Here is a list of math learning centers, with some information about each.
Art of Problem Solving Academy
The Art of Problem Solving academies teach my favorite math curriculums for gifted students, Beast Academy and AoPS. According to the Art of Problem Solving website, there are currently 12 AoPS Academy locations in the United States. They also offer virtual classes. Each location offers math and language arts classes for students in grades two through twelve. Some locations also offer science classes. You can find the full details at their website.
Classes are group classes (10-16 students) that meet once a week for 36 weeks. Sessions are an hour and 45 minutes.
Art of Problem Solving Academy (AoPS) has a great reputation for providing quality education and resources for students, but some users have mentioned that the cost of the courses can be a bit expensive. Additionally, as these classes are advanced, some users have complained that the texts used in the courses can be too challenging for some students. Lastly, some users have mentioned that the customer service and technical support could be improved.
Mathnasium
There are over 800 Mathnasium centers located in the US, Canada, Mexico, India, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom. You can find a center near you by visiting their website at mathnasium.com and using the ‘Locate a Center’ feature. As you can tell from the name, Mathnasium focuses solely on math.
Mathnasium offers personalized instruction tailored to each student’s individual needs and learning style. After students are assessed, you will discuss the results with the center director. You will then be given a personalized learning plan with goals.
Most centers suggest 2-3 tutoring sessions a week. Each session lasts from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your payment plan, and will lead your student through worksheets and mastery checks based on their individual goals. Tutors will be available to teach skills and help. Mathnasium allows students to bring in their math homework from school and prep for tests while at Mathnasium.
After a certain number of mastery checks, the student receives enough punches on their mastery card to pick out a prize.
Mathnasium puts a focus on building number sense. Their tutors use a variety of teaching methods to help students understand and retain math fundamentals, problem-solving strategies, and higher-level concepts. Mathnasium also offers online resources, games, and activities to help students practice and master math skills.
Mathnasium has generally received positive reviews, with many people praising the quality of instruction and the progress their children have made.
One thing I like about both AoPS and Mathnasium is that they require their teacher applicants to pass math tests!
Growing IQ learning center
Growing IQ is a smaller franchise that currently has math enrichment learning centers in California, Hawaii, Texas, and Hong Kong. Their focus is on right brain methods for teaching math to children from 2-12 years old. Small group classes of 4-6 students meet with a teacher for 2 hours once a week. There is no homework.
Students learn through experiences, connecting material and ideas to abstract mathematical concepts. Students engage in inquiry-based learning experiences to help them derive their own understanding. There are games, art projects and a heavy use of manipulatives.
Many parents have reported that their children have had a positive experience with Growing IQ Learning Center. Children enjoy the classes and grow in their math skills while having fun. Some parents have expressed that the cost of the program may be too high for their budget.
Russian School of Mathematics
The Russian School of Mathematics currently has over 50 locations across the United States. These include locations in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. You can find a full list of locations on their website, which also includes information about their virtual learning offerings. They offer classes for kindergarten-high school.
Russian math focuses on the development of problem-solving skills. It encourages students to think critically and use analytical skills to solve complicated problems. In Russian math, a student is presented with a problem and given the opportunity to solve it in their own way. This type of education emphasizes creative problem-solving and encourages students to think outside the box. It also emphasizes the use of visual aids, such as graphs and charts, to help students understand the concepts and solutions. Russian math introduces students to higher-level math concepts and develops their skills in problem-solving.
Some common complaints about Russian math are that the curriculum is too rigid and structured. Additionally, some argue that the teaching style is too focused on memorization and drills, which can make the material dry and unengaging. Finally, there are some who feel that the subject matter is too advanced for younger grades.
Kumon
According to Kumon’s website, there are more than 25,000 Kumon centers in over 50 countries around the world. Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program that helps children from kindergarten to 12th grade develop strong math and reading skills.
Kumon’s program is based on a systematic progression of worksheets. Students get instruction at a Kumon center twice a week. They also receive homework worksheets to complete on each of the other 5 days (estimate of 30 minutes a day to complete.)
Kumon’s math curriculum focuses on teaching students the fundamentals of math, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and then builds on these skills by introducing more complex concepts.
Kumon has been criticized in the past for its high costs, lack of individualized instruction, and its focus on rote memorization. and repetition. Many children find it boring. Additionally, Kumon has been accused of not providing enough guidance or support to students, which can be intimidating for younger children.
Sylvan
According to Sylvan Learning’s website, there are over 1,200 Sylvan Learning Centers in the United States and Canada. Sylvan offers tutoring in math, reading, writing, and study skills. They also offer STEM classes and SAT/ACT prep for high school students.
Students are assessed to determine their level and then work at their own pace on iPads. They receive instruction from tutors (either in person or live online). As Ed Tech explains, “SylvanSync is a teacher led technology delivered program that only Sylvan Learning centers can access. This is not something you can purchase in the Apple store. SylvanSync is used by the teachers and students, and it is powered by logic that customizes each student’s learning plan based on assessment results and adapts to the student based on data from student performance in previous lessons. The customized learning plan dictates which lessons students receive and the order in which they should be taught. The teacher and student use the iPad like a digital textbook to deliver the lessons.”
The program also includes practice tests, math games, and other resources to help students develop a deep understanding of math.
Sylvan has thousands of positive reviews. The most common complaints are about high prices and lack of availability in some areas. Additionally, some people have had a negative experience with the quality of instruction, citing inexperienced or unqualified teachers, and an overall lack of guidance from the center. Finally, there have been reports of inadequate customer service and difficulty in getting refunds or credits for unused services.
