Kumon Math and Reading Center of Livermore

When my son began Kumon he had barely passed kindergarten, had a difficult time staying focused, and had a «I can’t do it» attitude. The school wasn’t very helpful in making recommendations to help bridge the academic gaps over the summer, but luckily I had an aunt who recommended Kumon.
Upon meeting Anh, the Director, I was impressed with her knowledge and the methods they used, but admittedly concerned if my son’s difficulty in focusing and learning was going to be a mutual fit.
The tutors were patient with him. Even though he barely spoke during sessions, they made an effort to connect and build trust with him. Before long he opened up and went in willingly to each session. Within 2 weeks, I saw an incredible difference.
Helping bridge the academic gap– yes, I expected that. They delivered. Boosting his confidence? This is what blew me away. Suddenly we had comments that «school is too easy», the attention deficit significantly decreased, and he was pulling out Kumon booklets and completing them on his own. Truthfully, I thought we’d just enroll him over the summer, but now I stretch our budget every month to keep it going. I have intentions of keeping him enrolled throughout his schooling.
Here’s why it works– personalized tutoring (often just 1, sometimes 2 kids per tutor), they start the kids where they are comfortable (directly building their confidence), students must master each subject before the move on (unlike school, where the curriculum keeps moving whether you’re with it or not– this builds a solid knowledge foundation), they are rewarded for their hard work with Kumon dollars (used to buy prizes) and because of the daily system (they complete booklets daily that creates remarkable fluency in each subject).
Enrollment is a big commitment on the family, as there are daily booklets of 3 to 5 pages (with the exception of 2 tutoring days per week) to balance with school homework and activities. That said, it is more than worth it. There is also flexibility if students are unable to complete booklets, plus you can temporarily suspend your account if needed (such as for travel) or alter the daily schedule.
I’m continuously impressed with Anh and her team of tutors. The progress my son has made is astounding. No longer do we have behavioral problems in the classroom and his ability to focus is profound when you consider where he started. I highly recommend Kumon to anyone– both kids who are excelling and those who are behind. I wish that our school systems could adopt the Kumon methodology, as every child deserves this kind of educational support.

Take my 3 year old here, she does great! Highly recommend it. The staff is wonderful with kids and the owner, Anh, is very caring.

I give this particular center 5 stars as the new owner has a genuine interest in making sure that all the students are challenged to their maximum potential. She has done little things to make the center very inviting for all. She has set up a reading area with books to check out like a mini library, in order to promote reading. Not only do the students get the benefits of Kumon Math and English, they are also encouraged to read and enjoy the experience. They are then tested on the books to ensure that they have understood the books well, regardless of whether they take only one subject in Kumon. My boys have taken the CA state test and have tested above their grade levels in both subjects despite the fact that we have relocated from another country 8 months ago. I fully credit Kumon for this remarkable improvement as the learning method teaches them to be disciplined and fills any gaps in their Math and Reading skills very effectively.

I was applying here for a job. I told the woman who answered that I was a college grad, and asked if there were any positions were open. She was brusque, dismissive, and put me on hold for over twenty minutes. I could hear her tutoring a kid while I was on hold (I guess she had the phone with her) and she seemed to be snapping at the kid, as well. I stayed on hold for twenty minutes. Then she seemed to remember she had me on the line – she hung up on me.
I guess I dodged a bullet there.
Definitely would not recommend this place.