Studying Three Years Above Her Grade Level, This Student Helps Her Peers

Studying Three Years Above Her Grade Level, This Student Helps Her Peers

Josie McCarthy

Josie, 10-years-old, Math Level H, Reading Level G

Josie is 10-years-old, studying three years above her grade level in the Kumon Program. In fact, she’s studying the same math material that her mom, who is an eighth grade teacher, teaches her students. Imagine that, a 10-year-old transforming equations, working with linear functions and simplifying monomials and polynomials. She’s well on her way to advanced algebraic expressions and she isn’t even in middle school yet.

“Sometimes, when the math gets hard, I remind myself to stay focused and positive,” says Josie. “My mom shows her eighth grade students that I’m doing the same math as them, which is a good reminder for me that Kumon has brought me so far.”

Josie and Kumon North America president, Minoru Tanabe

Josie shakes hands with Kumon North America president Minoru Tanabe.

One of the things that Josie likes most about Kumon is the fact that she’s studying above her grade level. She says that many of her friends look to her for help with their homework.

“Kumon has helped me in so many ways,” says Josie. “It has given me confidence in myself and that confidence also helps me help other students in my class, which I love to do.”

Josie gives us a little insight into how Kumon has impacted her early childhood.

How has Kumon helped you beyond academics?

Kumon gives me confidence because I know how strong of a student it has made me. I know that I can do and learn anything if I do the work and practice daily. Kumon has taught me about the importance of focusing and to not be afraid of challenges, but to enjoy them and work through them because I know I can overcome anything.

What keeps you motivated in Kumon?

The thing that keeps me motivated is the fact that I am working hard to get ahead in school and to be the best that I can be academically. Knowing that my classmates come to me for help with their math and they see how much Kumon has taught me, motivates me to keep working hard to be the best that I can be and keep working to achieve my goals and the next level in Kumon.