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Mathnasium vs Kumon vs Brighterly: Which One is Better for 2025?

Each parent dreams of seeing their child thrive in school. And that’s when making the right choice among Mathnasium vs Kumon vs Brighterly can make the difference. Describing all the pros and pitfalls through the prism of my tutoring experience, I will help you make a decision.

Key Points

• Brighterly is a 1:1 math & ELA learning platform that will adjust its schedule based on your child’s needs.
• Kumon is a worksheet-based learning program that caters to self-organized and independent students.
• Mathnasium is a K-12 e-service focusing on personalized learning, ideally suited for college preparation.

Mathnasium vs Kumon vs Brighterly: Comparison

The main difference between Kumon vs Mathnasium vs Brighterly is that the first two options are ideal as fully-fledged, complete learning resources. Simultaneously, Kumon is usually used these days as supplementary practice. 

There’s one more drastic feature — Brighterly and Kumon closely follow Common Core principles, which makes them compatible with the school program. Mathnasium, on the other hand, utilizes its proprietary curriculum, which won’t usually align directly with what’s taught at school.

Kumon vs Mathnasium vs Brighterly cost comparison is another point of concern for many. On the whole, Brighterly proves to be the most affordable variant while delivering the same (or even higher!) quality. Simultaneously, Mathnasium is known as a site that can break the budget for many.

Kumon vs Mathnasium vs Brighterly: Which one to adopt?

	Brighterly	Mathnasium	Kumon
Price	From $17.3 to $20.7 per lesson (prices apply to packages with 3 lessons/week)	The average cost per lesson  $50	$19+ per lesson
Corresponding to Common Core Principles	✅	❌	✅
Methods of Learning	Online 1:1 personalized learning	Online & offline classes in a 1:1 format	Online & offline classes based on worksheet learning
Subjects to Learn	Math & reading/ELA	Only math	Math & reading
Personalized Learning	✅	✅	✅
Diagnostics of Knowledge	✅	✅	✅
Student Progress Tracking	✅	✅	✅
Trial	A free demo lesson	30-minute free trial	No
Trustpilot Score	4.6	3.8	4.0

What is the Brighterly reading and math tutoring platform?

Brighterly is a math and reading 1:1 tutoring service that aims to provide personalized learning plans based on individual needs, with an in-depth progress-tracking scheme and detailed teacher feedback. It is an all-in-one resource for kids in grades 1-9.

What does the Brighterly reading and math tutoring platform offer users?

Here’s why Brighterly is a worthy alternative for educational giants like Mathnasium or Kumon:

1. Top professional tutors on board
2. Highly adaptive, Common-Core-standardized curriculum
3. In-depth progress tracking and feedback
4. Free resources available for home learning

1. Top professional tutors on board

The Brighterly reading and math tutoring platform became an endpoint resource for over 200,000 parents, with the highest satisfaction rate, as verified by the average score of 4.6. The key to success? It’s all about Brighterly personnel.

Due to the platform’s stringent, multi-stage hiring process, it manages to employ only the most professional, result-driven tutors with a special focus on a passion for what they do. 

These  are  some  of  the  features  commonly  outlined  in  Brighterly  reviews from parents:

1. Academic success as the core aim. Brighterly reading and math tutors base lessons on real-world examples to create context.
2. Focus on understanding, not memorization. The math and reading program at Brighterly asks kids to explore a topic till they master it.
3. Excellent price-quality ratio. As shown by the Brighterly math and reading reviews, this e-learning resource won’t drain your budget.
4. Making friends with your kid.  1:1  lessons are  included  in  the  reading and math program to build stronger mutual bonds.

2. Highly adaptive, Common-Core-standardized curriculum

What you’ll find at Brighterly is a unique approach to building a personalized curriculum. Without further ado, these are the components each schedule here encompasses:

• Brighterly is all about personalization. The initial schedule is created during the onboarding phase and further enhanced as a teacher learns about the child’s learning style, pace, and priorities.
• Their innovative STEM-based curriculum is meant to enhance problem-solving and critical thinking when studying math. Brighterly won’t overload your kid with theoretical experiences. Instead, it’ll ask them to participate in fun games and experiments for hands-on math usage. 
• The Brighterly program accurately matches all parts of the school schedule, corresponding to the Common Core. This point also explains why those wondering whether to choose Mathnasium or Kumon or Brighterly for exam prep opt for the latter.

3. In-depth progress tracking and feedback

Effective learning requires construct tracking, and that’s where Brighterly shines:

• No matter which pricing plan you choose, the Brighterly cost always includes one progress report per month. It’s where tutors analyze the child’s performance and provide you with a rundown of the topics they covered, how well they acquired the knowledge, and what the further plans are. You can see the example of such a report in the above picture. 
• In addition, your child will receive regular feedback while studying here. How well did they do? What are the areas to improve? They’ll have all the answers beforehand, which is a massive plus for learning effectively.

4. Free resources available for home learning

Mathnasium or Kumon or Brighterly — which is best for free resources? Brighterly is the answer! Here’s what they offer:

• Theoretical materials that cover practically any topic for grades 1-9. It’s perfect for reviewing past information or gaining a basic understanding of some new stuff.
• Free math worksheets, as well as a fresh collection of reading worksheets, can be conveniently downloaded and used on your device or in print. They cover various topics in a fun, gamified way and also contain answers.
• Brighterly math tests allow you to see the kids’ knowledge level immediately. Following the best practices, they include a stack of colorful tasks, making kids perceive them as a game. 
• Reading tests work just like the previous type. Choose your grade, go through a series of questions, and voila —  you have complete results of this diagnostic. Here’s an example question:

Brighterly reviews: advantages & disadvantages

To give you a clear Brighterly review, I’ve collected the most common thoughts shared by the site’s users.

Pros	Cons
✅Enhanced academic progress and school performance are commonly complimented subjects here. For example, T. White mentions, “I am very excited that my daughter understands fractions much better. Her teacher showed her a much easier method of differentiating fractions that are larger than the other.”	❌ Some parents expect longer learning sessions, as shown by the review from Luca, “Classes are only 45 min, not one hour as advertised.”
✅Brighterly reading and math tutors are the other undisputable strength of this platform. Brenda U. writes, “Faith Marie is an exceptional teacher. My son struggled in math some time ago, but he is becoming more confident, and his scores keep improving. Faith is fun and engaging, and the classes are so interactive!”	❌ Sometimes, connection issues can occur, as reported by Stephanie Phayme, “Today, there were issues with the connection.”
✅Brighterly’s approaches are unique methods that boost math inquisitiveness. Alemayahu Moliso highlights this point, “I like that they make us understand things that we don’t understand in school.”

Brighterly’s 86% 5-star reviews make it an absolute champion in the Mathnasium or Kumon or Brighterly opposition discussed here.

Brighterly cost: Pricing plans

Brighterly’s affordable price is another pro factor to consider. The maximum charge is $20.7 per lesson, which will decrease steadily as you book plans for longer periods. What’s more, with all payment options, you can first book a free demo lesson to test how things work here. 

How does Mathnasium work?

The Mathnasium tutoring platform provides individual math learning plans based on previous diagnostics. This venue focuses on reinforcing past knowledge, filling knowledge gaps, and building solid subject competence. 

Best for: senior school students preparing for college entrance.

Mathnasium features

• Authoritative tutoring plans
• Online & offline learning
• Combination of the independent and tutor-guided work

Authoritative tutoring plans

Mathnasium doesn’t follow a trodden path and introduces an authoritative method towards teaching. Is it a good or bad variant for your kid? Well, Mathnasium reviews from parents vary and claim both.

On one hand, Mathnasium’s tactic utilizes these three components: assessment, customized learning plans, and ongoing support. Math programs here allow teachers to identify students’ strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in knowledge. Then, they use this info to create a personalized learning plan and guarantee better academic results in the future.

What’s more, Mathnasium also accounts for the individual learning style. Thus, it’s suitable for visual, verbal, mental, tactile, or written learners.

However, its methodology also has a flip side. Mathnasium reviews commonly complain that this site doesn’t align with Common Core requirements. Thus,  it’s overall less suitable for following academic schedules and preparing for exams like the SAT.

Online & offline learning

Mathnasium makes learning much more convenient by giving kids the choice of whether they prefer to study online or offline. Once you know how does Mathnasium work and decide to commit here, you can choose any of its 1,100+ offline locations worldwide. Online learning is also available for those who prefer the convenience of studying from home. 

In any case, the Mathnasium fee usually implies lessons in a small-group setting (unless otherwise specified). But don’t worry, they promise to bring close attention to each student enrolled. 

A combination of the independent and tutor-guided work

If you choose between Mathnasium or Kumon or Brighterly, I can say that the former is the golden medium in some regard. Learning here strongly relies on Mathnasium worksheets. However, it also includes another essential element, which is tutor guidance. The combination of both helps students build independence without being left entirely alone in their pursuits.

While the Mathnasium age range is officially K-12, many still ask, “What is the best age for Mathnasium?” That’s definitely older middle and high schoolers, who already have specific self-organization skills.

Mathnasium pros and cons

Pros of Mathnasium	What are the disadvantages of Mathnasium?
✅ As shown by Mathnasium review on Trustpilot, learning plans are based on an authoritative approach that focuses on individual requirements and styles.	❌ As Mathnasium reviews on Trustpilot show, the platform is over-the-top for some families, since the Mathnasium cost per hour can reach $50 on average.
✅ Mathnasium is famous for its supportive environment. Students who deal with anxiety find this especially beneficial.	❌ For some, Mathnasium can seem like a rather relaxed platform that doesn’t involve pushing kids to excellence.
✅ Mathnasium allows flexible scheduling which fits busy families and prove beneficial for any specific priorities.	❌ Mathnasium reviews verify that the biggest disadvantage of this service is that it can mismatch the school curriculum.

Obviously, Mathnasium reviews and cost can get contradictory, and the final choice should depend on what you prioritize in studying. In any case, the question “What are the disadvantages of Mathnasium?” should be of paramount concern when you make the decision.

How much does Mathnasium cost?

The total Mathnasium cost per month can go beyond $400. However, the final estimation will be completed individually, based on your location, priorities, and expectations. The next question is, how much does Mathnasium cost per hour? On average, the sum will be about $50.

How much is Mathnasium per month?

Services	Pricing
What are the Mathnasium enrollment fees and assessment?	$100-$150 on average
How much does Mathnasium cost per hour?	$20-$75 for online classes $19-$62 for learning in tutoring centers $30-$150 for private tuition
What’s the total monthly Mathnasium cost?	$160-$800 on average
What’s the price for Mathnasium summer sessions?	Expect to pay between $395 and $1,025 for summer programs

How much does Mathnasium cost? If you’re looking for further details, please check out the article Mathnasium Cost: All You Need to Know [2025]. It contains all the relevant numbers, plus the information on how much is Mathnasium per month and hour, based on the reviews.

Is Kumon good for kids & teens? 

Best for: children with strong self-organization skills, with memorization as a key priority.

Kumon proves to be a powerful learning tool for math and reading in the middle school. That’s because it enables personalized learning, promotes self-discipline, and boosts the critical thinking necessary for academic excellence. Yet, Kumon’s program may seem somewhat challenging and tangled for elementary graders, who need a more attentive approach, a detailed explanation of the current material, along with a solid performance review.

Key features of Kumon

• Worksheet-based learning
• Availability of offline centers
• Strong focus on soft skills

Worksheet-based learning

Is Kumon good for kids? Before you answer this, you should learn more about its approach. Kumon learning is firmly based on worksheets. Many parents wonder, “What are the disadvantages of Kumon?” Well, their program is both their main strength and weakness. 

Those sheets are provided based on the diagnostic test results and your kid’s follow-up performance. Tutors are there to guide children in cases of issues. However, be prepared that the platform requires strong self-organization and focus. It primarily teaches to memorize things and automate math problem-solving. So, think carefully about whether this approach will match your kid’s style.

Availability of offline centers

Like Mathnasium, Kumon allows students to study in online and offline center options (with a focus on the latter, though). Its centers are located all around the US, so you won’t usually face problems with finding one near you.

Regarding the cost of Kumon, it will also depend on the mode and location you choose. But in any case, be prepared to pay extra for admission and textbooks. So, the course fee itself isn’t the final price to rely on.

Strong focus on soft skills

The focus Kumon places on worksheets is suitable for developing soft skills, such as independence, self-organization, and overall ability to manage one’s resources. The Kumon pros and cons may be contradictory, but one thing is clear: this approach works well for those who already have some basic competencies in these areas and want to develop them.

But, as said above, such a methodology is hardly justifiable for the youngest learners, who still need more attention from a tutor.

Kumon work pros and cons

Kumon main benefits	Disadvantages of Kumon
✅ Kumon math reviews at Trustpilot show that the platform does help children develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills.	❌ This Kumon Reddit review verifies that the site’s methodology is challenging for many, even leaving kids with post-learning traumas.
✅ Kumon’s classes rely heavily on building soft skills.	❌ Kumon’s program involves repetitive assignments, so the overall studying flow seems dull.
✅ Kumon’s approach is drill-based, which helps to remember patterns and make kids more methodical.	❌ The pros and cons of Kumon show that the site would follow the same worksheet approach until a learner fully understands the concept. It leads to a lack of interest.

To sum it up a bit, your primary concern when choosing Kumon vs other platforms should be whether your child is capable of learning independently. Plus, they should be disciplined to follow the same repetitive pattern. Otherwise, you’d better double-check on some of the other options: Kumon vs Mathnasium vs Brighterly.

Kumon pricing

Kumon price per month can fluctuate between $80 and $400 (the final estimation is made individually for each student). Plus, this platform doesn’t offer a free trial, so there is no option to test it beforehand.

I should also mention some hidden prices included in the total Kumon pricing:

• Up to $100 registration fee
• $30 materials fee

For those interested in Kumon, I have a sweet treat — you can scan through these articles to find more on its pricing policies:

• Kumon Cost: All You Need to Know [2025]
• Kumon Reading Program Cost 2025

Kumon vs Mathnasium vs Brighterly Reddit and Trustpilot

Comparing Mathnasium vs Kumon vs Brighterly reviews on Reddit and Trustpilot will definitely help you make an informed decision. Let’s keep it straight to the point and dive directly into details.

Brighterly reading and math tutoring platform has a 4.6 score at Trustpilot

As you’ll see a bit later, that’s a LOT. Here’s what parents have to say about this e-resource:

“My daughter’s tutor is extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and makes lessons fun. My daughter looks forward to math every week. I am so glad I found this program!” —

Trustpilot review

Mathnasium reviews: 4.0 at Trustpilot

While exploring the reviews on the next competitor in Kumon vs Mathnasium vs Brighterly, we see more criticism. While the score is relatively good, the site obtains 27% of 1-star reviews, so Mathnasium pros and cons need further discussion.

“Mathnasium has been an excellent addition to my daughter’s math education. Everyone that  works  at  Mathnasium  is  helpful,  professional,  and nice.” — Trustpilot review

Kumon math reviews: the score is 4.0

Kumon or Mathnasium or Brighterly — which is better? If you want to commit to the former platform, mind that the worksheet-based approach doesn’t get many compliments overall. But let’s start with the positives:

“Kids especially lack the discipline required for self learning and need the accountability and structure that Kumon provides.” — Reddit review

If you’re still hesitating about the final choice, Kumon vs Mathnasium vs Brighterly Reddit and Trustpilot reviews say it all for you. Just take the necessary time to flip through them with precision!

What are the benefits of Mathnasium and Kumon and Brighterly programs for elementary school students?

Let’s switch the angle and define what are the benefits of Mathnasium and Kumon and Brighterly programs for elementary school students.

• Brighterly — provides a catchy gamification format, which allows kids to quickly grasp complex math concepts.
• Mathnasium — personalized lessons help build a strong learning foundation through an exclusive program.
• Kumon — allows kids to develop the “learning to learn” skill through in-depth practice and extensive memorization.

What are the benefits of Mathnasium and Kumon and Brighterly for middle schoolers?

There are clear distinctions when it comes to defining what are the benefits of Mathnasium and Kumon and Brighterly for middle-schoolers.

• Brighterly — provides in-depth, individual learning that focuses on kids’ needs. It aligns with Common Core principles and teaches them to understand the material instead of memorizing it.
• Mathnasium — prioritizes solving math tasks by developing critical thinking skills, their mastery, and further usage both in the academic environment and in life.
• Kumon — covers all the sufficient Common Core-established topics, like basic algebra, fractions, and decimals — all in a worksheet-based format.

Mathnasium vs Kumon vs Brighterly: Which is best for your child?

By now, you have a clear view of the difference between Kumon and Mathnasium and Brighterly. First and foremost, it’s about their learning approaches, as well as the comparison of Mathnasium vs Kumon vs Brighterly cost. Instead of the bottom line, I decided to include these core tips for choosing your ideal resource:

• If you want to focus on memorizing sufficient concepts and building strong problem-solving skills, opt for Mathnasium or Kumon.
• If you’re looking for an opportunity to master math in both online and offline locations, Kumon and Mathnasium offer the option.
• But if you want your kid to initially fall in love with math and study through vivid gamified tasks and inquisitive problems, then the Brighterly reading and math tutoring platform is a no-brainer choice. 

Still doubting? Luckily, you can book free lesson at Brighterly to understand all the attached benefits.

Other platforms comparison

But wait! I have prepared some in-depth reviews to help you further explore Mathnasium and Kumon and Brighterly, as well as other e-platforms:

• Best 10 Mathnasium Competitors & Alternatives in 2025
• 7 Kumon Alternatives in 2025