Is Kumon right for you?
Proven Global Method
The Kumon Method has been refined since 1958 and is delivered through a standardized worksheet-based system used in 58 countries.
Low Initial Franchise Fee
The standard initial franchise fee is $2,000, with modest add-ons for materials, marketing, and training deposit.
Established Scale
1,705 franchised centers across North America provide brand recognition and a large peer network.
About Kumon
Kumon North America, Inc., a subsidiary of Kumon Institute of Education Company, Ltd., grants franchises for Kumon Math and Reading Centers. The centers deliver the Kumon Method, a mastery-based supplemental education program for children in math and reading, using proprietary worksheets in in-person, online, or hybrid formats. Founded in Japan in 1958 by Toru Kumon and established in North America in 1989, the system operated 1,705 franchised centers and 5 company-owned centers in North America as of December 31, 2025.
Franchisees operate after-school learning centers that assess each student's current level and assign individualized daily worksheets that students complete at their own pace until mastery is achieved. Instructors grade work, observe progress, and provide guidance during center sessions, typically two to three times per week. The model relies on consistent enrollment, precise record-keeping, and adherence to the standardized Kumon curriculum and instructional protocols.
Kumon Institute of Education Company, Ltd. (KIE) is a Japanese corporation that serves as the global parent, operating six regional headquarters (including North America) across 58 countries.
The business model
How a Kumon territory actually makes money at the unit level.
Revenue Structure
Franchisees collect tuition from students and pay Kumon a monthly royalty of $38 per full-paying student (or $19 for partially exempt) after the temporary license period, plus a one-time $30 initial enrollment royalty per new student.
Initial Investment Range
Total initial investment is estimated between $101,630 and $233,780. Major components include leasehold improvements, rent, furniture, equipment, payroll for assistants, and working capital for the first three months.
Ongoing Fees
New centers pay a $300 monthly marketing fee starting month seven. An advertising contribution is recommended at $4,800 annually. Additional fees apply for late payments, reports, insurance, materials shipping, and other services.
Supply Requirements
Franchisees must purchase all proprietary Kumon Materials exclusively from the franchisor. Subsequent materials are provided at no charge, though shipping is paid by the franchisee. Designated vendors are required for phone systems and furniture.
No Exclusive Territory
Kumon grants no exclusive territory. Franchisees may face competition from other Kumon centers, company-owned locations, and alternative distribution channels including retail workbook sales and online offerings.
Instructor Development
Operators must complete a 200-hour multi-semester Instructor Development Program combining online study, self-paced curriculum review, classroom sessions, and in-center observation before and after opening.
Quick facts
Initial franchise fee
$2,000
Total investment range
$101,630 to $233,780
Royalty
n/a
Marketing fund
n/a
Founded
1989
Headquarters
Rutherford, NJ
Active US franchisees
n/a
Total US units
n/a
Training & support
What the franchisor + parent platform provide. And what they don't.
What's provided
- +Pre-training reading process completed online or at home
- +First semester training on Courses 101 and 201, each requiring 32 hours of on-the-job training
- +Curriculum study and 40 hours of on-the-job training between courses and prior to Discovery Day
- +Discovery Day: 8 hours of classroom training at a Kumon branch office
- +Second semester training on Courses 301 and 401, including 24 and 32 hours of classroom training respectively
- +Ongoing training for the term of the franchise, including instructor achievement testing, monthly meetings, professional development, and additional classroom sessions per the Operations Manual
Honest disclosure: what's NOT provided
Kumon does not provide training on general business operations, marketing strategy, or financial management beyond the standardized instructional method and required reporting procedures.
Multi-unit growth path
Kumon permits qualified franchisees to open additional centers after demonstrating successful operation of the first location. Each additional center requires a separate franchise agreement, completion of any remaining training requirements, and payment of applicable initial fees. Multi-unit operators benefit from shared overhead and brand presence but must maintain distinct locations and adhere to enrollment distance limitations for each center. No development schedule or area development agreements are offered.
Capital + financing paths
Most operators use one of these four paths to fund the initial investment.
Third-Party Lenders
Franchisees typically arrange financing through banks, credit unions, or Small Business Administration loan programs. Kumon does not offer direct financing.
Home Equity or Personal Savings
Many owners fund the relatively modest initial cash requirements through personal savings, retirement distributions, or home-equity lines of credit.
Subsidies and Reimbursements
Kumon provides targeted subsidies for items such as carpet, blinds, paint, signage, and initial rent that can reduce net out-of-pocket costs by up to several thousand dollars.
Vendor and Landlord Incentives
Landlords may contribute to tenant improvements, and certain equipment vendors offer payment plans or leasing options to qualified buyers.
Process timeline: inquiry → grand opening
Typical 12-16 week path from first call to launching your first customer route.
Application and Pre-Training
Submit application, pay $1,000 training kit deposit, and begin online pre-training reading and first-semester Instructor Development Program modules.
Instructor Development Program
Complete approximately 200 hours of online study, curriculum self-study, and in-center observation. First semester must be finished prior to franchise approval.
Franchise Approval and Signing
Upon successful completion, sign franchise agreement, pay initial franchise fee of $2,000, materials fee of $2,000, and pre-opening marketing fee of $2,500.
Center Setup
Secure 1,000+ square foot location with 5-year lease, complete leasehold improvements, purchase furniture and equipment, and prepare for opening. Background checks and licenses obtained.
Pre-Opening Marketing and Staffing
Execute pre-opening marketing initiatives, hire and train assistants, and complete second-semester training requirements.
Opening and Temporary License Period
Open the center and operate under the Temporary License Period royalty structure while continuing second-semester training and building enrollment.
Ongoing Operations
Deliver instruction per Kumon Method, submit monthly reports, attend ongoing training, and manage center performance with field support.
Match assessment
Are you a Kumon match?
12 questions. Math-first. No high-pressure sales call afterwards. Just your match assessment and the reasoning behind it.
Start nowCommon questions
How much does a Kumon franchise cost?
The estimated initial investment ranges from $101,630 to $233,780 according to the the investment disclosure. This includes a $2,000 initial franchise fee, $2,000 for materials, $2,500 for pre-opening marketing, leasehold improvements, rent, furniture, equipment, payroll, and three months of working capital.
What is the Kumon franchise fee?
The standard initial franchise fee is $2,000. It increases to $3,000 if the center is approved to offer English as a Foreign Language. A $1,000 training kit deposit is applied toward the fee upon successful completion of the Instructor Development Program.
Does Kumon provide financial performance representations?
No. the financial-performance disclosure of the the filed disclosures states that Kumon does not make any representations about a franchisee's future financial performance or the past performance of company-owned or franchised outlets.
How many Kumon centers are there in North America?
As of December 31, 2025, there were 1,705 franchised centers and 5 company-owned centers for a total of 1,710 outlets.
Does Kumon offer exclusive territories?
No. Kumon grants no exclusive territory. Franchisees may face competition from other Kumon centers, company-owned locations, and alternative distribution channels.
What training does Kumon require?
Franchisees must complete a 200-hour Instructor Development Program consisting of online modules, curriculum study, classroom training, and in-center observation. First semester training is required before opening; second semester after opening. Ongoing professional development is mandatory.
What are the ongoing royalty fees for Kumon?
After the temporary license period, the monthly royalty is $38 per full-paying student and $19 per partially exempt or prorated student per subject. An initial enrollment royalty of $30 is charged for each new student.
Kumon vs Mathnasium: which is better for a franchisee?
Kumon emphasizes a low-cost entry, mastery-based worksheet method, and no exclusive territory. Mathnasium typically requires higher investment and offers a different instructional model. Prospective owners should compare the full FDDs, training requirements, and local market conditions.
Are Kumon franchisees profitable?
Kumon does not disclose financial performance data in the financial-performance disclosure. Profitability depends on enrollment levels, student retention, location costs, and operational efficiency. Prospective franchisees should conduct their own due diligence including validation with existing operators.
Can I own multiple Kumon centers?
Yes. Existing franchisees in good standing may apply for additional centers. Each location requires a separate franchise agreement, training compliance where applicable, and adherence to location-specific enrollment rules.
What is the Kumon Method?
The Kumon Method is a mastery-based supplemental education approach developed in 1958. Students complete individualized daily worksheets in math and reading at their own pace until concepts are fully mastered, supported by instructor observation and guidance.
How long does it take to open a Kumon center?
The timeline typically spans several months. It includes completion of the Instructor Development Program, site selection, build-out, staffing, and pre-opening marketing. First-semester training must be completed before signing the franchise agreement.
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