Kumon Honors Los Angeles Educator For 30 Years Of Service Helping Children

Los Angeles, Calif., (August 20, 2013) - Kumon, the world’s largest after-school math and reading program, honored Kumon Instructor Noriko Tsuji of Los Angeles, California with a 30-year service award at the annual Kumon North America Instructors Conference held in Baltimore, Maryland. Tsuji was one of the first instructors to open a Kumon Center outside of Japan where the program was founded 55 years ago.

“Starting in Los Angeles was extremely challenging because when I opened, parents had never heard of our program,” said Noriko Tsuji. “It’s amazing to see how Kumon has gained credibility, with most of my families coming in from word-of-mouth.” Today, there are 2,159 Kumon Centers and more than 300,000 students enrolled in North America. In 1983, there were just 16 centers and 1,051 students.

Tsuji’s passion for educating students is as strong as it was when she first opened. She now runs her center with her husband, Teruchi Tsuji, maintaining one of the highest student enrollment centers in West Los Angeles with more than 500 students. “Using the Kumon Method allows me to discover the potential in each student,” said Noriko Tsuji. “It’s highly rewarding when former students return as parents with their own children. They benefited from Kumon and want their children to have the same opportunity.”

Currently, Southern California has 179 Kumon Centers and more than 30,000 students.

About Kumon Math and Reading Centers

Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program that unlocks the potential of children so they can achieve more on their own. Founded in Japan in 1958, the learning method uses an individualized approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills. Kumon has 26,000 centers in 48 countries and more than four million students studying worldwide. The company’s North American headquarters is in Teaneck, N.J. Visit www.kumon.com to learn more.