A Kumon alternative you can do at home
Kumon asks a lot of a family: center visits, daily worksheets, and a week built around both. If you're wondering whether that still fits your schedule, or whether your child needs more than math and reading, this page is for you.
We tried Kumon with our daughter, Margaux. The daily habit was real. What she needed more was someone explaining the moment she got something wrong, and that's what we built Gallop around.
The short version
| Kumon | Gallop | |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects | Math and Reading | Math, English, Science, Social Studies, Spanish |
| Ages | Preschool through 12th grade | K-12 |
| Where | A local center (most students go twice a week) plus daily work at home | At home, on a device |
| Daily work | Under 30 minutes per subject | Today's Plan sets each child's session |
| Starting point | Each child starts at a level that fits them | Placement check in each subject |
| Price | Varies by location, usually a monthly fee per subject. Ask your local center | $34/month for one child, $54/month for up to 4 |
| Free trial | See their site | 7 days, no card needed |
What Kumon does well
Kumon is consistent. Short daily assignments build a habit, each child starts at their own level and moves step by step, and an instructor plans the work. Kumon's goal is independence: children learn to work through new material on their own. For a lot of families, that discipline is exactly the point.
Where Gallop is different
Gallop is less about repetition and more about teaching.
- Every skill opens with a short guided lesson, so your child learns it before practicing it.
- When your child picks a wrong answer, Gallop says why that answer is wrong, specific to the mistake, and gives a "second look" to try again.
- If a skill stays stuck, Gallop opens a Skill Drill that re-teaches it.
- A natural voice reads questions and lessons aloud, so younger children and struggling readers aren't left on their own. There's a Spanish voice too.
Five subjects, one price, no drive
Kumon is priced per subject. Gallop includes all five subjects in one plan, and the Family plan covers up to 4 children for $54 a month. There's no center to get to. Your child opens Today's Plan and starts.
Each grade is a course of ordered units and lessons, so your child always knows where they are: "Unit 2 of 7, Lesson 3 of 6."
What you see as a parent
A weekly progress report, a dashboard with tutor's notes, and a five-minute tip to do together at home. Certificates when a grade is cleared. No ads, data is never sold, and children can't type free text or chat with strangers.
FAQ
Does Gallop use worksheets?
No paper. Your child works through short lessons and structured questions on screen, and the plan for each day is set for them.
My child is behind in reading. Can Gallop help?
The placement check can seat your child below their enrolled grade so they start where they really are. For struggling readers, the Reading Path works up a decoding ladder, one step a day.
Can my child do Kumon and Gallop together?
Yes, if that works for your family. You could keep Kumon for the math habit and use Gallop for science, social studies, and Spanish. That's your call.
How much does Gallop cost?
Solo is $34/month for one child. Family is $54/month for up to 4 children. Annual plans are $348 and $552. Cancel anytime from the parent dashboard.
Try 7 sample questions at learnwithgallop.com/#demo, or start the 7-day free trial.
Sources (checked October 2026)
- Kumon home page: https://www.kumon.com/
- Kumon FAQ (tuition, center visits, daily time): https://www.kumon.com/frequently-asked-questions