Kumon alternatives for math: an honest comparison.
Kumon works well for many children, but it is not the only way to build strong math skills, and it does not suit every family’s budget, schedule or child. Here is how Kumon works, why families look for alternatives, and what the main options offer, including free ones. We make a multiplication app, which we list too, and we are clear about what it does not cover.
How Kumon works
Kumon is built around worksheets. Students complete a daily assignment that takes about 30 minutes per subject, on paper or on a tablet, and attend supervised sessions at a Kumon centre twice a week, in person or virtually. Each worksheet is one small step harder than the last, so children progress through levels at their own pace. Fees are set by each centre, so ask your local centre for current prices.
Why families look for Kumon alternatives
- Cost: a monthly fee per subject adds up, especially with more than one child.
- Time: daily worksheets plus two sessions a week is a real commitment.
- Style: some children want more explanation of why and less repetition.
- A narrower need: the child is fine overall but stuck on one thing, often the times tables.
Alternatives to Kumon math, compared
| Option | Format | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kumon | Worksheets at home every day, plus supervised sessions twice a week (in person or virtual) | Monthly fee set by each centre | Children who thrive on routine and steady repetition |
| Mathnasium | Tutoring centre; assessment, then a customised plan with instructors | Paid; set by each centre | Children who need concepts explained by a person |
| Khan Academy | Online videos and practice from a nonprofit | Free | Self-motivated children and families on a budget |
| Beast Academy | Comic-style books and an online program, ages 6–13 | Paid | Children who like puzzles and a challenge |
| Private tutor | One-to-one, in person or online | Paid, usually per hour | A specific gap or exam, on your schedule |
| Workbooks + a daily habit | Books from a shop or library, 10 minutes a day | Low or free | Recreating Kumon-style daily practice yourself |
| Trachtenberg Kids (our app) | iPhone and iPad lessons on multiplication tricks | Free ×11 lesson; subscription for the rest | Multiplication and times tables only, not a full curriculum |
Free alternatives to Kumon
Khan Academy is a nonprofit and is free for students and families, with a structured math course for every grade. Pair it with a library workbook and a fixed ten minutes a day, and you have recreated the core of Kumon (small daily steps) at no cost. For multiplication, our free guides on how to teach multiplication, multiplication games and mental math tricks for kids are also free to use.
Kumon alternatives online
If getting to a centre is the problem, the online options are Khan Academy (free), Beast Academy’s online program (paid, for ages 6–13) and online tutoring. Kumon itself also offers virtual sessions, so if you like the method but not the commute, ask your centre about that first.
How to choose
- Name the problem. Is it the whole of math, confidence, or one topic such as multiplication?
- Match the format to your child. Routine-lovers suit worksheets; curious children suit puzzles and explanation.
- Be realistic about your time. Free options need a parent to keep the daily habit going.
- Try before you commit. Use a free option for a few weeks and watch what your child engages with.
If the problem is multiplication
Many families start looking at Kumon because of the times tables. If that is your situation, a full-curriculum program may be more than you need. Our Trachtenberg Kids app teaches multiplication through short tricks, from ×3 to ×12 and 2-digit multiplication, with guided practice and no ads. The first lesson is free. It does not cover the rest of the math curriculum, so pair it with one of the options above if you need that.
Sources: Kumon · Mathnasium · Beast Academy · Khan Academy. Kumon, Mathnasium, Beast Academy and Khan Academy are trademarks of their owners; we are not affiliated with them.