Hidden Gems: Meet Nikita of Kumon Math and Reading Center of Foothill Ranch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikita.

Nikita, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started Kumon Math and Reading Center of Foothill Ranch in 2013, a year after my son Sahil was born. One day, one week, one month, one year at a time, slow and steady, as we kept doing the work we set out to do – help students build foundational skills in math and reading while realizing their true potential, one worksheet at a time, we built the center that has since employed 100 part-time staff members who have each left an imprint and over the past 12 years and collectively supported 982 students in their individual journeys to date. Each year, we learned something new and continued iteration on our processes while remaining steadfast on one mission – improve student outcomes in our local communities with heart and mind as a collective.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We have had some hills to climb and some valleys to navigate, but each of those were journeys that have continued to lead us on more resolute than before to keep our mission going strong. As a former teacher, I had no formal business training and Kumon’s goal of creating self-learners truly had to be embodied by us as we navigated each new challenge. Don’t know it – let’s figure it out! “Give it a try!” became our internal motto when we weren’t sure what to do. Some days, the challenges were simply operational – how do we ask the students to submit their work? Where do they put them? What is the most efficient way to prepare for student files? Other days, like the ones during COVID, the challenges really were about staying in business while having to send all 14 staff members home in March 2020 and maintaining the services of over 200 subject students. Being in existence post COVID is a reminder of what a resilient team we are! Staying the course, one day at a time has not been easy, but it is what has made us into believers of consistency and persistence!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Kumon Math and Reading Center of Foothill Ranch is an academic enrichment center for PreK-12 supplemental education.

We focus on helping students build and master foundational skills in these subjects while also cultivating complementary study and time management skills that are vital for lifelong success. What sets Kumon Foothill Ranch apart is its individualized learning approach, where lessons and work are customized to each child’s pace and ability to ensure mastery with no learning gaps. We believe students have their own cadence in life and it must be honored for effective learning to take place.

Kumon Program is known for its evidence-based instructional practices that foster self-learning, critical thinking, and independence. Students progress through material by working on carefully crafted worksheets that encourage problem-solving, promoting active learning and self-motivation. Our center emphasizes development of important “soft skills” such as time management, discipline, goal-setting, and confidence, all of which contribute to improved student outcomes at the center and beyond. And, when each student journey is individualized, we find the outcomes are owned by the students with pride as they meet the goals they set for themselves.

Our center prides itself on the dedication and expertise of our staff, who engage in ongoing professional development, including attendance at national conferences, to continually improve instructional quality and support student learning in math and reading as well as learning sciences. Kumon Foothill Ranch offers personalized guidance, frequent progress feedback, and a strong partnership with families to help each student succeed academically and develop a growth mindset.

Kumon Foothill Ranch provides a structured, research-backed program that not only helps children improve in math and reading but also nurtures the skills and mindset needed for independent learning and academic confidence. The commitment to individualized instruction, evidence-based methods, and professional growth defines their brand and what they are most proud of!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I don’t believe networking is a good use of time for new business owners. Often times, we believe everyone else just knows what we need and we can simply follow their footsteps. However, your own experience is most vital in your success as it gives you nuanced perspective on what works for your specific need. Don’t hesitate to “give it a try!” and learn by failing forward. There is truly no shortcut to success. It is day in and day out, but, being open to learning and seeking out new opportunities to improve your craft is truly invaluable as it is knowledge that will stay with you forever! I have developed an incessant desire for learning about business, people, and education at large. It is what I live and breathe and if you can develop a love of learning, you will find your mentors in conversations you will seek out!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kumon.com/foothill-ranch
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kumonfoothillranch/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foothillranchkumon/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kumon-math-and-reading-center-of-foothill-ranch-foothill-ranch-3?uid=9xSQoupBISjC4WLE2p1uOw&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)