Q&A

Here are some questions that are frequently asked by parents who are interested in Kumon. Our Kumon instructor gives the answers.

Q: What is different about Kumon from other tutoring programs?
A: The Kumon method and materials are unique. Kumon has designed its own curriculum which students can self-learn easily. They advance through the program at their own pace, completing a small amount of work every day. Kumon also is affordable which allows more students to benefit from it.

Q: How long will it take for my child to attain his or her appropriate grade level?
A: That depends on your child. Kumon is a long-term program, not a quick fix. Our goal is not just to get your child to pass the next test at school. Our goal is to pinpoint where the underlying weak areas are for your child, and to go back and start from that point. That way we can re-build a strong foundation, which is the key to success for a child's lifetime. It takes most students that are behind approximately six months to one year to catch up to Kumon grade level, and then work ahead to an advanced level.

Q: How do you teach the students?
A: The Kumon method and the Kumon curriculum are the excellent teachers. Our curriculum consists of thousands of worksheets, arranged in very small steps, starting from very simple pre-school work all the way to high school and university level work. Each step, or worksheet, builds very gradually from the next, and each time a new concept is introduced, examples and explanations are given. By starting at a comfortable point, and moving ahead only when they are ready, students can move through much of the work independently.
As an instructor, I strictly implement the Kumon method at my center. We grade student's homework and class work, monitor and analyze each student's performance and progress, and make appropriate lesson plans for each student. When students need help, We are always here to guide them through and answer any questions.

Q: Are you a certified teacher?
A: No, I am not a certified teacher. I am a certified Kumon Instructor. I have fulfilled all of the testing and training requirements to operate a Kumon Center. This includes studying and being tested on the math and reading curriculum, a classroom training that spanned several months, and on-the-job training at an actual Kumon Center. Seven years ago, in order for my son to take the Kumon Math Program, I took my first Kumon training and became a Kumon "fan" since then. The passion associated to the Kumon Method encouraged me to become a Kumon instructor. In addition to the Kumon training, I have two Masters of Science degrees from China and the United States. I have worked in the Information Technology field for 16 years and involved in as a school volunteer, working and teaching during weekends for seven years.

Q: How do you expect my child to do Kumon every day?
A: Kumon homework only takes 15-30 minutes every day. The Kumon work is deliberately easy at the beginning. We will give the student homework that we know he or she can do. Completing the daily assignments quickly and with a good score will boost the student's confidence, and make him or her see Kumon as a positive rather than a negative experience.

Q: My son hates math. How can you help him?
A: His negative attitude is probably the result of a bad experience that damaged his self-confidence in math. When he has to do math, his negative feelings and lack of confidence prevent him from doing as well as he could. Kumon will help by taking him back to a point where he can experience success and by showing him all of the things he can do in math. This will relieve his frustration, improve his self-confidence, and give him a foundation to build better skills also.

Q: What kind of test will you give my child before starting Kumon program?
A: Kumon has developed its own tests for students that enroll in its program. Their primary purpose is to show us where students will be more comfortable starting in the program. The math tests concentrates on assessing speed and accuracy with basic calculation skills, because s strong foundation in this area is crucial for success with all higher math. The reading test concentrates on assessing basic reading, reading comprehension, and writing skills for the same reasons.

Q: My daughter is on the swim team, takes dance lessons, and gets tons of homework. I'm not sure if she can fit this into her schedule.
A: Kumon recommends that your child comes to the Center twice a week for about 30 minutes per subject. Homework must be completed on the five days that students do not attend class, and will take around 15-30 minutes per subject. Many students find it easiest to do it first thing in the morning, or before their regular homework. What is crucial is that it is done daily, so it is important that you are able to commit to this schedule - if not you will not see the results.
Academic success at least is equally important as other subjects. Math and Reading are the fundamental skills for other academic fields. Kumon believes "Practics Makes Perfect". Like swimming and dancing, Math and Reading need practice too.

Q: My daughter is in high school and wouldn't be comfortable working around younger children. Do you have separate time for older students?
A: We want all of our students to be comfortable in the Center. There is usually a mix of ages and grades in the Center at any time. I'm sure we can set a time that is convenient for her and other high school students if most of them fell not comfortable with young students.

Q: We live far away. Can we come just once a week?
A: It is preferable that you come twice a week, for several reasons. First of all, every time students come to class, I can observe their work and give them whatever help they need therefore the more often they can come the better it is for them. Additionally, the more often they come to class, the more frequently I can review their homework. This means that I will see right away if they need to review a section , or if they are ready to move ahead. If you can only come to the center once a week, we can discuss more in details for home grading.

Q: What is your student to assistent ration?
A: The student to assistant/grader/instructor ration in our center is less 15:1 most of the time. The Kumon Center is more like a study hall than a traditional classromm environment. Students come to the center anytime during class hours. I prepare assignments individually for each student in advance, based on their previous work. While in class, they work through their assignments relatively independently, asking for help only when they need it. Of course, I am here to answer any questions, as are my assistants.

Q: Do you guarantee results?
A: Most students show improvements after attending Kumon, both academically and in areas such as confidence and study skills. If students complete their daily assignments, attend class regularly, and follow my study plan, they will show improvement within approximately six to nine months.

Q: My children are already getting good grades. Won't they be bored with the low starting point you are suggesting?
A: Even though they are doing well at school, Kumon has exceptionally high standards for speed and accuracy. Most advanced students such as your children can be motivated by showing them the work that they will be doing in the future. In addition, giving them the challenge of "beating the clock" can also motivate many students. Kumon recognizes each student who is studying six months or more beyond grade level by Advanced Student Honor Roll (ASHR).