Kumon Is a Better Choice for Students Than Tutoring

Kumon Is a Better Choice for Students Than Tutoring

Kumon is not a tutoring center, and the reason for that can be traced back to the origins of the company. The Kumon Method was developed by a parent, Toru Kumon, when he saw his own child struggling with math. As a high school math teacher, the easy thing to do would have been to tutor him – to help his son with the topic he was struggling with and then move on. Kumon, however, wanted more. 

He knew that many of his own students struggled with calculation skills, and after some investigation, he realized this was also the case for his own son. This started his quest to help his son build strong math fundamentals that would support him throughout his academic journey, while also encouraging independent self-learning – which would serve him throughout his life. And so, the Kumon Method was born.  

What is Tutoring?

Basically, tutoring is a short-term solution to a temporary problem. According to Merriam-Webster, tutor means, “to teach or guide usually individually in a special subject or for a particular purpose.” If your child is having a hard time with fractions or biology, you might seek out an individual who can help them with those specific lessons or subjects. This might be helpful in the moment, but it does nothing to address any underlying academic deficiencies. At Kumon, we know that you want more for your child than a quick fix with no lasting benefits. 

What is the Kumon Method?

The Kumon Method is different. We take a holistic approach to education with long-term benefits in mind. The goal is for students to become independent, life-long learners. We assess each student and create an individualized learning plan based on student needs. Kumon Instructors continually reassess student progress and adjust each learning plan as needed. 

At Kumon, we serve students who might have academic deficiencies and need help catching up, and we also work with students who are looking for academic enrichment. So whether you are looking for reading remediation or a math program for gifted students, Kumon has the resources and expertise for the needs of each child. 

Parents can enroll their child in Kumon’s Reading Program, Math Program or both. Students move through each program at their own pace. From counting to calculus – students work through our math program step by step, practicing each skill until they achieve mastery, moving on to the next building block and so on. The Kumon Reading Program takes students from letter sounds to advanced literature – again building a solid foundation before moving on to the next level. The countless reading program benefits include: improved comprehension, development of critical thinking skills, more insightful text analysis and much more. 

We have found that while some parents might come to Kumon Learning Centers in search of help with an immediate academic need, they stay once those needs have been addressed because they see the long-term benefits for their child. Kumon helps them develop critical thinking skills, persistence and a mindset that allows them to learn new materials independently.  

Why the Differences Matter

When considering educational support for your child, you are looking at an investment of both time and money, so it is important to understand the differences between what we offer at Kumon Learning Centers compared to tutoring centers. Since Kumon is not a quick fix, like tutoring, we are able to build ongoing relationships with our students and families. We are invested in your child’s success and enjoy celebrating their accomplishments. Education is a team sport, and we love being part of your winning strategy. 

If you are paying for a service that will help your child academically, why not invest in something that will reap long-term benefits? Kumon does not focus on one topic or academic challenge. Instead, the Kumon Method gives your child a strong academic foundation that will allow them to achieve success in the classroom and beyond. Fostering a sense of independence, curiosity and a love for learning, we equip students with skills that will help them now, in future careers and with life in general. Kumon has helped millions of children worldwide, and we can help your child, too.