Out of thousands of high achieving Kumon Students from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, just 56 were selected to attend the second annual Kumon Student Conference in Calgary, Canada on July 18.

Two local students were invited to the conference—Tyler Bui of Bothell and Nathan Li of Renton.

The invited students are studying at least three years above their grade level in math and/or reading at their respective Kumon Centers.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn from each other through a variety of enjoyable learning activities designed to foster team building, group discussion, critical thinking and creativity. In this unique learning environment, students heard from inspirational former Kumon students who have completed the Kumon Program, some of whom are now successful professionals.

“The beauty of Kumon is that it’s a learning program based on ability rather than age or grade, which allows our students the opportunity to study above their school grade level,” Sung Park, vice president of materials development and instruction at Kumon North America, Inc., said in a press release. “It was our founder Toru Kumon’s vision to nurture as many students around the world who can contribute to their community. With this conference, we are able to celebrate our students’ accomplishments and inspire them to continue developing their skills through program completion and to aspire to become individuals who tackle some of the world’s challenges.”

Attendees of the student conference were encouraged to pursue “J by 6” or the study of advanced algebra and critical reading (Level J in Kumon) before the end of sixth grade. Many of the students selected to attend have already reached this goal, while the rest are well on their way. The goal of completing the Kumon Math and Reading Program, which goes up to calculus and critical reading, is to make students well prepared for the study of high school material. This desire was one of the founding principles of the Kumon Method.

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