Are you a parent who is struggling to find the right math program for your child? Do you feel frustrated by the lack of progress your child is making in math? Are you tired of watching your child struggle with math homework and tests? You are not alone.
Many parents face the same challenge when it comes to finding the best math program for their children. The good news is that there is a solution that can help your child excel in math and build a strong foundation for their future success.
The solution to your problem is tutoring services like between Kumon and Russian Math. These two math programs are designed to help children develop their math skills and achieve academic success.
However, the question is, which one is better among them? Don’t worry, we’ve done all the research and in this article, we’ll explore the key differences between Kumon and Russian Math, to help you make an informed decision.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of which program is the right choice for your child’s math education among Kumon vs Russian Math.
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 develop strong problem-solving and calculation skills, which helps students deal mainly with algebra concepts.
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 in building reading ability which helps them in understanding 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 target 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
Kumon pricing
Most of the Kumon centers are individually owned and operated, so 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
Pros of Kumon
There are several pros of Kumon online tutoring, including:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Cons of Kumon
Even though Kumon has lots of benefits, it still has some negative points which you should know. So, a few disadvantages of Kumon are
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
This was all about Kumon. Now, let’s look at Russian Math and its features.
What is the Russian Math?
Russian Math or 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 year-to-year 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.
How does Russian Math work?
Russian math typically works by emphasizing a problem-solving approach that focuses on developing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.
Some of the key features of how Russian math works are
- Emphasis on problem-solving: In Russian math programs, students are encouraged to solve complex problems from an early age. This helps them develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to work independently.
- Mastery-based learning: Russian math programs typically follow a mastery-based approach, which means that students are expected to fully master each topic before moving on to the next one. This ensures that students have a strong foundation in the basics and can build upon that knowledge as they progress.
- Focus on logic and reasoning: Russian math places a strong emphasis on logic and reasoning, and students are often asked to explain how they arrived at a particular solution. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts and principles.
- Early introduction of advanced topics: Russian math programs often introduce advanced topics at an earlier age than traditional programs. For example, students may be introduced to algebra and geometry in elementary school, which allows them to build a strong foundation in these subjects.
- Intensive training: Russian math programs often involve intensive training, with students attending classes multiple times per week and participating in additional homework and practice problems. This helps students develop their skills and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts.
Topics covered by Russian Math
Russian Math covers a wide range of topics and skills, including
| Topics/Skills | Description |
| Arithmetic | This includes operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents. |
| Algebra | This includes equations, inequalities, functions, and graphing. |
| Geometry | This includes plane and solid geometry, including shapes, angles, lines, and planes. |
| Trigonometry | This includes the study of angles and triangles, including the trigonometric functions. |
| Calculus | This includes the study of limits, derivatives, and integrals. |
| Probability and statistics | This includes the study of probability, random variables, and statistical analysis. |
| Number theory | This includes the study of integers, prime numbers, and divisibility. |
| Combinatorics | This includes the study of counting, permutations, and combinations. |
What is the minimum age for kids to enroll in Russian Math?
Kids can enroll in Russian Math at any age, including pre-kindergarten, which means at the age of 4-5 years old.
The Russian program has different levels in each grade, and the curriculum is designed to be challenging and rigorous, with a focus on problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Source: Russian School of Mathematics Official Website
Russian Math pricing
The pricing for Russian math programs can vary depending on the specific program, location, and level of instruction.
However, the Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) charges between $150 to $300 per month for after-school or weekend classes and about $2,000 a year, when students attend the classes once a week.
Source: Russian School of Mathematics Official Website
Pros of Russian Math
There are various advantages of Russian Math, which include
- Strong problem-solving skills: Russian math emphasizes a problem-solving approach that can help students develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills. By learning to approach complex problems with logic and creativity, students can become better equipped to tackle a wide range of challenges in all areas of their lives.
- Deep understanding of mathematical concepts: Russian math emphasizes a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and principles, rather than just memorization of formulas and procedures. This can help students build a solid foundation of mathematical knowledge that they can build upon as they progress to more advanced topics.
- Early exposure to advanced topics: Russian math programs often introduce advanced mathematical topics at an early age, which can help students develop a love for math and pursue more advanced studies in the future. By exposing students to algebra, geometry, and other topics at an early age, they can develop a strong foundation in these subjects that will serve them well in the future.
- Preparation for competitive exams: Russian math programs can provide students with strong preparation for competitive exams such as the SAT, ACT, and various math competitions. By developing strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, students can perform well on these exams and gain a competitive edge in college admissions and future academic and career pursuits.
- Global recognition: Russian math is recognized around the world for its rigor and effectiveness in developing strong mathematical skills. Students who learn Russian math can benefit from this global recognition and gain a competitive advantage in their academic and professional pursuits.
Cons of Russian Math
Even though Russian Math offers various benefits for its learners. They still have some disadvantages and some of those disadvantages are
- Intense workload: 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.
- Limited focus on other subjects: 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. This can limit the overall breadth of a student’s education.
- One-size-fits-all approach: Russian math programs often follow a standardized curriculum that may not be customized as per individual students’ learning styles or abilities. This can be frustrating for students who need more or less challenge or who learn best through different methods.
- Limited focus on real-world applications: Russian math programs may focus primarily on theoretical concepts and problem-solving, rather than real-world applications of mathematics. This may limit students’ understanding of how mathematics is used in everyday life and in various industries and professions.
Kumon vs Russian Math: Which One is Better?
The following table can help in easily determining which platform will be a good choice for you based on different parameters.
| Basis | Kumon | Russian Math |
| Subjects | Kumon provides guidance and instruction for math and reading. | Russian Math mainly focuses on math and provides guidance with various math topics, like arithmetic, algebra, calculus, and geometry. |
| Cost | Kumon works on a profit motive. This means that students in Kumon have to pay some specific amount. | Russian Math pricing varies by specific program, location, and level of instruction. However, it roughly costs around $150 to $300 per month for after-school or weekend classes |
| Delivery Format | Kumon provides physical classes as well as virtual classes. | Russian Math provides physical classes as well as virtual classes. |
| Learning Plan Format | Kumon provides a customized learning plan which is prepared based on the results of an assessment. | Russian Math programs follow a standardized curriculum, with a focus on building a strong foundation of mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills. |
Why Wiingy is a great choice for online tutoring?
Up until now, we’ve compared Kumon to Russian Math as potential options for your child’s tutoring needs. However, there’s another fantastic and cost-effective online tutoring alternative that you should take into consideration before making a decision – Wiingy.
Offering one-on-one tutoring sessions in various subjects, including math and science, Wiingy is a top contender in the tutoring arena.
Starting at just $22 per hour, Wiingy’s online tutoring rates are significantly lower than the average cost of other tutoring services. Moreover, there’s no long-term commitment required, and you can pay solely for the hours you need.
Whether your child requires assistance with test preparation, assignments, or comprehending complex concepts, Wiingy provides an exceptional learning experience for students at all levels.
Wiingy’s tutors are highly qualified and experienced in their respective subjects, with a rigorous selection process resulting in a selection rate of less than 3%, guaranteeing only top-tier tutors are chosen.
Our tutors have consistently rated the experience 4.8/5 and above by learners.
Furthermore, Wiingy offers flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs, a Perfect Match Guarantee that allows for a tutor replacement if they don’t fit your needs after the first class, free of charge, and a free trial lesson within 24 hours to help students get started.
With Wiingy, students can study from anywhere and receive expert guidance and support to complete homework, assignments, and tackle complicated topics like trigonometry and calculus.
If you’re currently considering Kumon vs Russian Math, you may want to take a closer look at Wiingy and see if it’s the right fit for your child’s needs.
FAQs on Kumon vs Russian Math
How does the Russian School of Math online classroom work?
The Russian School of Math online classroom is a virtual learning environment where students can access live math classes, interactive whiteboards, and collaborate with teachers and peers in real-time.
Students log in to their personalized accounts and attend scheduled classes with a live instructor who teaches the lesson, provides practice problems, and answers questions through the online platform.
What is the earliest age a student can enroll in the Russian School of Math?
Students can enroll in Russian Math at any age, including pre-kindergarten, which means at the age of 4-5 years old.
What is Kumon’s Method of teaching?
Kumon’s method of teaching is based on repetitive practice and mastery of fundamental skills. The program uses individualized learning plans to identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses and assigns worksheets to reinforce their understanding of math or reading concepts.
The student is expected to complete the assigned worksheets at home and attend regular meetings with a Kumon instructor to review their progress and receive personalized guidance.
Is Kumon worth the money?
Yes, Kumon is totally worth the money as it offers a personalized approach for improving math and reading skills. The program is highly effective in building strong foundational skills, boosting confidence, and improving academic performance.
What age is best for 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.
