RSM or AoPS -- which one?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would say AoPS because my kids have gone to RSM and currently take AoPS and the reason why, is because RSM teaches you about basic math you-need-to-know things in contrast to AoPS, which stretches things apart and go into very deep explanations. My kids complained how the RSM portal was always acting weirdly, but know the AoPS homework is set up differently. You can do alcumus, which is just math practice to make your grades go higher, and the homework is challenging and the solutions are well explained.

were your kids in the competition RSM classes? Those are the most rigorous

[Anonymous]

Parent of elementary schooler here, grappling with the same question. My kids have done both and are too young to tell the difference between the two. Besides the differentiation in levels that RSM does, how do their math tracks/offerings compare in middle and high school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My oldest went to RSM at two different locations starting when DC was halfway through 1st grade. Got placed in highest level and continued until end of 5th grade. We weren't sure what DC was learning as always got ridiculous report card grades and there's no text book. Homework was done online but if you didn't get it correct couldn't complete.

Some of the written problems were not well written so wasn't always able to assist in figuring out the problems. Thankfully DH was a math major so could figure out what the ask was by seeing the answer. Also, DH noticed that 5th grade math teacher was hard to understand and had a very dry personality so we could see how that might be harder for DC to stay engaged during the final year at RSM. It can be highly dependent on the teacher your child gets.

Younger child started AOPS in 2nd grade, and I would help with the computer stuff initially, like accessing the HW and videos. DC now can do it all w/o my assistance. I like there are online HW assignments along with videos and written explanations. There's also a text book and extra HW problems. Each child has a variety of ways to learn the material. Finally, they get feedback through regular quarterly unit tests.

Oldest child switched over to AOPS when got to MS math and RSM recommended doing 2 hrs of algebra and 1 hr of geometry a week. While DC is capable of doing accelerated math, could see all this math was too much. Child is happier now in AOPS doing 2 hr class.

The 1 hour of Geometry is not necessary. It is suggested because the school thinks that most kids in the US do not go deep enough into Geometry and that the lack of depth hurts kids in more advanced math. There is a regular Geometry class that is on grade level for kids who are taking Geometry at school and have not taken the earlier RSM Geometry offerings.

DS does 4 hours of math through RSM. He is doing the grade level class and the math competition class. He dropped the Geometry this year in favor of the math competition, he thought 5 hours was a bit too much.

Both AoPS and RSM are solid programs. RSM has more flexibility based on kids math level. AoPS fits a smaller subset of the population but is great for the kids it works for. DS has started to use the mathcounts program that AoPS has and is thinking about the summer math competition course through AoPS. The only concern we have is that we are going to be on vacation for parts of it and is it worth the cost if he misses 1/3 of the class.

would you not have internet?

Vacation is vacation. We are not planning outings around math class. He loves math but not that much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parent of elementary schooler here, grappling with the same question. My kids have done both and are too young to tell the difference between the two. Besides the differentiation in levels that RSM does, how do their math tracks/offerings compare in middle and high school?

DS is thinking of dropping the regular class and just doing the competition math class. They moved him up a year in 4th and 5th but not into Algebra this year and he has been bored stiff. The math competition class is great, he loves that.

[Anonymous]

i tink a ops bettrer

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:i tink a ops bettrer

For math, not language arts

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

pettifogger wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
What prompted the switch to RSM? We are currently with RSM and contemplating AoPS, so curious to know why? Is it because AoPS wouldn't allow your child to switch to a higher grade learning?

DP, but from what I can tell, a main difference between AoPS and RSM is how they handle the very advanced students. In AoPS, the kid tests into and takes class with a higher grade level. This can be a bit socially awkward, though, since the kid won't have a peer group of similar aged kids. A 3rd grader in 5th grade math will for the most part be in a class filled with 5th graders. RSM seems to have "advanced" grade level classes. So that same kid who would skip ahead two grades at AoPS could take the "advanced" class for their grade or one grade level up and be with other very smart kids around the same age.

So, it depends on how well your kid can function with kids who are much older, and how important the socialization aspect is for your kid.

I have not noticed any differences in kids on a social level at AoPS. While classes are primarily formed by ability level, most kids are +\- 1 grade within a target grade level of the subject. In any case classes cover a lot of content and there is limited time for socialization during class. The cases I’ve seen where kids do not seem socially engaged are mainly related to their interest level (I.e they cannot contribute much to discussions because they are behind and/or not grasping the material). There are also a few cases where kids are shy and prefer to work by themselves.

At the risk of "outing" myself, my kid is one of the ones +3 grades advanced at AoPS. We haven't experienced any social problems, but my kid certainly isn't set up to make friends there with other kids who love math. The age difference is just too large. I agree with the bolded bit, and that's kind of the point. AoPS will be great at teaching math, but it's not going to be a social outlet for your kid. RSM might be a better choice for kids who want that social outlet.

OP here, I'm not really looking for a social connection at either place--don't think it makes sense for kids who are in elementary school and have their own friend circle. The reason I'm contemplating a change is because of the teaching aspect of RSM--I'm not sure that there really is math being taught during the class time. Seems like they are given a worksheet and the teacher reviews how to answer the worksheet. So, it makes me wonder what is actually being taught. I'm hoping that AoPS isn't run the same way. For the folks who have their kids in AoPS--can you describe how math classroom teaching works?

OP, so have you switched from RSM to AOPS and how does your child like it in comparison to RSM? I have this same concern about math being "taught" in these enrichment classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

pettifogger wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
What prompted the switch to RSM? We are currently with RSM and contemplating AoPS, so curious to know why? Is it because AoPS wouldn't allow your child to switch to a higher grade learning?

DP, but from what I can tell, a main difference between AoPS and RSM is how they handle the very advanced students. In AoPS, the kid tests into and takes class with a higher grade level. This can be a bit socially awkward, though, since the kid won't have a peer group of similar aged kids. A 3rd grader in 5th grade math will for the most part be in a class filled with 5th graders. RSM seems to have "advanced" grade level classes. So that same kid who would skip ahead two grades at AoPS could take the "advanced" class for their grade or one grade level up and be with other very smart kids around the same age.

So, it depends on how well your kid can function with kids who are much older, and how important the socialization aspect is for your kid.

I have not noticed any differences in kids on a social level at AoPS. While classes are primarily formed by ability level, most kids are +\- 1 grade within a target grade level of the subject. In any case classes cover a lot of content and there is limited time for socialization during class. The cases I’ve seen where kids do not seem socially engaged are mainly related to their interest level (I.e they cannot contribute much to discussions because they are behind and/or not grasping the material). There are also a few cases where kids are shy and prefer to work by themselves.

At the risk of "outing" myself, my kid is one of the ones +3 grades advanced at AoPS. We haven't experienced any social problems, but my kid certainly isn't set up to make friends there with other kids who love math. The age difference is just too large. I agree with the bolded bit, and that's kind of the point. AoPS will be great at teaching math, but it's not going to be a social outlet for your kid. RSM might be a better choice for kids who want that social outlet.

OP here, I'm not really looking for a social connection at either place--don't think it makes sense for kids who are in elementary school and have their own friend circle. The reason I'm contemplating a change is because of the teaching aspect of RSM--I'm not sure that there really is math being taught during the class time. Seems like they are given a worksheet and the teacher reviews how to answer the worksheet. So, it makes me wonder what is actually being taught. I'm hoping that AoPS isn't run the same way. For the folks who have their kids in AoPS--can you describe how math classroom teaching works?

OP, so have you switched from RSM to AOPS and how does your child like it in comparison to RSM? I have this same concern about math being "taught" in these enrichment classes.

His AoPS starts online next week. He is still enrolled in RSM Math Competition class for next year. He dropped the grade/content specific class.

[Anonymous]

Just to get a leg-up without paying out of the wazoo, which one is better?

[Anonymous]

Kumon

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just to get a leg-up without paying out of the wazoo, which one is better?

Mathnasium or RSM

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just to get a leg-up without paying out of the wazoo, which one is better?

None, you should do it because your child is interested and not to get a leg up in math.

If your child is interested, It depends on what type of program fits your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would say AoPS because my kids have gone to RSM and currently take AoPS and the reason why, is because RSM teaches you about basic math you-need-to-know things in contrast to AoPS, which stretches things apart and go into very deep explanations. My kids complained how the RSM portal was always acting weirdly, but know the AoPS homework is set up differently. You can do alcumus, which is just math practice to make your grades go higher, and the homework is challenging and the solutions are well explained.

Could I please know which grade level are your kids at?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just to get a leg-up without paying out of the wazoo, which one is better?

None, you should do it because your child is interested and not to get a leg up in math.

If your child is interested, It depends on what type of program fits your child.

Least helpful post evah.
Might as well say "you're not parenting correctly, but to answer your question... it depends"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For parents who have their children in either of the programs, what do you like about the program? My DD is in RSM, but wondering if AoPS would be better.

Please refrain from turning this into a diatribe about how coaching and prepping is unnecessary--you know nothing about why we're doing it so don't bother with the negativity--and stick to the original question being asked, otherwise I will ask JSteele to remove your comment. Thanks for playing by the forum rules!

I would do RSM for younger kids and AoPS for older kids.
Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) is created by mathemeticians. Russian School Math (RSM) is created by education experts.
Most top middle and high school mathematicians are doing AoPS.