Kumon method expands in Chile to address mathematics proficiency gap

Following PISA 2022 results showing that 56% of 15-year-old students in Chile do not reach the minimum level of mathematical competence, the Japanese Kumon method is expanding its presence in the country. Chilean students averaged 412 points in mathematics, trailing the OECD average of 472 points.

While Chile maintains the highest average performance among participating Latin American countries, a significant gap remains with the OECD. Only approximately 1% of Chilean students reached the highest performance levels (5 and 6), compared to a 9% average in OECD countries.

The Kumon method, founded in Osaka in 1954 by Toru Kumon, focuses on developing autonomy, concentration, study habits, and logical reasoning rather than just content. Currently operating 71 centers across Chile, the company aims to reach 7,000 students and exceed 100 franchises by 2030, with plans for 10 to 12 new openings by 2026.