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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the right age for my child to start Kumon?

There is no age limit in Kumon. However, it is recommended to contact the Instructor of your preferred Center and ask if they accept young children or infants.

In Kumon, children start at their own “just-right” level, the level at which they can progress on their own. With the aim of developing self-learning ability, the Kumon Program enables each child to progress at his or her own pace. For children who are three years old and below, please contact the Instructor of the Center convenient for you.

Q: Why do new students start with easy level materials?

Starting with easy level materials helps ensure smooth study progress. This also enables students to focus on developing good study habits and build confidence early in the program.

Before enrolling in the program, new students will take a Diagnostic Test. The purpose of this test is not to evaluate or judge students, but rather, to help the Instructor identify the starting point for each student. The Instructor ensures that all students start at their own “just-right” level, where they can progress on their own. Normally, students start with easy levels where they can attain a perfect score by studying on their own. By starting with easy level materials, students progress smoothly in the program, develop good study habits and build self-confidence early on.

Q: Why do students have to repeat some levels many times?

This is to ensure that students achieve mastery of the topic and to enable them to progress confidently to the next level.

In Kumon, students sometimes repeat the same worksheets, even if they achieved a perfect score. This is because a perfect score does not always indicate mastery of the topic. Factors, such as the time it took the student to answer the worksheet and other points of observation, are taken into consideration to determine whether the child is ready to move to the next level. The Instructor decides whether the student needs repetition.

How does the Instructor decide whether students progress or repeat? Each set of the Kumon worksheets has the Standard Completion Time (SCT). The SCT is a criterion to determine whether it is beneficial for the child to progress to the next level or not. However, the SCT serves only as a reference. Most importantly, the Instructor carefully observes each student individually at the Center and decides whether a student needs repetition or not.

Q: What kind of results will I see in my child?

In the beginning, students study materials that they have already encountered. As they master these lessons, they will gain the confidence and motivation to take on new challenges.

Students gradually begin to tackle topics they have not previously learned. Through Kumon, they will be able to study advanced lessons independently. This develops their analytical ability and instills perseverance. Eventually, students find that they have begun to excel in their other subjects as well. This is because they are applying the self-learning skills developed through Kumon.

Q: Does self-learning mean that the Instructor does not teach anything?

In Kumon, the learning occurs directly from the worksheets. When students encounter problems, the Instructor’s role is to assist them, and give subtle hints so that they will be encouraged to progress independently.

The Kumon Method emphasizes the importance of self-learning. Self-learning means that students do the work and correct their own mistakes independently. The worksheets have been designed in a way that allows students to figure out how to solve problems on their own. Examples and explanations are clearly provided when moving on to new topics, encouraging students to self-learn and advance independently at all times.

Q: What makes Kumon such an effective complement to my child’s schooling?

In Kumon, students can perform up to 100% of their potential. We acknowledge the child’s individual ability and needs because, in reality, children do not progress as a group and learn at the same pace.

Study load and pace are all suited to each child. Kumon hones self-learning skills as it allows the child’s individual needs and abilities to govern his or her own progress. Mastery of the topic is ensured before moving on to a new one, enabling the child to tackle challenges with confidence. This further boosts the child’s ability and desire to study materials ahead of his or her grade level.

Q: Is Kumon helpful to improve school grades?

Aside from the academic abilities that students develop through Kumon, they also acquire qualities such as independence, discipline, confidence and good learning habits. This balanced combination of academic and life skills leads to improved grades in school.

The Kumon Method is an individualized study method that encourages self-learning. By studying at their “just-right” level, children are able to advance beyond their school grade level on their own without being taught. When students have the ability to self-learn the contents that they have not yet learnt at school, they have extra capacity to improve their school grade and enjoy their school life to the fullest.

Q: Why does Kumon have homework?

To ensure mastery, develop good study habits and self-discipline, it is essential to study the worksheets on a daily basis.

By studying both at the Center and at home, students can master the contents better. In addition, homework is also useful in developing daily study habits in students. Parents’ support at home is very important in the Kumon Method. As with sports or music education, to attain mastery it is essential to continue the worksheet studies everyday. For example, setting Kumon time for doing Kumon homework, everyday before dinner will become a daily routine for the child, thus allowing the child to progress smoothly through the program.

Q: Is Kumon a tutorial center?

No. While a tutorial helps students with their current lessons in school, Kumon’s goal is to develop strong academic skills in children that will enable them to advance far beyond their current school grade level.

A tutorial is usually a quick and short-term solution for students needing help on a particular topic they are currently learning in school. Moreover, tutorials focus on teaching the student one on one.

Kumon, on the other hand, is a long-term education program that seeks to build the student’s mastery in math and reading. The Kumon worksheets have been designed to allow self-learning; meaning, students can study the topics independently without the need to be taught. This self-learning skill that Kumon nurtures gives students the confidence that they can learn anything they set their mind to.

Eventually, as students progress in their Kumon study, they begin to study materials that are one, two, three or even four years ahead of their school grade level!

The Kumon Math and Reading Programs, more than improving the students’ academic skills, equip children with the skills needed to reach their potential. Through daily study of the worksheets, children acquire strong academic abilities and a solid foundation to prepare them for life.