Kumon is a popular math tutoring program that has been around for decades. It is known for its rigorous math and reading programs that can help students improve their skills at their own pace.
However, Kumon is not the only game in town. There are a number of other math tutoring programs that offer similar services like Kumon but with their own unique twists.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best Kumon alternatives. We will discuss their features, pricing, and pros and cons, so you can decide which one is right for you.
Building upon the valuable insights from our ‘Best Online Tutoring Services‘ blog, this article presents ‘5 Best Preply Alternatives for Tutoring.‘ Each alternative is carefully selected to cater to different learning needs and styles, ensuring that your child receives the best possible support in their educational journey.
Looking for private tutors? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top tutors for concepts, homework help and grade improvement on Wiingy today!
Kumon Alternatives and similar companies
- Best overall – Wiingy
- Best math tutoring program for building problem solving ability and speed – Russian School of Math
- Best math tutoring program for conceptual learning- Mathnasium
- Best for center based tutoring- Sylvan Learning Center
- Center based learning and online tutoring options for K-12 and test prep- Huntington Learning Center
Here’s a quick comparison of Kumon with its alternatives:
| Companies | Who is it for? | Pricing & Free Trial | Method of Instruction |
| Kumon | Provides self-paced and individualized learning in math and reading for elementary school students who want to master the basics and beyond. | The minimum purchase is $50 as the enrollment fee. Free trial- No. | Online, In-person at centers, and Hybrid |
| Wiingy | Provides quality and affordable online 1-on-1 tutoring in 100+ subjects including homework help, test prep, and concept understanding for all age groups. It is a tutoring service that matches you with the perfect tutor according to your needs. | Starting at $28 per hour. Free trial – Yes. 1 hour free demo session. | Online 1-on-1 tutoring |
| Russian School of Math | Provides challenging and engaging math enrichment for students who want to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for math competitions and beyond. | You must pay a non-refundable annual registration fee of $100. Free trial – No. | Offline classroom teaching and online |
| Mathnasium | Provides personalized and flexible math tutoring and homework help for students from kindergarten to 12th grade who need extra support or enrichment in math. | The minimum purchase differs from center to center. Free trial – Yes. Mathnasium offers a free trial for 30 minutes. | Online and In-Person Classes |
| Sylvan | Provides comprehensive and customized tutoring in a variety of subjects, including reading, writing, math, science, test prep, and more, for students who need help with multiple subjects or want to explore their interests. | The minimum purchase is $40 per hour for private tutoring. Free trial – No | Online and in-person classes |
| Huntington | Provides academic and motivational tutoring in a range of subjects, such as reading, math, writing, study skills, test prep, and more, for students who need academic support or want to improve their grades and confidence. | The minimum purchase is $40 per hour for private tutoring. Free Trial – No | Offline tutoring in company-owned centers across the United States. |
Overview of Kumon
Let’s understand Kumon before getting into its alternatives.
Kumon is a private tutoring company that offers math and reading programs for students of all ages. The company has over 4 million students enrolled in its programs worldwide.
Kumon is known for its rigorous curriculum and its focus on independent learning. Students work on worksheets at their own pace, and they are expected to master each level before moving on to the next.
Kumon can be a great option for students who are struggling in math or reading, or who want to improve their skills at their own pace. However, it is important to note that Kumon is not a cheap option. The cost of the program varies depending on the location and the student’s age, but it can be several hundred dollars per month.
Pros and Cons of Kumon
| Pros | Cons |
| 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. | The Kumon method may cause stress among the students if some students cannot solve the worksheet on time, then the pressure among the students might increase. |
| 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 understand complex topics easily. | 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 lead to students losing their interest. |
Alternatives #1: Wiingy
What is Wiingy?
The Wiingy platform offers private tutoring to school students, college students, and young adults 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 conceptual understanding, 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.
In contrast to tutor marketplaces, Wiingy tutors undergo an intensive assessment process that includes interviews, mock lessons, and coding tests. Fewer than 3% of applicants pass this assessment to become Wiingy tutors. This means that you work only with highly qualified, experienced and verified tutors.
Pros and Cons of Wiingy
| Pros | Cons |
| The Wiingy Platform takes the ownership of matching students with the ideal tutor. Student need only provide a description of what they want to learn. The platform then expertly selects a tutor who meets these specific requirements, even offering a free trial lesson to get started. | Some students prefer to shortlist and work with tutors directly, which is not feasible on the Wiingy platform. |
| Lessons are affordable starting at just $28/hour. Plus you can get a free trial lesson with the tutor so you get a feel for the tutoring experience before you sign up for paid lessons. | Wiingy does not offer long term subscriptions. |
| The platform does not require you to sign up for packages or annual subscriptions. You can sign up for as little as one lesson to and sign up for more based on your need and the experience with your tutor. |
How much does Wiingy cost?
Wiingy offers affordable tutoring at just $28 per hour, with the added benefit of a free trial lesson to familiarize yourself with the tutoring style before committing.
Flexibility is key, as there are no minimum package requirements or yearly subscriptions; you can sign up for lessons on a per-hour basis, even for just one lesson.
If you find yourself unsatisfied with your tutor, Wiingy’s Perfect Match Guarantee Program allows for a free replacement tutor.
Moreover, the platform offers a no-questions-asked refund policy valid within 10 days of lesson purchase.
Note: Pricing info was retrieved from the Wiingy website in November 2023 and may change over time.
Kumon vs Wiingy
Kumon and Wiingy are two platforms that cater to different educational needs.
Kumon is a self-paced learning program that focuses on repetitive practice and mastery of basic skills1. It offers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, reading, and language arts. Kumon centers are individually owned and operated, and the tutoring prices range from $150 to $200 per subject.
On the other hand, Wiingy focuses exclusively on online one-on-one tutoring in math, coding, AP, and 100+ other subjects. It boasts a rigorous tutor selection process with less than a 3% acceptance rate, ensuring highly qualified tutors. Wiingy’s pricing starts at $28 per hour, offering flexible scheduling and a “Perfect Match Guarantee” without requiring long-term commitments or subscription plans.
In summary, while Kumon provides direct academic assistance, Wiingy emphasizes quality and affordability with a structured tutor matching service..
Bottom line:
Wiingy is one of the best platforms for finding private tutors. The platform offers unbeatable value through a combination of expert-vetted tutors, affordable pricing starting at $28 per hour and top notch service.
Choose Wiingy to get lessons for conceptual understanding, homework help and test prep in Math, Coding, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, AP and over 100+ other subjects. Tutors are available for school students, college students and young professionals. Get started with a Free Trial Lesson.
Alternative #2: Russian School of Math
What is the Russian School of Math?
The Russian School of Math is a math education system that originated in the Soviet Union and is now taught in many American schools and specialized math centers.
The system emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking skills and is designed to teach students to work independently.
Russian Math education begins in pre-kindergarten and continues through 12th grade, with no grade benchmarks.
Instead, students are on a continuous schedule that relies less on exams and more on classroom collaboration.
The program focuses more on the “why” of math problems, rather than just the “how”.
The main difference between Russian Math and the math being taught in schools is the methodology that emphasizes derivation.
Russian Math is known for its rigor, and challenging problem sets that push students to think creatively and deeply about math concepts.
The Russian School of Math is completely classroom-based. The platform does offer online classes, but even in the online classes, they teach a group of 12 students together.
- You can enroll in algebra, geometry, or both, with classes varying from 2 hours to 4 hours per week combined.
- A classroom environment is key to their methodology. Classes consist of an average of 12 students, with an expert teacher leading an interactive lesson.
- Homework is assigned each week to reinforce what was taught in class.
The Russian School of Math’s curriculum is inspired by elite mathematical schools in the former Soviet Union and adapted for the U.S. educational environment.
Pros and Cons of Russian School of Math
| Pros | Cons |
| Russian math emphasizes a problem-solving approach that can help students develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills. By approaching complex problems with logic and creativity, students can become better equipped to tackle a wide range of challenges in all areas of their lives. | Russian math programs can be very challenging and require a significant amount of time and effort. This can be overwhelming for some students, especially if they are already busy with other extracurricular activities or academic responsibilities. |
| Russian math programs can provide students with strong preparation for competitive exams such as the SAT, ACT, and various math competitions. | Russian math programs follow a standardized curriculum that may not be customized as per individual students’ learning styles or abilities. |
| Russian math is recognized worldwide for its rigor and effectiveness in developing strong mathematical skills. | Russian math programs typically focus exclusively on mathematics and may not provide as much exposure or instruction in other subjects such as science, history, or language arts. |
How much does the Russian School of Math cost?
The pricing for Russian math programs can vary depending on the specific program, location, and level of instruction. Here is and indicative pricing chart from Kindergarten to Grade 12
| Grade | Hours per week | Annual | Per class |
| Kindergarten- 1 | 1.5 hours | $1872 | $52 monthly |
| Grade 2-6 | 2 hours | $2298 | $80 monthly |
| Grade 7-12 | 4 hours | $3708 | $103 monthly |
Note: Pricing info was retrieved from one of the centers of the Russian School of Math website in June 2023 and may change over time. Please contact your nearest Russian School of Math for more info.
Kumon vs Russian School of Math
Kumon and the Russian School of Math are two distinct educational programs, each with its own approach to teaching mathematics.
Kumon is a self-paced program that emphasizes repetition and mastery of math basics. It originated in Japan and is designed to help students develop strong foundational skills and become independent learners. Kumon offers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, reading, and language arts.
On the other hand, the Russian School of Math (RSM) focuses more on math conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. It was founded by two mathematicians who immigrated to the United States from Russia. RSM’s curriculum is based on the methods and techniques used in the Soviet Union to train future mathematicians.
In summary, while Kumon emphasizes repetition and mastery of math basics, the Russian School of Math focuses on conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. The choice between the two would depend on the specific learning needs and preferences of the student.
Bottom line:
Russian Math is a challenging but rewarding math program that emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It’s a good fit for students who are motivated, self-disciplined, and comfortable working independently. The program is rigorous and requires a significant amount of time and effort, so it’s not for everyone. But for those who are up for the challenge, Russian Math can be a great way to develop strong mathematical skills and prepare for competitive exams.
Alternative #3:Mathnasium
What is Mathnasium?
Mathnasium is a supplemental math learning franchise consisting of over 1,000 learning centers in the United States. The primary goal of Mathnasium is to help students build a solid foundation in math and develop strong mathematical skills.
Their teaching approach is designed to help students develop a deep understanding of math concepts and build confidence in their math abilities.
Mathnasium learning centers offer a supportive learning environment where students can work at their own pace, ask questions, and receive personalized instruction from trained math instructors.
The Mathnasium Method focuses on three main components: assessment, customized learning plans, and ongoing support.
The program begins with an assessment to identify the student’s strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in their math knowledge. Based on the assessment results, a personalized learning plan is created for students, targeting their specific needs and goals.
Pros and Cons of Mathnasium
| Pros | Cons |
| Mathnasium’s program is customized to each student’s individual needs and learning style. | Mathnasium doesn’t teach any other subject except math. So it may not be suitable for some of the students. |
| Mathnasium’s program emphasizes mastery of key mathematical concepts, rather than just memorization or rote learning. | Mathnasium doesn’t provide one-on-one tutoring. |
| Mathnasium offers flexible scheduling, with sessions available during after-school hours and on weekends. |
How much does Mathanasium cost?
Mathnasium pricing varies by location, as each center sets its own fees based on factors such as local operating costs and the services offered.
Mathnasium monthly plan includes regular sessions with a Mathnasium instructor, personalized learning plans, and ongoing progress monitoring.
Note: Pricing info was retrieved from the Mathnasium website in Novemeber 2023 may change over time.
Kumon vs Mathnasium
Kumon and Mathnasium are two distinct educational programs, each with its own approach to teaching mathematics.
Kumon is a self-paced learning program that emphasizes repetitive practice and mastery of basic skills. It offers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, reading, and language arts. Kumon centers are individually owned and operated, and the tutoring prices range from $150 to $200 per subject.
On the other hand, Mathnasium emphasizes one-on-one tutoring and focuses on making math fun. It offers only math tutoring and uses rewards to encourage students to make progress. Mathnasium’s teaching philosophy and methodology include a thorough evaluation, individualized lesson plans, personal one-on-one tuition, organized coursework, competency-based education, frequent assessment of developments, and optimal conditions for education.
While Kumon emphasizes repetition and mastery of math basics, Mathnasium focuses on conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. The choice between the two would depend on the specific learning needs and preferences of the student.
If you want to know more about these tutoring companies, you can check out our blog Kumon vs Mathnasium.
Bottom line:
Mathnasium is a math tutoring franchise that offers personalized instruction and a supportive learning environment for students of all ages.The program is customized to each student’s individual needs and learning style, and it emphasizes mastery of key mathematical concepts rather than just memorization. However, Mathnasium pricing varies by location, but monthly plans typically include regular sessions with a Mathnasium instructor, personalized learning plans, and ongoing progress monitoring.
Alternative #4: Sylvan Learning Center
What is Sylvan Learning Center?
Sylvan is a private tutoring company. It provides personalized instruction to students of all ages and skill levels. All Sylvan Learning centers are locally owned and operated, so pricing varies by location.
The tutoring program at Sylvan is designed to help students build confidence in their academic performance.
Sylvan Learning offers a range of services, such as academic tutoring, test prep, STEM programs, and college admission counseling.
Sylvan has certified teachers. They use different techniques like interactive technology and hands-on activities to help students.
Pros and Cons of Sylvan Learning Center
| Pros | Cons |
| Sylvan Learning provides customized instruction tailored to the needs of each student. This approach helps ensure students receive the support they need to build their skills and confidence. | The cost of Sylvan Learning varies significantly between different learning centers. |
| Sylvan Learning offers flexible scheduling, including after-school and weekend sessions, to accommodate busy schedules and help students balance their academic and extracurricular activities. | While Sylvan Learning has many locations worldwide, it may not be available in all areas. Students may need to travel a significant distance to access Sylvan’s services. |
| Sylvan Learning uses technology, including online tools and resources, to enhance the learning experience and engage students in the material. | Sylvan’s teaching approach may not be suitable for all students, particularly those who require more hands-on learning experiences. |
How much does Sylvan Learning Center cost?
All Sylvan Learning centers are locally owned and operated, so pricing varies by location. It’s best to contact your nearest Sylvan learning center for specifics.
Here is a general idea of the pricing you can expect at a Sylvan center
| Service | Starting price |
| Personalized tutoring | $49 per hour |
| Academic Coaching | $199 per month |
| STEM program | $99 per month |
| Test Prep | $999 |
Note: Pricing info was retrieved from the Sylvan Learning website in November 2023 and may change over time.
Kumon vs Sylvan Learning Center
Kumon and Sylvan Learning Center are two popular educational platforms that offer personalized learning plans to students. While both platforms are designed to help students improve their academic skills, they differ in their approach to teaching.
Kumon is a self-paced learning program that emphasizes repetitive practice and mastery of basic skills1. It offers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, reading, and language arts1. Kumon centers are individually owned and operated, and the tutoring prices range from $150 to $200 per subject.
On the other hand, Sylvan Learning Center offers one-on-one and small-group tutoring options to students of all ages. They have a team of certified teachers who provide personalized instruction in reading, writing, math, study skills, and test preparation for college entrance and state exams. Sylvan Learning Center offers both offline and online tutoring services. In terms of pricing, Sylvan Learning Center charges $40 to $100 per hour for private tutoring and STEM programs.
The main difference between Kumon and Sylvan Learning Center is the mode of teaching. While Kumon offers only in-person tutoring services, Sylvan Learning Center offers both offline and online tutoring services.
Both Kumon and Sylvan Learning Center are good platforms for kids, but the best choice depends on your child’s specific needs and preferences. If you want to know more about these tutoring companies, you can check out our blog Kumon vs Sylvan Learning Center.
Bottom line:
Sylvan Learning Center is a good option for students who need personalized attention and flexible scheduling. However, it’s important to consider the cost and teaching approach before enrolling.
Alternative #5: Huntington Learning Center
What is Huntington Learning Center?
Huntington Learning Center is an educational learning center in the United States offering in-center and online tutoring services. Huntington is among the oldest providers of tutoring services in the U.S.
Huntington offers tutoring help from Pre-K to 12th grade in subjects like reading, writing, math, science, and test prep for SAT, PSAT, and ACT.
Huntington Learning Center was founded in 1977 by Dr. Raymond Huntington and his wife, Eileen. The couple opened a second center in 1978 and began franchising locations in 1985. They have 300 centers across the country.
Pros and cons of Huntington Learning Center
| Pros | Cons |
| Huntington provides tutoring from Pre-K to 12th grade. | Huntington charges an initial assessment fee starting from $150. |
| Huntington has a tailored tutoring program unique to your individual learning style. | You have limited ability to define a learning schedule and have to pick a lesson frequency prescribed by Huntington. |
How much does Huntington Learning Center cost?
After the initial assessment, Huntington provides a schedule that details how many tutoring sessions you will need, and based on the number of tutoring sessions, they decide the tutoring cost.
Here is a general idea of the pricing range of Huntington Learning Center.
| Tutoring Type | Costs |
| Initial assessment fee | Starting from $150 |
| Personalized academic tutoring | Ranges from $40 to $75 per hour |
| ACT or SAT prep (14 hours) | $1,220 per subject |
| SAT or ACT prep (32 hours) | $2,645 per subject |
Note: Pricing info is subject to change. Please check with Huntington Learning Center for updated info.
Kumon vs Huntington Learning Center
Kumon and Huntington Learning Center are two popular educational platforms that offer personalized learning plans to students. While both platforms are designed to help students improve their academic skills, they differ in their approach to teaching.
Kumon is a self-paced learning program that emphasizes repetitive practice and mastery of basic skills. It offers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, reading, and language arts. Kumon centers are individually owned and operated, and the tutoring prices range from $150 to $200 per subject.
Huntington Learning Center, on the other hand, offers one-on-one and small-group tutoring options to students of all ages. They have a team of certified teachers who provide personalized instruction in reading, writing, math, study skills, and test preparation for college entrance and state exams. Huntington Learning Center offers both offline and online tutoring services1. In terms of pricing, Huntington Learning Center charges $40 to $75 per hour for private tutoring sessions in reading, math, study skills, writing, phonics, and vocabulary.
The main difference between Kumon and Huntington Learning Center is that Kumon is a self-paced program that focuses on the mastery of basic skills, while Huntington Learning Center is a more traditional tutoring program that offers one-on-one or small group instruction.
Both Kumon and Huntington Learning Center are good platforms for kids, but the best choice depends on your child’s specific needs and preferences. If you want to know more about these tutoring companies, you can check out our blog on Kumon vs Huntington Learning Center.
Bottom line:
Huntington Learning Center is an educational learning center offering in-center and online tutoring services. Huntington Learning Center is a good option for students who need help in a variety of subjects and who are looking for a personalized tutoring program. However, Huntington is also one of the more expensive tutoring services available, and it does not offer as much flexibility in scheduling as some other tutoring services.
Factors to keep in mind when selecting a tutoring site like Kumon
When choosing an online learning platform, there are several factors that people usually consider to ensure they find the right fit for their needs. These factors include:
- Subject coverage: Learners should look for a platform that offers courses or tutors in the subjects they want to learn. Some platforms may specialize in certain subjects, while others may offer a wider range.
- Teacher qualifications: It’s essential to choose a platform that has qualified and experienced teachers or tutors who can provide high-quality instruction. Platforms may provide information about teacher credentials or offer user reviews to help learners assess the quality of their educators.
- Scheduling flexibility: Online learners often have busy schedules and require flexibility in when they can access courses or tutoring. Platforms offering flexible scheduling options, such as 24/7 availability or self-paced learning, may attract learners.
- Pricing options: Some platforms offer different payment options, such as subscription-based models, pay-per-session, or bundled packages. Learners should consider which payment option is most convenient for them and aligns with their budget.
It’s also important to consider that different learners have different needs and preferences, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for online learning platforms.Therefore, learners should consider their unique requirements when choosing the right platform that best suits their goals and preferences.
Bonus section: Free alternatives to Kumon
Online tutoring offers a convenient and effective way to receive academic help. However, it can be costly for some students. Fortunately, there are several free alternatives available that provide quality learning resources and support.
Khan Academy: It is a non-profit educational platform offering a comprehensive library of free online courses, tutorials, and practice exercises across various subjects. Created by subject experts and aligned with common core standards, Khan Academy covers topics ranging from mathematics and science to history and economics. While it does not offer personalized tutoring, its wealth of self-paced learning materials can significantly supplement your studies.
YouTube: As a vast repository of educational content, YouTube hosts videos on nearly every imaginable subject, presented by both experts and enthusiasts. Although video quality can vary, many channels provide exceptional educational resources that aid in learning new concepts and enhancing topic understanding.
Coursera: Coursera collaborates with top universities and organizations to offer online courses, some of which are free. These courses, taught by professionals, encompass a broad spectrum of subjects. While not all courses on Coursera are free, the platform provides a substantial number of complementary courses that serve as valuable educational tools.
Duolingo: For those interested in language learning, Duolingo is an excellent resource. This user-friendly platform offers free lessons in over 30 languages, using a gamified approach to make learning engaging and enjoyable. Duolingo tailors lessons to individual progress, making it an effective tool for beginners and advanced learners alike. Its interactive format ensures consistent practice and improvement in language skills.
Each of these platforms provides unique opportunities for learning and can be a great supplement or alternative to traditional tutoring methods, particularly for students seeking cost-effective educational resources.
In Summary
After thorough research and analysis, we believe that if you’re looking for alternatives to Kumon for math and reading tutoring, Russian Math, Wiingy, Mathnasium, Sylvan Learning, and Huntington Learning Center are all great options to consider.
Each platform offers its own unique features and benefits, making it easy to find the right program and learning experience for your child’s needs.
For example,
- Wiingy: It is an online tutoring platform that connects students with highly qualified tutors for a 100+ of subjects. Its rigorous tutor selection process ensures the highest quality of instruction, and its services are highly rated by students. With flexible scheduling, a free trial lesson, and pricing starting at just $28 per hour, Wiingy offers exceptional value.
- Russian Math: It is completely classroom-based. The platform does offer online classes, but even in the online classes, they teach a group of 12 students together.It emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and is designed to teach students to work independently.
- Mathnasium: It is a math-only tutoring company that uses a mastery-based approach. It is a good option for students who are struggling in math or who want to improve their math skills.
- Sylvan Learning: Sylvan Learning is a one-on-one tutoring company that offers a variety of subjects, including math, reading, writing, and test prep. It is a good option for students who are looking for a personalized approach to learning.
- Huntington Learning Center: Huntington Learning Center is a one-on-one tutoring company that offers a variety of subjects, including math, reading, writing, and test prep. It is a good option for students who are looking for a traditional tutoring experience.
Whether you’re looking for a personalized approach to learning, test preparation, or a wide range of subjects at an affordable price, these Kumon alternatives have got everything to help your child succeed.
Looking for private tutors? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top tutors for concepts, homework help and grade improvement on Wiingy today!
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How does Kumon work?
Kumon students work on worksheets at their own pace. Each worksheet is designed to build on the previous one, so students gradually progress through the material.
How much does Kumon cost?
The cost of Kumon varies depending on the location and the level of the program.
