TEANECK, N.J., May 8, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In an economic climate where most businesses are scaling back or closing down completely, many business owners are learning the hard way what consumers consider disposable. Luckily for Kumon and other companies in the $5 billion tutoring industry, education isn't one of them.
According to the Education Industry Association, supplemental education continues to be one of the fastest-growing franchise segments. At the forefront of this growth, Kumon, the world's largest after-school enrichment program specializing in math and reading for students ranging from preschool to high school, recently announced expansion plans to further position itself as the segment leader.
With more than 1,400 of its 26,000 locations serving more than a quarter of a million students in the U.S., Kumon is further expanding its national footprint focusing on the central region of the U.S., including Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Kansas City. Company plans call for at least 50 centers by the end of 2012.
"Consumers may be cutting down on spending, but at Kumon, we're not seeing the effects," said Savio Rebelo, Chief Operating Officer of Kumon North America, noting the Education Industry Association's claims that the supplemental education industry is growing at a rate of more than five percent per year. "Parents are determined to help their children succeed, and because of the increased demand for supplemental education, we have been able to grow our business exponentially."
The idea for Kumon came about in 1954 when Japanese teacher and dedicated father Toru Kumon created a customized instructional routine to help his second-grade son with math. The routine included short, "self-learning" assignments which have evolved into the Kumon Method. In 1958, the first Kumon Center opened in Osaka, Japan. With widespread success across Japan, the company decided to bring the Kumon Method to the United States and in 1974, the first Kumon Center opened in New York. Since 1958, more than 16 million children worldwide have utilized the Kumon Program.
Kumon is not a quick-fix program. Kumon also does not use a traditional classroom lecture style or a one-on-one tutoring method. Instead, the "Kumon Method" applies a "self-learning" principle, which motivates students to become independent learners. The Kumon Instructor provides guidance, praise and assistance when needed. However, Kumon encourages students to think for themselves.
"The goal of the program is to develop a student's confidence so that he or she will first try to solve a problem on his or her own before asking for help," said Akira Hamanka, President of Kumon North America. "The after-school enrichment program cultivates an environment which allows children to maximize their potential and achieve more on their own."
As one of the most established franchise businesses in the world, Kumon offers potential franchisees a proven business model with a low initial investment ranging from $69,943 to $147,050. Kumon provides an unparalleled opportunity for growth that allows franchisees to follow their passion for business and education. Kumon offers franchisees ongoing support and guidance from local branch offices. In addition to the initial trainings, franchisees attend regular instructor meetings, regular trainings and the annual Kumon North America Instructor conference.
For more information about Kumon franchise opportunities in Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Kansas, contact Sander Smiles at (847) 682-1814 or ssmiles@kumon.com. For information about opportunities in Oklahoma or Texas, contact Marty Fish at (800) 689-2838 or mfish@kumon.com.
About the Kumon Franchise Business
Kumon, ranked the top education franchise for the 11th consecutive year in Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500®, is an ideal small business for professionals. The Kumon Method is an individualized math and reading program for children of all ages and abilities. Kumon franchisees must have a four-year college degree, be proficient in math and reading and have investment capital of $70,000, as well as a net worth of at least $150,000. Founded in 1958, Kumon has 26,000 centers in 47 countries and regions. With four millions students enrolled, it is the world's largest after school program. Kumon North America is headquartered in Teaneck, N.J.
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