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6 Kumon Alternatives in 2024

Kumon Online is a well-known education provider that offers study programs in Math and English.

However, it’s not the only option when it comes to improving your kids’ math ability, so it’s time to explore programs like Kumon school.

In this article, we cover the pros and cons of Kumon and explore some exciting alternatives to Kumon Online that will teach your kids math in a fun and engaging way.

What are the good alternatives to Kumon learning?

In this article, we discuss the following programs like Kumon that will tutor your kids in math:

• Brighterly
• Mathnasium
• Best Brains
• Learner
• Thinkster Math
• Wyzant

We’ll highlight the pros and cons of each of these programs that offer similar services to Kumon and their cost to help you make an informed decision.

Pros and cons of Kumon

If you’re not sure whether Kumon school is right for you, it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons of the program.

Pros of Kumon	Cons of Kumon
Personalized support Kumon offers tutors who will guide your kids through their learning. They’ll grade and evaluate their worksheets in order to tailor future lessons to your kids.	Independent work can hinder progress Some parents have reported that the high level of independence needed for Kumon has hindered their kids’ progress. With no regular tutor support, they can easily get stuck on work. Kumon reviews can be a little negative in this area.
Worksheets that support learning Kumon learning provides worksheets that your child should complete each day. It recommends 30 minutes a day for the knowledge to be cemented.	Needing to go to a physical test center While the assessments help you monitor your kids’ progress, it can be time-consuming to take your kid to an assessment center twice a week
Testing helps to monitor progress You’ll take your kids to a Kumon center near you twice a week to complete assignments. This helps you to monitor their progress.	The instructors aren’t guaranteed to be qualified in math All Kumon learning instructors are trained in the Kumon math tutoring method. But, you can’t guarantee that they’re also trained math tutors or teachers. When it comes to improving your kids’ math knowledge, you need to be able to trust in a certified tutor or teacher.

What is the cost of Kumon?

The cost of Kumon can vary between around $100 and $200 a month for just one subject. This can vary by training center location, so Kumon costs can double if your kid is taking both math and reading learning. It can also be more expensive if your kid is taking high-school or higher-level math.

Kumon also charges a $50 registration fee, plus $30 for the initial cost of materials.

Kumon alternative #1: Brighterly

Brighterly is a Kumon competitor offering professional math tutoring for kids and teens in grades 1 to 12. Its mission is to help all kids between ages 6 and 18 learn math in a fun, easy and successful way.

Brighterly doesn’t just show your child how to memorize sums. It teaches them how to understand and apply math concepts. In school, kids will often watch someone else perform mathematical equations. But with Brighterly, 90% of its classes focus on the kids doing math, not just seeing it in action.

Brighterly’s comprehensive program starts with a diagnostic math test, which helps to understand the gaps in your kids’ math knowledge. Then its tutors create engaging programs tailored to their specific needs. You get live support with Brighterly — so if your child is ever stuck, their tutor is on hand virtually to help. Online lessons mean you don’t need to spend precious time traveling to assessment or training centers.

As well as personalized tutoring, we offer fun and engaging worksheets to cement your kids’ newfound math knowledge. These worksheets cover preschool to 8th-grade math. We also offer specific worksheets in addition, fractions, geometry and more. This makes Brighterly a comprehensive alternative to Kumon Online.

Kumon alternative #1: the cost of Brighterly

Brighterly offers a range of pricing bundles to make math tutoring affordable for your kids & teens — explore its pricing.

With Brighterly, you don’t need to pay upfront. Plus, you get a free demo class so you can be sure it’s right for your kid.

The pros and cons of Brighterly

Pros of Brighterly	Cons of Brighterly
Personalized tutoring Brighterly’s tutors will teach your kids the math they need to know. They won’t waste time on concepts your child already knows well — they’ll work to fill the gaps in your kid’s knowledge.	Some kids might prefer in-person learning Brighterly’s online learning is great for time-poor parents and those who can’t travel. Some kids might prefer to learn in person.
Learn and understand math concepts, not just memorize Traditional schoolwork can sometimes focus on memorizing math sums rather than actually understanding them. With Brighterly, your kid will gain a deep understanding of these math concepts and learn how to apply them in real life.	Tutoring is only available to kids & teens Some of the following Kumon-like online programs offer college and adult teaching. Right now, Brighterly only offers tutoring for kids & teens – but watch this space.
Making learning fun and engaging Math doesn’t have to be boring. Brighterly uses fun real-world applications and engaging games, blending math with their favorite subjects to make learning enjoyable.

Kumon alternative #2: Mathnasium

Mathnasium claims to have pioneered a unique method to teach kids math. It first identifies gaps in your kids’ knowledge and then “expands their mathematical thinking”. Mathnasium adds new mathematical concepts in sequence, ensuring your kids understand each stage before progressing.

The program builds “number sense” in various stages, which cements the crucial math concepts needed for each stage of progression. It teaches math in five key techniques:

Mental	The ability to solve a problem mentally, without using a pen and paper.
Visual	Learning and solving problems with the help of visual aids, such as pictures and graphs.
Verbal	The ability to verbalize math problems and solve them through speech.
Tactile	Using physical objects to understand and answer math problems.
Written	Answering and understanding math problems through written words, numbers and symbols.

Kumon alternative #2: the cost of Mathnasium

Mathnasium doesn’t make its costs public. They can vary based on program and location, but you can expect to pay higher than online-based math learning platforms.

Pros and cons of Mathnasium

Pros of Mathnasium	Cons of Mathnasium
A tailored approach to learning Mathnasium is renowned for its personalized learning programs.	Can be costly Compared to online alternatives, Mathnasium is a more expensive and time-consuming option.
A tutor matched to your kid Mathnasium will match you with a tutor based on your kid’s personal needs, which adds to its tailored support.	Traditional, not digital, learning Because Mathnasium focuses on in-person learning, digital tools are limited.
A wide curriculum Mathnasium’s curriculum covers a lot of core math concepts, including calculus and arithmetic, so it can fill a lot of your kids’ knowledge gaps.	Not available in all locations Because you need to attend physical locations for Mathnasium tutoring, it isn’t accessible or available to everyone.

Kumon alternative #3: Best Brains

Kumon competitor Best Brains offers a range of different programs for your kids depending on their knowledge. It offers core programs in coding, math, English and abacus, plus additional programs covering topics like science labs, SAT prep and early learner programs.

First, kids take an orientation Placement Test to understand where they’ll be placed in Best Brain’s programs. They’ll meet weekly with their board-certified teachers and put their knowledge to the test at home. As your kid moves forward through the curriculum, teachers will provide weekly feedback to make sure they continue to progress.

Best Brains offers in-person tutoring and assessment as standard, but BB Connect is its virtual learning program. It takes its in-person programs and delivers them remotely to kids across the UK. This is great for busy parents who don’t have time to attend physical assessment centers.

BB Connect operates as follows:

• students receive one-to-one remote tutoring
• they’ll use a tablet and accompanying stylus to do assignments
• students will see their daily assignments when they log into the program
• kids submit weekly homework assignments, which are graded
• teachers give guidance and feedback on assignments.

Kumon alternative #3: the cost of Best Brains

Best Brains costs $149 per month for one subject per child. Two subjects are $249, three subjects are $379 and you’ll pay $479 for four subjects. This means Best Brains can quickly become costly.

Pros and cons of Best Brains

Pros of Best Brains	Cons of Best Brains
Choose between remote or in-person learning The flexibility of choice between virtual or physical learning locations means parents aren’t limited.	Lack of personalized learning While students will receive one-to-one support, Best Brains’ programs aren’t tailored to each student’s individual needs as standard.
Teachers are board-certified Best Brains only hires tutors who are board-certified. This means your kid is being taught by a reputable and knowledgeable tutor.	Costly with no free trial Many of these places like Kumon offer free trials or assessments, but this isn’t available with Best Brains. It’s also costlier than many other platforms.
Focus on passing tests For a lot of kids, the most daunting thing about math is the tests. Best Brains is committed to supporting your kid in passing their important exams.	Tutors aren’t assigned based on needs Some of these programs similar to Kumon offer a ‘matchmaking’ service that sets your kids up with the right tutor. This isn’t available with Best Brains.

Kumon alternative #4: Learner

A newer platform, Learner is a virtual learning and tutoring system that offers private math support from 2nd grade right through to adulthood. It promises tutors custom-matched to your kid based on their learning needs.

To sign up for Learner, you’ll fill out a short quiz that’ll ask about your child’s knowledge and needs. Once you’ve completed this, your kid’s first session will be scheduled within 72 hours.

Learner offers specific tutoring for SAT and ACT exams. So if you or your kid are worried about these exams in particular, they can prepare specifically for them.

Learner’s math subjects cover:

• General math
• Algebra 
• Algebra 2
• Pre-calculus
• Calculus 
• AP calculus
• Geometry
• Statistics
• ELA

Kumon alternative #4: the cost of Learner

Learner’s website states that this Kumon alternative’s prices start from $199 per month. It also states that tutoring can cost from $60 an hour.

Pros and cons of Learner

Pros of Learner	Cons of Learner
Private, one-on-one math tutoring Rather than working with your kids in a group setting, Kumon offers private tutoring to ensure your kid gets all the attention they need.	Payment upfront Many of the good alternatives to Kumon learning don’t require payment upfront. Learner makes parents pay before giving any information on tutors.
A unique learning platform Learner’s online learning platform allows students and tutors to work together on a virtual whiteboard. This allows for real-time collaboration and problem-solving.	Tutors don’t require qualifications While Learner’s vetting process for tutors is thorough, tutors are only required to hold a college degree. If you’d prefer a more qualified tutor, there may be a better comprehensive alternative to Kumon Online.
Thorough tutor vetting Learner has a four-stage vetting process that ensures tutors have the right expertise, can impact students’ lives, evaluate their own math skills and an examination.

Kumon alternative #5: Thinkster Math

Thinkster offers math tutoring, like the other alternatives on this list. What sets Thinkster apart is its use of AI in math tutoring. It’s good for kids at different stages of their math learning — whether they’re really struggling or they’re good but they want to be brilliant.

Like many of these Kumon alternatives, your kids will first take a skills assessment. You’ll get a customized skills assessment report that covers their knowledge and the gaps that need to be addressed. Next, Thinkster matches your kid with a tutor, who creates a unique, personalized learning program. Their tutor will grade their work and offer feedback daily, as well as hosting a weekly private tutoring session.

Thinkster’s tutor provides a weekly report to you, so you can see your kid’s progress. The platform also offers a Parent Insights app to give you detailed info on their progress!

If your kid has a competitive streak, they can enter a leaderboard to put themselves to the test against other Thinkster students. Kids can also earn points when they complete worksheets, which can be exchanged for digital gift cards.

Kumon alternative #5: the cost of Thinkster Math

Thinkster costs vary depending on the level of service you choose to take. It costs $60 a month to receive support and feedback from a coach but without one-to-one tutoring. With personalized tutoring sessions, its website states it can cost between $141 and $295 a month.

Pros and cons of Thinkster Math

Pros of Thinkster Math	Cons of Thinkster Math
An affordable secondary option While many of the best Kumon alternatives focus on direct math tutoring, Thinkster Math offers a secondary affordable option for parents who don’t have the finances for tutoring.	Tutoring can be expensive In comparison to other programs similar to Kumon, the higher end of Thinkster Math’s tutoring prices is expensive.
Parent Insights app allows for in-depth progress tracking Thinkster Math’s Parent Insights app is fairly unique and gives you thorough information on your kid’s performance.	Completion goal times can add stress Thinkster worksheets have a goal time that they should be completed in. While this can identify if a child needs more support, it can cause them unnecessary stress.
Motivation for kids The ability to compete against other kids and earn rewards is a great incentive for kids who don’t particularly like math.	High tutor turnover Some Thinkster reviews state that the turnover of tutors is high, which can unsettle your kids and potentially disrupt their learning.

Kumon alternative #6: Wyzant

Wyzant is known as a “marketplace for tutors”. The service will match your kids to a suitable and available math tutor on its platform, which differs a little from other programs similar to Kumon.

Wyzant doesn’t offer a skills assessment, like many other Kumon competitors, but it allows you to search a wide database of tutors to find one suited to your kid.

Kumon alternative #6: the cost of Wyzant

Wyzant prices start from $15 per hour and vary based on a tutor.

Pros and cons of Wyzant

Pros of Wyzant	Cons of Wyzant
Students can choose their tutor It’s not often students have a say in their own teachers or tutors, so giving your kid the power to choose their tutor can make them feel validated.	It might take a while to find the right tutor Because you don’t automatically get matched with a tutor, you might find it takes a while to get the right one.
Affordable option On a per-hour basis, Wyzant is an affordable option compared to other Kumon alternatives.	Costs vary based on a tutor Tutors can charge varying rates depending on their experience and skills, so you may find that the better tutors are more expensive.
Going beyond math Wyzant offers online math tutors, but it also includes tutors for many other subjects, if you’d like you improve your kids’ knowledge in multiple subjects.	No skills assessment Because Wyzant operates like a tutor marketplace, you don’t complete a skills assessment for your kid. That means that, at least initially, sessions won’t be tailored.

Conclusion

Kumon is a well-known math tutoring platform. And while it has many benefits, Kumon reviews show that many parents aren’t satisfied with it. Here, we’ve explored Kumon and its alternatives to give parents other suitable alternatives to look into.

There are a lot of effective alternatives to Kumon Online, from platforms that are 100% online to those that offer both physical and virtual learning. Many of these programs offer unique benefits. 

Brighterly’s personalized one-to-one tutoring and gamification of math make it engaging and powerful. Kumon’s thorough testing means you can be sure your kids can apply their learnings. Mathnasium focuses on five key areas of math, ensuring your kid has a well-rounded education. Best Brains hires only board-certified tutors, and Thinkster Math offers a unique Parent Insights app.

Brighterly is the number one alternative to Kumon thanks to its glowing parent reviews, trusted platform and commitment to helping kids understand the core math concepts, rather than just learning by rote. 

“There was great interaction between the teachers and the kids. The ability to screenshare with the kids made it easier to instantly correct their errors as they went along.” Mary Sama

“We loved Sophia, she is great at what she does. I am beyond grateful that there are these kinds of programs available for our children.” Mariana Marquez

“Rachelle is wonderful! She’s engaging and encouraging. My daughter enjoys her lessons with Rachelle.” Audra Serrano

The one-on-one tutoring offered by Brighterly means that your kids’ curriculum can change as they learn and grow. Its online classes educate kids from grades 1 to 8, but it also offers engaging worksheets from preschool to grade 10. 

In conclusion, there are many excellent Kumon competitors who all have their own merits, and Brighterly is a well-rounded, trustworthy and cost-effective option to support your kids in their math journey.