Mathnasium vs Kumon vs Math Project: Honest Breakdown for Parents Choosing a Math Program

Finding the right math program can seem overwhelming! Your child’s math education and growth in their math skills are dependent on the supplemental learning they’re provided, so it’s crucial to find the right one that fits all their learning needs. However, the approach that after school math programs take to teach math varies. The level of standardization and customization also varies significantly. So, what exactly are the differences between Math Project vs Mathnasium vs Kumon, and which is the best math program for kids?

Kumon: Learn Math by Repeated Practice

Kumon: Learn Math by Repeated Practice

Kumon is a math program for children 3 to 16 years old, which focuses on building math skills through repetitive math problems. Children are assigned worksheets in every class and are expected to solve them independently. The Kumon Method believes extensive practice could improve self-learning skills, meaning children solve hundreds of similar questions of the same type until they move onto the next math topic.- a classic example of repetitive drill-based learning.

In Kumon, students do not start with the math topics they are doing in school. The students’ results on Kumon’s placement test determine which math topic they will start with, increasing the possibility of not matching the school syllabus. In fact, Kumon’s philosophy does not commit to covering all topics of the school curriculum. While Kumon focuses on short, small, incremental assignments to help students master the basic math concepts, the repetitive, drill-type practice may not be as effective in developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and conceptual math understanding. Kumon’s curriculum is often criticized for lacking high-level word problems that facilitate the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills.

While a teacher is present in a group classroom where students work on individual worksheets, the teacher acts as a facilitator who only gives relevant inputs to the students so that worksheet questions are solved correctly. These teachers are often high school students, and do not have proper training prior to teaching younger students- limiting personalized math learning.

Mathnasium: Restrictive In-Session Math Learning

Mathnasium provides math programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. Similar to Kumon, students are to complete worksheets during the sessions. Despite having smaller class sizes (1 to 5 students per instructor) than Kumon, Mathnasium’s students still lack the individual attention they would receive in a session with a smaller student-to-teacher ratio or one-to-one math tutoring.

The Mathnasium Method incorporates five facets into math learning: Mental, Verbal, Visual, Tactile, and Written. These ways are meant to accommodate all types of learners, often utilizing paper-and-pencil practices to solidify thought processes and concepts. However, all teaching takes place during the session and students are not allowed to take their learning material home. Mathnasium does not assign any homework due to limitations on accessing their curriculum from outside of their centres or LMS, restricting the growth of students’ math skills as they are unable to work independently at home. Unfortunately, Math does not come without practice. In fact, solving math in our daily life keeps children’s brains active and hence increases their memory power.

MathProject: Customized Math Learning Plans

MathProject offers K-12 math programs, with heavy emphasis on bridging any learning gaps in math, boosting a child’s motivation and confidence in math. The MathProject Standard focuses on concepts, thought-process and reasoning instead of pure memorization or drills. MathProject’s curriculum fosters problem-solving skills, encouraging students to think outside the box. Students are motivated to achieve success by aiming for an 85% passing score on assignments and tests.

MathProject’s teachers undergo a rigorous selection process, with many having a proven record of excellence in university-level math. They possess mentorship and leadership skills, making complex math concepts relatable to students.

Math Project’s K-8 curriculum is unique, proven and enriches the US and Canadian Common Core School Curriculum. Students may choose between one-to-one and group sessions.Math Project’s programs range from 40 minutes to up to 2 hours of instruction time per week to cater to unique student needs. In addition to weekly sessions, Math Project also provides 4 free online drop-in sessions every week with teachers for homework help. With homework assignments to reinforce the material learned in their study sessions, parents have the option to choose the amount of homework assigned to their children on a weekly basis. The program also includes tests and assessments conducted throughout to solidify progress and skill retention.

Math Project also prepares students who are ahead of their peers in school, or are interested in math for test taking environments, and national and international math contests, such as: Mathematica, Kangaroo, Gauss, Pascal, Euclid, AMC (American Mathematics Competition), International Mathematical Olympiad, and many more. Besides achieving milestones in these math contests, many Math Project students are also able to pass Advanced Placement Exams with high scores.

Mathnasium vs Kumon vs MathProject

Practice is necessary for mastering math topics, but conceptual clarity and logical reasoning are the foundations of excellence. Practice without understanding results in memorization- not mastery. This is why parents searching for the best math tutoring program in the USA should evaluate teaching philosophy, curriculum depth, homework, structure, and class size. 

Math education is beyond in-session learning. After-class applications are equally important as in-class learning. An effective math program not only should help students with their academics, but also should change their attitude towards math, helping them build a long-term love for learning. Boosting a child’s math performance in school is just a first step. A successful math program with passionate, professional instructors and a solid teaching methodology will help students build a love for math after developing math understanding.

The math programs at MathProject vs Mathnasium vs Kumon differ in many areas, including the target age group, math topics covered in math lessons, math class size, math teachers, and core teaching philosophy:

When comparing the math programs from Math Project vs Mathnasium vs Kumon, Math Project pushes past the regime of mindless repetition, instead implementing teaching methods that instill an attitude of excellence and math confidence in children. The program offers individualized learning plans, customized math pathways, and personalized tutoring, tailored to each student’s needs.. After joining the Math Project’s program, 87% of the students reported being significantly ahead of their math class in school.The program has received extremely high parent satisfaction, with 95% reporting signs of improved work organization, study habits, better time management, and increased work responsibility in their children. The Google reviews provided by parents and students can be the most influential testimony to the program’s effectiveness. Check out our Google reviews!

Do you think your kids need help to improve math? MathProject offers math tutoring programs in Katy, Richmond, Cypress, Sugar Land, Missouri City and/or Hillcroft, and even online. Contact us today at 1-844-628-4243 to book a free assessment!

Book a free assessment Check out what other parents have to say about us, here!

FAQ SECTION 

Q1. How do I choose the best math program for my child?

Consider curriculum depth, teaching style, class size, and homework support. Math Project offers free assessments to help families decide.

Q2. Which math program is best for improving critical thinking?

MathProject focuses on reasoning, logic, and problem-solving, making it ideal for long-term math growth.

Q3. Does MathProject follow the school curriculum?
Yes, MathProject enriches both US and Canadian curriculums while also teaching topics beyond school level.

Citations:

Mathnasium vs Kumon – masterygenius.com
Kumon – kumon.com
Mathnasium – mathnasium.com
Benefits of Solving Maths / Mathematics | Mental Workout – mswebtutor.com
Cuemath Vs Kumon – cuemath.com