.svg)
Kumon has operated in Australia since 1984[1], so when a child starts to slip in maths or reading, "should we just do Kumon?" is a common question. This guide answers it with Kumon's own published fees and description of its method, its public rating, and a plain comparison with one-on-one tutoring, so you can decide what suits your child.
Tutero is an online tutoring provider.[2] This guide reflects publicly available information as at October 2026. Fees and programmes can change, so check the details with your local Kumon centre.
Quick answer: is Kumon worth it?
In our view, Kumon can be worth it for a child who needs regular practice of the basics and will sit down to worksheets every day. Kumon's website lists A$160 a month per subject (October 2026).[3] It may be a less suitable fit for a child who needs help with what their class is covering this term, or who needs a concept explained step by step. Kumon itself says tutoring is best suited to short-term goals such as preparing for an exam.[1] For those children, a one-on-one tutor working from their school topics may be the better fit.
Key takeaways
- Kumon fees: Kumon's website lists A$160 a month for each subject, plus an initial A$100 enrolment fee. Two subjects are A$320 a month.[3]
- What you pay for: an individualised worksheet programme. Kumon says students usually spend 30 to 45 minutes per subject at the centre and study worksheets daily at home.[4]
- Public rating: 2.1 out of 5 from 62 reviews on ProductReview.com.au (October 2026).[5]
- Best fit, in our view: children who need regular practice in number facts or reading, and families who can support daily study at home.
How much are Kumon fees in Australia?
Kumon's Australian website lists one tuition fee for Australia.[3] These are the figures from Kumon Australia's own fee page as at October 2026:
| Kumon fee | Amount | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolment fee | A$100 | Initial fee. Kumon says a re-enrolment fee applies if your child is absent for more than three months and doesn't resume and pay full fees in the fourth month[3] |
| Monthly tuition, one subject | A$160 a month | Paid in advance for the calendar month. GST included[3] |
| Monthly tuition, two subjects | A$320 a month | Maths and English are charged separately[3] |
| A year of one subject | A$1,920 in tuition | Twelve months at A$160, before the enrolment fee[3] |
| Diagnostic test | No charge[3] | Kumon says results are used by the Instructor to plan your child's programme[4] |
Three of Kumon's published terms are worth knowing before you enrol. First, fees are paid a month ahead, so October is paid before the end of September. Second, to stop, you must tell your Instructor by the 15th of the month, or the next month's fee is still due. Third, Kumon's terms say fees aren't refundable unless otherwise agreed by Kumon (Australia) Pty Ltd, including when a centre closes for a holiday period (for example, up to three weeks over Christmas and New Year), because worksheets are still provided during the closure.[3]
For comparison, a weekly one-hour lesson with Tutero starts from A$65, so four lessons cost from A$260 a month.[6] That is more than one Kumon subject. The difference is the format: an hour each week with one tutor working on your child's own school work, compared with Kumon's worksheet programme of centre visits and daily study at home. Tutero's tutoring prices are published in full, and you pay after each lesson.[6][2]
What does Kumon actually do in a session?
Kumon describes its method in four parts: worksheets at the "just-right" level, self-learning, the worksheets themselves, and the Instructor who sets each child's plan.[7] Kumon says it uses an easy starting point, then matches worksheets to each child's current ability so they progress at their own pace.[4] When they reach something new, they study the example and try it, sometimes with a hint from the Instructor.[7] Kumon says students are usually at the centre for 30 to 45 minutes per subject, then study worksheets daily at home, and that it aims to build a daily study habit.[4][1]
- Subjects: mathematics and English are the main programmes. Kumon Australia also runs Japanese, Kokugo and Pencil Skills.[8]
- Ages: from preschool, with worksheets designed to prepare children for school, through to Year 12 level material. Kumon says minimum ages vary by centre.[1][4]
- Delivery: in a centre or online, using printed worksheets or the Kumon Connect digital platform.[9][10]
- Scale: Kumon says more than 4.2 million students in over 60 countries study with its method.[7]
The key point for parents is one Kumon makes itself: its maths and English programmes follow their own curricula, and Kumon says tutoring is best suited to students with a short-term academic goal, such as preparing for an exam.[1] In our view, that is a fair summary of the trade-off.
What are the pros and cons of Kumon?
Based on Kumon's own description of its programme, this is how we see the trade-offs. In our view, whether it fits depends mostly on the child.
| Pros of Kumon | Cons of Kumon |
|---|---|
| One published Australian fee: A$160 a month per subject[3] | Daily worksheet study may not suit children who prefer more varied activities |
| Focuses on calculation and reading skills[1] | Follows its own sequence, so it may not cover what your child's class is doing this term[1] |
| A daily routine that builds study habits early[1] | New ideas are mostly learned by studying worked examples, with guidance from the Instructor (Kumon calls this self-learning)[7] |
| Children can move well ahead of their year level[8] | Kumon asks parents to mark and grade the daily worksheets at home[4] |
| Available from preschool[1] | Monthly billing in advance with a 15th-of-the-month notice rule[3] |
Kumon is rated 2.1 out of 5 from 62 reviews on ProductReview.com.au (October 2026).[5] Kumon says each centre is run by its Instructor, so experiences can differ between centres.[4] It is worth visiting your local centre and asking how sessions run there.
When might Kumon not suit your child?
In our view, it comes down to how your child learns best. Kumon's maths and English programmes follow their own curricula, and new ideas are learned mainly by studying worked examples, which Kumon calls self-learning.[1][7] That suits many children. A child who is stuck on a current class topic, such as fractions in Year 4, may need someone to explain the idea directly and work from their school program, which is the kind of short-term goal Kumon itself says tutoring is suited to.[1] The other thing to plan for is time at home: Kumon says students study worksheets daily, for 15 to 30 minutes, and that parents mark them.[4]
Kumon vs tutoring: which is better for your child?
Neither is better for every child. The table compares three formats parents commonly weigh up: Kumon, a tutoring centre, and one-on-one online tutoring.
| Kumon | Tutoring centre | 1-on-1 online tutoring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published price | A$160 a month per subject, plus a one-off A$100 enrolment fee (GST included)[3] | Kip McGrath lists an RRP of $78 per session; prices may vary by location[11] | Tutero: from A$65 an hour, paid after each lesson[6][2] |
| What a session is | Worksheets at the child's level, done in the centre or online, plus daily worksheets at home[9][4] | A small group (Kip McGrath says no more than five students), with one-on-one time from the tutor and then independent tasks[12][13] | One tutor and one student, live, for the whole lesson[2] |
| Follows the school curriculum? | Kumon says its maths and English programmes follow their own curricula[1] | A program built from an initial assessment; Kip McGrath says it aims to complement school work[14][13] | Lessons aligned with the Australian Curriculum, building on school work[2] |
| Personalisation | An individualised study plan set by the Instructor[7] | A program from an initial assessment[14] | Custom tutor matching and one-on-one lessons tailored to your child[6] |
| How you hear about progress | Progress updates from the Instructor[7] | Regular reports from the centre[11] | A report after each session, plus a dedicated account manager[6] |
| Commitment | Billed monthly in advance; notice by the 15th to stop the next month[3] | Usually weekly; Kip McGrath says it generally requires two weeks' written notice to withdraw[12][11] | No contracts; cancel any time[2][15] |
Our rule of thumb: if the goal is regular practice of the basics and your child enjoys routine, Kumon can be good value. If the goal is catching up on school work, preparing for NAPLAN or a test, or rebuilding confidence, a tutor who teaches one child at a time from their own class topics is often the better fit. Tutero's online tutoring covers Prep to Year 12 with a matched tutor, no contracts, and reports after each session.[2][6]
Are there good alternatives to Kumon?
Yes, and the right one depends on what your child needs:
- If your child needs things explained: one-on-one tutoring, in person or online, where the tutor teaches rather than supervises.
- If you want a centre routine with more teaching: a tutoring centre that builds a program from an assessment of your child's English and maths.
- If cost is the main constraint: free school resources and your public library's homework help, with a short block of tutoring before a key test.
- If your child is ahead and wants a challenge: extension through a tutor who works beyond the year level on topics your child chooses.
Related tutoring guides
- The best maths tutoring in Australia
- The best English tutoring in Australia
- The best NAPLAN tutoring in Australia
- The best tutoring websites in Australia
- Kip McGrath review: cost, pros and cons
References
- "Is Kumon different from tutoring?", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/is-kumon-different-from-tutoring/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Personalised Online Tutoring", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/online-tutoring, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Monthly Fee", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/monthly-fee/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Enrolment FAQs", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/enrolment-faq/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon reviews", ProductReview.com.au. https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/kumon, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Tutoring Cost in Australia: A$65 an Hour, No Contracts", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/online-tutoring/pricing, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "The Kumon Method", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/the-kumon-method/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Australia Learning Centre: Maths & English Programmes", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/faqs/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Connect: Digital Learning Platform", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/kumon-connect/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Pricing", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/pricing, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Frequently Asked Questions", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/frequently-asked-questions, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "About Us", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/about-us, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Educational Program", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/educational-programme, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Terms of Service", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/info/terms-of-service, accessed 2 October 2026.
Copies of these pages as they appeared on 2 October 2026 are kept on file.
Frequently asked questions: what do parents ask about Kumon?
Short answers to what parents ask most are below. To compare costs side by side, see Tutero's pricing.
In our view, Kumon can be good value for regular practice of the basics. If your child needs something explained, a one-on-one tutor may be the better fit.
In our view, Kumon can be good value for regular practice of the basics. If your child needs something explained, a one-on-one tutor may be the better fit.
Kumon has operated in Australia since 1984[1], so when a child starts to slip in maths or reading, "should we just do Kumon?" is a common question. This guide answers it with Kumon's own published fees and description of its method, its public rating, and a plain comparison with one-on-one tutoring, so you can decide what suits your child.
Tutero is an online tutoring provider.[2] This guide reflects publicly available information as at October 2026. Fees and programmes can change, so check the details with your local Kumon centre.
Quick answer: is Kumon worth it?
In our view, Kumon can be worth it for a child who needs regular practice of the basics and will sit down to worksheets every day. Kumon's website lists A$160 a month per subject (October 2026).[3] It may be a less suitable fit for a child who needs help with what their class is covering this term, or who needs a concept explained step by step. Kumon itself says tutoring is best suited to short-term goals such as preparing for an exam.[1] For those children, a one-on-one tutor working from their school topics may be the better fit.
Key takeaways
- Kumon fees: Kumon's website lists A$160 a month for each subject, plus an initial A$100 enrolment fee. Two subjects are A$320 a month.[3]
- What you pay for: an individualised worksheet programme. Kumon says students usually spend 30 to 45 minutes per subject at the centre and study worksheets daily at home.[4]
- Public rating: 2.1 out of 5 from 62 reviews on ProductReview.com.au (October 2026).[5]
- Best fit, in our view: children who need regular practice in number facts or reading, and families who can support daily study at home.
How much are Kumon fees in Australia?
Kumon's Australian website lists one tuition fee for Australia.[3] These are the figures from Kumon Australia's own fee page as at October 2026:
| Kumon fee | Amount | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolment fee | A$100 | Initial fee. Kumon says a re-enrolment fee applies if your child is absent for more than three months and doesn't resume and pay full fees in the fourth month[3] |
| Monthly tuition, one subject | A$160 a month | Paid in advance for the calendar month. GST included[3] |
| Monthly tuition, two subjects | A$320 a month | Maths and English are charged separately[3] |
| A year of one subject | A$1,920 in tuition | Twelve months at A$160, before the enrolment fee[3] |
| Diagnostic test | No charge[3] | Kumon says results are used by the Instructor to plan your child's programme[4] |
Three of Kumon's published terms are worth knowing before you enrol. First, fees are paid a month ahead, so October is paid before the end of September. Second, to stop, you must tell your Instructor by the 15th of the month, or the next month's fee is still due. Third, Kumon's terms say fees aren't refundable unless otherwise agreed by Kumon (Australia) Pty Ltd, including when a centre closes for a holiday period (for example, up to three weeks over Christmas and New Year), because worksheets are still provided during the closure.[3]
For comparison, a weekly one-hour lesson with Tutero starts from A$65, so four lessons cost from A$260 a month.[6] That is more than one Kumon subject. The difference is the format: an hour each week with one tutor working on your child's own school work, compared with Kumon's worksheet programme of centre visits and daily study at home. Tutero's tutoring prices are published in full, and you pay after each lesson.[6][2]
What does Kumon actually do in a session?
Kumon describes its method in four parts: worksheets at the "just-right" level, self-learning, the worksheets themselves, and the Instructor who sets each child's plan.[7] Kumon says it uses an easy starting point, then matches worksheets to each child's current ability so they progress at their own pace.[4] When they reach something new, they study the example and try it, sometimes with a hint from the Instructor.[7] Kumon says students are usually at the centre for 30 to 45 minutes per subject, then study worksheets daily at home, and that it aims to build a daily study habit.[4][1]
- Subjects: mathematics and English are the main programmes. Kumon Australia also runs Japanese, Kokugo and Pencil Skills.[8]
- Ages: from preschool, with worksheets designed to prepare children for school, through to Year 12 level material. Kumon says minimum ages vary by centre.[1][4]
- Delivery: in a centre or online, using printed worksheets or the Kumon Connect digital platform.[9][10]
- Scale: Kumon says more than 4.2 million students in over 60 countries study with its method.[7]
The key point for parents is one Kumon makes itself: its maths and English programmes follow their own curricula, and Kumon says tutoring is best suited to students with a short-term academic goal, such as preparing for an exam.[1] In our view, that is a fair summary of the trade-off.
What are the pros and cons of Kumon?
Based on Kumon's own description of its programme, this is how we see the trade-offs. In our view, whether it fits depends mostly on the child.
| Pros of Kumon | Cons of Kumon |
|---|---|
| One published Australian fee: A$160 a month per subject[3] | Daily worksheet study may not suit children who prefer more varied activities |
| Focuses on calculation and reading skills[1] | Follows its own sequence, so it may not cover what your child's class is doing this term[1] |
| A daily routine that builds study habits early[1] | New ideas are mostly learned by studying worked examples, with guidance from the Instructor (Kumon calls this self-learning)[7] |
| Children can move well ahead of their year level[8] | Kumon asks parents to mark and grade the daily worksheets at home[4] |
| Available from preschool[1] | Monthly billing in advance with a 15th-of-the-month notice rule[3] |
Kumon is rated 2.1 out of 5 from 62 reviews on ProductReview.com.au (October 2026).[5] Kumon says each centre is run by its Instructor, so experiences can differ between centres.[4] It is worth visiting your local centre and asking how sessions run there.
When might Kumon not suit your child?
In our view, it comes down to how your child learns best. Kumon's maths and English programmes follow their own curricula, and new ideas are learned mainly by studying worked examples, which Kumon calls self-learning.[1][7] That suits many children. A child who is stuck on a current class topic, such as fractions in Year 4, may need someone to explain the idea directly and work from their school program, which is the kind of short-term goal Kumon itself says tutoring is suited to.[1] The other thing to plan for is time at home: Kumon says students study worksheets daily, for 15 to 30 minutes, and that parents mark them.[4]
Kumon vs tutoring: which is better for your child?
Neither is better for every child. The table compares three formats parents commonly weigh up: Kumon, a tutoring centre, and one-on-one online tutoring.
| Kumon | Tutoring centre | 1-on-1 online tutoring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published price | A$160 a month per subject, plus a one-off A$100 enrolment fee (GST included)[3] | Kip McGrath lists an RRP of $78 per session; prices may vary by location[11] | Tutero: from A$65 an hour, paid after each lesson[6][2] |
| What a session is | Worksheets at the child's level, done in the centre or online, plus daily worksheets at home[9][4] | A small group (Kip McGrath says no more than five students), with one-on-one time from the tutor and then independent tasks[12][13] | One tutor and one student, live, for the whole lesson[2] |
| Follows the school curriculum? | Kumon says its maths and English programmes follow their own curricula[1] | A program built from an initial assessment; Kip McGrath says it aims to complement school work[14][13] | Lessons aligned with the Australian Curriculum, building on school work[2] |
| Personalisation | An individualised study plan set by the Instructor[7] | A program from an initial assessment[14] | Custom tutor matching and one-on-one lessons tailored to your child[6] |
| How you hear about progress | Progress updates from the Instructor[7] | Regular reports from the centre[11] | A report after each session, plus a dedicated account manager[6] |
| Commitment | Billed monthly in advance; notice by the 15th to stop the next month[3] | Usually weekly; Kip McGrath says it generally requires two weeks' written notice to withdraw[12][11] | No contracts; cancel any time[2][15] |
Our rule of thumb: if the goal is regular practice of the basics and your child enjoys routine, Kumon can be good value. If the goal is catching up on school work, preparing for NAPLAN or a test, or rebuilding confidence, a tutor who teaches one child at a time from their own class topics is often the better fit. Tutero's online tutoring covers Prep to Year 12 with a matched tutor, no contracts, and reports after each session.[2][6]
Are there good alternatives to Kumon?
Yes, and the right one depends on what your child needs:
- If your child needs things explained: one-on-one tutoring, in person or online, where the tutor teaches rather than supervises.
- If you want a centre routine with more teaching: a tutoring centre that builds a program from an assessment of your child's English and maths.
- If cost is the main constraint: free school resources and your public library's homework help, with a short block of tutoring before a key test.
- If your child is ahead and wants a challenge: extension through a tutor who works beyond the year level on topics your child chooses.
Related tutoring guides
- The best maths tutoring in Australia
- The best English tutoring in Australia
- The best NAPLAN tutoring in Australia
- The best tutoring websites in Australia
- Kip McGrath review: cost, pros and cons
References
- "Is Kumon different from tutoring?", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/is-kumon-different-from-tutoring/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Personalised Online Tutoring", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/online-tutoring, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Monthly Fee", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/monthly-fee/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Enrolment FAQs", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/enrolment-faq/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon reviews", ProductReview.com.au. https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/kumon, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Tutoring Cost in Australia: A$65 an Hour, No Contracts", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/online-tutoring/pricing, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "The Kumon Method", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/the-kumon-method/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Australia Learning Centre: Maths & English Programmes", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/faqs/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Connect: Digital Learning Platform", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/kumon-connect/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Pricing", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/pricing, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Frequently Asked Questions", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/frequently-asked-questions, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "About Us", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/about-us, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Educational Program", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/educational-programme, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Terms of Service", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/info/terms-of-service, accessed 2 October 2026.
Copies of these pages as they appeared on 2 October 2026 are kept on file.
Frequently asked questions: what do parents ask about Kumon?
Short answers to what parents ask most are below. To compare costs side by side, see Tutero's pricing.
In our view, Kumon can be good value for regular practice of the basics. If your child needs something explained, a one-on-one tutor may be the better fit.
In our view, Kumon can be good value for regular practice of the basics. If your child needs something explained, a one-on-one tutor may be the better fit.
In our view, Kumon can be good value for regular practice of the basics. If your child needs something explained, a one-on-one tutor may be the better fit.
Before choosing, ask one question: is the problem practice, or understanding?
Kumon has operated in Australia since 1984[1], so when a child starts to slip in maths or reading, "should we just do Kumon?" is a common question. This guide answers it with Kumon's own published fees and description of its method, its public rating, and a plain comparison with one-on-one tutoring, so you can decide what suits your child.
Tutero is an online tutoring provider.[2] This guide reflects publicly available information as at October 2026. Fees and programmes can change, so check the details with your local Kumon centre.
Quick answer: is Kumon worth it?
In our view, Kumon can be worth it for a child who needs regular practice of the basics and will sit down to worksheets every day. Kumon's website lists A$160 a month per subject (October 2026).[3] It may be a less suitable fit for a child who needs help with what their class is covering this term, or who needs a concept explained step by step. Kumon itself says tutoring is best suited to short-term goals such as preparing for an exam.[1] For those children, a one-on-one tutor working from their school topics may be the better fit.
Key takeaways
- Kumon fees: Kumon's website lists A$160 a month for each subject, plus an initial A$100 enrolment fee. Two subjects are A$320 a month.[3]
- What you pay for: an individualised worksheet programme. Kumon says students usually spend 30 to 45 minutes per subject at the centre and study worksheets daily at home.[4]
- Public rating: 2.1 out of 5 from 62 reviews on ProductReview.com.au (October 2026).[5]
- Best fit, in our view: children who need regular practice in number facts or reading, and families who can support daily study at home.
How much are Kumon fees in Australia?
Kumon's Australian website lists one tuition fee for Australia.[3] These are the figures from Kumon Australia's own fee page as at October 2026:
| Kumon fee | Amount | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolment fee | A$100 | Initial fee. Kumon says a re-enrolment fee applies if your child is absent for more than three months and doesn't resume and pay full fees in the fourth month[3] |
| Monthly tuition, one subject | A$160 a month | Paid in advance for the calendar month. GST included[3] |
| Monthly tuition, two subjects | A$320 a month | Maths and English are charged separately[3] |
| A year of one subject | A$1,920 in tuition | Twelve months at A$160, before the enrolment fee[3] |
| Diagnostic test | No charge[3] | Kumon says results are used by the Instructor to plan your child's programme[4] |
Three of Kumon's published terms are worth knowing before you enrol. First, fees are paid a month ahead, so October is paid before the end of September. Second, to stop, you must tell your Instructor by the 15th of the month, or the next month's fee is still due. Third, Kumon's terms say fees aren't refundable unless otherwise agreed by Kumon (Australia) Pty Ltd, including when a centre closes for a holiday period (for example, up to three weeks over Christmas and New Year), because worksheets are still provided during the closure.[3]
For comparison, a weekly one-hour lesson with Tutero starts from A$65, so four lessons cost from A$260 a month.[6] That is more than one Kumon subject. The difference is the format: an hour each week with one tutor working on your child's own school work, compared with Kumon's worksheet programme of centre visits and daily study at home. Tutero's tutoring prices are published in full, and you pay after each lesson.[6][2]
What does Kumon actually do in a session?
Kumon describes its method in four parts: worksheets at the "just-right" level, self-learning, the worksheets themselves, and the Instructor who sets each child's plan.[7] Kumon says it uses an easy starting point, then matches worksheets to each child's current ability so they progress at their own pace.[4] When they reach something new, they study the example and try it, sometimes with a hint from the Instructor.[7] Kumon says students are usually at the centre for 30 to 45 minutes per subject, then study worksheets daily at home, and that it aims to build a daily study habit.[4][1]
- Subjects: mathematics and English are the main programmes. Kumon Australia also runs Japanese, Kokugo and Pencil Skills.[8]
- Ages: from preschool, with worksheets designed to prepare children for school, through to Year 12 level material. Kumon says minimum ages vary by centre.[1][4]
- Delivery: in a centre or online, using printed worksheets or the Kumon Connect digital platform.[9][10]
- Scale: Kumon says more than 4.2 million students in over 60 countries study with its method.[7]
The key point for parents is one Kumon makes itself: its maths and English programmes follow their own curricula, and Kumon says tutoring is best suited to students with a short-term academic goal, such as preparing for an exam.[1] In our view, that is a fair summary of the trade-off.
What are the pros and cons of Kumon?
Based on Kumon's own description of its programme, this is how we see the trade-offs. In our view, whether it fits depends mostly on the child.
| Pros of Kumon | Cons of Kumon |
|---|---|
| One published Australian fee: A$160 a month per subject[3] | Daily worksheet study may not suit children who prefer more varied activities |
| Focuses on calculation and reading skills[1] | Follows its own sequence, so it may not cover what your child's class is doing this term[1] |
| A daily routine that builds study habits early[1] | New ideas are mostly learned by studying worked examples, with guidance from the Instructor (Kumon calls this self-learning)[7] |
| Children can move well ahead of their year level[8] | Kumon asks parents to mark and grade the daily worksheets at home[4] |
| Available from preschool[1] | Monthly billing in advance with a 15th-of-the-month notice rule[3] |
Kumon is rated 2.1 out of 5 from 62 reviews on ProductReview.com.au (October 2026).[5] Kumon says each centre is run by its Instructor, so experiences can differ between centres.[4] It is worth visiting your local centre and asking how sessions run there.
When might Kumon not suit your child?
In our view, it comes down to how your child learns best. Kumon's maths and English programmes follow their own curricula, and new ideas are learned mainly by studying worked examples, which Kumon calls self-learning.[1][7] That suits many children. A child who is stuck on a current class topic, such as fractions in Year 4, may need someone to explain the idea directly and work from their school program, which is the kind of short-term goal Kumon itself says tutoring is suited to.[1] The other thing to plan for is time at home: Kumon says students study worksheets daily, for 15 to 30 minutes, and that parents mark them.[4]
Kumon vs tutoring: which is better for your child?
Neither is better for every child. The table compares three formats parents commonly weigh up: Kumon, a tutoring centre, and one-on-one online tutoring.
| Kumon | Tutoring centre | 1-on-1 online tutoring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published price | A$160 a month per subject, plus a one-off A$100 enrolment fee (GST included)[3] | Kip McGrath lists an RRP of $78 per session; prices may vary by location[11] | Tutero: from A$65 an hour, paid after each lesson[6][2] |
| What a session is | Worksheets at the child's level, done in the centre or online, plus daily worksheets at home[9][4] | A small group (Kip McGrath says no more than five students), with one-on-one time from the tutor and then independent tasks[12][13] | One tutor and one student, live, for the whole lesson[2] |
| Follows the school curriculum? | Kumon says its maths and English programmes follow their own curricula[1] | A program built from an initial assessment; Kip McGrath says it aims to complement school work[14][13] | Lessons aligned with the Australian Curriculum, building on school work[2] |
| Personalisation | An individualised study plan set by the Instructor[7] | A program from an initial assessment[14] | Custom tutor matching and one-on-one lessons tailored to your child[6] |
| How you hear about progress | Progress updates from the Instructor[7] | Regular reports from the centre[11] | A report after each session, plus a dedicated account manager[6] |
| Commitment | Billed monthly in advance; notice by the 15th to stop the next month[3] | Usually weekly; Kip McGrath says it generally requires two weeks' written notice to withdraw[12][11] | No contracts; cancel any time[2][15] |
Our rule of thumb: if the goal is regular practice of the basics and your child enjoys routine, Kumon can be good value. If the goal is catching up on school work, preparing for NAPLAN or a test, or rebuilding confidence, a tutor who teaches one child at a time from their own class topics is often the better fit. Tutero's online tutoring covers Prep to Year 12 with a matched tutor, no contracts, and reports after each session.[2][6]
Are there good alternatives to Kumon?
Yes, and the right one depends on what your child needs:
- If your child needs things explained: one-on-one tutoring, in person or online, where the tutor teaches rather than supervises.
- If you want a centre routine with more teaching: a tutoring centre that builds a program from an assessment of your child's English and maths.
- If cost is the main constraint: free school resources and your public library's homework help, with a short block of tutoring before a key test.
- If your child is ahead and wants a challenge: extension through a tutor who works beyond the year level on topics your child chooses.
Related tutoring guides
- The best maths tutoring in Australia
- The best English tutoring in Australia
- The best NAPLAN tutoring in Australia
- The best tutoring websites in Australia
- Kip McGrath review: cost, pros and cons
References
- "Is Kumon different from tutoring?", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/is-kumon-different-from-tutoring/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Personalised Online Tutoring", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/online-tutoring, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Monthly Fee", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/monthly-fee/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Enrolment FAQs", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/enrolment-faq/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon reviews", ProductReview.com.au. https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/kumon, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Tutoring Cost in Australia: A$65 an Hour, No Contracts", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/online-tutoring/pricing, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "The Kumon Method", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/the-kumon-method/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Australia Learning Centre: Maths & English Programmes", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/faqs/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Connect: Digital Learning Platform", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/kumon-connect/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Pricing", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/pricing, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Frequently Asked Questions", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/frequently-asked-questions, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "About Us", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/about-us, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Educational Program", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/educational-programme, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Terms of Service", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/info/terms-of-service, accessed 2 October 2026.
Copies of these pages as they appeared on 2 October 2026 are kept on file.
Frequently asked questions: what do parents ask about Kumon?
Short answers to what parents ask most are below. To compare costs side by side, see Tutero's pricing.
In our view, Kumon can be good value for regular practice of the basics. If your child needs something explained, a one-on-one tutor may be the better fit.
Before choosing, ask one question: is the problem practice, or understanding?
.svg)
.svg)
It depends on the child and the goal. Kumon says its programme develops calculation and reading skills through daily worksheets matched to each child's level.[1][4] In our view it suits children who need regular practice of the basics. Kumon itself says tutoring is best suited to short-term goals such as exam preparation, because its maths and English programmes follow their own curricula.[1]
Kumon Australia's website lists A$160 a month for each subject, so maths and English together are A$320 a month. There is also an initial A$100 enrolment fee. Fees include GST, are paid a month in advance, and you must give notice by the 15th to stop the next month (as at October 2026).[3]
Kumon has worksheets for preschool children, and its programmes cover material from pre-primary to Year 12, with no upper age limit. Kumon says minimum ages vary by centre, so check with your local centre.[1][4] In our view, a child who is already behind on current class topics may also benefit from one-on-one help with those topics.
It depends on the goal. In our view, Kumon suits routine practice of the basics, at A$160 a month per subject on Kumon's published fee.[3] A tutor may suit better when your child needs things explained, is behind on what the class is doing, or has a test coming. A useful question is whether the problem is practice, or understanding.
It depends on what your child needs. If your child needs concepts explained or help with current class topics, one-on-one tutoring may suit better, because the tutor can work from your child's school work. Tutero, the publisher of this guide, offers live one-on-one online tutoring from Prep to Year 12, from A$65 an hour with no contracts.[2][6]
In our view, the fit depends on the child. Kumon asks for daily worksheet study at home, for 15 to 30 minutes[4], which some families find hard to fit around school and sport. New ideas are mostly learned by studying worked examples, which Kumon calls self-learning.[7] Children who enjoy routine may do well, while a child who needs concepts explained may prefer one-on-one teaching.
Hoping to improve confidence & grades?
.png)
