Is your child a budding mathematician or someone who could use a little extra boost in their math skills? In today’s competitive world, a strong mathematical foundation is more critical than ever. Math enrichment programs offer a fantastic opportunity to explore challenging concepts in an engaging and supportive environment. These classes go beyond the standard curriculum, nurturing a love for math and helping children develop a competitive edge.
Here’s a look at 10 highly-regarded math enrichment programs, with guidance on choosing the best fit for your child.
| Program | Grades/Age | Teaching Style | Key Features |
| RSM | K-12 | Problem-based and collaborative |
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| AoPS | 5-12 | Problem-based |
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| Firecracker Math | K-11 | Classical but with games and puzzles |
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| Mathcounts | 6-8 | Problem-based and collaborative |
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| AwesomeMath | 6-12 | Proof-based and collaborative |
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| Unlock Math | 6-12 | Spiral |
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| IMACS | 1-6 | Problem-based |
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| Davis Mastery for Math | Age 8+ | Hands-on and personalized |
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| Funexpected Math | Age 3-7 | Interactive digital |
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| Elephant Learning | Age 2-16 | Interactive digital |
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1. RSM
RSM stands out among math enrichment programs for its award-winning K-12 curriculum. Inspired by the Russian Math education approach, the emphasis is on deep mathematical understanding through reasoning, logical thinking and abstract problem-solving. This approach introduces advanced concepts early, focusing on why over how. The challenging curriculum prepares children for advanced mathematical and STEM study and leaves them with a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of math.
Teaching takes place in small classes with an average of 12 students, and each child is placed in one of three levels per grade to ensure that they are appropriately challenged. The classroom environment is key to RSM’s culture of debate and verbalized thinking, where children learn alongside their peers. In addition to the core curriculum, there is a selective competition track designed for gifted learners and those who want to participate in elite math competitions.
Students get homework each week, and there are over 70 locations in the U.S. and Canada to choose from. Alternatively, RSM also offers some of the best math enrichment classes for children online with live, interactive classes and expert tuition.
2. Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)
AoPS offers an online math enrichment program for children in grades five to 12, focusing on advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The curriculum is taught by former math Olympians, preparing students for prestigious competitions and universities. AoPS emphasizes conceptual understanding in a collaborative learning environment.
The teaching model is to present problems first, encouraging problem-solving and independent thinking, before providing formal guidance. Teaching takes place in online classrooms where any student can answer any question and ask questions at any time. The instructor decides which questions to share with the group and which to address privately, giving flexibility in instruction.
There are online forums where learners can help one another and discuss coursework. Saved class transcripts allow students to review sessions outside of class time. The program’s global reach means that kids learn alongside motivated peers worldwide.
3. Firecracker Math
Firecracker Math provides math enrichment classes in person and online, as well as summer and winter camps, private lessons and custom learning pods. In-person locations are primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area. Firecracker’s ethos emphasizes exploration and fostering a love of math, and they aim to develop problem-solving and logical reasoning skills.
The course combines classical mathematics teaching with practical exercises that use chess, brain teasers, logic puzzles and fun elements to demonstrate serious concepts. Children find it engaging and interesting. With small class sizes of no more than 12, every learner’s needs are addressed.
Firecracker also offers test and contest prep courses, including preparation for Math Kangaroo, AMC8 and the SAT Math Subject Test. All instructors have advanced degrees in mathematics and education.
MathCounts
MathCounts is a national math enrichment program that provides engaging education to middle school students in grades six to eight. It aims to build confidence and improve attitudes about math and problem-solving, while encouraging students to pursue STEM fields.
MathCounts runs a noncompetitive National Math Club, in which children explore math in a fun and engaging way. It uses games, explorations, problem sets and monthly challenges to keep kids of all skill levels involved.
They also run a four-level series of competitions (school, chapter, state and national) to challenge students. The competition involves four rounds — Sprint, Target, Team and Countdown, allowing kids to compete in live contests against their peers.
AwesomeMath
Awesome Math provides a three-week intensive virtual summer camp for mathematically gifted middle and high school students. They also offer an online academy with live, instructor-led classes taught once a weekend each semester. The focus is on STEM, with physics and chemistry enrichment classes also available.
With an emphasis on problem-solving and competition math, AwesomeMath aims to foster a collaborative culture where children learn from each other and experienced instructors. This is especially useful for students preparing for math competitions such as AMC, AIME or USAMO.
Renowned lecturers and Olympiad coaches lead teaching, and students report that teaching methods are engaging and effective. The program introduces advanced concepts ahead of the regular school curriculum, so students develop intellectual curiosity and the ability to think creatively with math.
Unlock Math
Unlock Math offers online math enrichment courses for middle and high school children, combining mastery and spiral approaches to ensure that learning sticks. They aim to provide comprehensive support for homeschool, microschool and private school students. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for SAT/ACT exams and includes customizable lessons and constant review.
There are bite-sized lessons and a focus on reducing math anxiety. The initial Foundations program is designed to fill gaps, giving students the foundation needed for pre-algebra and beyond. Courses then proceed through pre-algebra, algebra 1 and 2, geometry, and pre-calculus. Unusually among math enrichment programs, there is also a financial literacy curriculum for high school kids.
Lessons feature extensive visual aids and virtual manipulatives where appropriate and children can repeatedly practice and review concepts until they achieve mastery. Unlock Math is especially suited to students who struggle, have learning disabilities or need to catch up on missed material.
IMACS
IMACS, from the Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science, offers an online math enrichment program geared toward above-average or gifted elementary and middle school students. The logic-based curriculum is challenging for bright minds and features puzzles, mysteries and games.
Weekly online classes are accompanied by interactive worksheets and focus on problem-solving. Classes last between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the level, and there are a maximum of 12 students per class. Students are placed by ability, not by age.
The program was designed by renowned mathematicians to prepare your child for success in middle school, high school and beyond. Additionally, IMACS separately offers a mathematical logic enrichment program for gifted high school students and a computer programming enrichment course for upper elementary and middle school kids.
Davis Mastery for Math
Unique among math enrichment programs, this one-to-one, in-person program is designed for children and teens with difficulties, including dyscalculia, and for those with neurodivergent thinking. It uses a fast-track approach to address the root causes of confusion and build a solid conceptual foundation. The program leverages creative and imaginative strengths to make math memorable and enhance confidence.
Using clay and hands-on learning, children learn to self-regulate and turn off the disorientation that triggers their difficulties with math. The program typically takes around 50 hours or 8 days to complete and is tailored to the individual learner. In-person sessions are preferred, but there are some online options where that is not practical.
The methods used enable children to master concepts that they previously could not and to feel at home with sequencing, logic, numerical and word-based math problems. The company will also train a parent or other adult of your choice to support your child in their learning.
Funexpected Math
Funexpected Math is an AI-powered math enrichment program for children aged 3-7. It offers over 10,000 playful tasks and adapts to each student’s learning pace. The program aims to boost math engagement and scores with just 30 minutes of use per week, using neuroscience principles.
Funexpected is one of the best math enrichment classes for children online. It aims for kids to make 18 months’ worth of progress in just three months. An AI tutor tailors the program to the individual, scaffolding learning and asking guiding questions instead of doing the work for them. Kids have unlimited practice in concepts from numbers and counting to logic, spatial skills, problem-solving and early coding.
The award-winning app provides over 600 lessons and is accessible in multiple languages. Positive reinforcement is used throughout, and the mistake-friendly approach builds confidence. Parents report that children seem engaged and enthusiastic.
10. Elephant Learning
Elephant Learning offers a math enrichment program to help children learn one year of mathematics in three months. It uses gamification and a placement exam to personalize the learning experience. The program focuses on building problem-solving skills and mathematical intuition, teaching math as a language.
The estimated time commitment is 10 minutes per day, three times weekly, with two live coaching sessions monthly. The curriculum covers everything from counting to algebra, making it suitable for students across age groups and skill levels, especially those with math anxiety.
Parents receive comprehensive reports on student progress, identifying areas of strength and areas needing improvement, and resources help support their children.
How to Choose the Best Math Enrichment Classes for Your Child
The best program for your child will depend on their math goals, learning style and personality. However, there are several key factors to consider when looking for the right fit.
| Curriculum and approach | Does the program align with your child’s needs, whether that’s catching up, getting ahead or preparing for competitions?
Will the teaching style be a good match for them? Is the curriculum broad enough and challenging enough? |
| Instructor quality and class environment | Are the instructors well-qualified?
What are the class sizes and levels of individualized support? If learning is collaborative with class discussion and debate, does that suit your child’s personality? |
| Program format and flexibility | Which best suits your family — online programs or in-person classes?
Does the program offer flexible scheduling? How long are the classes, and how often? |
| Assessment and progress tracking | How will your child’s progress be assessed?
Will you receive progress reports? How can you communicate with instructors? |
| Costs and value | How much does the program cost?
Is this a good value regarding curriculum, instructor quality and support? Are there additional fees for materials and resources? |
| Specialization and unique features | Do you need a program that caters to gifted students, neurodivergent learners, math anxiety or very young children?
Does the program offer anything unique, such as innovative teaching methods or advanced topics that others don’t cover? |
When you have considered all of these factors across different programs, choose the best math enrichment classes for your child by:
- Identifying the goal: What are they hoping to achieve through this program?
- Reading reviews: What do parents similar to you have to say?
- Signing up for free trials: If possible, always have your child try out a class or assessment before you commit.
- Talk to other parents: Get recommendations from parents who have also used math enrichment programs.
Unlocking Your Child’s Math Potential
Choosing a math enrichment program is an investment in your child’s future. By giving them the opportunity to explore the subject beyond the classroom, you’re not only boosting their math skills but also their long-term employability. A love of math teaches critical transferable skills such as problem solving, and strong math abilities unlock a vast variety of career options. Unlock your child’s full potential and set them on the path to success.