Math Matters Part 1: The Top After-School Programs Reviewed for Young Learners

The average American school's mathematics program lags far behind what is needed to help kids succeed. Relying on the school program can make it hard for your kid to pursue more advanced technical fields, including artificial intelligence, space engineering, and physics. Even if it's just acing the SATs to get into a good college or understanding enough financial mathematics to make and manage your own money, mathematics at school doesn't do enough. The test scores in math attainment speak for themselves.

Supplemental mathematics instruction is an insurance policy against an uncertain school system, naturally, for both those lagging behind and kids wanting to break ahead.

However, which afterschool program to choose depends on your child's needs and your family's goals for their mathematics education. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or student on the hunt for the ideal math afterschool program, we've compiled a list that breaks down the best options out there. Before we dive in, remember to consider important factors like the program's goals, the quality of its curriculum, and the rigor, whether it emphasizes mastering math facts or tackling abstract concepts and logic problems.

Formal Supplementary Math Programs

These math programs can be in person or online. They provide a formal curriculum guided by an instructor, assignments, and some level of either 1:1, group, or classroom instruction.

Beast Academy and Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)

Website: AoPS and Beast Academy Math Programs for Advanced Students
Goals & Rigor: Tailored for students who relish a good challenge with advanced topics.
Curriculum Quality: Known for fostering deep understanding through engaging, comic-book-styled materials that transition into higher-level problem-solving with AoPS.
Alignment with School Curriculum: Available for schools to integrate in lesson plans, ensuring accurately paced alignment.
Instruction Type: Limited in-person and online. Online can be self-paced or through classes with teachers.
Pricing:
- Online (Self-Paced)*: Starting at $100/year
- Online (Teacher)*: Starting around $51/week
- Online (Teacher)**: Starting at $50/week
- In-Person**: Dependent on the location/campus

*Specific for Beast Academy, tailored towards younger learners

**Specific to AoPS Academy, tailored towards learners as they age into middle and high school

Russian School of Mathematics (RSM)

Website: Math Education Programs for Grades K-12 | After School Math
Goals & Rigor: Emphasizes logical reasoning and complex problem-solving.
Curriculum Quality: Intensive, focusing on building a strong mathematical foundation through rigorous coursework.
Alignment with School Curriculum: Available in three levels to align with every grade, K-12.
Instruction Type: Entirely in-person classroom with nationwide locations.
Pricing: Ranging from around $50/month to $100/month depending on grade level.

Kumon

Website: After School Math & Reading Programs - Kumon
Goals & Rigor: Aims for incremental mastery of math facts and skills.
Curriculum Quality: Repetition-based methodology to cement fundamental math concepts.
Alignment with School Curriculum: Designed for children to excel past their typical grade level understanding.
Instruction Type: Traditionally in-person classroom but select online offerings as well.
Pricing: Dependent on the location but typically between $150-200/month.

Mathnasium

Website: Math Tutoring Programs & Homework Help
Goals & Rigor: Customized learning plans designed for varying proficiency levels.
Curriculum Quality: Individualized instruction aiming to boost school performance and confidence in math.
Alignment with School Curriculum: Dependent on the child's needs and capability rather than blanket grade expectation.
Instruction Type: In-person or online 1:1 instruction
Pricing: Dependent on location, in-person and online are the same price, with fees being flat per pay period and students encouraged to go at least 2-3x/week to maximize tuition.

Beast Academy/AoPS and RSM are particularly geared towards advanced mathematical achievement. Both programs tout a significant number of alums who have placed in nationwide math competitions. These programs are better suited for students preparing to pursue technical fields for their careers.

Kumon and Mathnasium are better suited for catching up students who are behind grade level and mastering basic math skills. These programs are better suited for students aiming to do well in school or standardized tests but not necessarily interested in pursuing further math studies beyond high school or college.

How to Choose a Program

When selecting an afterschool mathematics program for kids, it's essential to consider several key factors to ensure the best fit for their learning needs. Start by assessing the child's current skill level and learning style—whether they thrive in a structured, teacher-led environment or prefer hands-on, interactive problem-solving. Many programs will also have a placement test available on the website or during enrollment to help target this information better. Programs should align with parents' and kids' academic goals, whether they need extra support to build foundational skills, enrichment opportunities to deepen their understanding, or advanced challenges to stay ahead. Look for programs that balance conceptual knowledge and practical application, incorporating engaging activities, games, and real-world problem-solving to make learning enjoyable. Flexibility is another crucial factor; consider whether the program offers online or in-person sessions and scheduling that accommodates the family's commitments.

Additionally, researching instructor qualifications and reviews from other parents can help ensure credibility and ease any fears. Finally, consider trial classes or free assessments offered by some programs to see if they are a good match before committing long-term. By carefully evaluating these aspects, select a mathematics program that fosters a positive and productive learning experience for your child.