Are you tired of seeing your child struggle with math homework? Do you find it difficult to help them with their math problems 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 Kumon and Mathnasium for help. Both services aim to improve students’ math skills using different approaches and teaching methods.
The main difference is that Kumon is a self-paced program that focuses on repetitive practice, while Mathnasium is a more personalized program that focuses on conceptual understanding. But, now the question is, which one is better? In this article, we’ll compare Kumon vs Mathnasium and help you make an informed decision on which tutoring center is the right fit for your child.
In this article, we’ll compare Kumon vs Mathnasium 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: Kumon vs Mathnasium
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 Kumon and Mathnasium on the following parameters:
- Subjects offered
- Teaching methodology
- Tutor matching process
- Pricing and plans offered
- Customer reviews
Kumon vs Mathnasium: Comparison
The following table can help in easily determining which platform will be a good choice for you based on different parameters.
| Key Specs | Kumon | Mathanasium |
| Company Type | Tutoring Service | In-center and online tutoring. |
| Subjects Offered | Math and reading. | Covers mathematics topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. |
| Mode of teaching | Online, In-person, and Hybrid. | Online and In-Person classes. |
| Cost of tutoring | Kumon tutoring prices range from$150 to $200 per subject. | Kindergarten and grade 1: 1.5 hours for $52 monthly and $1872 yearly. Grade 2-6: 2 hours for $80 monthly and $2298 yearly. Grade 7-12: 4 hours for $103 monthly and $3708 yearly. |
| Minimum purchase | The minimum purchase is $50 as the enrollment fee. | You must pay a non-refundable annual registration fee of $100. If you are joining mid-year pay a reduced fee of $80 from January through March or $40 if joining in April or later. Enrollment is not finalized until the annual registration fee is received. |
| Help in Tutor selection(Tutor Match) | Kumon centers are individually owned and operated. | The service connects you with a tutor based on your requirements. |
| Offers free trial | Kumon requires a one-month advance cancellation notification to stop tuition payments for the following month. | Yes. Mathnasium offers a free trial for 30 minutes. |
| Cancellation policy | No. Kumon doesn’t offer a free trial. Although they do have a free assessment test. | 6 hours or less notice will be treated as sessions are taken. |
| Rating | Trustpilot rating: 2.9/5. | Trustpilot score: 3.8/5. |
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 minimum age for kids to enroll in Kumon?
Kumon accepts students as young as three years old for their Early Learner’s program, which focuses on developing pre-reading and pre-math skills. However, the majority of Kumon centers start accepting students at the age of four or five years old.
Although, Kumon’s programs are individualized and designed to cater to each student’s unique abilities and learning pace. Therefore, while age may be a factor in determining eligibility, it’s not the only consideration.
Kumon instructors typically assess each child’s skills and abilities before recommending an appropriate starting point in the program.
Source: Kumon Official Website
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. |
Understanding Mathnasium
What is Mathnasium?
Mathnasium is a specialized learning center that focuses on mathematics education for students of all ages.
At Mathnasium, the primary goal is to help students build a solid foundation in math and develop strong mathematical skills.
They offer individualized instruction, personalized learning plans, and a structured curriculum designed to meet the specific needs of each student.
Their teaching approach is designed to help students develop a deep understanding of math concepts and build confidence in their math abilities.
The center offers 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 the student, targeting their specific needs and goals.
Throughout their Mathnasium journey, students receive ongoing support and instruction from instructors, who monitor their progress and provide guidance and feedback.
How does Mathnasium work?
Mathnasium is a math learning center that operates on a unique approach to help students improve their mathematical skills and build a strong foundation in the subject.
The core of Mathnasium’s methodology lies in its individualized learning plans, customized to meet the specific needs of each student.
The first step at Mathnasium is an initial assessment, where students are evaluated to identify their current skill level and areas of strengths and weaknesses.
This assessment helps the instructors create a customized learning plan for each student, focusing on filling knowledge gaps and enhancing comprehension of mathematical concepts.
Once the learning plan is established, students attend regular sessions at the Mathnasium center, typically 2-3 times per week, for as long as they need.
These sessions are typically held in a small group setting, allowing for personalized attention and guidance from trained math instructors.
Mathnasium follows a structured curriculum that covers a wide range of math topics, starting from the elementary level and progressing through high school-level math.
The curriculum is designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of mathematical principles, helping students excel not only in their current coursework but also in future math-related endeavors.
To support students’ learning, Mathnasium provides customized Mathnasium worksheets, textbooks, and manipulatives. These resources are used to reinforce concepts, provide additional practice, and encourage hands-on learning experiences.
By combining these materials with personalized instruction, Mathnasium aims to create a supportive and engaging learning environment.
In addition to in-person sessions, Mathnasium also offers online tutoring options for students who prefer remote learning or have scheduling constraints.
This flexibility allows students to access Mathnasium’s instruction and support from the comfort of their own homes.
Subjects covered by Mathnasium
Mathnasium focuses exclusively on mathematics, covering a wide range of topics across all grade levels.
The program is designed to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, build strong problem-solving skills, and excel in math.
Here are some of the subjects and skills covered by Mathnasium:
| Subjects/Skills | Description |
| Arithmetic | Mathnasium covers the basics of arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. |
| Algebra | Students learn algebraic concepts such as variables, equations, inequalities, functions, and graphs. |
| Geometry | Mathnasium covers geometry topics such as shapes, angles, lines, planes, and coordinate geometry. |
| Trigonometry | Students learn trigonometric functions, identities, and equations. |
| Calculus | Mathnasium covers calculus topics such as limits, derivatives, and integrals. |
| Test Preparation | Mathnasium helps students prepare for math-related exams, including standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and AP exams. |
What is the minimum age for kids to enroll in Mathnasium?
Mathnasium is designed for students of all ages, from young children to adults. The minimum age for kids to enroll in Mathnasium varies by location, but most centers accept students as young as 5 years old, basically in grades K-12.
Source: Mathnasium Official Website
What is the cost of Mathnasium?
The cost of the Mathnasium can vary by location, as each center sets its own fees based on factors such as local operating costs and the services offered.
Mathnasium cost per month includes regular sessions with a Mathnasium instructor, personalized learning plans, and ongoing progress monitoring.
The average pricing of Mathnasium is as below:
| Service | Average cost |
| Evaluation and enrollment fees | $100 – $150 |
| Cost per session | $25 – $75 |
| Cost per month | $250 – $400 |
| Summer programs (8 sessions to unlimited) | $395 – $1,000 |
Source: Mathnasium
*Pricing info retrieved from the Mathnasium website in November 2023
Evaluating Mathnasium: Pros vs Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Personalized Instruction: Mathnasium’s program is customized to each student’s individual needs and learning style, so students receive personalized instruction and support that can help them improve their math skills. | Limited Subjects: Mathnasium doesn’t teach any other subject except maths. So it may not be suitable for some of the students. |
| Comprehensive Curriculum: Mathnasium covers a wide range of math topics across all grade levels, from arithmetic to calculus, so students can build a strong foundation in math and develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. | No one-on-one tutoring: Students may grow more if they have one on one seasons with their instructors. But Mathnasium doesn’t provide one on one tutoring. |
| Focus on Mastery: Mathnasium’s program emphasizes mastery of key mathematical concepts, rather than just memorization or rote learning. This can help students develop strong problem-solving skills and build confidence in their math abilities. | Frequent change of tutors: Students work with different tutors rather than the same one each week as the tutors keep on changing frequently. |
| Flexible Scheduling: Mathnasium offers flexible scheduling, with sessions available during after-school hours and on weekends. This can make it easier for students to fit math tutoring into their busy schedules. | |
| Ongoing Support: Mathnasium provides ongoing support to students, with regular progress monitoring and assessments to ensure that students are making progress and achieving their goals. | |
| Certified Instructors: Mathnasium’s instructors are trained and certified in the Mathnasium Method, which emphasizes teaching math in a way that is easy to understand and engaging for students. |
Kumon vs Mathnasium: which is right fit for your child?
Kumon and Mathnasium are two of the leading tutoring platforms for kids, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The main difference between Kumon and Mathnasium is that Kumon offers both reading and math tutoring, while Mathnasium focuses on math tutoring only.
Both Kumon and Mathnasium are excellent platforms for kids, but the best choice depends on your child’s specific needs and preferences.
Kumon offers a highly structured curriculum and focuses on repetitive practice to help students become independent learners and develop strong academic skills. The program is less expensive than some other programs and students mainly work independently.
Mathnasium, on the other hand, provides a hands-on learning environment and focuses on making math fun. Mathnasium uses a personalized learning plan and tutors move around small groups of students. However, it is more expensive than Kumon.
Here are some additional pointers that may help you decide between Kumon and Mathnasium:
- Subject Matter: If your child needs help specifically with math, Mathnasium’s specialized approach may be beneficial. If your child needs help in a variety of subjects, Kumon’s wide range of tutoring options might be a better fit.
- Learning Style: Consider your child’s learning style. Some kids might benefit from Kumon’s structured and independent learning plans, while others might thrive with Mathnasium’s personalized, hands-on approach.
- Location and Scheduling: Consider the location of the tutoring centers and the scheduling options. Both Kumon and Mathnasium offer in-person and online tutoring, so you can choose the option that best fits your family’s schedule. Kumon vs Mathnasium cost Although the pricing of both the programs varies by location but here is an overview of the Kumon vs Mathnasium cost comparison.
Kumon vs Mathnasium cost comparison
Although the pricing of both the programs varies by location but here is an overview of the Kumon vs Mathnasium cost comparison.
| Kumon | Mathnasium |
Kumon tutoring prices range from$150 to $200 per subject. | Personalized tutoring: $40 – $100 per hour. |
Why should you consider Wiingy for 1-on-1 online tutoring?
In the comparison of Kumon vs Mathnasium, most of the time people get confused and are not able to make a decision. Well, both are great options for students who want to learn math but both of them may get expensive for some people. However, before deciding on a tutoring service for yourself or your child, there is another better and affordable option to consider Wiingy.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Kumon’s method of teaching?
The Kumon Method is an individualized, self-paced learning program that aims to develop students’ academic ability and independence.
It was founded in Japan in 1954 by Toru Kumon, a math teacher seeking to help his son improve his math skills.
The method has since spread worldwide and is now used by millions of students in over 50 countries.
What is the best age to start Kumon?
Kumon is suitable for children as young as three years old and there is no upper age limit. However, most children start between the ages of 4 or 6, when they have basic reading and writing skills and are ready to develop their math abilities.
Is Mathnasium worth the money?
Yes, Mathnasium is totally worth the money because children basically hate math but Mathnasium focuses on making math fun and interesting for your child. On average Mathnasium costs around $40 to $100 for a month which may look costly for some of the parents but it’s definitely worth your money.
What is the difference between Kumon and Mathnasium?
Kumon and Mathnasium are both math tutoring programs, but they differ in their teaching methods and curriculum. However, there are some key differences between the two programs.
Kumon
-Self-paced: Students progress through the Kumon curriculum at their own pace, ensuring that they fully grasp each concept before moving on to more challenging material.
-Repetitive: Kumon’s repetitive worksheet exercises help students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.
-Independent: The Kumon Method encourages students to learn independently, fostering self-reliance and confidence in their abilities.
Mathnasium
-Personalized: The instructors provide personalized instruction and support to each student, based on their individual needs and learning style.
-Interactive: Uses a variety of interactive teaching methods, such as games, puzzles, and computer programs, to help students learn math concepts in a fun and engaging way.
-Collaborative: Encourages students to work together in small groups, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Ultimately, the choice between Kumon and Mathnasium depends on the individual student’s needs, learning style, and preferences. Kumon and Mathnasium are both math tutoring programs, but they differ in their teaching methods and curriculum.
Kumon uses a self-learning approach, with students completing daily worksheets that gradually increase in difficulty.
Whereas, Mathnasium provides personalized instruction and a customized curriculum based on each student’s needs and goals.
Which program is better for advanced math, Kumon or Mathnasium?
Mathnasium is generally considered better for advanced math, as it provides personalized instruction and a customized curriculum that can be customized as per a student’s individual needs and level of proficiency.
