How to choose between individual and group instruction for cram schools?

When choosing a cram school for your child, many parents likely agonize over whether to choose "individual instruction" or "group instruction." Is it individual, tailored to each person, or group, where they can learn and grow together with peers? Each has its merits, and there is no single correct answer.

Therefore, this time, in collaboration with KATEKYO Gakuin Miyagi, we conducted a survey targeting 100 men and women nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they "have children in junior high school or younger" on the question of "which is better, individual or group instruction for cram schools."

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Survey Overview: "Survey on Which is Better, Individual or Group Instruction for Cram Schools"

Survey Method: Internet-based questionnaire

Survey Period: June 11, 2026 - June 18, 2026

Survey Target: Men and women nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they "have children in junior high school or younger."

Valid Responses: 100 samples

Questions:

Question 1: Are you currently sending your child to a cram school?

Question 2: Please tell us the reason.

Question 3: Please tell us the type of cram school you are (or were) sending your child to.

Question 4: Please tell us the reason for choosing that type of cram school.

Question 5: Considering your child's learning effectiveness and satisfaction, do you feel that "individual instruction" or "group instruction" is better for cram schools?

Question 6: Please tell us the reason.

Question 7: Please tell us what you value most when choosing a cram school and the reason why.

*In principle, values are rounded to the second decimal place, so the total may not be 100%.

63.0% responded that they are "not currently sending their child to a cram school."

First, we asked if they are currently sending their child to a cram school.

The most common answer was "not sending" at 63.0%.

Next, "currently sending" was 23.0%, and "sent in the past" was 14.0%.

It was found that over 60% of households do not currently use cram schools.

We also asked for the reasons, and here are some examples.

Those who answered "currently sending" or "sent in the past"

* Attended for high school entrance exams. (40s, Female) * To prepare for university entrance exams. (40s, Male) * To improve basic academic skills and establish study habits. (50s, Male)

Those who answered "not sending"

* Because I feel it's not yet the right time for a cram school. (30s, Male) * I don't feel the need for it at the moment, and I'm too busy with abacus lessons to attend. (30s, Female) * My child doesn't want to go. (30s, Female)

Among those who answered "currently sending" or "sent in the past," many mentioned preparing for university or high school entrance exams. On the other hand, those who answered "not sending" cited reasons such as it not being "the right time" for a cram school.

It seems that many people have established means other than home study to aim for goals such as passing entrance exams, rather than just improving academic ability.

51.4% of those with cram school experience responded that the type of cram school was "group instruction."

Next, we asked those who have experience sending their child to a cram school about the type of cram school they are (or were) attending.

Individual instruction is a format where one or a small number of instructors teach students. Group instruction refers to a format where multiple students are taught together, similar to school classes.

The most common answer was "group instruction cram school" at 51.4%.

Next were "individual instruction cram schools" at 37.8%, and "combination of individual and group" at 10.8%.

We also asked for the reasons for choosing each format, and here are some examples.

Those who answered "group instruction cram school"

* Because they can learn and compete with others who have similar goals. (40s, Female) * Because my child wanted to try it after a trial lesson. (40s, Female) * Because the fees were cheap and it was close to home. (50s, Male)

Those who answered "individual instruction cram school"

* My child said they preferred it. (40s, Female) * Because individual instruction seemed more attentive. (40s, Female) * Because group instruction didn't yield results. (50s, Male)

Those who answered "combination of individual and group"

* It's a trial period to see which is better suited for them right now. (40s, Female) * Learned in a group setting and used individual instruction as supplementary. (50s, Male)

Among those who chose group instruction cram schools, in addition to the appeal of group dynamics like "learning and competing with peers who have similar goals," there were also comments about affordability, such as "monthly fees are cheap."

On the other hand, among those who chose individual instruction cram schools, there were comments about switching, such as "group instruction didn't yield results, so we switched to individual."

Which is better, group or individual instruction, depends on the child.

Therefore, it is likely important to choose the format while observing the child's condition.

56.7% responded that "individual instruction is better" considering learning effectiveness.

Next, we asked those who have experience sending their child to a cram school whether they felt individual or group instruction was better for their child's learning effectiveness and satisfaction.

As a result, 18.9% answered "individual instruction is better," and 37.8% answered "somewhat better individual instruction," totaling 56.7% who support individual instruction.

On the other hand, 37.8% answered "somewhat better group instruction," and 5.4% answered "group instruction is better," totaling 43.2% leaning towards group instruction.

The fact that the difference between the two is not that large suggests that each family is choosing a learning environment that suits the child's temperament and budget.

We also asked for the reasons, and here are some examples.

Those who answered "individual instruction is better"

* I want them to be taught thoroughly. (30s, Male) * Because they can address individual points of confusion. (40s, Female) * Because they can receive detailed instruction. (50s, Male)

Those who answered "group instruction is better"

* Because learning and improving together is better. (40s, Female) * Because the monthly fees are cheap. (40s, Male) * Because having rivals provides stimulation. (40s, Male)

Among those who answered "individual instruction is better," many expressed expectations for detailed instruction.

Many people seem to believe that detailed and thorough instruction is a unique advantage of one-on-one learning. Since time can be spent thoroughly with each student, it is reassuring when they encounter something they don't understand.

On the other hand, among those who answered "group instruction is better," there were voices expecting synergistic effects unique to learning with friends, as well as comments about the low monthly fees.

Depending on their personality, some children may do better when competing with others, so it is advisable to find the best learning environment by talking with your child.

Key factors in choosing a cram school include "track record," "child's compatibility," and "support system."

Finally, we asked those who have experience sending their child to a cram school what they value most when choosing one.

Please tell us what you value most when choosing a cram school and the reason why.

* Whether they have a proven track record. (30s, Male) * Having follow-up support. Just being taught doesn't build skills. (40s, Female) * Ease of access. Because my child seems like they can use it with peace of mind. (40s, Male) * Compatibility with the teacher. (50s, Female) * Keeping the child motivated. Because if they don't want to go, all efforts are in vain. (50s, Male) * Monthly fees. Because money is important. (50s, Male)

The criteria for choosing a cram school were not singular.

While there were comments focusing on the quality of the cram school itself, such as "track record" and "support system," many also cited perspectives centered on the child, such as "compatibility with the teacher" and "keeping the child motivated."

No matter how reputable a cram school is, it's meaningless if the child cannot attend with a positive attitude. It seems that families weigh many conditions, including cost and accessibility, when making their choice.

Summary

This survey revealed that while over half of those with cram school experience choose "group instruction cram schools," parents tend to feel that individual instruction is better in terms of learning effectiveness.

Group instruction cram schools have advantages such as being more affordable and fostering a competitive spirit.

On the other hand, individual instruction cram schools excel at providing instruction tailored to each student's level of understanding and learning pace.

Furthermore, the results suggest that choosing a learning environment that suits the child can lead to improved learning outcomes and satisfaction. If you want to prioritize instruction that is attentive to each individual, why not consider individual instruction as an option?

*Regarding use in articles, etc.:*

* Indicate that the source is "A survey by NEXER Group Inc. and KATEKYO Gakuin Miyagi." * Install a link to KATEKYO Gakuin Miyagi (https://www.katekyo-miyagi.jp/)

*About KATEKYO Gakuin Miyagi:*

Headquarters: KATEKYO Building, 2-8-6 Minamisenza, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture

Miyagi Area Representative: Kazuma Takizawa

Sendai Nagamachi School: Sendai Nagamachi Little Hills 2-A, 3-6-1 Nagamachi, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture

Tomiyashi Higashikosodai Classroom: 1-9-21 Higashikosodai, Tomiya City, Miyagi Prefecture

TEL: 022-797-3933

*About NEXER Group Inc.:*

Headquarters: Rise Arena Building 11F, 4-5-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013

Representative Director: Yuya Miyata

URL: https://www.nexer.co.jp

Business Activities: SEO, Web Branding, Web Advertising, Website Production, Media

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey