall provide five (5) Business
Days' oral or written notice to Tenant of the time when such inspection shall
occur.

6.2 Subject to Unavoidable Delays, within thirty (30) calendar days after the
receipt by Landlord's Architect of the punchlist for the Leased Premises,
Landlord shall cause Landlord's Contractor to complete all items identified in
the punchlist.


                                    ARTICLE 7
                               DISPUTE RESOLUTION

7.1 Cooperation of the Architects. Landlord's Architect and Tenant's Architect
shall each have the affirmative duty to consult with one another and to
cooperate in rendering a determination under the Base Building Construction
Contract or the Tenant Work Construction Contract whenever such determination
affects both the Base Building Work and the Tenant Work. Landlord and Tenant
shall include provisions to such effect in their respective contracts with the
architects.

7.2 Dispute Resolution. If the parties to this Agreement are unable to resolve
their differences through negotiation, then such dispute(s) shall be resolved
through arbitration pursuant to the Construction Industry Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association then in effect, as modified by the terms of
this Article 7. Arbitration shall be conducted at a location in Baltimore,
Maryland to be agreed upon by the parties. Disputes under the respective
architect contracts and construction contracts shall be resolved in accordance
with the dispute resolution provisions set forth in such contracts.


                                       9
<PAGE>



7.3 Selection of Arbitrators. Arbitration shall be conducted by three (3)
arbitrators with each party to this Agreement selecting one (1) arbitrator each
and the two selected arbitrators then selecting the third arbitrator.

7.4 Limited Discovery. Prior to the commencement of the arbitration, each party
shall be entitled to take limited discovery, including the rights to request a
reasonable number of documents, to serve no more than twenty (20)
interrogatories and to take no more than three (3) depositions. This limited
discovery shall be conducted in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure, which shall be interpreted and enforced by the arbitrator.

7.5 Hearing and decision. The arbitrators shall, as soon as practicable and upon
fifteen (15) days' written notice to each party, conduct an arbitration hearing
and proceeding on the merits of the dispute and thereafter shall issue a written
decision citing the bases for the decision, including findings of fact and
conclusions of law.

7.6 Costs and Expenses. Each party shall bear its own costs and expenses arising
out of any arbitration and shall bear equally the costs, expenses and fees of
the arbitrator, unless the arbitrator determines otherwise.

7.7 Consolidation and Joinder. Any arbitration arising out of or relating to
this Agreement or breach thereof may include by consolidation, joinder or other
manner any other Person or Persons which or whom a party to the arbitration
reasonably believes to be substantially involved in a common question of fact or
law.

7.8 Enforcement. The agreement to arbitration shall be specifically enforceable
under prevailing arbitration law. Any award rendered by the arbitrator(s) shall
be final and enforceable by any party to the arbitration, and judgment may be
rendered upon it in accordance with applicable law in a court of competent
jurisdiction.


                                       10
<PAGE>




                                                                         ANNEX I

                     HARBOR EAST BUILDING SHELL DEFINITION
                                 AUGUST 9, 1995

BUILDING SHELL
- --------------

1.   The building standard HVAC system capacity is 310 gross square feet per
     ton.

2.   The building Standard HVAC system shall be as follows:

     A.   VAV's will be installed at a ratio of 1 VAV per 1500 square feet. Each
          VAV will have & thermostat.

     B.   The Building Standard system does not extend beyond the VAV's and does
          not include flex duct, spin outs or low pressure duct work and
          diffusers.

     C.   VAV's will be located to accommodate the tenant's plan provided that
          all final tenants plans are issued to us in accordance with a mutually
          agreed upon schedule such that construction coordination and progress
          is not impacted.

3.   The Building Standard, sprinkler system will be installed at a density on
     average of one head, per 150 rentable square feet. Coordination of
     sprinkler installation with the tenant plans will be provided if the plans
     are issued in advance of the sprinkler design. Any head relocation or
     additional heads required will be at tenant's expense.

4.   The Building fire alarm smoke detectors, exit lights, hose cabinets, etc.
     will be installed per code requirements for the core and shell only.
     However, the alarm system will have the capacity for adding additional
     tenant devices.

5.   The Building power distribution system including the power to the
     electrical panel will be able to handle the three watts per square feet for
     lighting and five watts per square feet for convenience power and shall
     consist of the incoming switch gear and vertical distribution to panel
     boards in an electrical closet on each floor. All distribution from the
     panel will be by he tenant. The Building Standard does not include
     independent "clean power" risers.

6.   The mini-blinds will be furnished and installed at all perimeter windows by
     Landlord.



                                       1
<PAGE>



7.   The Building generator is sized at 300 KVA.

8.   The window system will be provided on 5' modules.

9.   The Building design provides for 100 pound per square feet floor loafing.

10.  The loading dock area will have space for one (1) tractor trailer and a
     trash compactor.

11.  Exterior wells adjacent to and beneath windows will be insulated, furred.
     drywalled, taped, bedded and ready to receive paint.

12.  No corridor or demising walls are included in the core and shell for full
     floor users.

13.  Two (2) wet stacks will be provided for plumbing tie-ins.

14.  Finishes in elevator cabs and restrooms are included.

16.  Tenant elevator lobbies will be finished with a combination of carpet,
     vinyl wallcovering, ceiling and light fixtures. In the event that the
     Tenant notifies the Landlord in writing within ninety (90) days after the
     Lease execution, the Tenant has the option to receive credit for base
     building Tenant elevator lobby finishes.

17.  Signage for restrooms, elevator lobbies, and stairs shall comply with all
     the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)



                                       2
<PAGE>



                                                                        ANNEX II

                                   HARBOR EAST

                              FLOOR READY CONDITION
                                 4TH & 5TH FLOOR
                                 August 8, 1995

Base Building work to be completed in order for each Base Building Floor to be
in Floor Ready Condition:

1)   Exterior walls and "less windows end frames Installed and weathertight,
     except for area(s) at external lift locations (if any).

2)   Unfinished interior of exterior walls (with wallboard portion of exterior
     walls taped, bedded, and finished ready for surface treatment).

3)   Unfinished concrete floors to have a trowel finish throughout and to be
     level to the specifications required in the Base Building Construction
     Documents.

4)   Sprinkler risers and main loop installed, together with sprinkler heads,
     as provided in the Base Building Construction Documents..

5)   Tenant side of building core installed with walls installed, taped and
     finished.

6)   Building electrical panels (ready for Tenant's electrical connections) in
     the core electrical closets constucted in accordance with the Base Building
     Construction Documents and ready for Tenant's electrical connections.

7)   Building air handling unit(s) in the applicable mechanical room (if any).

8)   One (1) sanitary sewer and vent location (if any) in the core area for
     Tenant's connection in accordance with the Base Building Construction
     Documents.

9)   One (1) domestic colt water supply connection (if any) in the core area in
     accordance with the Base Building Construction Documents.

10)  The reinforcement of the Base Building floor, if required by the Base
     Building Construction Documents.



<PAGE>


                                   EXHIBIT C

                       SPECIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE CLEANING

     The leased premises and the building itself will be maintained in a manner
befitting a modern, first-quality rental office building in Baltimore, Maryland.


     The Landlord will furnish janitor and cleaning services as described below
for the demised premises (includes office areas, stock rooms, xerox rooms,
conference rooms and corridors):

     I.   DAILY:

          1.   Collect trash. (Private kitchens included.)

          2.   Empty ash trays; damp wipe clean.

          3.   Dust furniture, desks, machines, phones, file cabinets, window
               ledges, etc. (Papers left on desks will not be disturbed.)

          5.   Wash water fountains.

          6.   LAVATORIES:

               (a)  Clean and disinfect all toilet bowls, urinals, and wash
                    basins.

               (b)  Clean mirrors.

               (c)  Resupply all dispensers and toilet paper. 

               (d)  Damp wipe and disinfect all ledges, toilet stalls, and
                    doors.

               (e)  Damp mop and disinfect all floors.

               (f)  Empty and clean sanitary napkin disposal containers.

               (g)  Collect trash.

          7.   TURN OFF LIGHTS AND CHECK ALL DOORS ON COMPLETION OF WORK.

     II.  WEEKLY:

          1.   Spot clean carpet stains.

          2.   Spot clean walls, doors, partitions.

          3.   Sweep all stair areas.

          4.   Dust wood wall paneling.

     III. MONTHLY:

          1.   Scrub and recondition resilient tile floors.

          2.   Wash all interior glass partitions on both sides.

          3.   Dust Venetian blinds.

          4.   Dust picture frames, charts, etc.



<PAGE>


     IV.  SEMI-ANNUALLY:

          1.   Dust all horizontal and vertical surfaces not reached in nightly
               cleaning (pipes, light fixtures, door frames, wall hangings,
               etc.).

          2.   Wash windows, inside and outside.

     V.   ANNUALLY:

          Strip and refinish all resilient floor areas using buffable, non-slip
          floor finish.

     VI.  AS NECESSARY:

          1.   Clean Venetian blinds.

          2.   Spot clean light switches, doors, and walls

          3.   Wash light fixtures including reflectors. globes, diffusers, and
               trim.

          4.   Spot clean all baseboards.

     VII. EXTRAS - CHARGED TO TENANT: *

          1.   Daily buffing of hardwood floors in executive office areas.

          2.   Cleaning of kitchen, canteen, or coffee station areas, including
               washing sink, washing ledge, cleaning cabinets, and/or
               appliances.

          3.   Dusting and sweeping of storage areas, closets, telephone
               exchange areas.

          4.   Cleaning of shower stalls, jacuzzis, or other similar
               non-standard equipment included in restrooms.

     Should Lessee install specialty items, other than building standard items
as outlined in Exhibit "A", or above, which will increase in any way the rate
being charged by the cleaning contractor for the demised premises, Lessee shall
be liable for such increases and will reimburse Lessor for any additional cost.

     All of the above services are to be performed during those hours as
established between owner and cleaning contractor. Any special cleaning requests
are to be in writing and delivered to the management office by 3:00 p.m.

*Only if authorized by Tenant.


5368EML.2dl




                                      -2-
<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT D
                              RULES AND REGULATIONS

     The following rules and regulations have been formulated for the safety and
well-being of all the Tenants of the Building. Adherence to these rules and
regulations insures that each and every Tenant will enjoy a safe occupancy in
the Building. Any violation of these rules and regulations by any Tenant which
continues after notice from Landlord shall be sufficient cause for termination,
at the option of Landlord, of the Tenant's lease.

     Landlord shall have the continuing right to amend or eliminate any of the
rules and regulations, and also to adopt additional reasonable rules and
regulations of like force and effect. Any change whatsoever of any nature shall
be effective thirty (30) days after delivery of written notice thereof to the
Tenant at the demised premises.

     1. The sidewalks, entrances, passages, courts excluding main
security/reception area, elevators, vestibules, stairway corridors or halls or
other parts of the Building not occupied by any Tenant (hereinafter "Common
Areas") shall not be obstructed or encumbered by any Tenant or used for any
purpose other than ingress and egress to and from the Tenant's premises.
Landlord shall have the right to control and operate the Common Areas, and the
facilities furnished for the common use of the Tenants, in such manner as
Landlord deems best of the benefit of the Tenants generally. No Tenant shall
permit the visit to its premises of persons in such numbers under such
conditions as to interfere with the use and enjoyment by other Tenants of the
Common Areas.

     2. No awning or other projections shall be attached to the outside walls of
the Building without the prior written consent of Landlord. No blinds, shades or
screens shall be attached to or hung in, or used in connection with, any window
or door of a Tenant's premises, without the prior written consent of the
Landlord. Such awnings, projections, curtains, blinds, screens or other fixtures
must be of a quality, type, design and color, and attached in the manner
approved by Landlord.

     3. No sign, advertisement, notice or other lettering shall be exhibited,
inscribed, painted or affixed by any Tenant on any part of the outside of the
Tenant's premises or the Building without the prior written consent of the
Landlord. In the event of the violation of the foregoing by any Tenant, Landlord
may remove same without any liability, and may charge the expense incurred by
such removal to the Tenant or Tenants violating this rule.

     4. No show cases or other articles shall be put in front or affixed to any
part of the exterior of the Building, nor placed in the Common Areas without the
prior written consent of Landlord.



<PAGE>


     5. The water and wash closets and other plumbing fixtures shall not be used
for any purposes other than those for which they were constructed, and no
sweepings, rubbish, rags, or other substances shall be thrown therein. All
damages resulting from any misuse of the fixtures shall be borne by Tenant, who,
or whose employees, agents, visitors or licensees, shall have caused the same.

     6. There shall be no defacing or damage of any part of a Tenant's premises
or the Building. No Tenant shall construct, maintain, use or operate within its
premises or elsewhere within or on the outside of the Building, any electrical
device, wiring or apparatus in connection with a loud speaker system or other
sound system. Landlord will, however, permit a Tenant to install muzak or other
internal music system within the Tenant's premises if the music system cannot be
heard outside the premises.

     7. No Tenant shall make or permit to be made, any disturbing noises or
disturb or interfere with occupants of the Building or neighboring buildings or
premises or those having business with them, whether by the use of any musical
instrument, radio, tape recorder, whistling, singing, or any other way. No
Tenant shall throw anything out of the doors or windows or down the corridors or
stairs.

     8. No bicycles, vehicles or animals, birds or pets of any kind shall be
brought into the Building or kept in or about a Tenant's premises. No cooking
shall be done or permitted by any Tenant on its premises, except that, with
Landlord's prior approval, a Tenant may install and operate for the convenience
of its employees, a main kitchen, a lounge or coffee room with microwave, sink
and refrigerator. No Tenant shall cause or permit any unusual or objectionable
odors to originate from its premises.

     9. No space in or about the Building, including balconies, shall be used
for the manufacture or sale at auctions, or merchandise, goods or property of
any kind.

     10. No other inflammable, combustible or explosive fluid, chemical or
substance shall be brought or kept upon a Tenant's premises.

     11. No additional bolts of any kind shall be placed upon any of the doors
or windows by any Tenant, nor shall changes be made in existing locks or the
mechanism thereof. The doors leading to the corridors or main halls shall be
kept closed during business hours except as they may be used for ingress or
egress. Each Tenant shall, upon the termination of its tenancy, return to
Landlord all keys used in connection with its premises, including any keys to
the premises, to rooms and offices within the premises; to storage rooms and
closets, to cabinets and other built-in furniture, and to toilet rooms, whether
or not such keys were furnished by Landlord



<PAGE>



or procured by Tenant, and in the event of loss of any such keys, such Tenant
shall pay to Landlord the cost of replacing the locks. On termination of a
Tenant's lease, the Tenant shall disclose to Landlord the combination of all
locks for safes, safe cabinets, and vault doors, if any, remaining in the
premises.

     12. All removals, or the carrying in or out of any safes, freight,
furniture or large items of any description must take place in specified
elevators and in such manner as to not unreasonably interfere with other
tenants.

     13. Any persons employed by any Tenant to do Janitorial work within the
Tenant's premises shall comply with all instructions issued by the
superintendent of the Building. 

     14. No Tenant shall purchase spring water, ice, coffee, soft drinks,
towels, or other like merchandise or service from any company or person whose
repeated violations of building regulations have caused, in Landlord's
reasonable opinion, a hazard or nuisance to the Building and/or its occupants.

     15. Landlord shall have the right to prohibit any advertising by any Tenant
which, in Landlord's reasonable opinion, tends to impair the reputation of the
Building or its desirability as a building for offices, and upon written notice
from Landlord, such Tenant shall refrain from or discontinue such advertising.

     16. Landlord reserves the right to exclude from the Building at all times
any person who is not known or does not properly identify himself to the
building management or its agents. Landlord may at its option require all
persons admitted to or leaving the Building to register. If identification cards
are used in any security system, Tenant shall be issued a reasonable number of
cards without charge, but each additional or replacement card requested shall be
issued only upon payment of a service fee of Ten Dollars ($10.00) per card.

     17. Each Tenant, before closing and leaving its premises at any time, shall
use reasonable efforts to see that lights, electrical appliances and mechanical
equipment are turned off.

     18. The requirements of Tenants will be attended to only upon application
at the office of the Building. Building employees shall not perform any work or
do anything outside of their regular duties unless under special instruction
from the management of the Building.

     19. Canvassing, soliciting and peddling in the Building is prohibited and
each Tenant shall cooperate to prevent the same, including notifying Landlord
when and if such activity occurs.


                                        3


<PAGE>


     20. No water cooler, plumbing or electrical fixture (other than common wall
outlets) shall be installed by the Tenant without Landlord's prior written
consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

     21. There shall not be used in any space, or in the public halls of the
Building, either by any Tenant or by jobbers or others, in the delivery or
receipt of merchandise, any hand trucks, except those equipped with rubber tires
and side guards.

     22. Access plates to underfloor conduits shall be left exposed. Where
carpet is installed, carpet shall be cut around access plates.

     23. Mats, trash, boxes, crates and other objects shall not be placed in
public corridors. When Tenant must dispose of trash, boxes, crates, etc., it
will be the responsibility of Tenant to dispose of same prior to or after normal
business hours so as to avoid having such debris visible in the public areas
during such hours.

     24. Drapes installed by Tenant which are visible from the exterior of the
Building must be clean by such Tenant at least once a year, at Tenant's own
expense.

     25. Landlord does not maintain, or clean, or repair suite finishes which
are non-standard such as wallpaper, special lights, etc. However, should the
need for repairs arise, Landlord will arrange for the work to be done at the
Tenant's expense.

     26. All office equipment of any electrical or mechanical nature shall be
placed by Tenant in the demised premises in approved settings to absorb or
prevent any vibration, noise or annoyance. Further, Landlord shall have the
power to prescribe the weight and position of heavy equipment or objects which
may overstress any portion of the floor. All damage done to the Building by the
improper placing of such heavy items will be repaired at the sole expense of the
responsible Tenant.

     27. Tenant shall not permit or cause to be used in the demised premises any
device or instrument such as sound reproduction system, or excessively bright,
changing, flashing, flickering, moving lights or lighting devices or any similar
devices, the effect of which shall be audible or visible beyond the confines of
the demised premises, nor shall Tenant permit any act or thing upon the demised
premises disturbing to normal sensibilities of other Tenants.

     28. All deliveries must be made via the service entrance and elevators
designated by Landlord for service, if any, during normal business hours.


                                        4


<PAGE>



     29. The demised premises shall never at any time be used for any immoral or
illegal purposes.


5369EML.2sc

6/2/95


<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT E

              Rentable Area for a Single and Multiple Tenancy Floor

     The rentable area of a single and multiple tenancy floor shall be the area
within the outside walls computed by measuring the inside finishes surface from
the glass line of the permanent outer building walls. Inclusions shall be
accessory areas serving that floor, such as elevator lobby, corridors, toilets,
janitor's closets, electrical closets, mechanical rooms, telephone closets, etc.
Inclusions shall also be a proportionate share of common services for the
building, such as main floor lobby area, main building electrical and mechanical
rooms, building engineer's office, etc. Rentable area shall include a
proportionate share of these services based upon the percentage of square
footage leased on the floor.

     No deduction shall be made for columns and projections necessary to the
building.

     Exclusions shall include such items as elevator shafts, stair wells, air
duct charges and plumbing chases.


5369EML.sac



<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT F

BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED as Parcel R as depicted on that certain subdivision
plat entitled, "flat of Subdivision, INNER HARBOR EAST; Ward 3, Section 6, Block
1801, Lot 1; Block 1802, Lot 1 & 2" which Plat is to be duly recorded among the
Land Records of Baltimore City.



5366EML,4kk
August 2, 1995



<PAGE>



                                                                       EXHIBIT G

                          HARBOR EAST OFFICE BUILDING

                                    SECURITY

================================================================================

     1.   Manned security station will be located in lobby with visual lines to
          front and rear access points to lobby. Station will be manned during
          the building hours of operation described in Lease.

     2.   An electronic security system will be provided for the building to
          provide access to the building 24 hours per day, seven (7) days a
          week.

     3.   Cardreaders will be provided at the main entries to the building,
          including access from garage.

     4.   If parking is leased in garage, cardreader access (number of cards)
          will be provided in garage equal to the number of spaces leased.

     5.   Stairs will be controlled with prop sensors.

     6.   Cardreader access will be provided at elevator bank in main lobby and
          garage level to provide additional control.

     7.   Adjacent parking lot to have card access system for after hours.

     8.   Adjacent parking is manned during business hours.

     9.   Adjacent parking lot is lighted from dark to dawn.

     10.  Adjacent parking lot is fenced.

     11.  Parking location is convenient to building.




<PAGE>




                                    EXHIBIT I



                               INNER HARBOR EAST
                               -----------------
                                SUBDIVISION PLAN

                               DATE 3 AUGUST 1995



<PAGE>




                                                                       EXHIBIT J

================================================================================
                                     MILLER
================================================================================

                         CORPORATE REAL ESTATE SERVICES

                                              August 29, 1994

Mr. Michael Culbert
Gilbane Properties
7 Jackson Walkway
Providence, Rhode Island 02940

Dear Michael:

     Miller Corporate Real Estate Services, a Maryland corporation ("Broker"),
has procured a perspective tenant, Sylvan Learning Systems (Tenant) for the
property known as Inner Harbor East (Landlord).

     To follow is the commission schedule "d terms by which Miller Corporate
Real Estate Services expects to be paid, Kindly review this agreement, have it
executed and return a signed copy to me.

COMMISSION RATE AND SCHEDULE

     Broker shall be paid by Landlord a real estate commission based on $4.00
     per square foot multiplied by the gross building area 1 leased by Tenant.
     For example. in the event Tenant leases 51,200 GBA. Broker will be paid
     $204,000.00 based on a calculation of 51,200 GBA x $4.00 p.s.f. =
     $204,000.00.

     In no event will broker be paid a fee less than $204,000.00. Payment of the
     commission shall be 75% upon lease execution and 25% upon lease
     commencement.

EXPANSION SPACE

     In the event Tenant expands its space compared to the originally leased
     square footage Broker will be paid a fee of $4.00 per gross square foot
     leased Said commission shall be earned and payable at the time he
     additional space terms are mutually executed between Landlord and Tenant.

RENEWAL OPTIONS

     In the event Tenant renews its lease for a term of length equal to the
     initial term, Broker shall be pan' by Landlord a real estate commission
     equal to $4.00 per gross square foot leased or a fee equivalent to current
     standard commission structures in the: Baltimore City market, whichever is
     greater.


           ONE SOUTH STREET - SUITE 800 * BALTIMORE * MARYLAND 21202
                                   ILLEGIBLE


<PAGE>



     This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Landlord and Broker
and supersedes all prior discussions. negotiations, and agreements whether oral
or written. No amendment, alteration cancellation or withdrawal of this
agreement shall be valid or binding unless made in writing and signed by both
Landlord and Broker. This agreement shall be binding upon and shall benefit the
heirs successors ant assignees of the parties.

     Thank you in advance for your prompt attention and we look forward to
working with you as it relates to this potential transaction


                                            Very truly yours,

                                            /s/ Ira J. Miller
                                            Ira J. Miller
                                            Principal


IJM:mgo

APPROVED THIS 28 DAY OF OCTOBER, 1994

OWNER:  GILBANE PROPERTIES INC.

BY: /s/ ILLEGIBLE
    ----------------------------

TITLE: Vice President



Miller Corporate Real Estate Services
Licensed Real Estate Broker


BY: /s/ Ira Miller    Ira Miller

TITLE:  Principal

DATE:  10/3/94



                         ==============================                         
                                     MILLER
                         ==============================                         

                         CORPORATE REAL ESTATE SERVICES




<PAGE>



5/13/96


                               AMENDMENT OF LEASE

     THIS AMENDMENT OF LEASE ("Amendment") is made as of this 13th day of May,
1996, by and between HARBOR EAST-OFFICE, LLC, formerly known as HARBOR EAST
PARCEL G - OFFICE, LLC (hereinafter referred to as "Landlord") and SYLVAN
LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC. (hereinafter referred to as "Tenant").

                                  R E C I T A L S

A. Landlord and Tenant entered into a lease dated as of August 24, 1995
(hereinafter referred to as the "Original Lease") regarding portions of the
Building located at 1000 Lancaster Street, Baltimore City, Maryland.

B. The parties hereto desire to amend the Original Lease as hereinafter set
forth.

     NOW, THEREFORE, WITNESSETH for good and valuable consideration, the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby mutually acknowledged, the parties hereto
agree as follows:

     1. Defined Terms: Terms defined in the Original Lease shall have the same
meaning for purposes of this Amendment except for the following definitions
which shall supersede the version contained in the Original Lease:

          1.1. Leased Premises: The area located on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th
     Floors of the Building as outlined in red on the floor plans attached as
     Exhibit A-1 to this Amendment consisting of 88,578 square feet as
     hereinafter set forth:


<TABLE>
               <S>                              <C>               
               2nd Floor                        27,695 square feet
               3rd Floor                         9,447 square feet
               4th Floor                        27,695 square feet
               5th Floor                        23,741 square feet
</TABLE>

               The space on the 2nd and 3rd Floor of the Building shall be the
          "Expanded Leased Premises" for the specific purposes set forth in the
          Lease.

          1.2. Rentable Area: The net rentable area of the Leased Premises as
     determined by Landlord's architect from the approved permit set of
     construction drawings for the Leased Premises, without field measurement,
     in accordance with the provisions of Exhibit E to this Lease. Landlord's
     architect has initially estimated the Rentable Area to be approximately
     92,333 square feet as hereinafter set forth:


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<PAGE>



<TABLE>
               <S>                              <C>               
               2nd Floor                        28,486 square feet
               3rd Floor                        11,042 square feet
               4th Floor                        28,486 square feet
               5th Floor                        24,319 square feet
</TABLE>

          1.3. Tenant: The Tenant named herein and any permitted assignee under
     Section 15.

     2. Lease Commencement Date. Section 2A is deleted in its entirety and the
following is inserted in lieu thereof:

          "2A. Lease Commencement Date. The Lease Commencement Date shall occur
     on the earlier of (a) seventy-five (75) days after Landlord has delivered
     the Leased Premises to Tenant in a Floor Ready Condition (the "Tenant Work
     Period") provided that the Date of Substantial Completion has occurred or
     (b) the first day Tenant moves in and occupies any significant portion of
     the Leased Premises (the "Occupancy Date"). For purposes of this Lease, (i)
     significant portion of the Leased Premises shall mean the occupancy of at
     least 10,000 square feet and (ii) the performance of Tenant Work and the
     installation of files, furniture, equipment and decorations shall not
     constitute the taking of occupancy by Tenant. If neither the Occupancy Date
     nor the Date of Substantial Completion has occurred by the end of the
     Tenant Work Period, the Lease Commencement Date shall be deferred until the
     earlier of (i) the Date of Substantial Completion, or (ii) the Occupancy
     Date. If the Date of Substantial Completion for the Base Building has not
     occurred by December 1, 1996, Landlord shall pay Tenant liquidated damages
     in the amount of $1,424.00 per day for each day of delay after December 1,
     1996 not caused by Tenant's Delay (as defined in Exhibit B) until the Lease
     Commencement Date occurs. Within 10 days after the Lease Commencement Date
     has been determined, Tenant shall, at the request of Landlord, execute and
     deliver to Landlord a written instrument setting forth the precise dates of
     commencement and expiration of the Term and the Rentable Area, and
     certifying that Tenant is in possession of the Leased Premises and has no
     claims, defenses, offsets or counterclaims against Landlord, or specifying
     each such claim, defense, offset or counterclaim.

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant may elect to use Landlord's
     Contractor to perform the Tenant Work. In such event, the Floor Ready
     Condition shall be the earlier of (a) fifteen (15) days after Landlord's
     Contractor commences Tenant Work or (b) the date the Landlord delivers the
     Leased Premises in a Floor Ready Condition.


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                                      -2-
<PAGE>



     3. Gross On Of Operating Expenses: The last sentence of Section 3(d)(ii) is
deleted in its entirety and the following is inserted in lieu thereof:

          "Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant's share of Operating Expenses
     shall not exceed the following: (1) eighty percent (80%) of all Operating
     Expenses so long as Tenant's Rentable Area does not exceed 55,000 square
     feet; and (2) ninety-two and a half percent (92.5%) of all Operating
     Expenses so long as Tenant's Rentable Area does not exceed 90,000 square
     feet. In no event shall Tenant's share of Operating Expenses by any
     calculation hereunder exceed one hundred percent (100%) of all Operating
     Expenses.

     4. Basic Rent for Expanded Leased Premises and Abatement: Add as a new
Section 3(j) the following:

          "(j) Basic Rent for Expanded Leased Premises and Abatement.
     Notwithstanding any other provision of this Lease, no Basic Rent shall be
     payable on the Expanded Leased Premises for the first ninety (90) days
     after the Lease Commencement Date. Such abatement of Basic Rent shall not
     reduce Landlord's obligations to Tenant under Section 39 or Tenant's
     obligation to pay Additional Charges on the Expanded Leased Premises,
     beginning on the Lease Commencement Date."

     5. Restrictions on Use: A new clause 6(c)(ix) shall be added which shall
read:

          "or (ix) make any penetrations into the slab of the Leased Premises
     without having the area to be penetrated xrayed to assure that the cables
     located within the slab will not be damaged as the result of any proposed
     drilling, cutting or penetration of the slab by Tenant."

     6. Abatement of Basic Rent and Additional Charges In The Event of Damage by
Fire or Other Casualty: Replace the first sentence of Section 13(b) with the
following:

          "If all or any part of the Leased Premises are rendered untenantable
     by reason of damage caused by a fire or other casualty, whether to the
     Leased Premises or the Building and the damaged part is not being used by
     Tenant, the Basic Rent and Additional Charges shall be abated for the
     proportion of the Leased Premises rendered untenantable for the period
     between the date of the fire or other casualty and the date when the damage
     which Landlord is obligated to repair shall have been repaired or the date
     on which this Lease is terminated pursuant to subsection (c), whichever
     occurs first.


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                                      -3-
<PAGE>


     7. Assignment and Subletting: Section 15(a) is deleted in its entirety and
the following is inserted in lieu thereof:

          "So long as Tenant remains primarily liable for the obligations of
     Tenant under this Lease, Tenant may, subject to the terms and requirements
     of this Lease, including the use restrictions in Section 6, assign its
     leasehold estate and/or sublet all or part of the Leased Premises (i) to
     any Affiliate of Tenant, and (ii) subject to Landlord's approval, not to be
     unreasonably withheld or delayed, to any other party. Provided Tenant is
     not in default under the terms of this Lease, any rent collected by Tenant
     in connection with an assignment or a sublease, shall be and remain the
     property of Tenant, whether or not equal to, less than or in excess of the
     Basic Rent and Additional Charges payable hereunder; however, any true
     profits from rents collected by Tenant shall be shared between Tenant and
     Landlord on an equal basis. For purposes of this Lease, true profits shall
     mean the difference between the rent collected by Tenant from an assignee
     or sublessee for any portion of the Leased Premises and the rent paid by
     Tenant to Landlord for such portion of the Leased Premises under the terms
     hereof less any third party expenses incurred in connection with the
     assignment or subletting."

     8. Default Provisions:

          8.1. Section 16(a)(3) clause (ii) is deleted in its entirety and the
     following is inserted in lieu thereof:

               ". . . (ii) in the case of any such neglect or failure which
          cannot with due diligence and in good faith be cured within 30 days,
          within such additional period, if any, as may be reasonably required
          to cure such default with due diligence and in good faith provided
          that Tenant commences the curing of the same within the 15-day period
          and completes the cure within 120 days after Landlord's notice to
          Tenant (it being intended that, in connection with any such default
          which is not susceptible of being cured with due diligence and in good
          faith within 30 days, the time within which the Tenant is required to
          cure such default shall be extended for such additional period as may
          be necessary for the curing thereof with due diligence and in good
          faith but in no event longer than 120 days from the date of Landlord's
          notice), it being agreed that any default which is not cured within
          120 days shall become an Event of Default;"

          8.2. The following language is deleted from the first clause of
     Section 16(d): "If Landlord terminates this Lease pursuant to Section
     16(b)," and the following language is inserted


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                                      -4-
<PAGE>



     in lieu thereof: "If Landlord terminates this Lease pursuant to Section
     16(c);".

          8.3. Section 16(e) is deleted in its entirety and the following is
     inserted in lieu thereof:

               "(e) Liquidated Damages. If Landlord terminates this Lease
          pursuant to Section 16(c), Landlord shall have the right, at any time,
          at its option, to require Tenant to pay to Landlord, on demand, as
          liquidated and agreed final damages in lieu of Tenant's liability
          under Section 16(d), an amount equal to the Basic Rent and Additional
          Charges, computed on the basis of the then-current annual rate of
          Basic Rent and Additional Charges and all fixed and determinable
          increases in Basic Rent which would have been payable from the date of
          such demand to the date when this Lease would have expired, if it had
          not been terminated, discounted to the date of such demand at an
          annual rate of interest equal to the then-current yield on actively
          traded U.S. Treasury bonds with July-December, 2006 maturities, as
          published in the Federal Reserve Statistical Release for the week
          before the date of such termination, plus 125 basis points. Upon
          payment of such liquidated and agreed final damages, Tenant shall be
          released from all further liability under this Lease with respect to
          the period after the date of such demand.

               If, after Tenant pays such liquidated damages, Landlord, in its
          sole discretion, relets the Leased Premises, or any part thereof,
          Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for Basic Rent and Additional Charges
          actually collected and allocable to the Leased Premises or to the
          portions thereof relet by Landlord, prior to the expiration of the
          original term of the Lease, less the costs and expenses of reletting
          including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees, brokers'
          fees, and the costs of obtaining possession of the Leased Premises, of
          maintaining the Leased Premises while vacant, and repairing and
          remodeling the Leased Premises in order to obtain new tenants.
          Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the provisions of the
          preceding sentence shall not be applicable after Landlord has
          defaulted in the performance of any Mortgage obligation and Mortgagee
          has exercised any of its remedies."

     9. City Mortgage: Section 20(c) is deleted in its entirety and the
following language is inserted in lieu thereof:

          "(c) City Mortgage. Subject to the requirement of subsection (a)
     above, this Lease shall be subject and subordinate to the Mortgage from the
     Landlord to the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore in the original
     principal amount of


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                                      -5-
<PAGE>



     Two Million Five Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy-Eight Dollars and
     Seventy-five Cents ($2,005,878.75), intended to be recorded among the Land
     Records of Baltimore City, and to all renewals, modifications, replacements
     and extensions thereof. Tenant agrees that, within 10 days after receipt of
     request therefor from Landlord, it will, from time to time, execute,
     acknowledge and deliver any instrument or other document required by said
     Mortgagee to subordinate this Lease to the herein described Mortgage."

     10. Parking: Section 29 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following
language is inserted in lieu thereof:

          "29. Parking.

          Tenant shall be guaranteed parking within the Parking Facilities for
     225 cars for the Term. During the first five Lease Years, not less than the
     number of spaces set forth below (the "Guaranteed Surface Spaces") will be
     guaranteed surface lot spaces:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          Lease Year                  Guaranteed Surface Spaces
          ----------                  -------------------------
              <S>                            <C>
              1                              175
              2                              175
              3                              175
              4                              165
              5                              155
</TABLE>

     The remaining spaces (i.e., the difference between the number of surface
     spaces which the Landlord supplies and the guaranteed 225 spaces) shall be
     provided within a structured deck or parking garage within the Inner Harbor
     East project. Of these structured spaces, at least 35 shall be located in
     the structured parking being constructed on Parcels R and Q (the "On-Site
     Garage"), some of which may be designated for "Sylvan Visitor Parking Only"
     or similar wording.

     In the event Landlord, during the first five Lease Years, is unable to
     fully satisfy its obligation to provide the Guaranteed Surface Spaces as
     herein required, Landlord shall, in lieu thereof, provide Tenant at the
     rates set forth in paragraph (d)(i) below a sufficient number of structured
     parking surfaces to fulfill the Guaranteed Surface Space requirement.

     Within the 225 parking space guarantee, Tenant shall have the option of
     renting, within the On-Site Garage, (i) at the rates set forth in
     paragraphs (d)(ii)(l) and (d)(iii)(1), up to 25 spaces, and (ii) at market
     rates, up to 10 additional spaces,


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                                      -6-
<PAGE>


     some or all of which spaces under (i) and (ii) may be designated, at
     Tenant's option, for "Sylvan Visitor Parking Only" or similar wording.

          (a) All Parking Facilities shall either be paved, striped and fenced
     surface lots, that comply with all Legal Requirements and are consistent
     with the Security Plan described on Exhibit G, or are contained within
     structured deck or garage parking. If the Parking Facilities are on surface
     lots, Tenant's spaces shall be consolidated (as opposed to dispersed) in a
     cohesive grouping, and marked with signs so as to minimize the chance of
     usage by unauthorized parkers. Tenant may, at Tenant's expense, require
     Landlord to designate with signage the restriction of a portion of such
     spaces to "Sylvan Parking Only" or similar wording.

          (b) Attached as Exhibit I is a plat showing the Inner Harbor East
     subdivision and identifying the location of Parcels B, C and P. Tenant's
     surface parking area shall initially be located on an undeveloped portion
     of Parcel P in closest proximity to the Building. Landlord has procured the
     agreement of the owner of Parcel P to allow parking on this parcel as
     evidenced by its joining in the execution of this Lease. Tenant's parking
     area shall be designated as reserved for the use of Tenant's employees and
     visitors. Tenant shall be responsible for assuring that only authorized
     persons park in Tenant's parking area. Until Parcel P is developed, Tenant
     shall have priority over all persons except other tenants of the Building,
     their employees and invitees with respect to use of the surface spaces
     located on Parcel P. This priority is limited to the number of Guaranteed
     Surface Spaces. As Parcel P is developed, Landlord shall relocate Tenant's
     Guaranteed Surface Spaces to surface lots, if available, on undeveloped
     portions of Parcels B or C that meet the requirements of paragraph (a)
     above or, if not available, to structured decks or parking garages at the
     rates and subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph b(i) below:

               (i) During the first five Lease Years, (1) all replacement spaces
          up to the number of Guaranteed Surface Spaces shall be subject to the
          rates set forth in paragraph (d)(i) below, (2) all replacement spaces
          in excess of number of Guaranteed Surface Spaces up to but not
          exceeding 190 spaces, shall be at the rates set forth in paragraph
          (d)(i) for surface spaces, and at the rates set forth in paragraph
          (d)(ii)(1) for structured parking, and (3) except for replacement
          spaces under clause (1) or clause (2) above, spaces within the On-Site
          Garage shall be subject to the rates set forth in paragraph (d)(ii)(1)


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                                      -7-
<PAGE>



          as to the first 25 spaces and market rates for the balance.

               (ii) During Lease Years 6 through 10, Tenant shall have at least
          150 spaces which are either on surface lots or in structured parking
          if the Landlord is unable to provide the 150 surface spaces. These 150
          spaces are subject to the surface space rate set forth in paragraph
          (d)(iii)(1); provided however, that the 150 number shall be reduced by
          that number, up to 25, of parking spaces which are within the On-Site
          Garage and which are subject to the rates set forth in paragraph
          (d)(iii)(l) for structured parking. All other spaces, whether on
          surface lots or within structured parking, shall be subject to the
          rates in paragraph (d) (iii) (2) .

               (iii) No parking spaces shall be relocated until substitute
          spaces, meeting the standards of paragraph (a) above, have been
          completed and are available for immediate use.

          (c) Landlord shall provide Tenant with at least six (6) months written
     notice in the event any of the spaces need to be relocated or are no longer
     available. In the case of relocation, the notice shall specify the number
     of spaces to be relocated, the new location, any change in the rent (where
     permitted by the terms hereof) and the date when the new spaces will be
     ready for use by Tenant.

          (d) The rates to be paid by Tenant for parking during the Term shall
     be as follows:

               (i) During the first five Lease Years, assuming the use of 190
          surface parking spaces, the parking rates payable by Tenant shall be
          as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     Lease Year                    Annual Cost for                    Monthly
                                  190 Surface Spaces                 Parking Fee
          <S>                           <C>                          <C>
          1                                  $0                             $0
          2                             $45,000                      $3,750.00
          3                             $57,500                      $4,791.66
          4                             $68,000                      $5,666.66
          5                             $80,000                      $6,666.66
</TABLE>                        

     In the event of an election by Tenant under paragraph (i) below to increase
     (but not above 190) or decrease the number of surface parking spaces (or
     replacements thereof), the rate shall be adjusted as follows:


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                                      -8-
<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Lease Year       Cost Per Day              Yearly Adjustment            Monthly
                  Per Space                                           Adjustment
 <S>                <C>                          <C>                    <C>   
 1                  $0.00                        $  0.00                $ 0.00
 2                  $0.25                        $ 62.50                $ 5.21
 3                  $0.50                        $125.00                $10.42
 4                  $0.75                        $187.50                $15.63
 5                  $1.00                        $250.00                $20.84
</TABLE>

     Any increase in the number of surface parking spaces above 190, if
     available, shall result in the following adjustments for each space above
     190:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Lease Year       Cost Per Day              Yearly Adjustment            Monthly
                  Per Space                                           Adjustment
 <S>                <C>                          <C>                    <C>   
 1                  $2.25                        $562.50                $46.88
 2                  $2.25                        $562.50                $46.88
 3                  $2.50                        $625.00                $52.08
 4                  $2.75                        $687.50                $57.29
 5                  $3.00                        $750.00                $62.50
</TABLE>

               (ii) During the first five Lease Years, Tenant shall pay the
          following Parking Fees for structured parking spaces, other than for
          structured parking which is subject to the terms of paragraph (b)(i):

                    (1) The first 25 structured spaces in the On Site Garage,
               and any other spaces located within parking structures pursuant
               to paragraph (b)(i) above shall be at 75% of current market rent
               but in no event shall the cost to Tenant exceed the caps
               hereinafter set forth:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     Cap                       Cap
                               Per Structured            Annual Cost Per
      Lease Year                Space Per Day           Structured Space
          <S>                       <C>                      <C>   
          1                         $5.00                    $1,500
          2                         $5.15                    $1,545
          3                         $5.30                    $1,590
          4                         $5.46                    $1,638
          5                         $5.63                    $1,689
</TABLE>
    
                    (2) Unless otherwise provided herein, the remaining
               structured spaces shall be at current market rent.

                    (3) The fee structure shall be converted to a monthly
               payment by application of the following


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                                      -9-
<PAGE>


               formula: Daily rate (either at market, 75% of market or the "Cap
               Rate", whichever is applicable) times 5 times 50 divided by 12.

               (iii) For Lease Years 6 through 10, Tenant shall be provided with
          parking as follows:

                    (1) Up to one hundred fifty (150) surface spaces shall be
               offered to Tenant at the discounted rates hereinafter set forth.
               The one hundred fifty surface spaces shall be reduced by the
               number of structured parking spaces, up to 25, which Tenant rents
               within the On-site Garage (the "Discounted Surface Spaces"). The
               Discounted Surface Spaces shall be offered to Tenant at a rate
               equal to 75% of the current market rent for the surface spaces
               but in no event shall the cost exceed the caps hereinafter set
               forth for surface spaces. The first 25 parking spaces within the
               On-Site Garage shall be offered to Tenant at a rate equal to 75%
               of the current market rent for structured spaces but in no event
               shall the cost of such 25 spaces exceed the caps hereinafter set
               forth for structured spaces. The remaining 10 parking spaces
               available to Tenant within the On-Site Garage shall be at market
               rates. If the Landlord is unable to provide all of the Discounted
               Surface Spaces, Landlord shall offer structured parking spaces,
               if available, for the difference between the Discounted Surface
               Spaces and the actual number of surface spaces provided. Such
               structured spaces shall be offered at rates equal to 75% of
               current market rent for structured spaces but in no event greater
               than the caps hereinafter set forth for structured spaces.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             Cap Per Surface Space           Cap Per Structured
                                 Per Day for                 Space Per Day for
Lease Year                 Discounted Surface Spaces         Structured Spaces
    <S>                              <C>                            <C>  
    6                                $2.90                          $5.80
    7                                $2.99                          $5.97
    8                                $3.07                          $6.15
    9                                $3.17                          $6.33
    10                               $3.26                          $6.52
</TABLE>

                    (2) All other spaces, in excess of the 150 spaces described
               above, shall be offered to Tenant at market rates without caps.
               In the event the parties are unable to mutually agree on the
               market



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<PAGE>



               rate, then same shall be determined by using the methodology set
               forth in Section 35(d) hereof.

                    (3) The fee structure shall be converted to a monthly
               payment by application of the following formula: Daily rate
               (either at market, 75% of market or the "Cap Rate", whichever is
               applicable) times 5 times 50 divided by 12.

          (e) Tenant agrees to use the Parking Facilities for the parking of
     passenger automobiles, sport-utility vehicles and vans and for no other
     purposes.

          (f) If Tenant rents more space in the Building or on the Inner Harbor
     East site, Tenant may, to the extent they are available, rent, at market
     rates, a proportionate number of additional surface and structured parking
     spaces. The proportion or ratio that shall apply to any additional space
     rented in the Building by Tenant shall be 3.0 spaces for each 1,000 square
     feet of Rentable Area leased.

          (g) Parking rates during any renewal periods shall be provided at
     market rates.

          (h) The Parking Fees set forth in this section shall be Additional
     Charges and shall be paid by Tenant on a monthly basis together with the
     Basic Rent.

          (i) Tenant shall notify Landlord in writing on or before July 1, 1996
     as to how many of the 225 guaranteed parking spaces it wishes to rent as of
     the Lease Commencement Date as well as the breakdown between surface spaces
     and structured spaces. Within ten (10) Business Days after receipt of such
     notice Landlord shall notify Tenant as to the availability and location of
     such spaces. Thereafter, Tenant shall notify Landlord in writing at least
     thirty (30) days before the first day of each calendar quarter of any
     change in the number of parking spaces or in the mix between surface and
     structured spaces it wishes to rent for the three (3) month period. Within
     ten (10) Business Days after receipt of such notice Landlord shall notify
     Tenant as to the availability, location and any applicable rent
     adjustment."

     11. Additional Expansions Options: Section 36(c) is deleted in its entirety
and the following shall be inserted in lieu thereof:

          "(c) If Tenant has given Landlord twelve (12) months prior written
     notice of its intent to lease additional space in the Building, Tenant
     shall rent all (but not less than all)


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                                      -11-
<PAGE>


     space on the 3rd Floor of the Building which is not already part of the
     Leased Premises (an estimated 15,000 rentable square feet) after the fifth
     Lease Year upon the termination of any leases entered into by Landlord for
     such space, if any, but in no event later than twelve (12) months after the
     end of the fifth Lease Year. The Basic Rent for any additional space in the
     Building leased by Tenant under the terms of this provision shall be an
     amount equal to fair rental value as determined pursuant to Section 35, and
     the commencement date and all concessions relating to Tenant improvements
     shall be on terms and at rates reflective of the market and parking, if
     available, shall be at market rates. All other terms and conditions of this
     Lease shall apply other than the rent abatement provided in Section 3(j).
     The parties agree to execute an appropriate amendment to this Lease
     evidencing their agreement with respect to the additional space.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Tenant exercises its option to rent
     additional space pursuant to this paragraph, the space shall be made
     available to Tenant only upon the termination of any pre-existing leases
     entered into by Landlord for the space but in no event shall such leases
     terminate later than twelve (12) months after the expiration of the fifth
     Lease Year."

     12. Tenant's Allowance: Replace the entire Section 39 with the following:

          "Landlord shall give Tenant an allowance to cover the cost of Tenant's
     Work actually performed in an amount not to exceed the product obtained by
     multiplying $15.00 by the Rentable Area, or a total allowance of $1,384,995
     ("Tenant's Regular Allowance").

          Tenant's Regular Allowance shall be allocated for specific work
     performed over the four (4) floors of the Leased Premises (including the
     Expanded Leased Premises) as follows:

<TABLE>
                    <S>                 <C>    
                    2nd Floor           427,290
                    3rd Floor           165,630
                    4th Floor           427,290
                    5th Floor           364,785
</TABLE>

          The Tenant's Regular Allowance shall be paid by Landlord to Tenant
     within thirty (30) days after completion of the Tenant Work for a given
     floor and presentation of invoices from general contractors, subcontractors
     and materialmen which invoices describe with specificity the work
     performed, the floor on which the work has been performed or the materials
     supplied and the cost of such work or materials."


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<PAGE>



     13. Deletion of Ground Lease: The parties acknowledge that Landlord is
acquiring the Land in fee simple from the City of Baltimore, and that references
to a "ground lease" shall no longer apply. Thus, Section 40 is hereby deleted.

     14. Exhibits: Exhibit A-1 is added and attached hereto. The parties agree
that the construction of the Expanded Leased Premises shall be in accordance
with Exhibit B unless otherwise provided in this Amendment.

     15. Tenant's Right to Terminate: Section 41 of the Original Lease shall be
deleted in its entirety and the following language is inserted in lieu thereof:

          "41. Tenant's Right to Terminate. In the event the delivery by
     Landlord of the Leased Premises in a Floor Ready Condition has not occurred
     for whatever reason and regardless of force majeure by April 1, 1997.
     Tenant shall have the right, at its discretion, to terminate this Lease
     Agreement upon written notice to Landlord."

     16. MIDFA Provisions: The following language is added as Section 42.

          "42. Certain Lender Requirements. During the Term of this Lease Tenant
     agrees to use all reasonable efforts to:

               (a) Furnish to the Maryland Industrial Development Financing
          Authority (the "Authority"), upon written request of either the
          Landlord or the Authority, one copy of each Annual Report on Form
          10-K, and each Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and each notice or report
          sent by Tenant to stockholders generally . It is agreed and understood
          that no request shall be made earlier than thirty (30) days prior to
          the date such material is made available to the general public and
          that the material shall not be provided to the Landlord or the
          Authority prior to when it is made available to the general public.

               (b) Upon request, but not more frequently than twice annually,
          supply the approximate employment count of Tenant at the Building to
          the Authority.

               (c) Comply with laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of
          (i) political or religious opinion or affiliation, marital status,
          race, color, creed, or national origin, or (ii) sex or age, except
          when sex or age constitutes a bona fide occupational qualification, or
          (iii) the physical or mental disability of a qualified individual with
          a disability." 


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<PAGE>


     17. General:

          17.1. In all other respects, the Lease shall remain in full force and
     effect.

          17.2. This Amendment shall be binding upon the parties hereto and
     their respective successors, and assigns.

          17.3. This Amendment shall be interpreted and construed in accordance
     with the laws of the State of Maryland.



                            [signature page follows]


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<PAGE>


     WITNESS the hands and seals of the parties hereto as of the day and year
first above written.

ATTEST/WITNESS:                        HARBOR EAST-OFFICE, LLC
                                       LANDLORD

                                       By: The Paterakis/Tsakalos Family
                                           Partnership LLP
                                           Administrative Member

/s/ Jeri Zlatkowski                        By /s/ William Paterakis
- -------------------                           -------------------------- (SEAL)
                                              Name: William Paterakis
                                              Partner:


/s/ Jeri Zlatkowski                        By /s/ Nicholas Tsakalos
- -------------------                           -------------------------- (SEAL)
                                              Name: Nick Tsakalos
                                              Partner:




ATTEST/WITNESS:                        SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.
                                       TENANT

/s/ Karen L. Lawson                    By: /s/ John K. Hoey
- -------------------                        ----------------------------- (SEAL)
                                           John K. Hoey

     The undersigned joins herein solely to confirm that it will make Parcels P,
B & C available to Landlord to satisfy the parking requirements described
Section 29(b) hereof.

                                       HARBOR EAST LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                                       By: The Paterakis/Tsakalos Family
                                           Partnership LLP
                                           General Partner

                                           By /s/ William Paterakis
                                              -------------------------- (SEAL)
                                              Name: William Paterakis
                                              Partner:


                                           By /s/ Nicholas Tsakalos
                                              -------------------------- (SEAL)
                                              Name: Nick Tsakalos
                                              Partner:


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                                      -15-
<PAGE>




                                  EXHIBIT A-1
                                  SECOND FLOOR

                               FLOOR PLAN LEVEL 3
                               INNER HARBOR EAST
                                   APARTMENTS


<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT A-1
                                   THIRD FLOOR

                                   FLOOR PLAN
                               INNER HARBOR EAST
                                   APARTMENTS




<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT A-1
                                  FOURTH FLOOR

                                   FLOOR PLAN
                               INNER HARBOR EAST
                                   APARTMENTS



                                      -18-
<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT A-1
                                  FIFTH FLOOR

                                   FLOOR PLAN
                               INNER HARBOR EAST
                                   APARTMENTS


<PAGE>



11/11/96

                           SECOND AMENDMENT OF LEASE

     THIS SECOND AMENDMENT OF LEASE ("Second Amendment") is made as of this
_____ day of __________, 1996, by and between HARBOR EAST OFFICE, LLC, formerly
known as HARBOR EAST PARCEL G - OFFICE, LLC (hereinafter referred to as
"Landlord") and SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC. (hereinafter referred to as
"Tenant").

                                 R E C I T A L S

A. Landlord and Tenant entered into a lease dated as of August 24, 1995
(hereinafter referred to as the "Original Lease") and an Amendment of Lease
dated as of May 13, 1996 (hereinafter referred to as the "First Amendment") for
portions of the Building located at 1000 Lancaster Street, Baltimore City,
Maryland.

B. The parties hereto desire to amend the Original Lease and First Amendment in
order to lease additional space to Tenant on the terms hereinafter set forth.

     NOW, THEREFORE, WITNESSETH for good and valuable consideration, the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby mutually acknowledged, the parties hereto
agree as follows:

     1. Defined Terms: Terms defined in the Original Lease and the First
Amendment shall have the same meaning for purposes of this Amendment except for
the following definitions which shall supersede the versions contained in the
Original Lease and the First Amendment:

          1.1. Additional Charges: All amounts payable by Tenant to Landlord
     under this Lease other than Basic Rent. All Additional Charges shall be
     deemed to be additional rent and all remedies applicable to the non-payment
     of Basic Rent shall be applicable thereto.

          1.2. Advance Rent: $65,353 representing the Basic Rent for the first
     full month of the Term after the Lease Commencement Date, which Tenant
     shall pay to Landlord upon execution of this Second Amendment which
     Landlord shall credit against the corresponding monthly installment of
     Basic Rent.

          1.3. Basic Rent: The amount of rent for the Leased Premises due from
     Tenant to Landlord each month is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Months                                       Monthly Rent
         ------                                       ------------
         <S>                                             <C>    
         1* First Full Month                             $53,750
         2                                               $65,353
</TABLE>

14330rrk.6pl




<PAGE>



<TABLE>
         <S>                                             <C>    
         3                                                $72,110
         4-12                                            $110,915
         13-24                                           $117,035
         25-36                                           $121,545
         37-48                                           $125,695
         49-60                                           $129,070
         61-72                                           $152,921
         73-84                                           $156,833
         85-96                                           $161,225
         97-108                                          $164,848
         109-120                                         $168,953
</TABLE>

     *    If the Commencement Date is other than the first day of the month, the
          rent for the period from the Commencement Date until the last day of
          that month shall be calculated on a prorated basis as provided in
          Section 3(a) of this Second Amendment and said rent shall be due and
          payable on the Commencement Date.

               1.4. Building Rentable Area: The total net rentable area in the
          Building is 132,598 square feet.:

               1.5. Leased Premises: The area located on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
          and 5th Floors of the Building outlined in red on the floor plans
          attached as Exhibits A-1 through A-5 to this Second Amendment.

               1.6. Rentable Area: The total rentable area is 108,164 square
          feet, as hereinafter set forth:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    Sylvan Retail Rentable Space
                    ----------------------------
                    <S>                <C>               
                    1st Floor           9,345 square feet 

<CAPTION>
                    Original Rentable Area (Office) 
                    ------------------------------- 
                    <S>                <C>               
                    2nd Floor          28,486 square feet
                    3rd Floor          11,042 square feet 
                    4th Floor          28,486 square feet 
                    5th Floor          24,319 square feet

<CAPTION>
                    Additional Rentable Space (Office) 
                    ---------------------------------- 
                    <S>                <C>               
                    3rd Floor           6,486 square feet
</TABLE>

               1.7. Operating Expenses: The aggregate of all Office Operating
          Expenses, Retail Operating Expenses and Shared Operating Expenses.
          Operating Expenses shall not include financing or mortgage costs;
          depreciation expense; advertising for vacant space or building
          promotion; leasing commissions; executive salaries; the cost of tenant
          improvements; ground rent; or legal fees for leasing

14330rrk.6pl



                                      -2-
<PAGE>


          vacant space in the Building or enforcing Landlord's rights under
          leases with tenants for space in the Building. In addition, Operating
          Expenses shall not include the following:

                    (i) fees for licenses and permits obtained by or for
               Landlord in connection with any non-office use activity by a
               tenant within the Building, such as retail or commercial uses;

                    (ii) management fees paid to Affiliates of Landlord or other
               related Persons, provided however, that such fees can be included
               in Operating Expenses to the extent they do not exceed those paid
               by other Peer Group Buildings;

                    (iii) expenses not generally treated as operating expenses
               under generally accepted accounting principles except as
               specifically set forth herein;

                    (iv) any repairs or improvements made (A) by third parties
               to correct defects in prior construction, (B) to bring the
               Building in compliance with Legal Requirements applicable prior
               to the Lease Rental Commencement Date or (C) to cure Landlord's
               default under the terms of this Lease or any other space lease
               with a tenant in the Building;

                    (v) increases in salary and benefits to employees of
               Landlord which are in excess of the prevailing increases within
               downtown Baltimore;

                    (vi) expenses properly treated as indirect corporate or of f
               ice overhead for other sites under generally accepted principles
               of office building management;

                    (vii) costs of renovating, decorating or improving space for
               tenants or other occupants of the building, or vacant space;

                    (viii) expenses in connection with services provided to
               tenants which are not consistent with services provided to all
               other tenants;

                    (ix) interest and penalties on taxes, utility bills and
               other costs due to Landlord's negligence;

                    (x) fees paid to Tenant or other tenants in the Building as
               reimbursement for audit expenses incurred due to errors by
               Landlord in the calculation of Operating Expenses; and

                    (xi) costs incurred by Landlord in challenging the
               application of Legal Requirements, or fees and expenses incurred
               or payable as a result of such application provided, however,
               that such costs can be included as Operating Expenses if


14330rrk.6pl




                                      -3-
<PAGE>



               Landlord reasonably expects the resulting savings arising from
               such challenge to exceed the cost of the challenge.

          1.8. Security Deposit: The sum of $110,915.

          1.9. Tenant's Proportionate Share: When used in conjunction with the
     term "Operating Expenses", such phrase shall mean the combination of
     Tenant's Office Proportionate Share of Office Operating Expenses and
     Tenant's Retail Proportionate Share of Retail Operating Expenses.

          In addition, the following definitions shall be added to Section l(b)
     of the Original Lease:

          1.10. Additional Leased Space: The additional area consisting of 5,491
     square feet located on the 3rd Floor of the Building not previously leased
     pursuant to the Original Lease and First Amendment.

          1.11. Additional Rentable Space: The net rentable area of the
     Additional Leased Space is 6,486 square feet.

          1.12. Building Space: The net square footage of the Building which is
     127,229 square feet.

          1.13. Office Operating Expenses: The aggregate of all reasonable and
     customary costs and expenses incurred on an accrual basis by Landlord in
     connection with the management, operation, maintenance, repair, cleaning,
     safety and administration of the Office Space, including employees' wages,
     salaries, welfare and pension benefits, other fringe benefits and payroll
     taxes for on site employees; telephone service; painting of Common Areas of
     Office Space; repairs and maintenance to Office Space; the cost of
     obtaining and providing electricity; janitorial and cleaning supplies;
     cleaning and janitorial services; window cleaning; service contracts for
     the maintenance of elevators, boilers, HVAC and other mechanical, plumbing
     and electrical equipment; sales and use taxes payable in connection with
     tangible personal property and services purchased for the management,
     operation, maintenance, repair, cleaning, safety and administration of the
     Office Space; accounting fees relating to the determination of Office
     Operating Expenses and Office Operating Expense Increases and the
     preparation of statements required by tenants' leases; purchase and
     installation of indoor plants in the Common Areas of the Office Space; and
     all other expenses now or hereafter reasonably and customarily incurred in
     connection with the operation, maintenance, and management of Peer Group
     Buildings. If Landlord makes an expenditure for a capital improvement to
     the Office Space, whether by installing energy conservation or labor-saving
     devices to reduce Office Operating Expenses, to comply with Legal
     Requirements or otherwise, and if, under generally accepted accounting
     principles,


14330rrk.6pl




                                      -4-
<PAGE>


     such expenditure is not a current expense, then, except as otherwise
     provided in Section 1.21, the cost thereof shall be amortized over a period
     equal to the useful life of such improvement, determined in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles, and the amortized cost allocated
     to each calendar year during the Term, together with an imputed interest
     amount calculated on the unamortized portion thereof using an interest rate
     equal to the prime rate of NationsBank, N.A. at the time of the
     expenditure, shall be treated as an Office Operating Expense. Amounts
     payable by tenants of the Office Space for after-hours heating or air
     conditioning and for excess electrical usage, recoveries of expenses and
     other separate charges made to tenants of the Office Space for special
     services shall be credited against Office's Operating Expenses in computing
     the amount thereof. In addition, the amount of Office's Pro Rata Portion of
     Shared Operating Expenses shall be included as an Office Operating Expense.

          1.14. Office's Pro Rata Portion of the Shared Operating Expenses: The
     percentage which the Office Space is of Building Space (i.e. 106,862 square
     feet / 127,229 square feet = 84%).

          1.15. Office Rentable Area: The total net rentable area in the Office
     Space is 109,777 square feet.

          1.16. Office Space: The total area located on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and
     5th floors of the Building is 106,826 square feet.

          1.17. Original Rentable Area: The net rentable area of the Original
     Leased Premises is 92,333 square feet as hereinafter set forth:

<TABLE>
                <S>                               <C>               
                2nd Floor                       28,486 square feet
                3rd Floor                       11,042 square feet
                4th Floor                       28,486 square feet
                5th Floor                       24,319 square feet
</TABLE>

          1.18. Retail's Pro Rata Portion of Shared Operating Expenses: The
     percentage which the Retail Space is of Building Space (i.e., 20,403 square
     feet / 127,229 square feet = 16%).

          1.19. Retail Rentable Area: The total net rentable area in the Retail
     Space, determined by Landlord's architect, to be 22,821 square feet.

          1.20. Retail operating Expenses: The aggregate of all reasonable and
     customary costs and expenses incurred on an accrual basis by Landlord in
     connection with the management, operation, maintenance, repair, cleaning,
     safety and administration of the Retail Space, including employees' wages,
     salaries, welfare and pension benefits, other fringe benefits and payroll
     taxes for on-


14330rrk.6pl



                                      -5-
<PAGE>



     site employees; painting of Common Areas of Retail Space; repairs and
     maintenance of Retail Space; window cleaning; sales and use taxes payable
     in connection with tangible personal property and services purchased for
     the management, operation, maintenance, repair, cleaning, safety and
     administration of the Retail Space; accounting fees relating to the
     determination of Retail Operating Expenses and Retail Operating Expense
     Increases and the preparation of statements required by tenants' leases;
     and all other expenses now or hereafter reasonably and customarily incurred
     in connection with the operation, maintenance, and management of other
     first class retail space. If Landlord makes an expenditure for a capital
     improvement to the Retail Space, whether by installing energy conservation
     or labor-saving devices to reduce Retail Operating Expenses, to comply with
     Legal Requirements or otherwise, and if, under generally accepted
     accounting principles, such expenditure is not a current expense, then,
     except as otherwise provided in Section 1.21, the cost thereof shall be
     amortized over a period equal to the useful life of such improvement,
     determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and
     the amortized cost allocated to each calendar year during the Term,
     together with an imputed interest amount calculated on the unamortized
     portion thereof using an interest rate equal to the prime rate of
     NationsBank, N.A. at the time of the expenditure, shall be treated as a
     Retail Operating Expense. Recoveries of expenses and other separate charges
     made to tenants of the Retail Space for special services shall be credited
     against Retail Operating Expenses in computing the amount thereof. In
     addition, the amount of Retail's Pro Rata Portion of Shared Operating
     Expenses shall be included as a Retail Operating Expense.

          1.21. Shared Operating Expenses: The aggregate of all reasonable and
     customary costs and expenses incurred on an accrual basis by Landlord in
     connection with the management, operation, maintenance, repair, cleaning
     safety and administration of the Building and Land not included in Office
     Operating Expenses and Retail Operating Expenses including Real Estate
     Taxes; exterminating services; detection and security services; sewer rents
     and charges; premiums for fire and casualty, liability, workmen's
     compensation, sprinkler, water damage and other insurance; building
     supplies; uniforms and dry cleaning; trash removal; snow removal; water and
     other public utilities; landscaping maintenance; management fees, whether
     or not paid to any Person having an interest in or under common ownership
     with Landlord; fees paid in connection with the challenge of any proposed
     assessment which would result in an increase in the Real Estate Taxes;
     provided, Landlord shall only pursue such challenges if it reasonably
     expects the resulting savings to exceed the cost of such challenge;
     purchase and installation of additional landscaping not included in the
     original landscaping plan for the Building and replacement or substitute
     landscaping. The cost of all repairs, replacements and improvements
     required to maintain the


14330rrk.6pl



                                      -6-
<PAGE>


     Building in a first class condition other than those (i) excluded under
     Section 1.21 of this Second Amendment; (ii) related to structural or
     building systems; or (iii) serving exclusively either the Office Space or
     Retail Space shall be treated as a Shared Operating Expense even if the
     cost would otherwise be classified as a capital expenditure under generally
     accepted principles. Refunds of Real Estate Taxes (reduced by Landlord's
     reasonable expenses in obtaining such refunds); recoveries of water, sewer
     or other utility charges separately metered or submetered and collected by
     Landlord; and (to the extent that Shared Operating Expenses include the
     cost of any repair or reconstruction work) the amount of any insurance
     recoveries (net of the costs of collection) all determined on an accrual
     basis shall be credited against the Shared Operating Expenses in computing
     the amount thereof.

          1.22. Retail Space: The total area located on the 1st Floor of the
     Building is 20,403 square feet.

          1.23. Sylvan Retail Rentable Space: The Sylvan Retail Space plus a
     fifteen percent (15%) loss factor is 9,345 square feet.

          1.24. Sylvan Retail Space: The area located on the 1st Floor of the
     Building as outlined in red on the attached Exhibit A1 to this Second
     Amendment is 8,126 square feet.

          1.25. Tenant's Office Proportionate Share: The percentage (rounded to
     two (2) decimal points) from time to time which the Original Rentable Space
     and the Additional Rentable Space is of the Office Rentable Space (i.e.:
     92,333 + 6,486 / 109,777 = 90.01%).

          1.26. Tenant's Retail Proportionate Share: The percentage (rounded off
     to two (2) decimal points) from time to time which the Sylvan Retail Space
     is of the total number of square feet of leased Retail Space on the first
     floor of the Building (i.e., 39.83% assuming all of the Retail Space is
     leased [8,126 square feet / 20,403 square feet]).

               In addition, the definition of Rent Per Square Foot shall be
          deleted from Section l(b) of the Original Lease.

     2. Section 2(a) of the Original Lease is deleted in its entirety and the
following is inserted in lieu thereof:

          "(a) The completion of the Leased Premises shall be done in accordance
     with the provisions of Exhibit B to this Lease; however, Landlord's
     obligations with respect to the completion of the Sylvan Retail Space shall
     be limited to those specifically set out in Exhibit B-1 to this Lease."


14330rrk.6pl



                                      -7-
<PAGE>


     3. The first and second sentence of Section 3(a) of the Original Lease are
deleted in their entirety and the following is inserted in lieu thereof:

          "(a) Tenant shall pay Basic Rent in monthly installments in advance
     commencing on the first day of the first month after the Lease Commencement
     Date and thereafter on the first day of each month during the term. If the
     Lease Commencement Date is not the first day of a month, Basic Rent in the
     amount of $99,312 for the month in which the Lease Commencement Date occurs
     shall be pro-rated on the basis of the number of days between the Lease
     Commencement Date and the end of that month."

     4. The preface for Section 3(b) of the Original Lease is deleted in its
entirety and the following is inserted in lieu thereof:

          "(b) Payments of Operating Expenses: Tenant shall pay as additional
     rent Tenant's Office Proportionate Share of Office Operating Expenses and
     Tenant's Retail Proportionate Share of Retail Operating Expenses for each
     calendar year, commencing with the Initial Calendar Year."

     In addition, each reference in Section 3(b) of the Original Lease to
"Tenant's Operating Expenses" shall be replaced by "Tenant's Proportionate Share
of Operating Expenses".

     5. Section 3(h) of the Original Lease and Section 3(j) as added by the
First Amendment shall be deleted.

     6. Services for Retail Space and Janitorial/Cleaning Services for Retail
Space: Add as new Sections 5(k) and (1) the following:

          "(k) Retail Space: Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
     Landlord's obligation for services and utilities for the Sylvan Retail
     Space shall be limited to the following:

               (1) Hot and cold water to Sylvan Retail Space;

               (2) Electricity to Sylvan Retail Space for lighting purposes and
          operation of ordinary equipment consisting of an average of 5 watts
          per square foot of Retail Rentable Space;

               (3) A security access system for the Common Areas of the
          Building; and

               (4) Sufficient access cards to be used with a security system, to
          provide each employee of Tenant with


14330rrk.6pl



                                      -8-
<PAGE>


          a card and a system for disarming and replacing cards as employees
          leave or are replaced.

          (l) Janitorial/Cleaninq Services For Retail Space: Landlord shall only
     provide janitorial and cleaning services for the Sylvan Retail Space, if
     requested by Tenant, for an agreed fee.

     7. Parking: Section 29 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following
language is inserted in lieu thereof:

          "29. Parking.

               Tenant shall be guaranteed parking within the Parking Facilities
          for 265 cars for the Initial Term. In the event Tenant exercises the
          renewal option provided for in Section 35, Tenant shall be guaranteed
          parking within the Parking Facilities for 150 cars for the Renewal
          Period. Of this guaranteed number, 40 shall be located in the
          structured parking being constructed on Parcels R and Q (the "On Site
          Garage"), some of which may be designated for "Sylvan Visitor Parking
          Only" or similar wording.

                    (a) All Parking Facilities shall either be paved, striped
               and fenced surface lots, that comply with all applicable Legal
               Requirements and are consistent with the Security Plan described
               on Exhibit G, or are contained within structured deck or garage
               parking. If the Parking Facilities are on surface lots, Tenant's
               spaces shall be consolidated (as opposed to dispersed) in a
               cohesive grouping, and marked with signs so as to minimize the
               chance of usage by unauthorized parkers. Tenant may, at Tenant's
               expense, require Landlord to designate with signage the
               restriction of a portion of such spaces to "Sylvan Parking Only"
               or similar wording.

                    (b) Attached as Exhibit I is a plat showing the Inner Harbor
               East subdivision, and identifying the location of Parcels B, C
               and P. Tenant's surface parking area shall initially be located
               on an undeveloped portion of Parcel P in closest proximity to the
               Building. Landlord has procured the agreement of the owner of
               Parcel P to allow parking on this parcel as evidenced by its
               joining in the execution of this Lease. Tenant's parking area
               shall be designated as reserved for the use of Tenant's employees
               and visitors. Tenant shall be responsible for assuring that only
               authorized persons park in Tenant's parking area. Until Parcel P
               is developed, Tenant shall have priority over all persons other
               than other tenants of the Building, their employees and invitees
               with respect to the use of spaces on


14330rrk.6pl



                                      -9-
<PAGE>


               Parcel P. As Parcel P is developed, Landlord shall relocate
               Tenant's surface spaces to surface lots, if available, on
               undeveloped portions of Parcels B, C or P, that meet the
               requirements of paragraph (a) above, or if not available, to
               structured decks or parking garages, subject to the requirement
               that no parking spaces shall be relocated until substitute
               spaces, meeting the standards of paragraph (a) above, have been
               completed and are available for immediate use. No such relocation
               shall occur without at least thirty (30) days prior notice to
               Tenant.

                    (c) Tenant agrees to use the Parking Facilities for the
               parking of passenger automobiles, sport and utility vehicles and
               vans and for no other purposes.

                    (d) During the second Lease Year, Landlord, in its
               discretion, may, with at least thirty (30) days written notice to
               Tenant, elect to relocate up to ten (10) surface spaces to the
               On-Site Garage. For each space so relocated, the monthly rent
               shall be increased by $53.65. During Lease Years 3 through 10,
               Landlord in its discretion may, with at least thirty (30) days
               written notice to Tenant, relocate up to 12 additional surface
               spaces to On-Site Garage for a total of up to 62 One-Site Garage
               spaces. The monthly rent per space shall be increased as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Per Space
                  Lease Year                          Monthly Rent Increase
                  ----------                          ---------------------
                      <S>                                    <C>   
                       3                                     $55.26
                       4                                     $56.91
                       5                                     $58.64
                       6                                     $60.38
                       7                                     $62.19
                       8                                     $64.06
                       9                                     $65.98
                      10                                     $67.96
</TABLE>

                    (e) In the event no structured deck or garage parking, other
               than the On-Site Garage, are constructed within the Inner Harbor
               East subdivision as outlined on Exhibit I prior to the sixth
               Lease Year, the Basic Rent provided for in Section 3(a) above
               shall be reduced by Six Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars
               ($6,250) for each month of the remaining term until such
               additional structured deck or garage parking is constructed and
               open for parking.


14330rrk.6pl



                                      -10-
<PAGE>


                    (f) In the event the On-site Garage is not open and
               operating on the Commencement Date, Landlord shall provide Tenant
               with a credit of $2.50 per work day (Monday through Friday) for
               each of the 40 guaranteed spaces which are to be located in the
               On-Site Garage. Said credit shall be applied against Tenant's
               Operating Expenses each month in the arrears until Tenant is
               notified that the On-Site Garage is open and operating.

     8. Options to Extend Term: Replace Sections 35(a)(b)(c) and (d) with the
following:

          "35. Options to Extend Term.

               (a) Renewal Options. Tenant shall have the option to renew the
          Term provided in Section l(b) (the "Initial Term") for two additional
          periods of five (5) years each (each of such additional periods being
          hereinafter referred to as a "Renewal Period"). Each renewal option
          shall be exercisable by Tenant by giving notice of the exercise of
          such renewal option to Landlord at least 365 days before the
          expiration of the Initial Term, in the case of the first renewal
          option, or at least 365 days before the expiration of the first
          Renewal Period, in the case of the second renewal option, except that
          if the Rent for the first Lease Year in a Renewal Period has not been
          determined by the last day on which the renewal option for such
          Renewal Period must be exercised in accordance with the procedure set
          forth in subsection (d), the period of time within which the Tenant
          may exercise the renewal option for such Renewal Period shall be
          extended until 30 days after the determination of the Rent for the
          first Lease Year in such Renewal Period. Time shall be of the essence
          in connection with Tenant's exercise of the renewal options. Tenant
          may not exercise the renewal option for either Renewal Period unless
          the Rent for such Renewal Period has previously been determined by
          agreement between Landlord and Tenant or in accordance with the
          procedure set forth in subsection (d). Tenant may not exercise the
          renewal option for the second Renewal Period unless Tenant has
          previously exercised the renewal option for the first Renewal Period
          in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. Tenant may not
          exercise the renewal option for either Renewal Period if an Event of
          Default has occurred and is continuing. If (i) the last day on which
          Tenant has the right to exercise a renewal option (the "Last Exercise
          Date"), occurs less than 365 days before the expiration of the Initial
          Term, in the case of the first renewal option, or less than 365 days
          before the expiration of the first Renewal Period, in the case of the
          second renewal option, and (ii) Tenant does not exercise the renewal
          option, the Term shall be extended until the last day of the month in
          which the 365th day after the Last Exercise


14330rrk.6pl



                                      -11-
<PAGE>


          Date occurs; unless prior to the Last Exercise Date, Tenant advises
          Landlord that it will not exercise its applicable renewal option. For
          purposes of determining the Basic Rent payable during the extension
          provided by the preceding sentence, the Rent shall be 95% of the fair
          rental value of the Leased Premises plus 100% of the fair rental value
          (market rate) of the parking spaces guaranteed by Section 29, all as
          actually determined by the procedure described in subsection (d) with
          respect to the Renewal Period for which Tenant did not exercise its
          renewal option. If Tenant timely exercises the options to renew this
          Lease in accordance with the provisions of this Section, then the Term
          shall be extended accordingly. Except as otherwise expressly provided
          in this Section, each Renewal Period shall be upon the same terms,
          covenants and conditions set forth in this Lease with respect to the
          Initial Term and Tenant's obligations to pay Tenant's Proportionate
          Share of Operating Expenses pursuant to Section 3(b) shall continue
          without interruption during each Renewal Period and the extension
          provided for in the seventh sentence, except that there shall be no
          renewal options after the second Renewal Period. All references in
          this Lease to the "Term" shall include each Renewal Period for which
          Tenant shall have effectively exercised its renewal option.

               (b) Rent During Renewal Periods.

                    (1) First Lease Year. If Tenant exercises the renewal option
               provided by subsection (a) to extend the Initial Term for a
               Renewal Period, the Rent for the first Lease Year in the Renewal
               Period shall be an amount equal to 95% of the fair rental value
               (per square foot) of the Leased Premises plus 100% of the fair
               rental value (market rate) of the parking spaces guaranteed by
               Section 29 as of the first day of the Renewal Period as
               determined by mutual agreement between Landlord and Tenant or by
               appraisal by one or more commercial real estate brokers in the
               manner provided in subsection (d).

                    (2) Balance of First Renewal Period. For each Lease Year (or
               part of a Lease Year) thereafter during the Renewal Period, the
               Basic Rent for the area leased by Tenant shall be an amount equal
               to 102.40% of the Basic Rent for the immediately preceding Lease
               Year.

               (c) [Omitted].

               (d) Method of Determining Rent. If Tenant desires to exercise the
          renewal option provided by subsection (a) to extend the Initial Term
          for a Renewal Period, and if Landlord and Tenant are unable mutually
          to agree on the Rent


14330rrk.6pl



                                      -12-
<PAGE>


          for the first Lease Year in such Renewal Period at least 420 days
          before the end of the last Lease Year in the Initial Term, in the case
          of the first renewal option, or at least 420 days before the end of
          the last Lease Year in the first Renewal Period, in the case of the
          second renewal option, Tenant shall notify Landlord of its desire to
          determine the Rent by appraisal pursuant to this subsection not more
          than 450 days and not less than 420 days before the end of the last
          Lease Year in the Initial Term or the last Lease Year in the first
          Renewal Period, as the case may be, and in such notice Tenant shall
          designate the broker appointed by it. The giving of such notice shall
          not constitute an exercise of the option by Tenant. Within 20 days
          thereafter, Landlord shall, by notice to Tenant, designate a second
          broker. If Landlord does not so designate a second broker within the
          20-day period, the first broker appointed by Tenant shall proceed to
          make his valuation, in which case the fair rental value of the Leased
          Premises including the fair rental value (market rate) of the parking
          spaces guaranteed by Section 29 for the first Lease Year in the
          Renewal Period shall be the amount determined by the first broker.
          Each broker shall make an independent determination of the fair rental
          value of the Leased Premises including the fair rental value (market
          value) of the parking spaces guaranteed by Section 29 for the first
          Lease Year in the applicable Renewal Period. If the two brokers so
          appointed agree on the fair rental value of the Leased Premises
          including the fair rental value (market value) of the parking spaces
          (market value) guaranteed by Section 29 within 15 days after the
          appointment of the second broker, the fair rental value of the Leased
          Premises including the fair rental value of the parking spaces
          guaranteed by Section 29 for the first Lease Year in the applicable
          Renewal Period shall be the amount determined by them. If the two
          brokers so appointed do not agree on the fair rental value of the
          Leased Premises including the fair rental value (market rate) of the
          parking spaces guaranteed by Section 29 within 15 days after the
          appointment of the second broker, but if the difference between the
          fair rental value determined by each broker is not more than $1.00 per
          square foot, the fair rental value of the Leased Premises including
          the fair rental value (market rate) of the parking spaces guaranteed
          by Section 29 for the first Lease Year in the applicable Renewal
          Period shall be an amount equal to the quotient obtained by dividing
          the sum of the fair rental value determined by each broker by two. If
          the two brokers so appointed do not agree on the fair rental value of
          the Leased Premises including the fair rental value (market rate) of
          the parking spaces guaranteed by Section 29, and if the difference
          between the fair rental value determined by each broker is more than
          $1.00 per square foot, the two brokers shall jointly appoint a third
          broker. If the two brokers so appointed shall be unable, within 15
          days after the

14330rrk.6pl




                                      -13-
<PAGE>


          appointment of the second broker, either (i) to agree on the fair
          rental value of the Leased Premises including the fair rental value
          (market rate) of the parking spaces guaranteed by Section 29 (or to
          disagree on such value with a difference of $1.00 or less per square
          foot) or (ii) to agree on the appointment of a third broker, they
          shall give written notice of such failure to agree to the parties,
          and, if the parties fail to agree upon the selection of a third broker
          within 10 days after the brokers appointed by the parties give such
          notice, then within 10 days thereafter either of the parties upon
          notice to the other party may request such appointment by the then
          President of the Baltimore City Board of Realtors (or any organization
          successor thereto), or in his failure to act, may apply for such
          appointment to the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland. If a
          third broker is appointed, he shall make his valuation within 15 days
          after his appointment and the fair rental value of the Leased Premises
          including the fair rental value (market rate) of the parking spaces
          guaranteed by Section 29 for the first Lease Year in the applicable
          Renewal Period shall be an amount equal to the quotient obtained by
          dividing the sum of the fair rental values determined by the two
          brokers who were closest to each other in amount, by two.

     9. Expansion Options For Office Space. Sections 36(a) and 36 (b) are no
longer applicable; replace the first sentence of Section 36(c), as set forth in
the First Amendment, with the following:

          "(c) Provided Tenant has given Landlord written notice twelve (12)
     months prior to the fifth Lease Year, Tenant shall have the option of
     renting the remaining 9,277 square feet on the third floor of the
     Building."

     10. Expansion Options For Retail Space: Add as a new Section 36(d) the
following:

          "(d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Tenant shall not
     have the option of leasing additional space on the first floor of the
     Building."

     11. Tenant's Allowance: Replace the entire Section 39 with the following:

          "Landlord shall give Tenant an allowance to cover the cost of Tenant's
     Work actually performed in an amount not to exceed the product obtained by
     multiplying $15.00 by the Rentable Area, or a total allowance of $1,622,460
     ("Tenant's Regular Allowance").


14330rrk.6pl



                                      -14-
<PAGE>


          Tenant's Regular Allowance shall be allocated for specific work
     performed over the five (5) floors of the Leased Premises as follows:

<TABLE>
                <S>                            <C>     
                1st Floor                      $140,175
                2nd Floor                      $427,290
                3rd Floor                      $262,920
                4th Floor                      $427,290
                5th Floor                      $364,785
</TABLE>

          The Tenant's Regular Allowance shall be paid by Landlord to Tenant
     within thirty (30) days after completion of the Tenant Work for a given
     floor and presentation of invoices from general contractors, subcontractors
     and materialmen which invoices describe with specificity the work
     performed, the floor on which the work has been performed or the materials
     supplied and the cost of such work or materials."

     12. Relocation of Sylvan Retail Space: The following is added as Section
43:

          "43. Relocation of Sylvan Retail Space: Notwithstanding anything in
     this Lease to the contrary, in the event Tenant leases twenty-five thousand
     (25,000) square feet or more in other space within the Inner Harbor East
     Renewal area from Landlord or an Affiliate, Landlord shall have the right
     to relocate the Sylvan Retail Space to the building where the other space
     is being leased; provided, the proposed relocated Sylvan space is
     comparable in size and tenant improvements made prior to the relocation.
     All reasonable direct third party expenses relating to the move from the
     Sylvan Retail Space to the new space shall be borne by Landlord. If the
     parties do not agree that all of the expenses are appropriate, the parties
     agree to arbitrate the issue and waive any and all rights of litigation
     with respect to the determination of the moving expenses. The cost and
     expense of any such arbitration shall be shared equally by the parties.

          Tenant agrees, after such relocation and the payment of third party
     moving expenses, to execute, if requested by Landlord, a release or
     modification of this Lease Agreement and a new lease for the relocated
     space; provided, it is on the same terms and conditions as those contained
     herein applicable to the Sylvan Retail Space and the Basic Rent under this
     Lease is reduced in accordance with the following schedule:


14330rrk.6pl



                                      -15-
<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Months                                Monthly Rent
           ------                                ------------
           <S>                                     <C>    
           1-12                                    $11,603
           13-24                                   $11,951
           25-36                                   $12,310
           37-48                                   $12,679
           49-60                                   $13,060
           61-72                                   $13,451
           73-84                                   $13,855
           85-96                                   $14,271
           97-108                                  $14,699  
           109-120                                 $15,140
</TABLE>

     13. General:

          13.1. In all other respects, the Lease and the First Amendment shall
     remain in full force and effect.

          13.2. This Amendment shall be binding upon the parties hereto and
     their respective successors, and assigns.

          13.3. This Amendment shall be interpreted and construed in accordance
     with the laws of the State of Maryland.


14330rrk.6pl




                                      -16-
<PAGE>


     WITNESS the hands and seals of the parties hereto as of the day and year
first above written.

ATTEST/WITNESS:                        HARBOR EAST-OFFICE, LLC
                                       LANDLORD
                                       By: The Paterakis/Tsakalos Family
                                           Partnership LLP
                                           Administrative Member

/s/ ILLEGIBLE                              By: /s/ Nicholas Tsakalos
- -------------                                  -------------------------- (SEAL)
                                               Name:
                                               Partner:


/s/ ILLEGIBLE                              By: /s/ William Paterakis
- -------------                                  -------------------------- (SEAL)
                                               Name:
                                               Partner:



ATTEST/WITNESS:                       SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.
                                      TENANT

/s/ ILLEGIBLE                              By: /s/ ILLEGIBLE
- -------------                                  -------------------------- (SEAL)


     The undersigned joins herein solely to confirm that it will make Parcels P,
B & C available to Landlord to satisfy the parking requirements described
Section 29(b) hereof.



                                       By: The Paterakis/Tsakalos Family
                                           Partnership LLP
                                           General Partner

                                           By: /s/ Nicholas Tsakalos
                                               -------------------------- (SEAL)
                                               Name:
                                               Partner:


                                           By: /s/ William Paterakis
                                               -------------------------- (SEAL)
                                               Name:
                                               Partner:


14330rrk.6pl



                                      -17-
<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT A-1
                                  FIRST FLOOR

                                   FLOOR PLAN
                               INNER HARBOR EAST
                                   APARTMENTS



<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT A-2
                                  SECOND FLOOR

                                   FLOOR PLAN
                               INNER HARBOR EAST
                                   APARTMENTS



<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT A-3
                                  THIRD FLOOR

                                   FLOOR PLAN
                               INNER HARBOR EAST
                                   APARTMENTS


<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT A-1
                                  FOURTH FLOOR

                                   FLOOR PLAN
                               INNER HARBOR EAST
                                   APARTMENTS


                                      -21-
<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT A-1
                                   FIFTH FLOOR

                                   FLOOR PLAN
                               INNER HARBOR EAST
                                   APARTMENTS



<PAGE>


                                   EXHIBIT I

                               INNER HARBOR EAST
                              PLAT S.E.B. NO. 3363
                              PLAT S.E.B. NO. 3506
                              BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
                                OCTOBER 10, 1996





                             REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

$15,000,000.00                                                 December 31, 1996
                                                             Baltimore, Maryland

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc., a Maryland corporation
(the "Borrower") promises to pay on the Revolving Credit Expiration Date (as
hereinafter defined) to the order of NationsBank, N.A., a national banking
association (the "Bank") the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Revolving
Loans (as hereinafter defined) outstanding on the Revolving Credit Expiration
Date and made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the provisions of a
certain Loan Agreement (which Loan Agreement, as the same may from time to time
be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, is herein called the
"Loan Agreement") dated as of the date hereof between the Borrower and the Bank.
All capitalized terms used in this Note (including, without limitation, the
terms "Business Day", "Default", "Default Period", "Financing Documents", "Late
Charges", "Obligations", "Revolving Credit Interest Rate", "Revolving Loans",
"Revolving Loan Account", and "Revolving Credit Expiration Date"), unless
specifically herein defined, shall have the same meanings ascribed to such terms
in the Loan Agreement. The term "Principal Amount" means, as of any date, the
aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Revolving Loans advanced by the Bank to
the Borrowers pursuant to the provisions of the Loan Agreement and outstanding
on such date. The fact that there may be no Revolving Loans outstanding at any
particular time shall not affect the continuing validity of this Note.

     Additionally, the Borrower promises to pay to the order of the Bank
interest on the Principal Amount (calculated on a daily basis) from time to time
outstanding at all times when a Default Period does not exist from the date
hereof until the maturity of this Note (whether by acceleration, declaration,
extension or otherwise) at a floating and fluctuating per annum rate of interest
equal at all times to the Bank's 30 Day LABOR Rate (as hereinafter defined) in
effect from time to time, plus one and fifteen one hundredths percent (1.15%)
per annum. Interest accrued on the Principal Amount at all times when a Default
Period does not exist from the date hereof until the maturity of this Note
(whether by acceleration, declaration, extension or otherwise) shall be paid by
the Borrower to the Bank monthly on or before the first day of each month,
commencing on March 1, 1997, and on the same day of each month thereafter until
the maturity of this Note (whether by acceleration, declaration, extension or
otherwise), at which time all unpaid interest accrued through the date of such
maturity shall be paid in full by the Borrower to the Bank. Notwithstanding the
entry of any decree, order, judgment or other judicial action under, pursuant
to, in connection with, or otherwise concerning this Note, the Loan Agreement or
any of the other Financing


C:\WPF\341174.001 
February 4, 1997



<PAGE>



Documents, during a Default Period and/or after the maturity of this Note
(whether by acceleration, declaration, extension or otherwise), the Borrower
promises to pay to the Bank whenever demanded by the Bank interest on the
Principal Amount and all other amounts then and thereafter due and payable
hereunder at a floating and fluctuating per annum rate of interest equal at all
times to the Bank's 30 Day LIBOR Rate in effect from time to time, plus three
and fifteen one hundredths percent (3.15%) per annum, from the beginning of such
Default Period for so long as such Default Period continues, or, from the date
of such maturity until payment in full of the Principal Amount, all accrued and
unpaid interest thereon and any and all such other amounts due and payable
hereunder. The term "30 Day LIBOR Rate" as used herein means the floating and
fluctuating per annum rate of interest determined by the daily London Interbank
Offered Rate (expressed as a percentage) for thirty (30) day dollar deposits as
quoted by the Bank for 11:00 a.m. (London time). Each time the 30 Day LIBOR Rate
shall change, the rate of interest on the Principal Amount shall change
immediately and contemporaneously with each such change of the 30 Day LIBOR
Rate. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360 day-year and the actual
number of days elapsed.

     The Bank shall open and maintain on its books in the ordinary course of its
business the Revolving Loan Account described in the Loan Agreement. Except in
the case of manifest error, the Revolving Loan Account shall be conclusive and
binding on the Borrower as to amounts due by the Borrowers to the Bank under the
provisions of this Note.

     If any payment on this Note becomes due and payable on a day other than a
Business Day, such payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day
and, with respect to payments of principal, interest thereon shall be payable at
the then applicable rate of interest as herein provided during such extension.

     This Note is the "Revolving Credit Note" issued pursuant to the provisions
of the Loan Agreement. The obligations of the Borrower evidenced by this Note
are a part of the Obligations referred to in the Loan Agreement. The Bank is
entitled to the benefits of the Loan Agreement, the other Financing Documents
and the Collateral referred to therein.

     Upon the occurrence of a Default specified in Sections 6.12, 6.13 or 6.14
of the Loan Agreement, the unpaid balance of the Principal Amount, together with
interest accrued and unpaid thereon, shall immediately and automatically become
due and payable by the Borrower to the Bank. Upon the occurrence of any other
Default under the Loan Agreement, or upon the failure of the Borrower to pay, as
and when due and payable in accordance with this Note, the Principal Amount or
any payment of interest on the Principal Amount, the Bank or any other holder of
this Note may, at


C:\WPF\341174.001 
February 4, 1997



                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>



its option, accelerate the maturity of this Note and declare the unpaid balance
of the Principal Amount of this Note then outstanding together with interest
accrued and unpaid thereon to be immediately due and payable, then and in that
event the entire balance of the Principal Amount of this Note then outstanding
together with interest accrued and unpaid thereon shall be immediately due and
payable by the Borrower to the Bank. The Borrower waives diligence, presentment,
demand, protest and notice of any kind except for any notice expressly provided
for herein.

     Terms and conditions relating to the prepayment of this Note are set forth
among the provisions of the Loan Agreement. The Borrower shall pay to the Bank
Late Charges on account of this Note at the times and in the amounts prescribed
by the Loan Agreement.

     All payments and prepayments of the Principal Amount, interest thereon and
any other amounts payable hereunder shall be paid in lawful money of the United
States of America in immediately available funds during regular business hours
of the Bank at the Bank's office at 10 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21202,
Maryland or at such other place as the Bank or any other holder of this Note may
at any time or from time to time designate in writing to the Borrower.

     If this Note is forwarded to an attorney for collection after maturity
hereof (whether by acceleration, declaration, extension or otherwise), the
Borrower shall pay to the Bank on demand all costs and expenses of collection
including reasonable attorney's fees.

     After maturity of this Note (whether by acceleration, declaration,
extension or otherwise), the Borrower hereby authorizes any attorney designated
by the Bank or clerk of any court of record to appear for it in any court of
record and confess judgment against it without prior hearing, in favor of the
Bank for and in the amount of the Principal Amount then outstanding plus
interest accrued and unpaid thereon, all other amounts then due and payable
hereunder, costs of suit and attorney's fees in an amount equal to 15% of the
Principal Amount then outstanding; provided, however, (a) if the actual
attorney's fees incurred by the Bank or other holder hereof are less than 15% of
the Principal Amount then outstanding and all Obligations owed to the Bank by
the Borrower have been paid, the Bank will refund (to the extent actually
collected) to the Borrower an amount equal to the difference between 15% of the
Principal Amount then outstanding and the amount of such actual attorney's fees,
or (b) if the actual attorney's fees incurred by the Bank or other holder hereof
exceed 15% of the Principal Amount then outstanding, whether by reason of
judgment being contested or otherwise, the Borrower shall pay to the Bank on
demand the amount of any such excess. The authority and power to appear for and
enter judgment against the Borrower shall not be exhausted by one or more
exercises thereof, or by any imperfect


C:\WPF\341174.001 
February 4, 1997


                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>


exercise thereof, and shall not be extinguished by any judgment entered pursuant
thereto. Such authority and power may be exercised on one or more occasions,
from time to time, in the same or different jurisdictions, as often as the Bank
shall deem necessary or desirable, for all of which this Note shall be a
sufficient warrant.

     The rights and remedies of the Bank or any other holder hereof under this
Note, the Loan Agreement and the other Financing Documents shall be cumulative
and concurrent and may be pursued and exercised singularly, successively or
concurrently at the sole discretion of the Bank or any other holder hereof and
may be exercised as often as the Bank or any other holder hereof shall deem
necessary or desirable, and the non-exercise by the Bank or any other holder
hereof of any such rights and remedies in any particular instance shall not in
any way constitute a waiver or release thereof in that or any subsequent
instance.

     The Borrower and the Bank hereby voluntarily and intentionally waive any
right they may have to a trial by jury in any action, proceeding or litigation
directly or indirectly arising out of, under or in connection with this Note,
the Loan Agreement or any of the other Financing Documents.

     This Note shall be governed and construed under the laws of the State of
Maryland, and the Borrower hereby irrevocably consents and submits to the
jurisdiction and venue of any state or federal court sitting in the State of
Maryland over any suit, action or judicial proceeding brought to enforce or
construe this Note or arising out of or relating to this Note.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Note to be executed in its
name, under its seal and on its behalf by its duly authorized officers the day
and year first written above.

ATTEST:                                    Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc.


/s/ Susannah Bennett                       By: /s/ B. Lee McGee           (Seal)
- -----------------------------                  ---------------------------------
Susannah Bennett, Assistant                    B. Lee McGee,
Secretary                                      Vice President



            (SEAL)


SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.
          CORPORATE
             1989
             SEAL
           MARYLAND


C:\WPF\341174.001 
February 4, 1997


                                     - 4 -



                         SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.

                    1996 SENIOR MANAGEMENT STOCK OPTION PLAN

1.   PURPOSE

     This 1996 Senior Management Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") is intended as
an employment incentive and to encourage capital accumulation and stock
ownership in Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. (the Corporation ) by certain key
executive officers (including executive officers who are also directors) of the
Corporation and of its Subsidiaries (as defined below) in order to increase
their proprietary interest in the Corporation's success.

2.   ADMINISTRATION:

     The Plan shall be administered by a committee appointed by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation (the "Committee"). The Committee shall consist of
not less than two members of the Board of Directors who are disinterested
administrators as described in Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. The Committee shall determine the persons who shall participate in the
Plan and the extent of their participation.

     The interpretation and construction by the Committee of any provisions of
the Plan or any stock option agreements entered into under the Plan and any
determination by the Committee pursuant to any provision of the Plan or any such
agreement shall be final and conclusive. No member of the Committee shall be
liable for any action or determination made in good faith, and the members shall
be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement in the manner provided in the
Corporation's charter or by-laws, and under any directors and officers liability
insurance coverage of the Corporation which may be in effect from time to time.

3.   ELIGIBILITY:

     The individuals who shall be eligible to participate in the Plan shall be
the senior executive officers (including the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief
Executive Officer(s) and the Chairman of the Board, of the Corporation)
(including those senior executive officers who are also directors of the
Corporation), or of any corporation in which the Corporation has a proprietary
interest by reason of stock ownership or otherwise, including any corporation in
which the Corporation acquires a proprietary interest after the adoption of this
Plan (but only if the Corporation owns or controls, directly or indirectly,
stock possessing not less than 50% of the total combined voting power of all
classes of stock in such corporation) (a "subsidiary"), as the Committee shall
determine from time to time.


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<PAGE>


4.   AWARD OF OPTIONS:

     The Committee, at any time and from time to time, may authorize the
granting of options under this Plan to any eligible individual under the Plan.
Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee shall determine the timing, size
and all other terms applicable to options granted under this Plan. Options
granted under the Plan may be incentive stock options under section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code or nonqualified stock options

5.   AWARD OF STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS:

     The Committee, at any time and from time to time, may authorize the
granting of stock appreciation rights to optionees who have been granted options
under this Plan. Each stock appreciation right shall relate to a specific option
granted under this Plan and may be granted concurrently with the option to which
it relates or at any time prior to the exercise, termination or expiration of
such option.

     The term "stock appreciation right" shall mean the right to receive from
the Corporation, upon surrender of the option or a portion thereof without
payment to the Corporation, an amount equal to the fair market value on the
exercise date of the total number of Shares of common stock of the Corporation
for which the stock appreciation right is exercised, less the exercise price
which the optionee would have otherwise been required to pay upon purchase of
the Shares. The amount payable by the Corporation upon the exercise of a stock
appreciation right may be paid in cash or in shares of common stock of the
Corporation, or in any combination thereof, as the Committee in its sole
discretion shall determine; provided, however, that in no event shall the total
number of shares which may be paid to the optionee pursuant to the exercise of a
stock appreciation right exceed the total number of Shares subject to the
related option. No fractional shares shall be issued under this section and the
optionee shall instead be entitled to receive a cash adjustment equal to the
same fraction of the fair market value per share.

     The Committee may fix, with respect to rights granted under this Plan such
waiting periods, exercise dates or other limitations as it shall deem
appropriate, provided that no right shall be exercisable after the expiration of
the option to which it relates. In addition, the Committee may impose a total
prohibition on the exercise of such rights for such period or periods as it, in
its sole discretion, deems to be appropriate. The shares involved in an option
as to which a stock appreciation right is related shall be used not more than
once to calculate the amounts to be received pursuant to an exercise of such
right. The right of an optionee to exercise an option shall be cancelled if and
to the extent that shares covered by such option are used to calculate amounts
received upon exercise of a related stock appreciation right.

6.   STOCK:

     The stock subject to the options, stock appreciation rights, and other
provisions of the Plan shall be shares of the Corporation's authorized but
unissued common stock and shares of common stock held as treasury stock in the
Corporation (all such shares of common stock are referred to herein as
"Shares"). Subject to adjustment in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph
7(f) hereof, the total number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan shall
not exceed in the aggregate 1,500,000 Shares. The maximum number of Shares that
may be issued pursuant to options and stock appreciation rights granted under
this Plan to any person is 750,000 Shares.

C:\KDL\STOCK\PLANS, 09/30/9696MSOP.RTF/09/30/96, 9:23AM



<PAGE>



     In the event that any outstanding option or stock appreciation right under
the Plan for any reason expires or is terminated prior to the end of the period
during which options or stock appreciation rights may be granted, the Shares
allocable to the unexercised portion of such option or stock appreciation right
may again be subjected to options or stock appreciation rights under the Plan.

7.   TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS:

     Stock options and stock appreciation rights granted pursuant to the Plan
shall be evidenced by agreements in such form as the Committee shall, from time
to time, approve. Stock appreciation rights shall be evidenced by an agreement
amending the stock option agreement to which such rights relate. Such agreements
shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and conditions:

     (a)  Medium of Payment:

     Upon exercise of the option, the option price shall be payable at the
discretion of the Committee: (i) in United States dollars in cash or by
certified check, bank draft or money order payable to the order of the
Corporation; (ii) through the delivery of shares of common stock of the
Corporation which have been held by the optionee for at least six months at the
time of surrender or acquired under a grant not less than six months prior to
the time of surrender and which shall be valued at their fair market value on
the date of exercise; (iii) by withholding of Shares otherwise issuable pursuant
to an exercise of an option equal in value to the option price or any portion
thereof; or (iv) by any other means that the Committee may approve. At the
discretion of the Committee, payment in full of the option price need not
accompany the written notice of exercise provided that the notice directs that
the stock certificates for the Shares issued upon exercise be delivered to a
licensed broker acceptable to the Corporation as agent for the individual
exercising the option and at the time the stock certificates are delivered to
the broker, the broker will tender to the Corporation cash or cash equivalents
acceptable to the Comoration equal to the exercise price.

     (b)  Number of Shares:

     The agreement shall state the total number of Shares to which it pertains.

     (c)  Option Price:

     Unless the Committee provides otherwise, the option price for Shares
covered by an incentive stock option granted hereunder shall be not less than
100% of the fair market value, as determined by the Committee, of such Shares on
the date of the granting of the incentive stock option and the option price for
Shares covered by a non-qualified stock option granted hereunder shall be not
less than 85% of the fair market value, as determined by the Committee, of such
Shares on the date of the granting of the nonqualified stock option.

C:\KDL\STOCK\PLANS, 09/30/9696MSOP.RTF/09/30/96, 9:23AM



<PAGE>



     (d)  Term of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights:

     Unless the Committee provides otherwise, each option and related stock
appreciation right granted under the Plan shall expire not more than 10 years
from the date the option is granted; provided that a stock appreciation right
shall not be exercisable prior to or later than the time the related option
could be exercised.

     (e)  Date of Exercise:

     The Committee may in its discretion provide that an option or stock
appreciation right may not be exercised in whole or in part for any period or
periods of time specified by the Committee. Except as may be so provided, any
option or stock appreciation right may be exercised in whole at any time or in
part from time to time during its term. In the case of an option or stock
appreciation right not immediately exercisable in full, the Committee may in its
discretion accelerate the time at which an option or stock appreciation right
granted hereunder may be exercised.

     (f)  Recapitalization:

     The aggregate number of Shares on which options and stock appreciation
rights may be granted to persons participating under the Plan, the number of
Shares thereof covered by each outstanding option and stock appreciation right,
and the price per Share thereof in each such option and stock appreciation right
shall all be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number
of issued Shares, as applicable, resulting from a subdivision or consolidation
of shares or other capital adjustment, or the payment of a stock dividend or
other increase or decrease in such Shares, effected without receipt of
consideration by the Corporation; provided, however, that any fractional Shares
resulting from any such adjustment shall be eliminated.

     If the Corporation shall be the surviving or resulting corporation in any
merger or consolidation, any option granted hereunder shall pertain to and apply
to the securities to which a holder of the number of Shares subject to the
option or stock appreciation right would have been entitled; but a dissolution
or liquidation of the Corporation, or a merger or consolidation in which the
Corporation is not the surviving or resulting corporation shall cause every
option and stock appreciation right outstanding hereunder to terminate, except
that the surviving or resting corporation may, in its absolute and uncontrolled
discretion, tender options or stock appreciation rights to purchase its shares
on terms and conditions, both as to the number of shares and otherwise, which
shall substantially preserve the rights and benefits of any option or stock
appreciation right then outstanding hereunder.

     In the event of a change in the Corporation's common stock which is limited
to a change in the designation thereof to "capital stock" or other similar
designation, or to a change in the par value thereof, or from par value to no
par value, without increase in the number of issued shares, the shares resulting
from any such change shall be deemed to be Shares of common stock within the
meaning of the Plan.

     (g)  Transferability:

     No option or related stock appreciation right shall be assignable or
transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During
the lifetime of an optionee, the option or related stock


C:\KDL\STOCK\PLANS, 09/30/9696MSOP.RTF/09/30/96, 9:23AM



<PAGE>



appreciation right shall be exercisable only by such optionee. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in the discretion of the Committee, transfers of options shall be
permitted to (a) members of the immediate family of the optionee (children,
grandchildren, spouse, parents or siblings of the optionee); (b) trusts for the
benefit of such family members; and (c) partnerships whose only partners are
such family members. No consideration may be paid for the transfer of such
options. The Committee may grant transferable or nontransferable options in its
discretion and the option agreement shall specify whether the option is
transferable or nontransferable.

     (h)  Rights as a Stockholder:

     An optionee shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to Shares
covered by the optionee's option or stock appreciation right until the date of
the issuance of the Shares to the optionee and only after such Shares are fully
paid. No adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights for which the
record date is prior to the date of such issuance.

     (i)  Withholding:

     The Corporation shall have the right to withhold, or require an individual
exercising an option to remit to the Corporation, an amount sufficient to
satisfy any applicable federal, state or local withholding tax requirements
imposed with respect to the exercise of options. To the extent permissible under
applicable tax, securities and other laws, the option agreement shall permit
satisfaction of a tax withholding requirement by withholding Shares issued as a
result of the exercise of an option.

     k)   Other Provisions:

     The agreements authorized under this Plan may contain Such other provisions
as the Committee shall deem advisable.

8.   TERM AND EFFECTIVENESS OF PLAN:

     The Plan shall become effective on the date it is approved by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at a
meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation and when so approved shall be
deemed to have been in full force and effect from and after the date on which it
is adopted for the Corporation by action of its Board of Directors. Before
stockholder approval has been obtained, the Committee may grant stock options
and stock appreciation rights under the Plan; however, such stock options and
stock appreciation rights shall be void if the Plan is not thereafter approved
by the stockholders. No stock option or stock appreciation rights shall be
granted pursuant to this Plan after the tenth anniversary of the date on which
the Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or the date
the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Corporation whichever is
earlier.


C:\KDL\STOCK\PLANS, 09/30/9696MSOP.RTF/09/30/96, 9:23AM



<PAGE>



9.   AMENDMENTS:

     The Board of Directors may from time to time alter, amend, suspend, or
discontinue this Plan, subject to the terms of the Plan; provided, however, that
to the extent required under Rule 16b-3 with respect to persons who are subject
to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, with respect to
incentive stock options, to the extent required by the Internal Revenue Code, no
action by the Board of Directors which materially modifies the Plan shall become
effective without the approval of the stockholders of the Corporation. The
Committee may alter or amend any and all option and stock appreciation rights
agreements granted hereunder, provided that no such amendment shall become
effective without the consent of the option holder.

10.  APPLICATION OF FUNDS:

     The proceeds received by the Corporation from the sale of common stock
pursuant to options will be used for general corporate purposes




                                        SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.

                                        By:
                                           -------------------------------------
                                             Douglas L. Becker
                                             President & Co-CEO

                                        By:
                                           -------------------------------------
                                             R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric
                                             Co-CEO






EXHIBIT 11 - STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS

SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      YEARS ENDED
                                                                                                      DECEMBER 31,

                                                                                    ------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       1994               1995               1996
                                                                                    ------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>               <C>                 <C>    
 PRIMARY:

 AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING                                                         13,107,967         13,718,007         21,614,816
 DILUTIVE EFFECT OF STOCK OPTIONS - Based on the treasury
 stock method using the average market price                                         1,763,895          1,851,103          1,379,485
 COMMON STOCK CONTINGENTLY ISSUABLE                                                          0             95,693            446,033
                                                                                    ------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL                                                                              14,871,862         15,664,803         23,440,334
                                                                                    ==========         ==========         ==========

 NET INCOME                                                                         $3,385,557         $3,547,829        $14,743,106
 CONTINGENT GOODWILL AMORTIZATION FOR ACQUISITIONS                                          $0           $170,547           $629,716
                                                                                    ------------------------------------------------
 SUPPLEMENTAL NET INCOME                                                            $3,385,557         $3,377,282        $14,113,390
                                                                                    ==========         ==========        ===========
                                                                                                                         -----------
 PER SHARE AMOUNTS                                                                       $0.23              $0.22              $0.60
                                                                                         =====              =====              =====

 FULLY DILUTED:

 AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING                                                         13,107,967         13,718,007         21,614,816
 DILUTIVE EFFECT OF STOCK OPTIONS - Based on the treasury
 stock method using the market price at the end of the year                          2,011,048          2,158,119          1,521,174
 COMMON STOCK CONTINGENTLY ISSUABLE                                                          0             95,693            446,033
                                                                                    ------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL                                                                              15,119,015         15,971,819         23,582,023
                                                                                    ==========         ==========         ==========


 NET INCOME                                                                         $3,385,557         $3,547,829        $14,743,106
 CONTINGENT GOODWILL AMORTIZATION FOR ACQUISITIONS                                          $0           $170,547           $629,716
                                                                                    ------------------------------------------------
 SUPPLEMENTAL NET INCOME                                                            $3,385,557         $3,377,282        $14,113,390
                                                                                    ==========         ==========        ===========
                                                                                                                         -----------
 PER SHARE AMOUNTS                                                                       $0.22              $0.21              $0.60
                                                                                         =====              =====              =====
</TABLE>




                 Subsidiaries of Sylvan Learning Systems. Inc.

Exhibit 21.0

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPANY                                                                COUNTRY/STATE OF INCORP.
- -------                                                                ------------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>
SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.                                               MARYLAND

RESS USA, Inc.                                                               Delaware

Sylvan Learning Systems International. Ltd.                                  Delaware
  Its Subsidiary:
  ---------------
  Sylvan Learning Systems I, B.V.                                            Netherlands
    Its Subsidiaries:
    -----------------
    Sylvan Learning Systems B.V.                                             Netherlands
    Sylvan Learning Systems II, B.V.                                         Netherlands
      Its Subsidiaries:
      -----------------
      Sylvan Learning Systems GmbH                                           Germany
      Sylvan Learning Systems Pty. Ltd.                                      Australia
      Sylvan Learning Systems Pty. Ltd.                                      South Africa

PACE Learning, Inc.                                                          Maryland

Sylvan Hungary KFT                                                           Hungary (Wall Street Inst)

Italia Design Kontract S.L.                                                  Spain (WSI)

Office Overload, Inc.
  Its Subsidiary:
  ---------------
  Sylvan Prometric, L.P.                                                     Minnesota
    Drake Prometric, K.K.                                                    Japan
    CCS Gesellschaft fur Computergestutzie
      Tests und Prufugen MBH                                                 Germany
    Computer Certification Services, Limited                                 United Kingdom
    Computer Certification Services Pty Limited                              Australia

ITS General, Inc.
  Its Subsidiarv:
  ---------------
  Sylvan Prometric, L.P.                                                     Minnesota

Caliber Learning Network, Inc.                                               Maryland

Jostens Learning Corporation                                                 California
</TABLE>





                                 Exhibit 23.01

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration
Statements of our report dated February 27, 1997, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc.
included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996.

Registration Statements on Form S-3

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

   Registration Number               Date Filed
- ------------------------------------------------------


<S>                                    <C>    
33-92014                           May 8, 1995
33-92852                           May 30, 1995
333-1674                           February 26, 1996
333-16111                          November 14, 1996
333-21261                          February 6, 1997

</TABLE>

Registration Statements on Form S-8
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



     Name                      Registration Number           Date Filed
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                               <C>                      <C>    
1987-1991 Employee Stock          
  Option Plan                     33-77384                 April 6, 1994

1993 Director Stock 
  Option Plan                     33-77386                 April 6, 1994
                                  
1993 Employee Stock 
  Option Plan                     33-77390                 April 6, 1994
                                  
1993 Management Stock 
  Option Plan                     33-77388                 April 6, 1994
                                  
                                  
1997 Employee Stock 
  Purchase Plan                   333-21963                February 18, 1997
                                   

</TABLE>


/s/Ernst & Young

Baltimore, Maryland
March 26, 1997



<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
       
<S>                             <C>                            <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR                             YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1996           DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                                 JAN-01-1996           JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                                   DEC-31-1996           DEC-31-1995
<CASH>                                         11,082,263            2,528,865
<SECURITIES>                                   16,298,988            30,379,065 
<RECEIVABLES>                                  38,084,253            25,190,746   
<ALLOWANCES>                                   1,378,854             1,466,027  
<INVENTORY>                                    4,469,577             3,639,392  
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               71,819,665            63,486,772   
<PP&E>                                         35,984,436            21,522,241   
<DEPRECIATION>                                 11,271,237            6,142,009   
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 250,578,851           165,406,671 
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          43,432,594            25,169,926  
<BONDS>                                        0                     0  
                          0                     0   
                                    0                     0   
<COMMON>                                       225,662               207,302  
<OTHER-SE>                                     179,365,017           136,254,529   
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   250,578,851           165,406,671   
<SALES>                                        157,116,660           87,990,818  
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               157,116,660          87,990,818   
<CGS>                                          0                     0   
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  134,901,266           83,664,390   
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               0                     0  
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               0                     0   
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             529,469               1,832,377   
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                23,593,106            3,756,988   
<INCOME-TAX>                                   8,850,000             209,159   
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            14,743,106            3,547,829   
<DISCONTINUED>                                 0                     0   
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                0                     0   
<CHANGES>                                      0                     0   
<NET-INCOME>                                   14,743,106            3,547,829   
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  0.60                  0.22   
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  0.60                  0.21   

        



</TABLE>


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