Kumon Burlington Launching Classes for Seniors

The after-school math and reading centre on Brant Street is opening up to people who finished school decades ago. Kumon Burlington is launching twice-weekly classes for seniors, the first program of its kind in the GTA, built around supporting cognitive health rather than catching up on homework.

"Kumon has always served kids ages three through to high school, but recently did a pilot project across North America to see if people continue to study as they age, can the Kumon program be an effective tool to support cognitive health," owner Jewel Switzer said. "We know keeping the mind active is super important." Kumon's researchers found that 20 minutes of studying, educational activities and social activities each have significant benefits.

Switzer, who taught for 16 years with the Peel District School Board, says senior learners will work through material close to what the regular students get, with a bit more difficulty and passages picked to hold their interest. The first 20 minutes of a class is an assessment, using number sorting, memory tests and reading comprehension to place each person at a level.

A demo day on September 28 comes first, introducing the class and how the program works, with full programming to follow once Switzer sees what the demand looks like. She said Kumon has been running for more than 70 years and she hopes the seniors program stays and spreads to other centres.

The centre almost did not open at all. Switzer took the keys to 1035 Brant St., a former hair salon, in 2024, and three days later arrived to find water pouring out the front door. The July 15 storm dropped 50 mm of rain on the city in an hour and 74 mm over the day, and both her house and the new business took on three feet of water. She opened on time anyway.