[NEWARK, N.J. = WhoWired] September 19, 2011 -- Kumon, the world’s largest after-school math and reading enrichment program, opens its second company-owned center in Newark, located at 902 N. 5^th Street (In front of the Branch Brook Train Station). Kumon invites the public to the new business Ribbon Cutting Event on Wednesday, September 21, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and to meet local educators, Maritza Gonzalez and Michelle Carpenter, and councilman, Carlos Gonzalez.

“We want students to experience the success in life that can result from academic achievement.”

“Kumon is investing in students because they are the future of this country. Our goal is to help each child develop a strong sense of self-confidence,” said Kumon Instructor Maritza Gonzalez. “We want students to experience the success in life that can result from academic achievement.”

Ribbon Cutting Event:
Day: Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Location: Newark at 902 N. 5^th Street (Heller Parkway and Franklin Avenue).
Best Visual: Arrive at 3:45 p.m. to capture a shot of ribbon cutting ceremony with councilman, Carlos Gonzalez.

What is Kumon?

Kumon aims to unlock the potential of children so they can achieve more on their own. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study and test taking skills. Founded in Japan in 1958, the learning method uses an individualized approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading comprehension skills.

What is the cost of Kumon?

The Kumon Centers in Newark offer reduced tuition to ensure more families can afford the program. Kumon’s individualized approach helps children progress by ability rather than age or grade. In the U.S., 250,000 students from preschool to high school are developing advanced skills and confidence through Kumon’s Method of Learning.

About the Instructors:

As experienced educators, Ms. Carpenter and Ms. Gonzalez have witnessed the adversities endured by students who are motivated to learn in challenging environments. Ms. Carpenter has a bachelor's degree from Drexel University, taught mathematics and science for fifteen years prior to joining Kumon. Ms. Gonzalez has a bachelor's degree from Montclair State University and has managed the SES program in Newark for the past six years. Ms. Gonzalez and Ms. Carpenter are both very passionate about helping students achieve their full potential. They believe Kumon will directly benefit students’ academic performance, confidence, and nurture a love of learning.

How Can Kumon Help Students Excel Academically?

In a recent report, “Teaching Math to the Talented,” published in Education Next, American students were significantly outperformed by 33 countries including Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Finland. America’s lack of advanced students impacts the country’s future economic growth and that’s why Instructor Michelle Carpenter cares deeply about helping Newark students in the after-school enrichment program. More than half of U.S. Kumon students study advanced math, and 24 percent of these students are learning materials two to three years above their grade level. Kumon of Branch Brook students will have the opportunity to develop a strong foundation, and continue to excel to study advanced materials.

In addition to weekly classes, the Branch Brook Kumon Center plans to hold education events that are open to the public such as, Family Education Nights on topics including developing strong reading comprehension, eliminating homework hassles and how to prepare for the SAT.

Kumon of Branch Brook class hours are: Mondays and Thursdays from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Students study for approximately a half-hour per subject and have short assignments to complete at home. For more information, or to schedule a free placement test, please call 973-732-5557 or email branchbrook_nj@ikumon.com.

Kumon has 26,000 centers in 46 countries and more than four million students studying worldwide. Kumon opened its first center in the United States in 1974, and has since grown to more than 1,334 centers across the country. The company’s North American headquarters is in Teaneck, New Jersey. Visit www.kumon.com to learn more.