Are you a parent searching for the best way to help your child excel in their academic pursuits? As a parent, it’s frustrating to see your child struggling with academics.

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right program that fits your child’s learning style and needs.

Although two of the most popular programs that are often compared in this discussion are Sylvan and Kumon.

In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between the two programs, and help you make an informed decision that will benefit your child’s academic success.

The main difference is that Sylvan is a one-on-one or group tutoring program that focuses on standardized test prep and academic enrichment, while Kumon is a self-paced math and reading program that focuses on repetitive practice.

But, now the question is, which one is better? In this article, we’ll compare Sylvan 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: Sylvan 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 Sylvan Learning Center and Kumon on the following parameters:

• Subjects offered
• Teaching methodology
• Tutor matching process
• Pricing and plans offered
• Customer reviews

Sylvan Learning Center 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	Sylvan Learning	Kumon
Company type	Private tutoring company	Tutoring Service
Subjects Offered	Sylvan offers personalized instruction in STEM, reading, writing, mathematics, study skills, homework support, and test preparation for college entrance and state exams.	Math and reading
Mode of teaching	In-person in company-owned centers and online classes.	Online, In-person, and Hybrid
Cost of tutoring	Sylvan Learning Center costs $40 to $100 per hour for private tutoring and STEM programs. Sylvan costs $290 per month for academic coaching or advancement classes. Sylvan learning prices for test prep are $1,199.	Kumon tutoring prices range from$150 to $200 per subject.
Minimum purchase	The minimum purchase is $40 per hour for private tutoring.	The minimum purchase is $50 as the enrollment fee.
Help in Tutor selection(Tutor Match)	Sylvan offers small-group learning. One instructor for 3 students.	Kumon centers are individually owned and operated.
Offers free trial	No	Kumon requires a one-month advance cancellation notification to stop tuition payments for the following month.
Cancellation policy	Sylvan Learning Center doesn’t mention about cancellation policy on its website. It would be helpful to call your nearest center for details	No. Kumon doesn’t offer a free trial. Although they do have a free assessment test.
Rating	Trustpilot score: 3.2	Trustpilot rating: 2.9/5

Understanding Sylvan Learning Center

What is Sylvan?

Sylvan is a private tutoring and education company that provides personalized instruction to students of all ages and skill levels. Sylvan Learning Center offers a range of services, including academic tutoring, test preparation, STEM programs, and college admissions counseling.

Their tutoring programs are designed to help students improve their academic performance and build confidence in their abilities.

Sylvan uses a personalized approach to education, with each student receiving an individualized learning plan tailored to their specific needs and goals. Their certified teachers use a variety of teaching techniques, such as interactive technology and hands-on activities, to engage students and help them achieve their full potential.

How does Sylvan work?

Sylvan works by providing personalized instruction to students in different subjects and areas of study.

The first step is to assess the student’s current academic level and identify areas of strengths and weaknesses. This is done through the Sylvan Insight Assessment diagnostic tests, evaluations, and consultations with parents and teachers.

Based on the assessment results, a customized learning plan is created for the student. The plan outlines specific goals, objectives, and strategies to help the student improve in their targeted areas of need.

The student is then matched with a certified Sylvan teacher who provides one-on-one or small-group instruction. The teacher uses a variety of teaching methods and materials, including technology, to engage the students and help them master the subject matter.

Sylvan Learning closely monitors the student’s progress through regular assessments and progress reports. The learning plan is adjusted as needed to ensure the student is making steady progress toward their goals.

Throughout the process, Sylvan Learning maintains regular communication with parents, teachers, and the student to ensure everyone is informed and engaged in the learning process.

Subjects covered by Sylvan

Sylvan Learning offers personalized instruction in a wide range of subjects and areas of study. Here are some of the subjects and skills typically covered by Sylvan:

Subjects/Skills	Description
Reading	Sylvan offers programs to help students develop strong reading skills, including phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency.
Writing	Sylvan provides instruction in all aspects of writing, from grammar and sentence structure to essay writing and creative writing.
Math	Sylvan offers math programs that cover everything from basic math skills to advanced algebra, geometry, and calculus.
Test Prep	Sylvan provides test preparation services for a variety of exams, including the SAT, ACT, PSAT, GRE, and more.
STEM	Sylvan offers programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), including robotics, coding, and game design.
Study skills	Sylvan provides instruction in study skills and time management techniques to help students improve their organization, focus, and productivity.
College admissions	Sylvan offers college admissions counseling to help students navigate the college application process, including essay writing, test preparation, and interview skills.

What is the minimum age for kids to enroll in Sylvan?

Sylvan Learning does not have a strict minimum age requirement for students to enroll in their programs. They offer services for students of all ages, from kindergarten through high school and beyond.

Source: Sylvan Learning Center

What is the cost of the Sylvan Learning Center?

The cost of Sylvan Learning Center differs based on location.

However, they offer several options based on your needs and goals. The pricing of Sylvan Learning Center is as below:

1. Tutoring starts at $49 per hour
2. Classes and camps start at $199
3. ACT and SAT Prep classes start at $999

Source: Sylvan Learning Center

*Pricing info retrieved from the Sylvan website in November 2023 

Evaluating Sylvan: Pros vs Cons

Pros	Cons
Personalized Instruction: Sylvan provides customized instruction tailored to the specific needs of each student. This approach helps ensure that students receive the support they need to build their skills and confidence.	Cost: The cost of Sylvan learning vary significantly between different learning centers.
Certified Instructors: Sylvan’s instructors are certified and trained to teach a variety of subjects, including reading, writing, math, and test preparation. This ensures that students receive quality instruction from knowledgeable and experienced teachers.	Limited Availability: While Sylvan has many locations around the world, it may not be available in all areas. Students may need to travel a significant distance to access Sylvan’s services.
Technology-Enabled Learning: Sylvan uses technology, including online tools and resources, to enhance the learning experience and engage students in the material.	Learning Style: Sylvan’s teaching approach may not be suitable for all students, particularly those who require more hands-on or interactive learning experiences.
Ongoing Progress Monitoring: Sylvan closely monitors each student’s progress and adjusts their learning plan as needed to ensure they are making steady progress toward their goals.
Flexible Scheduling: Sylvan offers flexible scheduling, including after-school and weekend sessions, to accommodate busy schedules and help students balance their academic and extracurricular activities.

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.

Sylvan Learning Center vs Kumon: which is right fit for your child?

Sylvan Learning Center and Kumon are two of the leading tutoring platforms for kids, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The main difference between Sylvan and Kumon is that Sylvan offers personalized instruction in a variety of subjects and focuses on standardized test prep and academic enrichment, while Kumon offers a self-paced math and reading program that focuses on repetitive practice.

Both Sylvan and Kumon are excellent platforms for kids, but the best choice depends on your child’s specific needs and preferences.

Sylvan Learning Center offers a one-on-one or group tutoring program that focuses on standardized test prep and academic enrichment. Sylvan offers personalized instruction in STEM, reading, writing, mathematics, study skills, homework support, and test preparation for college entrance and state exams. Sylvan Learning Center costs $40 to $100 per hour for private tutoring and STEM programs. Sylvan costs $290 per month for academic coaching or advancement classes.

Kumon, on the other hand, offers a self-paced math and reading program that focuses on repetitive practice. Kumon tutoring prices range from $150 to $200 per subject.

Here are some additional pointers that may help you decide between Sylvan Learning Center and Kumon:

• Subject Matter: If your child needs help in a variety of subjects, Sylvan’s wide range of tutoring options might be a better fit. If your child needs help primarily with math and reading and is comfortable with a structured program, Kumon may be the better fit.
• Learning Style: Consider your child’s learning style. Some kids might benefit from Sylvan’s personalized and group learning plans, while others might thrive with Kumon’s structured and independent learning plans.
• Location and Scheduling: Consider the location of the tutoring centers and the scheduling options. Both Sylvan and Kumon offer in-person and online tutoring, so you can choose the option that best fits your family’s schedule.

Sylvan Learning Center vs Kumon cost 

Although the pricing of both the programs varies by location but here is an overview of the Sylvan Learning Center vs Kumon cost comparison.

Sylvan Learning Center	Kumon
Sylvan Learning Center costs $40 to $100 per hour for private tutoring and STEM programs.	Kumon tutoring prices range from $150 to $200 per subject.

Why should you consider Wiingy for 1-on-1 online tutoring?

While Kumon and Khan Academy are excellent options for your child’s education, there is another pocket-friendly online tutoring service worth considering. Meet Wiingy – an affordable one-on-one tutoring service for various subjects, including math and science. However, before deciding on a tutoring service for yourself or your child, there is another better and affordable option to consider Wiingy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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