The Kumon method is an instructional method based on an independent or self-learning approach. It was created in 1954, by Toru Kumon, a high school maths teacher in Osaka, Japan. The curriculum consists of hundreds of short assignments arranged in very small steps, each step getting a little bit harder than the previous. The materials are organised into a naturally coherent, logical progression which allows students to advance at their own pace rather than by grade level or age. The daily worksheets are designed to be building blocks to help a child gradually develop fundamental maths and reading skills needed to master high school level maths, languages and reading comprehension.

A student is given a placement test to determine his starting point in the Kumon programme. Children absorb knowledge at different rates; therefore, the starting point is not based on a child's age or grade level but on his individual ability. A student typically begins at a comfortable level to help establish a daily study routine, strengthen basic skills and develop concentration. Since the programme is individualised, it meets the needs of students of all ages and skill levels.

Kumon does not use a traditional classroom learning style or a one-to-one tutoring method. Instead, worksheets are designed based on a “learn by doing” principle. Kumon encourages students to think for themselves. The goal of the programme is to develop students’ confidence so that they will first try to solve a problem on their own before asking for help. The centre instructor provides guidance, praise and assistance when needed.

The sole objective of the Kumon method is to help students achieve the ability to work on high school materials through self-learning.

Kumon helps each student to develop the skills to work on new materials without much assistance and to rely on his own mastery of previous concepts. Guiding students to this point and encouraging students to reach a level of materials which is beyond the school curriculum level is what makes Kumon uniquely valuable to each student's school success.

You may go to any Kumon centre of your choice. Parents are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with the instructor for the parent's orientation and diagnostic test before going to the centre. You may enrol your child at any time, after the instructor has conducted the diagnostic test for your child and explained to you his study plan.

A diagnostic test enables us to place your child at a level of learning which is the most comfortable and achievable level for him for a good start in the programme. It will also give the instructor better insight and understanding of the child's mastery of knowledge.

The Kumon method is a home education programme, which complements the Singapore education system. We offer a course of study from primary to pre-university level. A team of research and development experts is at hand to ensure that relevant and fundamental topics are structured systematically for easy independent self-study. In mathematics, our goal is to ensure mastery and accuracy of the skills taught in school. Thus, solving mathematical questions becomes easier and achievable. In the languages, our aim is to foster sound reading, writing and comprehension ability with rich vocabulary.

All our instructors hold tertiary qualifications and are adequately trained before they start their centres. We believe that life long learning is a two way process. While our students are instilled with passion for independent learning, our instructors are required to upgrade themselves by attending regular seminars and trainings organised by the Kumon office.

A child needs good comprehension skills and analytical ability before he can apply calculation skills to solve mathematical problems. Using the Kumon diagnostic tests and daily worksheets, we examine carefully the obstacles the child is facing and work towards helping him build a strong foundation in both comprehension and arithmetic skills. Therefore, the child will be able to grasp concepts quickly and solve word problem sums confidently.

The japanese subject is conducted fully in japanese and offered only to students who meet any of the following criteria: (1) He is a native japanese speaker (2) One of his parents is of Japanese nationality

The monthly fee is S$120 per subject, with a one-time registration fee of S$30 upon enrolment.

(Monthly fee for Japanese subject: S$140 for primary school students and below, S$160 for secondary school students and above, with a one-time registration fee of S$30 upon enrolment.)

The Kumon worksheets are re-evaluated periodically. An international team of mathematicians and linguists who are experts in the Kumon method regularly get together to confer on needed revisions to the worksheets and to ensure that Kumon's study materials are as good as they can possibly be.