Educator Cindy McVay believes the greatest challenge facing kids today is the scope and size of global issues, combined with the sheer amount of information available to learn. McVay, director of Kumon Math and Reading Center of Issaquah Highlands, has been working with Eastside students for more than a decade, helping them prepare for the uncharted problems of the future. Kumon, an international enrichment program, offers multi-level math and reading programs, giving students the confidence to reach for their goals—whether that’s algebra or AP English.
On a sunny day at Kumon in the Issaquah Highlands, McVay reflected on the issues today’s generation faces: “Students need a particularly strong foundation in math and reading to help them tackle more complex academic challenges as they head to college and launch careers,” explains McVay, who was a public school teacher in California for 18 years before opening Kumon. “Students are graduating from high school knowing more, but still need to master the basics. They must be able to solve multifaceted problems using both logic and creativity. They are also expected to have a level of mature thinking that wasn’t expected of previous generations.”
Unlike typical tutoring programs, Kumon helps children develop the necessary skills needed to progress. The program can also help struggling students gain confidence by strengthening their basic skills, especially at critical learning periods such as second or third grade.
“Many kids struggle with confidence issues because their foundation in math or reading isn’t solid,” explains McVay. “They slip through the cracks, making up for their deficits by capitalizing on their strengths. For example, they’ll have a conversation rather than learning by reading, or they’ll avoid topics related to math because they don’t like it or don’t think they are good at it.”
Kumon programs, which are tailored to each child, help kids rebuild that foundation in math or reading so they feel confident applying what they know. The community setting of the Kumon classroom offers opportunities to recognize progress, including McVay’s hand-sewn badges that children earn by achieving new levels.
According to McVay, today’s parents also have a much greater commitment to their children’s academic lives. The parent of a teenage son, McVay explains that, “Parents make a tremendous commitment to keeping their children engaged in learning and giving them opportunities to succeed—perhaps much more than their own parents did. This is largely in response to what they see as the future needs of a global workforce.”
The Eastside is very fortunate to have parents and schools that are dedicated to helping kids succeed, concludes McVay. “Being surrounded by people who care about you, and who can help you learn, is an essential ingredient in becoming the person you are meant to be.”
Enrolling at Kumon: Children age three and up can enroll in Kumon. The reading program begins with basic phonics and progresses all the way through advanced reading comprehension and writing composition, while the math program helps children progress from counting through calculus. Monthly tuition for one subject is $150 or $250 for two subjects. Learn more at kumon.com/issaquah-highlands.
Kumon of Issaquah is located at 1036 NE Park Drive in Issaquah Highlands at Grand Ridge Plaza, between Agave Cocina & Tequilas and Highlands Cleaners.
Directions and Parking at Grand Ridge Plaza: From I-90, take Exit 18 and follow E Sunset Way/Highlands Drive toward Issaquah Highlands. Continue on Highlands Drive for about half a mile to arrive at Grand Ridge Plaza.
Other articles in the Grand Ridge series:
- Got Parental Controls? - TD Curran Store
- The Services You Love, Without the Drive - NaturoMedica, Sorella Salon and barre3
- Dining Out with Kids, Local Style, part I - Bai Tong Thai, Agave Cocina & Tequilas, and The RAM Restaurant & Brewery
- Dining Out with Kids, Local Style, part II - Chinoise Café, Big Fish Grill and AJI Sushi & Grill
- On-the-Go Dining at Grand Ridge Plaza - Jimmy John's, MOD Pizza, Subway and more
- From Issaquah to the Food Network - Chinoise Café
- Enjoy $1 Summer Movies from Grand Ridge Plaza - Regal Issaquah Highlands
- Barre3 Offers More Than a Workout - barre3
- Date Night at SIP at the Wine Bar & Restaurant - SIP at the wine bar & restaurant
- Donate Bras? Yes, You Can! - Soma Intimates
- Makeover Time for Dogs - Civilized Nature Pet Supplies
- Explore Your Creativity at The Big Fish Grill
- How Heavy Is Your Backpack? - mySpine Sports Chiropractic
