Darien Kumon Celebrates One Year Anniversary of bringing Education to the Community

 

Kumon, the world's largest after-school math and reading enrichment program, opened one year ago  at 899 Post Road in Darien, near the train station. 

 

Kumon's individualized approach helps children progress by ability rather than age or grade. Kumon has 26,000 centers in 48 countries and regions. With more than four million students it is the world's largest after-school math and reading enrichment program for Pre-K through High School.  More than half of U.S. Kumon students study advanced math, and more than 26 percent of these students are learning materials two to three years above their grade level.

 

"At Kumon, we believe children have unlimited potential to succeed," said small business owner, Kerri O'Brien.  "My goal is to help each child develop strong academic skills, a love of learning and the confidence and skills to excel beyond their grade level.  I am a local resident for 20 years and have raised three children through the Darien Schools.  As great as the schools are, they have limited ability to challenge each and every student to meet his or her full potential.  At Kumon, that is exactly what I do.  Similar to a Montessori concept, students progress at their own pace while mastering each step along the way.  We fill in the gaps often created from material moving too quickly in school as well as challenge those who want more.  Kumon is a long term program designed to advance students beyond their grade level.  Every student has this ability through the Kumon Method.  Just 15-20 minutes of work each day can make all the difference in a student's ability, work study skills, concentration and testing scores."

 

During O'Brien's 10 years in Corporate America, she acquired her CPA license, earned a Masters from Stern School of Business and simultaneously worked in many divisions of Audit, Accounting, Budgeting and Finance.

 

Says O'Brien, "Since staying home to raise three kids, I have been extensively involved in the Darien community, volunteering for significant roles on the Hindley Elementary School Parent Association, the Darien Depot Teen Center, the Parent Awareness Organization, the Darien Chamber of Commerce and my very dear passion of helping raise funds for the Family and Children's Agency in Norwalk.  I continue to volunteer teaching Junior Great Books and Junior Achievement to Hindley Elementary School students."