Are you tired of seeing your child struggle with homework? Do you find it difficult to help them with their homework because you can’t understand the concepts yourself? You’re not alone.
Many parents find themselves in this frustrating situation, which is why they turn to tutoring services, like IXL and Khan Academy for help. Both services aims to improve students’ skills using different teaching approaches and methods.
The main difference between IXL and Kumon is that IXL is a subscription-based platform that offers a variety of activities, including games, puzzles, and quizzes, while Kumon is a self-paced program that focuses on math and reading.
In this article, we’ll compare IXL vs Kumon and help you make an informed decision on which tutoring center is the right fit for your child.
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Introduction to the Debate: IXL vs Kumon
If you are considering online tutoring, the most important step is to carefully compare all your options for top online tutoring services and make an informed decision on which tutoring service is the right fit for your child.
We have analyzed the two programs IXL and Khan Academy on the following parameters:
- Subjects offered
- Teaching methodology
- Tutor matching process
- Pricing and plans offered
- Customer reviews
IXL vs Kumon: Comparison
The following table can help in easily determining which platform will be a good choice for you based on different parameters.
| Parameters | IXL | Kumon |
| Company type | Homeschool program-Short Video Lessons | Tutoring Service |
| Subjects Offered | IXL is an online, subscription-based learning program for PreK-12 students.IXL offers math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish. | Math and reading |
| Mode of teaching | Online video lessons | Online, In-person, and Hybrid |
| Cost of tutoring | You have to purchase a minimum package of $9.90 per month for a single subject. | Kumon tutoring prices range from$150 to $200 per subject. |
| Minimum purchase | You have to purchase a minimum package of $9.90 per month for a single subject. | The minimum purchase is $50 as the enrollment fee. |
| Help in Tutor selection(Tutor Match) | IXL offers multimedia online lessons | Kumon centers are individually owned and operated. |
| Offers free trial | No, IXL doesn’t offer a free trial. Although IXL does have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you find that IXL doesn’t meet your needs, you can cancel and receive a full refund. | Kumon requires a one-month advance cancellation notification to stop tuition payments for the following month. |
| Cancellation policy | If in the first 30 days, IXL doesn’t meet your needs, you can cancel and receive a full refund. | No. Kumon doesn’t offer a free trial. Although they do have a free assessment test. |
| Rating | Trustpilot score: 1.3/5 | Trustpilot rating: 2.9/5 |
Understanding IXL
What is IXL?
IXL is a subscription-based homeschool learning website for Pre-K – 12 students. IXL uses advanced learning technology for online video lessons. IXL offers analytics and recommendations which help parents to support teaching and learning for their kids with a clear focus on outcomes.
IXL offers math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish which is tailored according to the student’s age group. Math and language arts is covered from pre-K right up to 12th grade.
How does IXL work?
IXL is an online video lesson platform. It has built-in step-by-step lessons for each subject that helps students.
IXL offers practice tests for students. One interesting feature is that students earn points when they get a question right. Students are awarded a stamp in their virtual book once they collect 100 points for a subject. Students can earn other virtual rewards as they keep on practicing multiple subjects.
IXL’s SmartScore is a unique scoring system designed to give the best possible information on students’ true understanding of a skill. SmartScore is a flagship feature of IXL and is based on IXL’s proprietary algorithm.
SmartScore is an adaptive platform that tailors the difficulty level of practice questions based on how a student performs. This approach helps students stay focused and reach their learning goals.
Subjects covered by IXL
IXL is aligned with the educational standards, including the Common Core State Standards, the Next Generation Science Standards, and all U.S. state standards.
| Subject | Grade Levels |
|---|---|
| Math | Pre-K to Calculus |
| English Language Arts | Pre-K to 12th Grade |
| Science | 3rd to 8th Grade |
| Social Studies | 4th to 8th Grade |
| Languages | Spanish |
IXL has integrated its standards alignment with its analytics and progress tracking, so parents and teachers can track a student’s progress in relation to state standards across different subjects.
What is the cost of IXL?
The cost of IXL starts from $79 to $159 per year. IXL offers multiple monthly and yearly options for families.
| Package | Single subject package | Combo package | Core subjects package |
| Package Desc | Select from Math: Pre-K to 12 or Language Arts: Prek-K to 12 | IncludesMath: Pre-K to 12 and Language arts: Pre-K to 12 | Includes Math: Pre-K to 12 Language arts: Pre-K to 12 Science: Grade K to 8th Social studies: Grade K to 8th |
| Monthly | $9.95 | $15.95 | $19.95 |
| Yearly | $79 | $129 | $159 |
The prices are for one child. Enrolment for each additional child is charged at $4 more per month or $40 per year.
*Pricing info retrieved from the IXL website in November 2023
Evaluating IXL: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| IXL offers multiple packages. Families can purchase a single subject, a combo package, or 4 core subjects. | The IXL online curriculum requires a computer or device with an internet connection. The curriculum cannot be accessed offline. |
| IXL is aligned with the educational standards, including the Common Core State Standards, the Next Generation Science Standards, and all U.S. state standards. | IXL offers online video lessons. It is not suitable for students looking for online 1-on-1 tutoring. |
Understanding Kumon
What is Kumon?
Kumon is one of the most popular after-school tutoring programs for students, which helps them to perform well in school by developing various essential skills, like confidence, critical thinking skills, and the mindset to learn from study materials independently.
It also helps in developing strong problem-solving and calculation skills, which helps students deal with mainly the concepts of algebra.
This makes it a perfect option for all those students who want to learn or develop good math skills.
Apart from math, Kumon also has a reading program where they help students build reading ability which helps them understand basic sentences.
How does Kumon work?
Kumon is an individualized learning program that focuses on building strong foundational skills in math and reading.
One of the best things about Kumon is it follows its own method of teaching known as the Kumon Method.
As per the Kumon method, when a student enrolls in the program, they are first assessed to determine their current skill level. Based on the results of the assessment, a personalized learning plan is developed that targets the areas where the student needs improvement.
The Kumon method is designed to allow students to progress at their own pace. Students are provided with worksheets to complete independently each day.
As they complete each worksheet, they are given immediate feedback on their work, and they move on to the next worksheet in the series.
One of the key features of the Kumon method is its emphasis on repetition and mastery. The method is designed to help students master each skill before moving on to the next one.
This approach helps to build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that students can draw upon as they progress through more advanced coursework.
In addition to the worksheets, Kumon also provides students with support materials, such as videos and study guides, to help reinforce their learning.
Subjects covered by Kumon
Kumon offers programs in math and reading for students of all ages and abilities, from preschoolers to high school students. Here are some of the subjects and skills typically covered by Kumon:
| Subjects/Skills | Description |
| Math | Covers a wide range of topics, from basic counting and number recognition to advanced calculus and much more. |
| Reading | This program emphasizes vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. |
| Writing and Language learning | This program focuses on covering different languages, such as Japanese, Spanish, and French. |
What is the cost of Kumon?
Kumon centers are individually owned and operated, so the cost of each center has its own fees which depend on the location and subject matter being taught.
The primary factor that determines the cost for Kumon students is whether they are enrolled in math, reading, or both.
However, the monthly fee for Kumon can range from $150 to $200 per subject. Although high school students and those at higher levels may have to pay a higher fee, all sessions have the same duration.
Source: Kumon Official Website
*Pricing info retrieved from the Kumon website in November 2023
Evaluating Kumon: Pros vs Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Personalized Learning: Kumon online tutoring provides a personalized learning plan for each student based on their current level of knowledge and learning goals. This means that students can work at their own pace and receive individualized attention from their tutor. | Lack of Interest: Kumon follows the approach of solving the same worksheet multiple times until the student understands the topics clearly. Since students have to do the same worksheet on repeat, it might become boring and leads to students losing their interest. |
| Focus on Skill Building: Kumon helps students in developing problem-solving skills, calculation skills, and reading abilities. So if your child has a problem in math or wants to improve their skills in reading, then Kumon is a great option to consider. | Lack of Personal Interaction: Online tutoring can lack the personal interaction that in-person tutoring provides. Some students may find it difficult to establish a connection with their online tutor, which can impact their motivation and engagement. |
| Convenience: Online tutoring provides students with the convenience of learning from anywhere, at any time. With Kumon online tutoring, students can schedule their sessions according to their own availability and take classes from the comfort of their own homes. | Pressure Building: Kumon focuses on helping kids and developing skills and knowledge by asking students to solve their worksheets on a daily basis. However, this procedure followed by Kumon may cause stress among the students as if some students are not able to solve the worksheet on time, then the pressure among the student might increase. This will bring a lot of damage to the kids rather than developing their skills. |
| Focus on Mastery: Kumon allows students to learn and master basic concepts through repetitive worksheet solving. This help students in mastering the basic concepts, which will further help them to easily understand complex topics. | Limited Social Interaction: Online tutoring can limit a student’s social interaction with peers, which can be an important aspect of learning and personal growth. Students may miss out on opportunities to build relationships and collaborate with others in a physical classroom setting. |
| Helps in Developing Soft Skills: Kumon provides worksheets to students that they need to solve on a daily basis. This helps in developing strong concentration skills and daily study habits among students. |
IXL vs Kumon: which is best for your child?
IXL and Kumon are both excellent online learning platforms that can help students improve their skills in a variety of subjects. However, there are some key differences between the two platforms that may make one a better fit for you than the other. IXL is online video-based and Kumon is in center tutoring. Learn the difference between online and in-person tutoring.
IXL is a good option if you are looking for:
- A personalized learning platform with adaptive technology
- A variety of activities to keep you engaged and motivated
- A subscription-based platform that offers a variety of subjects
Kumon is a good option if you are looking for:
- A self-paced program that focuses on math and reading
- A program that uses worksheets and workbooks to help students learn new concepts
- A program that is affordable and accessible to students of all ages
IXL vs Kumon- the best platform for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are not sure which platform is right for you, you may want to try both of them out and see which one you prefer.
Here are some additional tips for choosing between IXL vs Kumon:
- Take a look at the content: Both platforms offer a variety of content, but they focus on different subjects. IXL has a strong focus on math and language arts, while Kumon focuses on math and reading.
- Consider your learning style: If you are a visual learner, then you may prefer IXL’s games and quizzes. If you are an auditory learner, then you may prefer Kumon’s worksheets and workbooks.
IXL vs Kumon cost
Although the pricing of both the programs varies by location but here is an overview of the IXL vs Kumon cost comparison.
| IXL | Kumon |
| Single subject – $9.95 per month Combo subject – $15.95 per month Package -$19.95 per month | Kumon tutoring prices range from$150 to $200 per subject. |
| Single subject – $79 per year Combo subject – $129 per year Package – $159n per year |
Why you should consider Wiingy for 1-on-1 online tutoring instead?
So far, we have compared IXL vs Kumon and explored their unique tutoring programs. However, before deciding on a tutoring service for yourself or your child, there is another better and affordable option to consider Wiingy.
The Wiingy platform offers 1-on-1 online tutoring to school, college, and adult students through its network of 1,000+ expert-vetted tutors for coding, math, science, computer science, AP, and 100+ subjects.
Over 20,000 students have used Wiingy for private tutoring, homework help, assignment help, language learning, homeschool tutoring, and test prep. Students and parents have consistently rated the Wiingy experience as 4.8 out of 5.
Unlike tutor marketplaces, each Wiingy tutor is vetted individually and undergoes an extensive assessment that includes interviews, mock lessons, and coding tests.
Less than 3% of applicants are selected to become tutors on Wiingy’s platform. This means that you work only with top verified, qualified, and experienced tutors.
An experienced tutor will be able to create a structured lesson plan customized to your pace and learning style. You will also get access to study materials, notes, practice materials, and exam strategies to help accelerate your learning.
We know that sometimes you don’t want to pay for private tutoring because it is too expensive. Tutoring costs anywhere from $100 to $150 per hour which isn’t reasonable at all.
However, Wiingy’s rates are affordable, starting from just $28 per hour, much lower than the average tutoring offered by other platforms.
We don’t require you to sign up for packages or subscriptions, so you can pay for lessons as you need them. We also offer a free trial lesson so you can try out our service before you commit.
While we try to match you with the perfect tutor per your needs, we understand that sometimes, even the best tutors might not be the right fit for you.
This is why we offer you the Perfect Match Guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your tutor for any reason, you can request a replacement tutor at no additional cost.
Lastly, if you do not wish to continue our services, we offer you a no-questions-asked full refund for your unused lessons with us.
In addition, we have 24/7 instant support from a personal student success advisor. You can contact your advisor via chat or phone if you have any questions, whether it’s about your lessons, your tutor, payments, or if you are looking to explore any other subject.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does Kumon program last?
The length of a typical program can vary depending on the student’s needs and academic goals.
Kumon’s program is self-paced and can take anywhere from a few months to several years to complete.
How much does Kumon cost?
All Kumon centers are locally owned and operated, so pricing varies by location. It’s best to contact your nearest Kumon center for specifics.
Kumon charges a $50 registration fee and offers free placement testing.
What are the subjects covered by IXL?
IXL offers personalized learning practice for students in math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish.
IXL is aligned with the educational standards, including the Common Core State Standards, the Next Generation Science Standards, and all U.S. state standards.
