Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Kumon is a globally recognized education franchise that helps students master foundational skills in math and reading through self-learning, structure and repetition.
Kumon is a globally recognized after-school enrichment program that focuses on developing strong foundational skills in math and reading for students ranging from preschool to high school. Rather than offering short-term tutoring or one-on-one instruction, Kumon empowers children to become self-learners through daily worksheet-based practice and carefully structured guidance. With a presence in over 50 countries and more than 2,000 centers in North America alone, Kumon has helped millions of students build academic confidence, critical thinking skills and long-term success — making it one of the most trusted and scalable education franchise models in the world.
About the Brand
Kumon was founded in 1954 in Osaka, Japan by Toru Kumon, a high school math teacher who created a method to help his son develop strong academic skills and a love of learning. His son’s rapid academic success inspired the launch of Kumon Centers, which have since expanded to over 50 countries and helped millions of students worldwide.
Mission: To help children of all ages and abilities become independent, self-assured and confident lifelong learners.
Vision: Kumon aims to unlock the full academic potential in every child through structured, self-paced learning in math and reading.
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
Why Franchise With Kumon?
Available Territories
Kumon has widespread availability throughout North America, particularly in suburban and metropolitan areas. Prospective franchisees can view a list of open markets here.
Investment Overview
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Kumon franchise ranges from $73,123 to $165,360. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Initial Purchase of Materials | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Architect Design | $0 | $10,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $30,000 | $60,000 |
| Security Deposit | $0 | $26,500 |
| Rent | $3,000 | $7,000 |
| Furniture, Equipment, Primary Sign and Supplies | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Notebook Computer at Kumon Center | $500 | $2,000 |
| Professional Fees | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Liability Insurance | $480 | $580 |
| Business License, Name Registration | $100 | $200 |
| Kumon Lead Management System | $200 | $550 |
| Recommended Reading List | $2,600 | $2,600 |
| Fingerprinting, Criminal Background Check | $18 | $60 |
| Payroll Cost for Assistants (3 Months) | $10,725 | $12,870 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $15,500 | $21,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee for opening a Kumon Center is $2,000, due in full upon signing the franchise agreement. First-time applicants also pay a $1,000 deposit for the Instructor Development Program training kit, which is credited toward the franchise fee upon successful completion.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, Kumon franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
Initial Enrollment Royalty Fee | For each reporting month, $30 times the number of newly enrolled students. |
| Monthly Royalty During Temporary License Period (“TLP”) | $40.50 times the number of full-payment students enrolled, and $20.25 times the number of partially exempt and/or prorated tuition students for each SubjectFranchise. On January 1, 2026, these fees will increase to $42.75 and $21.38, respectively. |
| Monthly Royalty after completing the TLP: | $36 times the number of full-paying students enrolled, and $18 times the number of partially exempt and/or prorated tuition students for each SubjectFranchise. On January 1, 2026, these fees will increase to $38 and $19, respectively. |
| Insurance | $5.80 per math student per year. |
| New Center Marketing Fee | $300 per month. |
| Advertising Contribution | At least the minimum amount set forth in the operations manual, annually. |
ROI Potential: According to its 2025 FDD, Kumon does not provide any earnings claims or projections regarding the financial performance of its franchise centers.
Training Programs
New franchisees complete the Kumon Instructor Development Program (IDP), which includes two four-day classroom sessions over a two-month period. The program also involves virtual training and in-center observations. Franchisees are trained in Kumon curriculum, parent engagement, student assessment and overall center operations. Ongoing professional development is available throughout ownership.
Operational Support
Kumon provides support from dedicated branch managers and field consultants to guide franchisees in student enrollment, marketing and center performance. The brand also offers help with site selection, lease negotiations, center design and community outreach strategies.
Technology and Tools
Franchisees use Salesforce CRM to manage customer relationships and conduct personalized marketing campaigns. Kumon also supplies operational software for tracking student progress, ordering materials and managing the day-to-day operations of the center.
Eligibility Criteria
Prospective franchisees should have a bachelor’s degree and be either U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Strong math and reading skills are important, as are clear communication, solid people skills and a genuine interest in education and child development. Experience in education or business can be a plus, but it is not a requirement.
Operational Commitments
Franchisees must be fully involved in daily operations, typically committing six to eight hours per day. Absentee or semi-absentee ownership is not allowed. Owners must be the face of their Kumon Center and actively manage student instruction and parent communication.
Funding Assistance
Kumon does not offer in-house financing but reduces barriers through incentive reimbursements and a low franchise fee. Franchisees are encouraged to explore SBA loans or external financing options.
“Every day you work with these children, you really are making a difference, not just for today in the moment, but for the long run. Being a Kumon instructor has provided me an opportunity to really be a significant influence in somebody's life. It's really about building a child from the inside out and empowering both the student and the parent.”
- Charlotte Gallagher-Immenschuh, Franchise Owner — San Antonio, Texas
Visit the Kumon franchise website for more testimonials and success stories from owners.
The U.S. educational services sector is a vast and steadily growing industry, estimated to have reached $2.7 trillion in 2025 after climbing at a 4.6 percent CAGR over the past five years. As parents seek proven, results-driven academic programs to strengthen their children’s math and reading abilities, Kumon is well-positioned to capture ongoing growth in this evolving market.
Competitor Analysis
Kumon stands out from other brands due to its long-term approach, structured curriculum, and global reach. While competitors like Mathnasium*, Sylvan Learning, Huntington Learning Center and Eye Level offer traditional tutoring, Kumon focuses on building self-reliance and lasting academic skills through a unique learning method.
Those interested in starting the process or learning more about franchising with Kumon can fill out and submit this online form.
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