7 Kumon Alternatives in 2025
reviewed by Jo-ann Caballes
Updated on February 25, 2025
If you’re looking for the best alternatives to Kumon Math in 2025, read on — I’m a math tutor, and I’m here to help you narrow your search. Although Kumon is an acclaimed educational platform worldwide, here are some exciting Kumon alternatives that may be a better match.
Key Points
- Brighterly is a leading tutoring platform that offers highly personalized, gamified tutoring programs for K-9 students.
- Mathnasium is a math tutoring platform for K-12 students, providing personalized learning and in-person and online tutoring.
- Best Brains is an after-school program that offers courses on various subjects.
- Learner is a learning platform for K-12 students, matching students through a screening process.
- Thinkster Math is a tutoring platform that utilizes AI to track progress.
- Wyzant offers a pay-as-you-go model that gives you access to thousands of tutors.
- Khan Academy offers a library of free, self-paced learning courses and resources for various subjects.
What are the reasons to consider Kumon Alternatives?
Kumon is designed to help students practice and master math and reading skills through a structured approach and repetitive worksheets, following the Kumon Method (developed in the 1950s). However, many parents still prefer to switch and google “Kumon alternatives near me.”
Before I move to why many families consider Kumon competitors, here are a couple of things parents like about Kumon:
- Self-learning focus: Encouraging students to discover how to solve problems independently.
- Reading skills: Kumon offers a reading program to help kids develop better reading skills.
- Small-step worksheets: Children master math skills more efficiently when they complete daily worksheet assignments.
- Development of core math skills: The program focuses on mastering basic skills like quick and accurate math calculations.
Still, Kumon’s downsides outweigh its benefits for students and may not cater to most families. For instance, it is highly repetitive and does not allow for a more engaging approach. Also, unlike other programs that offer similar services like Kumon, the program limits the intervention of tutors — instruction is only provided when necessary.
Reasons to choose Kumon alternatives
Although Kumon can be a wonderful option for your child, there are some reasons that might make you want to search for alternatives to Kumon Math. According to my research, parents report bad teaching techniques, inexperienced tutors on the platform, and hidden fees.
Reason 1: Inexperienced tutors
Tutors’ experience and expertise can be inconsistent, as many parents report a lack of improvement in children and minimal guidance from instructors. Parents also are not allowed in the tutoring sessions. Here’s a Kumon Reddit review:
Reason 2: Ineffective teaching techniques
Another reason why you might consider switching to a Kumon alternative is that the program is unstimulating and not challenging enough for most students. Parents report that children get demotivated to pursue math further.
Reason 3: Confusing pricing
Kumon reviews also report a lack of transparency regarding pricing and hidden fees. Kumon costs vary depending on location, and the pricing policy is not disclosed upfront. This is where parents often decide to opt out and look for alternatives to Kumon.
Pros and cons of Kumon
Pros of Kumon |
Cons of Kumon |
Personalized supportKumon offers tutors who will guide your kids through their learning. They’ll grade and evaluate their worksheets to tailor future lessons to your kids. |
Independent work can hinder progressSome parents have reported that the high level of independence needed for Kumon. With no regular tutor support, they can easily get stuck on work. Kumon reviews can be a little negative in this area, unlike other programs like Kumon. |
Worksheets that support learningKumon provides worksheets that your child should complete each day. It recommends 30 minutes a day for the knowledge to be cemented. |
Have to go to a physical test centerWhile the assessments help you monitor your kids’ progress, it can be time-consuming to take your child to an assessment center twice a week. Other Kumon-like programs offer online tutoring, which may be a better option. |
Testing helps to monitor progressYou’ll take your kids to a Kumon center near you twice a week to complete assignments. This helps you monitor their progress. |
The instructors aren’t guaranteed to be qualified in mathAll Kumon learning instructors are trained in the Kumon math tutoring method. But you can’t guarantee 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 $165 and $210 a month for just one subject. This can vary by training center location, and Kumon costs can double if your kid is taking both math and reading learning.
Kumon also charges a $80 registration fee plus $30 for the initial cost of materials, which is uncommon for programs like Kumon.
What are the good alternatives to Kumon Learning?
When we’re talking about “What is the alternative to Kumon?”, several platforms come to mind, and the Brighterly math tutoring platform is at the top of the list. Let’s discover them one by one.
Kumon alternative #1: Brighterly
Brighterly is the leading online math tutoring platform for students in grades 1-8.
Best for: Gamified, interactive math learning.
Keep on reading to discover why we put Brighterly at the top of the list with Kumon alternatives online. ⤵️
Brighterly: Features
Professional tutors
Brighterly math tutors for elementary and middle school students provide private, interactive online math lessons emphasizing personalized STEM-focused programs. Brighterly performs a rigorous background check to ensure every Brighterly tutor holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Math and has 5 to 15 years of experience in math tutoring.
Moreover, Brighterly tutors blend interactive and gamified learning to make sessions engaging and effective. This helps foster problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of math concepts that children can relate to real-life experiences.
Free worksheets
Brighterly offers free math worksheets and additional resources. Even if you don’t subscribe to its tutoring, you can still utilize Brighterly math worksheets and practice tests, which are great for self-learning and focusing on various math skills.
If you’re looking for Kumon-like worksheets, Brighterly is a great alternative.
Award-winning curriculum
The Brighterly math program covers grades K through 9. It features introductory, fundamental, and advanced STEM-focused concepts fully personalized according to students’ educational plans.
The platform’s best education experts have developed Brighterly’s math programs to create the perfect Common Core-aligned curriculum.
Kumon alternative #1: The cost of Brighterly
Brighterly offers a flexible subscription model. Families can choose options based on their child’s needs, such as 1 to 3 academic hours per week. The Brighterly cost per hour starts at $19.50, which is quite affordable compared to competitors. Additionally, Brighterly offers 1 trial session so you can understand if the platform matches your preferences.
Let’s look into packages and prices in more detail:
If you book a 1-month plan with two lessons (45 minutes) per week included, you’ll pay $211 monthly. There are also extended options:
- 3-months plan worth $198/month
- 6-months plan worth $186/month
- 12-months plan worth $161/month
All of them include:
- 24/7 support
- Detailed progress reports
- Lesson recording
How does Brighterly compare to Kumon?
Brighterly and Kumon are two similar platforms, but they excel in different areas. Kumon, for example, is an excellent tool for drilling exercises, repetition, and sharpening foundational math. It’s a solid platform for students who prefer structured, self-paced learning and have strong study habits.
However, Brighterly is a better choice for students who benefit from interactive learning. Unlike Kumon’s rigid and repetitive approach, Brighterly focuses on building a student-teacher connection through gamified and interactive learning.
To summarize, Kumon is great for drill exercises and in-person learning, while an alternative to Kumon, Brighterly, goes further to offer you personalized, interactive online lessons. If you’re tired of googling things like “Kumon alternatives in 2025 review,” or “best Kumon alternatives in the United States,” you should try Brighterly.
The pros and cons of Brighterly
Pros of Brighterly |
Cons of Brighterly |
Personalized tutoringBrighterly’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 learningBrighterly’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 memorizeTraditional 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 & teensSome 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 engagingMath 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 is a math learning center for K-12 students.
Best for: Adaptive learning.
If you’re asking yourself, ‘Mathnasium or Kumon?’, Mathnasium is similar to Kumon. However, it does adapt its approach according to students’ learning styles.
Who is it for?
Grades: Kindergarten and K-12.
Mathnasium top features
- Adaptive curriculum.
- Customer support.
- Unique teaching method.
Kumon alternative #2: The cost of Mathnasium
Mathnasium fees vary by location. Each center determines its price based on factors such as the average local price and the services offered.
- Enrollment fees and assessment: On average, $100 to $150.
- Mathnasium cost per hour: On average, $25 to $75.
- Monthly cost: On average, $250 to $400.
- Summer programs (8+ sessions): Between $395 and $1,000.
If you’re looking to understand Kumon or Mathnasium pricing, keep in mind that Mathnasium provides personalized instruction at a higher price point.
Pros and cons of Mathnasium
Pros of Mathnasium |
Cons of Mathnasium |
A tailored approach to learningMathnasium is renowned for its personalized learning programs. |
Can be costlyCompared to online alternatives, Mathnasium is a more expensive and time-consuming option. |
A tutor matched to your kidMathnasium will match you with a tutor based on your kid’s personal needs, which adds to its tailored support. |
Traditional, not digital, learningBecause Mathnasium focuses on in-person learning, digital tools are limited. |
A wide curriculumMathnasium’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 locationsBecause you need to attend physical locations for Mathnasium tutoring, it isn’t accessible or available to everyone. |
Kumon alternative #3: Best Brains
Another Kumon similar program, Best Brains, offers small group in-person tutoring and provides core programs in coding, math, English, and abacus, plus additional programs covering topics like science labs, SAT prep, homework, and early learner programs.
Best for: Test prep and early learner programs.
Is Best Brains better than Kumon? While Kumon offers only math and reading programs, Best Brains provides you with various subjects like science labs, SAT prep, etc.
Who is it for?
Grades: Early learners programs + K-9.
Best Brains’ top features
- Weekly feedback,
- Focus on test prep.
- Remote + in-person tutoring.
Kumon alternative #3: The cost of Best Brains
Best Brains varies by center, but the average cost is $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 compared to another alternative to Kumon Math.
Pros and cons of Best Brains
Pros of Best Brains |
Cons of Best Brains |
Choose between remote or in-person learningThe flexibility of choice between virtual or physical learning locations means parents aren’t limited. |
Lack of personalized learningWhile students will receive one-to-one support, Best Brains’ programs aren’t tailored to each student’s individual needs as standard. |
Teachers are board-certifiedBest 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 trialMany 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 testsFor 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 needsSome 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
Learner is a virtual learning and tutoring system that offers private math support from 2nd grade right through to adulthood.
Best for: Custom-matched math tutoring.
Learner offers specific tutoring for SAT and ACT exams, while Kumon is a “general-purpose” platform.
Who is it for?
Grades: 2nd Grade — 12th Grade.
Learner top features
- SAT and ACT prep.
- Thorough tutor vetting.
- Custom-matched tutoring.
Kumon alternative #4: The cost of Learner
The Learner’s website states that this Kumon alternative’s prices start at $199 per month, and tutoring can cost $60 an hour.
Kumon charges a monthly fee per subject, typically ranging from $150 to $210, which makes Learner a pricier option.
Pros and cons of Learner
Pros of Learner |
Cons of Learner |
Private, one-on-one tutoringRather than working with your kids in a group setting, Learner offers private tutoring to ensure your kid gets all the attention they need. |
Payment upfrontMany 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 platformLearner’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 qualificationsWhile 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 vettingLearner has a four-stage vetting process that ensures tutors have the right expertise, can impact students’ lives, evaluate their own math skills, and conduct an examination. |
Kumon alternative #5: Thinkster Math
Thinkster is an AI-powered tutoring platform. If you’re looking for an alternative to Kumon reading, you might want to look into other platforms.
Best for: Customized curriculum and progress tracking.
Thinkster Math has an adaptive curriculum, while Kumon’s program is more rigid.
Who is it for?
Grades: K-12.
Thinkster Math top features
- AI-powered learning.
- Unique learning plan.
- Parent Insights app.
Kumon alternative #4: The cost of Thinkster Math
Thinkster costs vary depending on the level of service you choose. For example, it costs $60 a month to receive support and feedback from a coach but not one-to-one tutoring.
However, its website states that personalized tutoring sessions can cost between $141 and $295 a month, which is pricier than Kumon.
Pros and cons of Thinkster Math
Pros of Thinkster Math |
Cons of Thinkster Math |
An affordable secondary optionWhile 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 expensiveIn 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 trackingThinkster Math’s Parent Insights app is fairly unique and gives you thorough information on your kid’s performance. |
Completion of goal times can add stressThinkster 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 kidsThe ability to compete against other kids and earn rewards is a great incentive for kids who don’t particularly like math. |
High tutor turnoverSome 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 an online tutoring marketplace that connects students and tutors in math, science, test prep, and more.
Best for: One-on-one tutoring and test prep.
Wyzant is best suited for students of all ages and professionals seeking academic tutoring, while Kumon is geared toward younger students, hence the popular question, “At what age should you stop using Kumon?”.
Who is it for?
Grades: Pre-K — 12th Grade.
Wyzant top features
- Students pay for the hours they use.
- Advanced search filters help find tutors easily.
- Many tutors offer trial lessons to ensure a good fit.
Kumon alternative #6: The cost of Wyzant
Wyzant uses a pay-as-you-go model, making it convenient for learners to access personalized learning without a long-term commitment.
- From $10 an hour, depending on tutor experience.
- Many tutors offer free trial sessions.
- Students pay for individual sessions.
Wyzant’s pricing ranges from $10 to $100+ per hour, while Kumon charges a monthly fee per subject, averaging between $150 and $210.
Pros and cons of Wyzant
Pros of Wyzant |
Cons of Wyzant |
Students can choose their tutorIt’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 tutorBecause you don’t automatically get matched with a tutor, you might find it takes a while to get the right one. |
Affordable optionOn a per-hour basis, Wyzant is an affordable option compared to other Kumon similar programs. |
Costs vary based on the tutorTutors can charge varying rates depending on their experience and skills, so you may find that the better tutors are more expensive. |
Going beyond mathWyzant offers online math tutors, but it also includes tutors for many other subjects if you’d like to improve your kids’ knowledge in multiple subjects. |
No skills assessmentBecause Wyzant operates like a tutor marketplace, you don’t explore skills assessment for your kid. That means that, at least initially, sessions won’t be tailored. |
Kumon alternative #7: Khan Academy
Khan Academy is an online learning platform with a library of free, self-paced learning courses and resources for various subjects.
Best for: Free courses.
While Kumon offers only math and reading programs, Khan Academy provides a wide range of educational resources across various subjects and levels, such as math, science, history, and economics. If you’re looking for Kumon alternatives in 2025 free, this alternative is a great option.
Who is it for?
Grades: Pre-K — 12th Grade.
Khan Academy top features
- Offers interactive exercises and quizzes.
- Progress tracking.
- Completely free.
Khan Academy pricing
Khan Academy is free and funded by donations and partnerships. If you’re looking for affordable programs similar to Kumon, this might be the platform for you.
Pros and cons of Khan Academy
Pros of Khan Academy |
Cons of Khan Academy |
Khan Academy is completely freeDonations and partnerships fund Khan Academy, so you don’t have to pay. |
All of the courses are prerecorded.Khan Academy does not provide live sessions and interactions with teachers. |
A wide range of classesKhan Academy provides a wide range of educational resources across various subjects and levels, such as math, science, history, and economics. |
It may not cater to many studentsAll of the Khan Academy classes are prerecorded and do not take into account different learning styles. |
Students can manage their own learningKhan Academy is a great platform for self-paced individuals. |
Some of the classes are foundationalThe learning environment of Khan Academy does not provide a deep understanding of the subject. |
Conclusion: Best Kumon alternatives
Many parents look for Kumon alternatives due to its rigid approach and hidden fees.
For example, if you care about comprehensive programs and test prep (good for homeschooling), then go with Khan Academy, Wyzant, Learner, and Mathnasium; if you want to leverage AI to personalize the curriculum, Thinkster Math is your best choice.
But if you’re looking for a platform that
- Offers STEM-focused Common Core aligned curriculum
- Has expert-driven tutors with at least 5 years of experience
- Provides you with free self-study resources
- Has transparent pricing with no hidden costs
Then book your free demo lesson with the Brighterly math tutoring platform now!
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- Best Brains vs Kumon vs Brighterly
- Kumon vs Khan Academy
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- What are the reasons to consider Kumon Alternatives?
- Reasons to choose Kumon alternatives
- Pros and cons of Kumon
- Pros of Kumon
- Cons of Kumon
- What is the cost of Kumon?
- What are the good alternatives to Kumon Learning?
- Kumon alternative #1: Brighterly
- Brighterly: Features
- Kumon alternative #1: The cost of Brighterly
- How does Brighterly compare to Kumon?
- The pros and cons of Brighterly
- Gamified learning improves math performance!
- Kumon alternative #2: Mathnasium
- Who is it for?
- Mathnasium top features
- Kumon alternative #2: The cost of Mathnasium
- Pros and cons of Mathnasium
- Brighterly is available worldwide!
- Kumon alternative #3: Best Brains
- Who is it for?
- Best Brains’ top features
- Kumon alternative #3: The cost of Best Brains
- Pros and cons of Best Brains
- Kumon alternative #4: Learner
- Who is it for?
- Learner top features
- Kumon alternative #4: The cost of Learner
- Pros and cons of Learner
- Kumon alternative #5: Thinkster Math
- Who is it for?
- Thinkster Math top features
- Kumon alternative #4: The cost of Thinkster Math
- Pros and cons of Thinkster Math
- Kumon alternative #6: Wyzant
- Who is it for?
- Wyzant top features
- Kumon alternative #6: The cost of Wyzant
- Pros and cons of Wyzant
- Kumon alternative #7: Khan Academy
- Who is it for?
- Khan Academy top features
- Khan Academy pricing
- Pros and cons of Khan Academy
- Conclusion: Best Kumon alternatives
- Related articles
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