As a mom of a second-grader, I’ve officially entered the stage of life where math homework brings back traumatic memories of long division. And like many parents, I started scouting for extra math help that wouldn’t just build skills, but would boost confidence, too.
We tried both Kumon and Mathnasium, and let’s just say... one stood out. While Kumon has a reputation for discipline and drill, Mathnasium offered something that clicked for my kid. Here's how they stack up, and why we made the switch.
If you’re after real understanding (not just repetition)… Mathnasium
Kumon’s model is straightforward: repetition, repetition, repetition. While it’s structured and consistent, Mikaella quickly burned out on daily worksheets and didn’t seem to grasp why she was solving problems, just that she had to finish them.
Mathnasium flipped that experience on its head. The instructors, who are specially trained to work with kids, actually sat down with Mikaella, helped her understand the “why” behind the numbers, and adapted the lesson to meet her exactly where she was. One day, they used pizza slices to explain fractions (her favorite food + math = genius). The sessions were not only effective but also genuinely fun, with engaging activities and positive reinforcement. She walked out smiling and actually asked when she could come back. That had never happened with Kumon.
If you want a flexible, encouraging session style… Mathnasium
Kumon required daily worksheets at home and 1–2 in-person sessions a week. The rigidity wore both of us down fast. It felt more like a chore list than a learning experience, and Mikaella’s excitement for math steadily declined.
Mathnasium, on the other hand, offers flexible, drop-in sessions—Mikaella usually goes 2–3 times a week. The vibe is warm, supportive, and honestly fun. It’s structured enough to promote progress, but relaxed enough to keep her engaged. They even have a rewards program that keeps kids motivated and excited to learn, turning effort into tangible achievements. She comes out feeling proud of what she’s accomplished instead of defeated.
If your schedule’s already packed… Mathnasium
Let’s be real—between work, errands, and keeping the household running, I simply don’t have the bandwidth to supervise nightly math drills. Kumon placed a heavy load on me as the parent. We were responsible for making sure those worksheets got done every single day (and trust me, it got tense).
Mathnasium takes the pressure off. Their trained instructors guide the sessions fully. I drop Mikaella off, and they take it from there. No stress, no guilt, and I can spend that time getting things done—or just taking a breather.
If you value structure and repetition… Kumon
Okay, I’ll give Kumon this: their structure is consistent, and the repetition can work wonders for kids who thrive in a highly disciplined environment or are already advanced and need that extra edge. If you're a parent who values rigorous routines and daily homework, Kumon may be your pick.
But for us, that rigidity backfired. Mikaella needed confidence and understanding, not speed drills. Mathnasium’s approach may be less rigid, but it’s far more intentional. And the progress she’s made shows it.
If you’re after personalization… Mathnasium
This was the clincher. At Kumon, every child follows the same progression, regardless of their needs. Mathnasium took the time to assess where Mikaella was at and built a personalized learning plan just for her. And it evolves as she does. That’s a game-changer.
The Final Verdict: Mathnasium for the Win 🏆
If you’re a mom like me who wants your child to actually understand math—and even (gasp) enjoy it—Mathnasium is the clear choice. The personalized instruction, the engaging and fun learning environment, the rewarding progress and supportive environment helped Mikaella go from math-anxious to math-confident.
She’s not just checking boxes—she’s building skills she’ll use for life. And that’s worth more than any worksheet.
