Kumon is the after-school learning center where kids can start and stay as young as three by completing the program of calculus and Shakespeare. Kumon children stand out because they not only master math and reading, but also develop skills for success such as focus, confidence, and guts.
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The company has been around for over 60 years and starts at less than $65,000 and Kumon offers up to $34,000 in incentives – veterans can qualify for an additional $10,000 bonus. Opening a Kumon franchise is ideal for those with a passion for education and helping children.
For children from kindergarten through high school, Kumon is a math and reading learning center and academic enrichment program that goes far beyond traditional tutoring and unlocks children’s potential to achieve more. Through daily practice, the individualized approach helps children develop strong math, reading, writing and grammar skills. Students develop confidence, increase focus and improve study habits. Kumon instructors guide children through their curricula and help them set and achieve math and reading goals.
When you open a Kumon center, you are not tutoring children through a short struggle, but you are following a unique and proven teaching method that encourages self-learning and develops first-class students ready for lifelong success. The company provides a system of success supported by training, materials and marketing to drive your business.
Kumon is consistently ranked #1 in the education category by londonbusinessblog.com magazine, and this year Kumon was ranked No. 6 on the overall Franchise 500 list. 2022 marks the 10th consecutive year that Kumon has earned a place on this prestigious list, all of which have been in the top 40.
What are the pros and cons of owning a Kumon franchise?
Currently, there are approximately 26,500+ Kumon franchise locations. With decades of experience, Kumon knows how to help franchisees build businesses that emotionally and financially rewarding. Kumon franchises guide children through a long-term program that helps them master math, reading, and writing while developing essential skills for success, such as setting goals and developing the courage to achieve those goals. As a Kumon franchisee, you work close to home, build relationships, and contribute to your community. Your branch manager and field consultant will support you, and the connections you make during training and conferences will provide you with a ready source of ideas and encouragement for building a business.
The Kumon franchise opportunity is unique among education franchises in that it is not a tutor. Instead, you guide children through an enrichment program that complements schoolwork and makes sure nothing is missed in math, reading, and writing. A Kumon student can stay for years as they progress through the levels of the program, and parents often enroll all their children, providing you with financial stability. With Kumon, you can provide parents with a long-term solution to help their children excel academically in ways they never thought possible – in math, reading, and writing.
The Kumon curriculum helps every child develop critical thinking, increase focus, improve study habits, become more organized and learn to be problem solvers. The additional enrichment that children receive from Kumon franchisees helps them catch up, but it allows them to progress to work at a level well above their current level and the skills they develop, including guts, time management and focus, which is what makes parents so excited about Kumon. Offering Kumon to teachers and parents to help children reach their full potential will benefit the entire community and make many parents (and teachers) happy.
Related: How Kumon rode the choppy waves of childhood learning to top franchise rankings
What are the requirements to invest in a Kumon franchise?
To open your own Kumon Learning Center Franchise, find out the financial requirements, cash required and ongoing franchise fees here associated with company property.
Initial Franchise Fee: $2,000.
Initial investment: $67,248 to $145,640.
Net Worth Requirement: $150,000.
Money Need: $70,000.
Veterans Incentives: $10,000 toward build-up/grand opening costs.
Royalty Fee: $36 to $40.50 per student/per month.
Contract duration: 5 years.
In addition to the above, any prospective owner of Kumon must have a bachelor’s degree and either US citizenship or a green card. Kumon has an innovative way of helping franchisees get up and running quickly, covering up to $36,400 in expenses. This is how it works:
- It reimburses you for 50% of your rent for the first 12 months, up to $1,000 per month.
- Kumon will purchase your main outdoor sign for you – including the cost of any required signage permits and the cost of making and installing the sign, even the electrical connections and sales tax. This is estimated to be between $4,800 and $7,000.
- The company buys and supplies the Kumon furniture and fixtures you need to open your center — a $9,300 value.
- Kumon shares with you the cost of $4,000 in local marketing in your first three months. To give you time to build your student base, you pay nothing for this program until your 5th and 6th month. At that point, you will be charged $1,000 each month.
- Kumon reimburses you for the telephone system that connects you to the call center so that leads can be called and appointments scheduled for you, saving you up to $600 and countless hours.
- Kumon does not charge for the Instructor Development Program (IDP). In addition, when you complete IDP, the cost of the training will be applied to your franchise fee. If you decide not to continue IDP, you can return the training kit for a full refund.
- After the first material purchase, you’ll never have to worry about countertops again – just order more when you’re running out of shipping costs alone.
It is generally recommended that you have $13,500–$18,000 in additional operating expenses during your first three months to ensure you get your small business off to a good start.
How Much Can You Earn as a Kumon Franchise Owner?
Since each Kumon franchise is independently owned and does not report total revenue, we cannot provide hard numbers. However, as part of your franchisee training, you will develop a business plan that can help you project your income and expenses. Kumon will also encourage you to speak directly with Kumon affiliates for more information.
Are you the ideal candidate to open a Kumon center?
All franchisee applicants require a bachelor’s degree and U.S. citizenship or green card, in addition to meeting the $70,000 liquidity requirements and the $150,000 capital requirements. In addition, Kumon is looking for people who are committed to their businesses full-time and who have a desire to develop relationships with families in their communities and to see children succeed not only in math and reading, but also in life.
A previous education in education is not required. While this experience can be quite valuable, it is certainly not a requirement to become a Kumon franchise owner (although you must have a bachelor’s degree). However, you must have a passion for working with children and believe in the company’s mission to help students become independent, confident and self-assured leaders of tomorrow.
Many of Kumon .’s current owners came in from some business background, and many have their children currently or previously enrolled in Kumon. If you value academic excellence, find satisfaction in helping children on a long-term basis, and enjoy being part of a community, you’ll find everything you’re looking for when you open a Kumon center.
Here are the Kumon preferences and requirements that you must meet to qualify for a franchise opportunity:
- Passion for and dedication to education and working with children.
- An education or training background is helpful, but not required.
- A bachelor’s degree is required.
- You must be proficient in math and reading.
- The ability to establish and manage a center that effectively motivates children in the Kumon teaching method, and takes an interest in and commitment to helping children in your community.
- The ability to deliver an excellent customer experience while maintaining a commitment to Kumon’s core values.
- A good understanding of the area, and strong ties to the community.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A full-time commitment to Kumon – typically an average of 6-8 hours per work day.
Request more information about franchise opportunities at Kumon by fill in this form to learn more and start the discovery process for your own franchise business.
Related: Turning a Passion into a Successful Business