Kumon's Digital Learning Innovations Keep the Company Thriving With the creation of Kumon Connect, Kumon adapts to modern education demands for students and franchisees.

Kumon's ability to thrive after seven decades in the education business means it continues to evolve to meet the demands of today's fast-paced educational world — both for its students and its franchise owners.

In 2024, that means both embracing the digital world and recognizing the true globalization of education. Those types of innovations have helped the company continue its success as the No. 1 educational franchise.

With this year's introduction of Kumon Connect, the company's new digital learning platform, as well as adding a new learning program — the English for Spanish Speakers Program — Kumon continues to develop tools that today's students need to succeed.

"Companies need to adapt to stay relevant in today's world and we know that," says John Collins, Kumon's vice president of center network development. "While our educational methods are based on a tried-and-true system, we still must adapt to the world around us, and I think Kumon has done that successfully. This year marked a significant step in that continued evolution."

Kumon Connect

Individualization has always been a key element of the Kumon Program, with every child's starting point based on their placement test and advancing according to their performance on their worksheet assignments.

Those same principles apply to Kumon Connect.

With Kumon Connect, students use a tablet to sign in to a web-based app, where they can view their graded worksheets from the previous day and access their homework. Instructors can "replay" students' work, provide feedback and update lesson plans accordingly. Also, parents can monitor their children's progress through the app.

Kumon's new digital platform truly increases the connection between students and instructors leads to improved learning outcomes, and enhances the value of Kumon for families.

English for Spanish Speakers Program

Also in 2024, Kumon launched its new English for Spanish Speakers Program, as part of the Global English as a Foreign Language Program (EFL) in South Florida and Los Angeles, further embracing its status as a top global franchise.

The program caters to the unique needs of Spanish-speaking students who want to enhance their English proficiency. By leveraging the Kumon Method, students in select centers in Florida and California now have access to a comprehensive and structured approach to master English with Kumon.

"Bringing the EFL Program to the U.S. is going to provide such valuable support to students who want and need to improve their English skills," Collins says. "We've already seen significant success in other countries, with it helping more than 100,000 students worldwide, and we know it's going to do the same here. This is just another area where our Instructors can make such a positive difference in students' lives."

This program aims to bridge the gap for students whose first language is Spanish by helping them develop essential English reading and comprehension skills and broaden their linguistic horizons by using audio supplements to enhance listening and speaking abilities. Students learn more quickly and naturally in an independent manner.

Salesforce CRM expansion

Kumon's digital expansion isn't limited only to technology for students. Franchise owners now have access to Salesforce, a powerful customer relationship management (CRM) tool designed to support Kumon's Instructors in managing and growing their business efficiently.

Salesforce allows owners to manage and keep track of their growing business as a lead management tool.

The CRM also provides real-time insights into leads and customer interactions that allows Instructors to track potential customers, monitor communication history and ensure that every inquiry is followed up.

That platform also allows for smooth communication with parents throughout the entire customer journey — from initial inquiry and enrollment to long-term retention.

"We believe in supporting our Instructors, parents and students throughout the Kumon experience," Collins says. "This program will help connect those who need Kumon's services and our local Instructors."

To learn if the Kumon Franchise opportunity is right for you, visit kumonfranchise.com.