Enrichment courses are an excellent way to assure that your child has the math skills necessary to continue to succeed in school. However with a variety of tutorial programs and online classes available, it can be hard to choose the right option for your student.
Before enrolling anywhere, it is important for you and your child to understand what their strengths and weaknesses are. This will give you a better idea of the type of enrichment they may benefit from. Keep in mind that not every student masters concepts at the same rate. If your child needs to refresh, review, or relearn a subject, they may benefit from remedial help, which is offered by most enrichment programs.
Once you determine where your child needs assistance, the next step is to figure out which approach to math enrichment they would best respond to. Students can enroll in tutorial sessions at designated learning centers, attend online classes, or simply download an app. Here are some of the top ranked programs in each of those categories:
Learning Centers: The following are in-person services that give your child a formal setting in which to learn. They also provide access to dedicated instructors that work closely with each student to achieve their goals. These are ideal for students that respond well to a screen-free, classroom settings.
The Kumon Math Program focuses on self-learning through a series of worksheets meant to be completed at the Kumon Center as well as at home. Each is designed to take only about 30 minutes, giving your child a small, but impactful daily goal. The Program starts as early as age 3 and continues through high school.
During meetings at local Learning Centers, Mathnasium tutors develop a customized learning plan for students grades 2–12. They use the Mathnasium Method™, a combination of assessments and custom learning plans, to structure lessons. Their Method also emphasises in-class learning, which means no homework!
An in-person tutorial service, C2 holds sessions in small groups with a 3:1 student to teacher ratio. Students in any grade level may enroll for help in Statistics, Calculus, Trigonometry, Geometry, and Algebra. Additionally, C2 also holds special summer boot camps for additional enrichment.
The Russian School of Mathematics
An after-school program for K-12 students, the Russian School is a good supplemental program for advanced students. Lessons focus on teaching students to think critically instead of simply memorizing concepts. The Russian School also has math competition prep and summer school for additional support.
Online Programs: The following are websites designed to bring math to your child’s fingertips and allow them to learn anywhere there’s signal. These options are meant to go beyond programs like Khan Academy and IXL, which are popular teacher suggestions and often already implemented in schools.
A precursor to IXL, Multiplication ensures your student has mastered the basics. With detailed reporting tools, this site allows students to track and understand their progress. It self-adjust lessons to fit each user's skill level, allowing for seamless learning.
This site is a strong supporter of "gamifying" education and using the power of narrative and visual storytelling to enrich the learning process. While it may look like your child is fending off space invaders or exploring lost ruins, they’re actually strengthening their understanding of core concepts.
This website produces high quality video seminars on a variety of topics, such as pre-algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Although the prices are somewhat high, Thinkwell is a great alternative for students that don't respond as well to reading textbooks and need a more visual approach in order to master a new concept.
Tang's method utilizes graphics and vivid visuals to instill an understanding of mathematical concepts. His site offers a variety of free games, puzzle packs, board games, and other enrichment tools meant to find alternative methods to teaching traditional concepts. A beloved public figure, Tang also travels the country presenting to groups of parents and educators. As a result, his methods have been recognized and embraced by countless school districts.
Art of Problem Solving & Beast Academy
For more advanced students, AoPS and Beast Academy use a combination of online schooling, written resources, and motivated community members to both educate and motivate their students. These two programs were built for students that already have a passion for math and need an outlet for their talent. AoPS Online offers classes beginning at Prealgebra 1. Beast Academy was built for students in grades 2-5.
Apps: For a similarly gamified, but less formal form of math enrichment, download any of these apps and have math enrichment right in your child’s pocket. Games also give your child the opportunity to form a new relationship with math and may teach them to associate the subject with fun rather than frustration.
Prodigy is a free fantasy roleplaying game. In it, students battle in-game characters by answering set questions. The app includes a reporting tool that allows parents/teachers to track a child's progress. Questions can also be customized for more targeted learning. Prodigy is designed for students ages 6-14/grades 1st-8th.
Another free app, CK12 provides students with interactive activities meant to help sharpen their understanding of algebra, geometry, probability, and other subjects. With lessons for K-12 students, it is a comprehensive tool that includes a common core as well as content aligned to state standards.
A series of digital flashcards, Brainscape uses confidence-based repetition to focus on problem areas. Decks are easily synced between devices or shared with friends for test prep or study groups. Students can also work collaboratively with their teachers/tutors to create flashcards focused on their particular learning needs.
If you are interested in speaking with one of our Advisors about math enrichment programs, you can schedule a free consultation here.
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