The Kumon Reading Program | Improve Your Child's Reading Skills
Kumon logo

1.855.306.6827  |  FAQs

Kumon Math Kumon Reading Kumon For Preschoolers Kumon vs. Tutoring

Kumon Math Kumon Reading Program Kumon For Preschoolers Kumon vs. Tutoring

Find a Center

FAQ Find a Center

Find A Center

FAQs

Find A Center

What is Kumon?

Kumon is the world’s largest after-school enrichment program. Our math and reading curriculums start with preschool material for kids as young as age three, and advance all the way to the end of high school.

Kumon has two sides: the academic learning side and the side where we teach students how to self-learn, gain confidence and become independent thinkers. We combine advancing their math and reading skills with teaching them how to become even better students. They learn how to put in effort. How to learn from failure. How to evaluate and be analytical when they’re solving a problem and find a mistake—and how not to erase the whole answer but go back and find exactly where the mistake occurred.

Over time, many of our students become very confident as they work on material years beyond their grade level. They often find themselves doing school homework much faster and with better results. And many are able to qualify for advanced classes in high school that help with their future college education.

How does Kumon work?

In the Kumon Program, students learn through daily practice of about 30 minutes per subject per day. Two days a week they complete assignments at their Kumon Center, and the other days they do them at home, or wherever life takes them. When you first enroll your children, we’ll have them complete a placement test that identifies the most appropriate starting level for them. This has nothing to do with their age or grade in school; it’s about the skills they’ve mastered to date. Based on their starting level, they’ll work on daily assignments through what we call a self-learning approach. As they’re working on their assignments, we’re also assessing whether they’ve mastered each concept by looking at their speed and accuracy. If they’ve mastered it, great! They advance to the next level. If they haven’t, we have them go back to relearn those concepts.

How old are the kids enrolled in Kumon?

Kids can be enrolled in Kumon from as young as age 3, all the way through high school.

What do Kumon’s virtual classes entail?

With many states still limiting business operations, Kumon North America has implemented a phased reopening for centers. Following their state’s reopening guidelines, centers will be offering a mix of virtual and in-center classes that will limit the number of students in our centers and promote proper social distancing precautions. The virtual classes are being held via videoconferencing where students complete the assigned work from the comfort of their home while a certified Instructor or assistant is available for assistance. Consultants are also available by phone or email. Since many of our centers are independently owned and operated, please check with your local center about their virtual learning protocol and availability. For additional details regarding our centers’ safety and social distancing guidelines, please see the “What is Kumon doing to keep my kids safe while they are at the center?” section in the FAQs.

What is Kumon doing to keep my kids safe while they are at the center?

As centers begin to reopen for in-center classes, Kumon North America has implemented strict safety guidelines which include:

  • Regularly cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces
  • Scheduling students to prevent overcrowding
  • Practicing social distancing
  • Providing a mix of in-center and virtual classes at participating centers to limit class sizes
  • Spacing out the desks and implementing staggered seating
  • Washing hands frequently
  • Checking temperatures upon entry
  • Wearing masks

My child already does well in school. Why would I consider Kumon?

A wonderful difference between the Kumon curriculum and the school curriculum is that your children advance based on their abilities alone. In school, your kids are limited—regardless of their knowledge level, if they’re in third grade, they’ll be limited to studying third-grade material. In Kumon, however, they have the freedom to move ahead when they’re ready for each incremental lesson. That’s why so many Kumon children are studying material one, two, three or more years ahead of their grade level.

If you are concerned that your child will be bored in school after advancing with Kumon, our parents and students report the opposite. Students with a firm grasp of the fundamentals in math and reading become much more engaged and self-confident in school. Doing homework each night also becomes less daunting and time consuming—a plus for both students and parents. And with Kumon, you have more information on how their learning is advancing, so you can make sure any curriculum includes classes that are appropriately challenging.

How is Kumon different from tutoring?

  1. Tutoring may not get to the root of the problem.

    When a child needs help with math or reading, tutoring often focuses on addressing an immediate need. The Kumon Method recognizes that a child’s struggle likely stems from having missed earlier, fundamental learning.

  2. Kumon identifies where your child’s learning started to fall behind, while a tutor may not.

    To fix the root of your child’s struggles, the starting point needs to be correct. While a tutor may begin tutoring a fifth grader on fifth-grade material, Kumon may start them at a different level.

  3. Tutoring is passive learning. Kumon teaches self-learning.

    A tutor often sits with a child and explains how to solve a problem. This makes the child a passive learner, listening to an explanation with no guarantee the concept has been fully grasped. Conversely, self-learning in Kumon keeps your children actively engaged. They learn by studying examples that equip them to do the work on their own.

How does Kumon help if my child has fallen behind or struggles with homework?

If your child is a bit behind in school, struggling with homework or having some difficulties with math or reading, Kumon is an excellent choice. Kids often struggle in school because the teacher moves on without knowing if every student fully understands the lesson. Our method uses carefully designed worksheets. Each teaches a lesson that’s one small step more advanced than the previous one. As children complete each worksheet, our method ensures they have fully absorbed that concept before moving on. If your child is like many kids who come to us a little behind, he or she will likely be ahead of his or her peers after spending some time with us.

How is Kumon different from traditional teaching?

Kumon is based on the concept of self-learning. To understand self-learning, it’s important to first understand what we’re all familiar with, which is traditional learning. In the classroom environment, your children are often passive learners. They may be sitting in class, but are they always paying attention? Are they fully engaged or daydreaming in space? There’s no guarantee they’re fully grasping every lesson the teacher is teaching.

Conversely, self-learning in Kumon ensures your children are always actively engaged. They learn by studying examples, which empower them to do the work on their own. This differs from sitting in front of a teacher—or a tutor—listening to them explain how to solve the problem. Your kids learn by doing, not watching, and build the confidence to rely on themselves instead of what the teacher knows.

What kind of progress can I expect for my child?

Every child is different. Children advance at their own pace through their program of worksheets. Since each worksheet teaches a lesson that’s one step more advanced than the previous one, children fully absorb each concept before moving on. That’s a big part of why Kumon works for kids of all abilities. And why so many of our kids end up studying above grade level.

What are the Instructors’ qualifications?

All of our Instructors are required to have a four-year degree, and all have completed extensive Kumon curriculum training.

Does Kumon follow my child’s school curriculum?

Kumon works alongside it and is supplemental to your child’s schoolwork. During your Parent Orientation, you’ll speak with the Instructor and will be able to see the Center and our materials, so you can understand how it works.

Does Kumon offer SAT/ACT/graduation test help?

While we don’t specifically do test preparation for SAT, ACT or state standardized testing, we help our students develop the work skills they need to feel very prepared for major standardized exams. Our timed assignments also help children become comfortable working in those high-pressure test-taking conditions. Our program also helps strengthen time-management and problem-solving skills.

What is my role as a parent?

The most important step you can take is to help your child establish a routine by scheduling daily “Kumon time.” To encourage your child, you’ll want to celebrate and praise victories and progress large or small. Younger children may need some extra guidance from you in completing worksheets. It’s also very important to maintain regular communication with your Instructor about homework, motivation, curriculum or any other major activity in your child’s life. The Instructor is there for you as well as your child, and wants what you want: to help your child succeed.

What does Kumon cost?

Kumon’s monthly tuition ranges from $120 to $160 per subject. Kumon Centers are individually owned and operated therefore costs may vary. Please contact your local Kumon Center to confirm monthly tuition rates.

How do I enroll my child?

Your first step is to schedule a free Parent Orientation at the Kumon Center most convenient for you. Click here to find a Center near you. At that session your Kumon Instructor will provide further information on how the Kumon Program works and answer your questions. Your child will also complete our free assessment test, which helps your Kumon Instructor determine the perfect starting point for your child’s lessons. You should plan on spending between 45 and 60 minutes at the Parent Orientation.

kumon logo

Where Smart Kids Get Smarter

Most Kumon Centers are independently owned and operated. Additional fees may apply. See center for applicable terms and conditions.

© Kumon North America, Inc.
All rights reserved.
55 Challenger Road, Suite 300
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660

Frequently Asked Questions

Our instructors explain
How the
Kumon Program
Works

What's the difference?
Kumon vs. Tutoring

1/14

My son has been enrolled in the Kumon Reading Program for seven months now. We are so happy with how much he has improved. He has become a very confident reader and enjoys reading to us every night. Kumon has also improved his writing and spelling. We highly recommend it!

Sara — East Lansing, MI

2/14

Kumon has been one of the best choices our family has made to help our son succeed in school. Aside from improving his reading, Kumon has taught him to work independently and improved his focus while doing schoolwork.

Alexandra — Norwalk, CT

3/14

When my son started going to Kumon about a year ago, he couldn't even hold a pencil correctly or read a word. Now he can read and write fluently. It takes time and patience, but Kumon works. I’m so glad I found this place!

Srijana, — Charlotte, NC

4/14

My daughter is 5 and she started Kumon just two months ago—now she is reading great! Within the first month she was reading words and now she is reading sentences and short story books. The staff is great, and I definitely recommend Kumon!

GellieMarie — Concord, CA

5/14

My son has significantly improved his reading comprehension ever since he started Kumon. The owners are very friendly, and the employees are always willing to go the extra mile to help him excel!

Ayesha — Tomball, TX

6/14

We have a fourth grader who started with Kumon the summer of second grade. He was behind in his reading and we wanted all his gaps filled in… (this is coming from his mother, a first grade teacher). Kumon did this no problem, and I am happy to say he is now at grade level in language arts. As for our second grade son, he started the summer of his kindergarten year. He was worried about not knowing all his sounds. Because of Kumon, he is the top of his second grade class. He has asked us to keep him in the Reading Program so that he can continue to strive as a reader.

Katherine — Oceanside, CA

7/14

Both of my kids have been attending Kumon for several months now and it has really helped them learn to sit and focus on learning how to read and write well. Keep up the good work!

Sunita — Somerset, NJ

8/14

We are so appreciative of this program, the staff and the genuine care for our child. We have definitely seen a giant boost in our son’s confidence when reading since he started with Kumon. His reading scores at school have also improved tremendously! Words cannot express our gratitude! We look forward to seeing him grow and flourish as he continues with the program.

Shariffa — Austin, TX

9/14

My son has learned so much since starting Kumon, that he is ahead three reading levels! All the other parents are asking what we’ve been doing to help him, and we always praise Kumon!

Kev — The Bronx, NY

10/14

I enrolled my son in the Kumon Reading Program two months ago and he quickly was able to read sentences and now is trying to read books. I would highly recommend Kumon to anyone!

Haritha — Los Gatos, CA

11/14

Kumon made a world of difference for my daughter! Before starting the program, she was two grade levels behind in her reading. Within seven months she was where she needed to be. It helped her be confident in herself, which made reading more enjoyable. She wants to read all the time now!

Krista — Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

12/14

Over the last six months my daughter has increased her reading levels significantly! She improved more than a full grade level in reading. I highly recommend Kumon, they are amazing!

Jason — Concord, CA

13/14

Our son has gone from struggling with his writing to all A’s in all his subjects. Our daughter is gaining confidence and is being guided to improve. Most of all, I like the fact that they both get a defined amount of practice every day throughout the year, which keeps them on top of things. And we all know, practice makes perfect!

Kuhan — Richmond, TX

14/14

I would really like to thank Kumon for helping my son learn to read. When we moved to the U.S. from Africa, he could not read, but Kumon helped him in just a little space of time. He can read and write perfectly now. Thank you, Kumon!

Angelline — Los Gatos, CA

What Parents Say about Kumon

A yellow icon showing a crossed pencil and ruler.

Kumon is an ongoing learning enrichment
program, not a tutoring center

  • Parents often choose tutoring in the hopes of quickly eliminating a child's struggles, but a short-term fix doesn't address the fundamental gaps in learning.
  • The Kumon Method ensures children master every building block of math or reading through a proven method of short, daily assignments known as the Kumon Worksheets.
  • The worksheets take approximately 30 minutes per day, two days a week at the Kumon Center and the other days at home. Each worksheet ensures a concept is mastered before moving on to the next incrementally more challenging worksheet.
  • It may take longer to see results, but this little bit of study every day and the ongoing mastery that it creates are how Kumon kids succeed.
A yellow icon showing numbers and mathematical symbols.

Kumon identifies the root of your child’s struggles and
begins there

  • Tutoring often focuses on the immediate need, such as “help with my essay.”
  • The Kumon Program recognizes that a child’s struggle likely stems from having missed earlier, fundamental learning.
  • This may mean taking your child back at first, to ensure this important learning is mastered, before moving forward.
A yellow icon showing a pencil and ruled notepad.

In Kumon, your child will complete an assessment test to measure mastery
to date

  • While a tutor may start a fifth grader on fifth-grade material, Kumon may start them at a different level.
  • It’s critical that any gaps in learning be filled first, so your child can better master more advanced concepts.
A yellow icon showing a clock displaying the time 3 o'clock.

Kumon teaches self-learning

  • A traditional tutor often sits with a child and explains how to solve a problem.
  • Listening to an explanation is no guarantee that the concept has been fully grasped. This is why struggles often resurface.
  • Self-learning in Kumon keeps your kids actively engaged. They learn by studying examples and then are able to do the work on their own.
A yellow icon showing an A plus grade.

Kumon keeps your kids advancing
beyond their grade level

  • Tutoring is often a short-term fix that helps children with material they’re being taught in their current grade.
  • The Kumon Math and Reading Program keeps kids advancing and never limits their learning. Many Kumon children who start a bit behind not only catch up but advance to studying material ahead of their grade level.
  • You’ll find your child completing homework, tests and essays more quickly, correctly and with less stress.

When your child is struggling in school, a tutor may seem like the logical choice. Understanding how Kumon is different from traditional tutoring is important in determining what is best for your child.

Why are so many
Straight-A Students Enrolled in Kumon?

Sixth graders studying calculus or eighth graders reading Shakespeare. In Kumon, that’s not unusual, because Kumon is a learning enrichment program that never limits a child’s advancement. To understand why Kumon is such a valuable addition to the way your kids learn in school, we encourage you to attend a free orientation at a Kumon Center near you. In the meantime, here are just a few highlights:

A yellow icon showing an open textbook.

Kumon teaches kids to learn independently

  • In traditional teaching, your kids are often passive learners. That means they listen to someone explain how to solve a problem, instead of acquiring the ability to figure it out for themselves.
  • Kumon teaches self-learning. Your kids learn by studying examples that help them see—and grasp—how to master each concept on their own. Rather than relying on the teacher’s knowledge, they learn to rely on themselves.
  • This ability to learn independently is a valuable life skill. It can help your kids achieve success in school and throughout every stage of their lives.
A yellow icon showing an exam paper with a 100 percent score.

The Kumon Worksheets ensure your children
master every building block of learning

  • In school, a teacher may move on to a new lesson, but not all children may have fully absorbed and mastered the previous one. Even the best students sometimes miss bits and pieces of fundamental learning. This missed learning adds up and can lead to difficulties later on.
  • In Kumon, kids complete short, daily assignments known as Kumon Worksheets. Each is designed to ensure your child fully masters a concept before moving on to the next, incrementally more challenging worksheet. This is how Kumon eliminates the learning gaps that often lead to struggles in school.
  • For over 60 years, this proven Kumon Worksheet method has helped Kumon kids advance and reach their full potential.
A yellow icon showing the letters of the alphabet.

Kumon doesn’t limit your child’s advancement

  • In school, children traditionally learn at one speed—the pace of the class. So if your kids master a concept more quickly than their peers, they have to wait until the class moves ahead to the next lesson. In Kumon, your kids continually advance at their own pace, often beyond the material allowed for their grade in school. That’s why even young students can progress to high school calculus, Shakespeare and other advanced material with Kumon.
  • If your child moves ahead in Kumon, will he or she be bored in school? Our parents and students report the opposite. Students who walk into school with a firm grasp of the fundamentals become much more engaged and self-confident in class. Each night’s homework also becomes less daunting and time-consuming, making evenings more enjoyable for everyone.
A yellow icon showing the sum one plus two on a chalk board.

Kumon fits any busy schedule. It takes just 30 minutes per subject per day

  • Even if your kids attend extracurricular activities like sports or music, they’ll have time for Kumon. Two days a week, they’ll complete their Kumon Worksheets at their Kumon Center, with the Instructor there to guide them and monitor their progress. The other days, the Kumon Worksheets are done at home.
  • As your kids advance in the Kumon Program, they’ll likely find themselves completing class homework assignments more quickly and feeling more prepared for tests. This can actually leave them with more free time than their friends.

The Kumon Reading Program | Strong reading & writing skills in as little as 30 minutes a day | Pre-k through High School

  • play
    How Kumon compares to tutoring

    How Kumon compares to tutoring (1.31)

  • play
    How Kumon Helps with Homework

    How Kumon Helps with Homework (1.40)

  • play
    How Kumon is taught

    How Kumon is taught (1.27)

Strong reading & writing skills in as little as 30 minutes a day | Pre-k through High School

Here's what you can expect from as little as 30 Minutes of Kumon a Day

Enroll your kids in the Kumon Reading Program today!

Individualized for your child’s needs

At orientation, your child will complete an assessment, providing the Instructor with a detailed understanding of their reading ability. For example, young children may be able to recite words they know on sight but not yet know how to blend the sounds to actually read the words. For older children, are they able to read fluently? If so, are they comprehending what they’re reading? Can they summarize and write about it?

A purple icon showing a checklist.

Personalized
lesson plan

Having pinpointed your child’s current reading ability, the Instructor will create an individualized course of study, starting them at a level matched to their ability, regardless of age or grade. Kumon is designed to ensure your child enjoys success from the start, by building their confidence and establishing an effective routine.

A purple icon showing an A+.

Solid reading fundamentals

Each level of the Kumon Curriculum builds on the last, creating a stronger and stronger foundation as your child advances. Learning letter sounds in Word Building leads to learning language structure in Sentence Building, combining sentences in Paragraph Building, identifying themes in Summary and interpreting texts in Critique.

A purple icon showing ABC blocks.

Effective writing

Building on a strong foundation in reading, your child will grow into an excellent writer step by step, worksheet by worksheet. They’ll use their language arts skills to write clearer sentences, learn to assemble those sentences into thoughtful paragraphs and combine their paragraphs into persuasive essays.

A purple icon showing a pencil.

Outstanding academic performance

Because Kumon kids advance at their own pace, they often reach levels beyond their classmates. The reading and writing skills they learn in Kumon lead to excellence in all of their coursework, making homework assignments easier and test-taking less stressful.

A purple icon showing an open book.

Tools for
lifelong success

As your child progresses through Kumon, they’ll continue to take on and conquer increasingly complex challenges, developing the focus and grit to persevere when things get difficult. Ultimately, they will grow into a confident, enthusiastic learner who knows they’re smart and tough enough to achieve anything in life.

A purple icon showing a diploma.
Find A Center
Find A Center

Give your kids the advantages ofKumon’s Individualized Approach to Learning

Enroll your kids in the Kumon Reading Program today!

An individualized lesson plan

Your kids will take a Placement Test that will assist our certified Instructors in assessing where they stand in their learning. Whether they need to catch up or are ready to move ahead, their Instructor will create an individualized curriculum that fits their needs.

A pencil and paper.

More than book smarts

While your kids will advance their reading and writing skills, Kumon is equally about instilling valuable life skills, like perseverance, work ethic, self-motivation and the confidence to tackle any challenge.

Books.

Self-learning is fundamental

Your kids won’t be tutored in Kumon. Instead, they work independently, learning how to solve problems for themselves. The worksheets provide examples to guide them in completing each lesson.

An alarm clock.

Self-learning is fundamental

Your kids won’t be tutored in Kumon. Instead, they work independently, learning how to solve problems 
for themselves. The worksheets provide examples to guide them in completing each lesson.

An alarm clock.

More Than Book Smarts

While your kids will advance their reading and writing skills, Kumon is equally about instilling valuable life skills, like perseverance, work ethic, self-motivation and the confidence to tackle any challenge.

Books.

Instructor Guidance

Your Instructor will partner with you, whether in person or remotely by telephone, video or email, to determine how to best guide your kids in their lessons.

Message bubbles.

Instructor Guidance

Your Instructor will partner with you, whether in person or remotely by telephone, video or email, to determine how to best guide your kids in their lessons.

After a year filled with so many challenges, your kids will benefit more than ever from having a reading and writing curriculum that’s built around their unique needs. Kumon meets your kids at their level and works to fill gaps in their learning so they can get back on track and moving ahead!

Find A Center
Find A Center

Give your kids the advantages of
Kumon’s Individualized Approach to Learning

After a year filled with so many challenges, your kids will benefit more than ever from having a reading and writing curriculum that’s built around their unique needs. Kumon meets your kids at their level and works to fill gaps in their learning so they can get back on track and moving ahead!

Talk with us about options for in-center or virtual classes
(at select centers)

The Kumon Reading Program

A yellow open sign.

Our Center safety guidelines include:

  • Cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces
  • Scheduling students to prevent overcrowding
  • Practicing social distancing
  • Washing our hands frequently
  • Checking temperatures upon entry
  • Wearing masks

We've Implemented Strict Safety Guidelines

Advancing your child’s learning in a safe environment is our highest priority.

A yellow thumbs up.

How you can help:

  • Adhere to your scheduled time slot
  • Bring your own pencils and erasers
  • Refrain from congregating in the waiting area
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow
  • Stay home if you are sick

You can also discuss in-center or virtual class alternatives with your Instructor.

Find A Center