logo.rsm.full-colorRussian School of Mathematics
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Looking to learn more about RSM? Click into our frequently asked questions below or contact us if you have any other questions.

About Our Program

Why are you called the "Russian" School of Math?

The “Russian” comes from our approach - which is based on elite math schools in the former Soviet Union, adapted to the U.S. environment. According to Russian tradition - the study of mathematics is the pre-eminent tool of mental development. We teach math in a way that not only builds mathematical excellence, but also develops intellect and character.

Where does your curriculum come from?

We offer one continuous K-12 curriculum. Our curriculum and methodology, perfected over 25+ years by our team of gifted academics, is inspired by elite mathematical schools in the former Soviet Union and has been adapted for the American educational environment.

Who are your teachers?

All of our teachers have a background in mathematics or a related field and have a passion for the subject. They also go through extensive training to teach according to our specific methodology and curriculum.

What is the best age to join?

It takes many years to develop a deep mathematical foundation as well as the type of mindset we focus on building. With mathematics, as with a language or a sport, the earlier a child starts the better. Our students begin to reason with abstract concepts in elementary school, and by middle school they are not only familiar with essential elements of algebra but can easily apply them in problem solving.

Is your program right for my child?

We have designed multiple levels for every grade specifically to be able to serve each child's development based on his or her knowledge and ability. We recommend scheduling a free evaluation, as these sessions enable us to get a sense of each child's needs and recommend a class that is best suited to him or her.

Will your program confuse my child in school?

The concepts that we cover are fundamental and we study them in depth. Children see concepts from a variety of different angles. This doesn’t lead to confusion but rather empowers students by deepening their understanding. Since our curriculum is generally ahead of public school, children will often first learn concepts at RSM. Once they master them, we find they can adapt to any school format.

How is RSM different from other after-school math programs?

We have a pronounced understanding of and respect for how a child's mind works at every age. Our program is built, and our teachers are trained, to harness a child's natural inclinations and thinking patterns to ensure that they are engaged, challenged, and growing throughout each lesson. The classroom environment is an essential aspect of our program. Guided by their teacher through the common effort of learning and discovery, students learn how to debate, explain, and verbalize their thinking to a group of like-minded peers. This not only deepens their understanding, but prepares our students for college and future careers.

What should I do if I feel that my child isn’t challenged enough, or is too challenged?

We take great care to ensure that each child learns in an environment optimal for them. With multiple levels per grade – from beginner classes to our highly selective National Math Competition Preparation program (designed for those students interested in advanced mathematical topics and math competitions) – our program is designed to offer classes that will best serve your child’s development based on their knowledge and ability. If you feel that your child isn’t in the appropriate class, please reach out to your teacher or principal.

How can I empower my child for success at RSM?

Put simply: make RSM a part of your family life. You don’t have to be a math professor or even have strong knowledge of math to be a great RSM parent. Children are smart: they can sense what’s important to you, and they want to please you. Show your children you value math by talking about it at dinner or in the car. Generally, we suggest fostering a positive attitude around math. Children will always find things they’d rather be doing than homework, but if your child senses that RSM is important to you, it will become important to them too.

The Classroom Experience

How many classes will my child be attending per week? How long are your classes?

RSM classes meet once per week. Our class times vary depending on a child’s age, starting anywhere from 1.5 hours for Kindergarteners to 2-4 hours in high school. For younger grades, we regularly mix activities and work with manipulatives to keep students engaged.

How big are your classes? What is the teacher to student ratio?

Our average class size is 12, and with three levels per grade we're able to ensure that each child is placed in a class that is appropriately challenging. Classrooms are an essential part of our methodology and curriculum as the environment enables students to verbalize and debate their ideas and exposes them to different ways of thinking.

How long are your classes? Can an elementary school child sit that long?

Our class-times vary depending on a child’s age. Starting anywhere from 1.5 hours for kindergarteners to 2-4 hours in high school. In the younger grades, we regularly mix activities and work with manipulatives to keep students engaged.

What are the benefits of a classroom environment?

The classroom and the teacher are just as vital a component to our program as is the curriculum. Students thrive in a group of like-minded peers, guided by their teacher through the common effort of learning and discovery while having fun. In a classroom, students are required to debate, explain, and verbalize their thinking. This not only deepens understanding, but exposes them to different approaches. A classroom also familiarizes students with healthy competition, and immerses them in a mathematical culture that is fun, social, and alive.

How can I keep track of my child’s progress in class?

You can review the results of your child’s homework as it will give you a very quick sense of what your child is catching on to quickly and what they might be struggling with. Homework Online, a tool that is available for students in grades 4-10, is a great resource that also provides a lot of insights on your child’s strength and growth areas. You can also always contact your child’s teacher with any questions.

What’s the best way to keep in touch with my child’s teacher?

RSM’s teachers and principals are a great resource for you and your family. The best way to contact them is through email and we encourage you to reach out to them at least 3 times per semester. RSM teachers are always available for meetings with parents. If you have concerns or just want to know how your child is doing in the classroom, don’t hesitate to contact them and set up an appointment. Principals are also available to answer any questions about your child’s experience at RSM.

How much homework will my child be assigned?

Homework assignments give students time to practice what they learned in class. Your child’s RSM homework should take approximately half the class time of the student. Students should be able to complete about 70% of the assignment independently and correctly.

How should I help my child with their homework?

We have a unique approach to the way that we introduce and develop knowledge. If your explanation conflicts with how your child’s teacher explained it, this will only lead to confusion. If your child is struggling with a problem, we suggest asking them if they understand what the problem is asking them to do. In many cases, this is the root of their struggle. If you’ve clarified the problem and your child still doesn’t understand, simply place a question mark next to the problem. This will let your child’s teacher know to cover the question in class. You can also email your child's teacher with any questions.

RSM Logistics

What do RSM student evaluations consist of?

Student evaluations are 30-minute introductory sessions where parents and their children have the opportunity to learn about the RSM program and get to know the team. During the evaluation, parents can discuss their goals for their child’s education; get to know the RSM methodology firsthand as an RSM evaluator guides your child through a series of math problems; receive information about RSM’s curriculum, the program structure, and the three levels of classes that RSM offers; get tuition details, understand the next steps for enrolling your child, and ask any questions.

How much is your tuition?

Please submit the tuition request form below and we will automatically email you a PDF with our tuition costs by grade.

Can my child start at RSM mid-year?

RSM operates with an open enrollment structure during the school year, meaning students can join our program at any time throughout the year. To help new students get up to speed, we invite all mid-year enrolled students to participate in sessions to catch up on material that they have missed. During these sessions, a dedicated RSM staff member will guide new students through key concepts and lessons their class learned earlier that year. These sessions are held either once or twice a week until the student is caught up enough to join their class. Once the student has mastered the essential topics, they’ll seamlessly transition into their regular class, fully prepared to join their peers.

What happens if my child misses a class?

Because the composition of each class is a key part of our learning process, we do not offer makeup classes. However, free homework help sessions are available. If your child has trouble completing more than half of the homework from the missed class, talk to your teacher about attending a homework help session.

RSM Tuition

Submit this form and we'll email you a PDF of tuition costs by grade. Questions? Please contact our office directly and we'll be happy to assist you.

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