Josie’s Story
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.
One of the things that Josie likes most about Kumon is the fact that she’s studying above her grade level.
“Kumon gives me confidence because I know how strong of a student it has made me,” says Josie. “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.”
Josie embodies everything that Toru Kumon had in mind when he founded the Kumon Method. He felt that students would experience the true benefits of the Kumon Method if they acquired the study habits necessary for self-learning and advanced study.
Discover more inspiring success stories on the Kumon Blog !
Kumon Math Program Completer
Minh-Thu Nguyen, age 14, of Henrico County is the first Kumon Math Program Completer at the Kumon Math and Reading Center of Richmond - Libbie. Watched her sister working on Kumon worksheets gave the gifted 6th grader a push to begin her Kumon journey in July 2016 with the starting point of D151 in math program. With her strong determination and the great support of her loving parents, Minh-Thu completed the Kumon Math Program in September 2018 as she entering her freshman year at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School.
“I enrolled into the Kumon program not only learn more but to also challenge myself,” Minh-Thu said. “After hearing others complain and bad mouth about the Kumon program, I had expected it would be harsh. However, I quickly threw away my previous expectation as I realized the program allowed me to brush up on old mathematical skills, and not only taught me new skills but also how to solve math equations quicker and smoother. I enjoyed not understanding a certain concept but then suddenly comprehend on what I am supposed to do. It’s an amazing feeling!” .
In addition to Minh-Thu’s heavy load homework and wide range extra-curricular activities, she created a daily routine to complete her Kumon worksheets, even during the summer, holidays and her birthday – never missing a day. In the math program, Minh-Thu mastered concepts like differential calculus, indefinite/definite integrals and differential equations while studying interpretation and critique of great works of literature ranging from Shakespeare to T.S. Eliot in the reading program.
"Minh-Thu has matured as a student as well as an individual, and has gained diligent work habits," said Anh Nguyen, Kumon Center of Richmond - Libbie Director. “She persevered and achieved her goal, most importantly she built critical thinking and strong comprehension skills which are valuable as she continues her education at the 12th best public high school in the nation.” .
Minh-Thu is currently working on X level of the math program, and plan on completing her Kumon Reading Program soon. When asked what advice would Minh-Thu have for other students, she said “I would advise them to do all of their work because once you get to a higher level, the habit will really come in handy when there are more and more complex equations that you will have to solve. But most importantly, I would strongly advise the students to stick with the program; it really does help them in the long run, especially when the program allows the student to go beyond what has already been set for them to learn at their own pace.”.
Inspirational Student Story: Joshua
Meet Joshua!
He completed the Kumon Reading Program at only seven years old and dreams of becoming a doctor. The aviation enthusiast has excelled in Kumon and school despite facing serious health challenges. Click to view Joshua's story.