Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Wang.
Hi Emily, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a mother of three whose journey into education began with my own children. While living in South Korea, my oldest son started learning through Kumon at the age of three. In Korea, it’s common for families to provide Kumon learning at home, with instructors visiting regularly, and with the help of my Korean friends, my son was able to begin his learning journey early.
After moving back to the United States, I wanted to continue that same educational foundation for him. However, when we settled in El Paso, I realized there were no Kumon centers nearby. That challenge sparked an idea—what if I could create that opportunity, not just for my own children, but for other families as well?
What started as a solution for my son grew into a passion for supporting early childhood education in my community. I’m driven by the belief that every child deserves access to strong learning foundations and the confidence that comes with them.
Today, I continue to build and share that opportunity with our families in San Antonio, helping children develop skills, independence, and a love for learning—just like my son did when he first began.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I truly believe that if you have a positive attitude and believe in what you’re doing, anything is possible. With the support of my family—especially my husband and children—I was able to turn that idea into reality.
My journey hasn’t been easy. After moving to San Antonio, I decided to open another Kumon center. Around the same time, I discovered that I had a thyroid tumor and needed surgery just as my new business was getting started. It was a challenging period, but with determination and the support of my family, I was able to recover and gradually get the business on track over the following six months.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my work, I focus on helping students build a strong foundation in math and reading through Kumon. We specialize in individualized learning, using a curriculum that supports students from preschool all the way through high school.
What makes our approach unique is that we don’t teach based on a student’s grade level—we assess each child’s current ability and create a personalized study plan tailored specifically to them. This allows us to support a wide range of students, from those who need extra help catching up to those who are already performing above grade level. Our goal is to help every child reach their highest potential at their own pace.
I’m especially proud of the transformation I see in my students. Some children come to us feeling discouraged, unable to read words or complete basic assignments. Over time, I watch them grow into confident learners who can read clearly and independently. Seeing that change is incredibly rewarding.
I’m also proud of the academic growth our students achieve—second graders who are able to complete fifth-grade level work, and fourth graders who are already working at a high school level. These milestones reflect not only their hard work, but also the strength of the foundation they’ve built.
What sets us apart is our commitment to each child’s individual journey. We focus not just on results, but on building confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for anyone just starting out is to follow your passion. Passion is the key, because no business is ever guaranteed to be successful. When you truly believe in what you’re doing, it gives you the strength to keep going even during difficult times.
Starting a business means accepting challenges and uncertainty. There will always be problems along the way, and it’s important to be prepared to face them with patience and determination. Instead of being discouraged, I’ve learned to see challenges as opportunities to grow and improve.
One thing I wish I knew earlier is that the journey is not always smooth, and that’s okay. Progress takes time. Staying consistent, having a positive mindset, and being willing to adapt are all essential.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to take that first step. With passion, persistence, and the right mindset, you can overcome obstacles and build something meaningful.
Pricing:
- $ 165 per month for math
- $ 165 per month for reading
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kumon.com/san-antonio-tpc-parkway
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kumon_tpc_pkwy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumon/
