US tutoring franchise Mathnasium is now operating in Australia.

Heading up the NSW and ACT business, master franchisees Himanshu Gupta and his wife Ratika Khandelwal plan to open up to 30 outlets in the next four years.

The education centres will be a mix of franchised and corporate operations.

Mathnasium is a unique kids’ tutoring model, Gupta told Inside Franchise Business.

“We are like a maths gymnasium with a monthly membership fee, you can come any time of the day you want.”

Mathnasium recommends optimum attendance is two to three times a week for a one hour session or 90 minutes for older kids.

“We start from kindy, typically teach to year 10 although there are some in years 11 and 12 who have gaps. But the majority are year 7 or under.”

Gupta believes the development of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) sector makes maths increasingly relevant.

Mathnasium tutoring

“Education has two key challenges – good content and good tutors. Mathnasium has solved both,” said Gupta.

The business launched its centres in 2002 however the learning program was in development back in 1973, he said.  The curriculum is localised for the NSW education needs.

Mathnasium employs a team tutoring approach, said Gupta. Tutors engage with students on average six times over the hour, which helps boost the child’s confidence in independent working.

Quality assurance is crucial to successful tutoring, he said. “We spend a lot of time in assuring the quality of teaching is there.”

Tutors must first sit an online exam before securing an interview.  They undertake 12 hours of online training, then shadow experienced tutors in centres to learn how to teach maths.

Just three months after opening, the Hornsby Centre is already doubling the tutor intake to eight to meet demand.

Low cost franchise

Gupta points to Mathnasium as a fairly low level investment model.

“The opening costs are not very large. There is no build out required just tables and chairs, paint and branding.

“We like the location to be highly visible and easily accessible. We prefer street level in a retail environment, it obviously has to be safe and secure and we prefer lots of foot traffic.”

At Hornsby a large glass facade allows passers-by to see kids enjoying their maths learning, he said. 

Once the NSW and ACT Mathnasium footprint develops, Gupta plans to take on other Australian states as master franchisee.

• Could you be a Mathnasium franchisee? Interested to see other tutoring brands? See more here.