Kumon of Elmhurst-North, located at 420 N. York St., employs a Japanese learning method to help students excel in math and reading.

Founded in 1954, the program creates a customized instructional routine based on ability rather than age or grade. The after-school math and reading enrichment program accepts students from Pre-K to those in high school.

Kumon is not a quick fix. Kumon also does not use a traditional classroom style or one-on-one tutoring method. Instead, the Kumon method applies a self-learning principle, which motivates students to become independent learners. The goal of the program is to develop a student's confidence so that they will try to solve a problem on their own before asking for help. The after-school enrichment program cultivates an environment which allows children to maximize their potential and achieve more on their own.

Most Kumon students perform at math and reading levels above their current grade.

Agrawal’s own daughters have benefitted from the Kumon method. Both daughters now excel in math. The program has also given them the confidence to try new things such as spelling bees.

Agrawal and his three assistants provide 20- to 30-minute sessions of Kumon math and reading from 3 to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays.

For more information, call 630-589-0089 or email Agrawal at elmhurstnorth_il@ikumon.com.

Vivek Agrawal, Instructor, holds BS in Chemical Engineering and MS Civil Engineering. Before becoming a Kumon Instructor, he spent 23 years at engineering firms, managing projects around the globe. He lives in Clarendon Hills with his wife, Madhuri and daughters, Annika and Arnima.