Kumon is operated by Kumon North America, Inc., based in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, and has offered franchises since 1994. The brand provides supplemental education programs for children, focusing on math and reading through individualized, self-paced worksheet-based instruction delivered at local Kumon centers.
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Kumon provides a comprehensive support system designed to guide you from your first day of training through every stage of your business ownership.
Kumon provides assistance to franchisees before and after they begin operating their Center, including the Instructor Development Program (IDP), site approval, signage, materials, insurance verification, and ongoing training and support.
Before opening, Kumon will provide the Instructor Development Program (Training Agreement, Section 1), lending a Training Kit and providing access to the Operations Manual for reference. The IDP consists of two semesters with two courses each. The first semester includes preliminary homework, in-center training at an existing Kumon Center, on-line training, curriculum study, and business plan preparation (Course 101 and Course 201). It takes approximately four months to complete. If awarded a franchise after the first semester, franchisees must complete the second semester (Course 301 and Course 401), including online seminars, case studies, and additional classroom training. Franchisees must have access to Microsoft Office365 during participation. If awarded a franchise after the first course, an Early Signing Addendum is required, and the balance of the IDP must still be completed.
Kumon designates a name for the Center, approves a specific facility based on submitted information, provides an initial set of Kumon promotional and instructional materials upon payment of a non-refundable $2,000 fee, verifies required insurance coverage, reviews corporate/LLC paperwork, orders and reimburses for exterior signage installation, and selects/delivers furniture and fixtures, reimbursing for initial carpet and paint up to a Kumon-determined limit.
After opening, Kumon supplies Placement Tests, Achievement Tests, and Worksheets; licenses proprietary computer software and customer management system; provides additional training via online modules, Instructor Conferences, and periodic Instructor meetings; assigns a Kumon Center domain name and email address; investigates unauthorized use of Proprietary Marks; notifies franchisees of changes to the Operations Manual and Kumon Method; and reviews any Additional Materials developed by franchisees.
Kumon must approve a site before the Franchise Agreement can be signed. Sites must be retail locations (storefront, shopping center, or mall) with a minimum of 1,000 square feet and a lease term of at least 5 years. Kumon evaluates facility type/size, lease terms, signage feasibility, environment suitability, demographic factors, proximity to schools and competitors, parking, and traffic patterns. The General Manager of the region renders site approval decisions, and Kumon's Legal Department reviews leases for Kumon-specific items.
Kumon coordinates and pays for an advertising program to promote the Kumon Method, including online, print, direct mail, radio, and television advertising at local, regional, and national levels. Kumon's in-house Branding Department develops advertising materials. Franchisees are recommended to spend at least $4,800 annually on local advertising and are required to pay a New Center Marketing Fee of $3,600 per year.
Franchisees must have two notebook computers and two tablets meeting Kumon's specifications, and Internet connectivity. Kumon provides a proprietary computer software program and customer management system (CMS Standard), which assists with student records, scheduling, and progress tracking. Certification in the software is required before opening, with recertification required under certain conditions.
Kumon maintains an Operations Manual online, which when downloaded and printed contains 72 pages, covering operational policies and procedures.
Kumon maintains an Instructor Advisory Council (IAC), a consultative group of 7 members elected by franchisees that provides input to Kumon's President and senior management on business matters, though it has no decision-making authority.