It all began at home
In 1954, Toru Kumon, a high school mathematics teacher, found that his son, who was in Year 2, had done poorly in a mathematics test. Slow, imprecise calculation skill was the reason. This concerned Toru Kumon as a parent, and as a mathematics teacher. He had taught many high school students who struggled with mathematics for the same reason.
Toru Kumon began to handwrite worksheets so his son could practise calculations by himself for up to half an hour every day. Day after day, Toru Kumon carefully matched the content of the handwritten worksheets to his son's improving ability. Soon his son progressed beyond school grade level and could solve calculus equations by the end of primary school.
Encouraged by his son's progress, in 1958, Toru Kumon released his worksheet-based, home-study method. Today, millions of students, in over 60 countries and regions, study Kumon worksheets every day to improve their mathematics and reading ability. There are over 300 Kumon centres across Australia and New Zealand.
Mission, Vision and Values
Our mission
By discovering the potential of each individual and developing his or her ability to the maximum, Kumon aims to foster sound, capable people and thus contribute to the global community.
Our vision
We wish that all people in all countries and regions in the world will have the opportunity to learn with the Kumon Method, and that each individual will be enthusiastically self-learning and making efforts towards realising their goals and dreams.
Our values
What we care most about is each individual child. We next cherish all of the people who work towards achieving our common goal. We put great emphasis on our commitment to the community.
We take to heart the following three things and will remain true to them in any situation:
- We affirm to be upright citizens by always asking ourselves if our words and deeds are fair and just.
- We will strive to be people who can feel joy and a sense of wonder while maintaining our conviction and pride as educators.
- We will cultivate a sense of modesty and humility so that we can always grow with each passing day.
Toru Kumon's original, handwritten worksheets
Toru Kumon with his family
High school maths teacher, Toru Kumon, saw students struggling with complex maths concepts due to slow and imprecise calculation skills