AOPS - why didn't it work for you?

[Anonymous]

I feel like there's a AOPS staff person who writes (and plugs) on this forum a lot. That's fine, it's an open forum. But the classes are expensive and I know some people have dropped it because it hasn't worked for their child. I guess that's the group I'd like to hear from. Why didn't it work for your child? Better to know ahead of time, before plunking down a large sum and find out it didn't work for one reason or another. Thanks for your input.

[Anonymous]

It requires a deeper understanding of math than what’s asked for in school. They teach the how and they why. Then you have to apply the how and they why to problems that you haven’t seen before and don’t have a template for solving.

My kid started with Beast 3 and has completed Algebra 1. I can’t do 50% of the problems. He can show me how he can dissect shapes and put them back together to solve a problem. That Algebra isn’t just solving for x.

There were times when he would get frustrated and he just needed to move beyond the concept but then if he came back to it in a few weeks suddenly he understood it.

My daughter didn’t start with Beast and she had a very hard time with AoPS algebra. It was so far above anything she had seen in school. My son found it easier because he had the foundation that she didn’t. My daughter got through it but she had to ask her brother for help.

[Anonymous]

Maybe you should ask this in a more general forum? You might get people from Fairfax Co who can give you better feedback! There is an AoPS in NoVa also.

Personally, we LOVE Beast Academy and AoPS. It has been a lifesaver for my math-loving kid. But I do think it helps if your kid enjoys Math or has a knack for Math.

It moves quickly and is challenging and would not be a good fit if your kid dislikes Math.

[Anonymous]

We can’t afford the classes so we buy the textbooks and my kids work through as much as they have time for after school and in the summer at their own pace. This had helped them learn to teach themselves from the textbook, which is a good life skill, even if they can’t get through a whole book in one year (there are a lot of problems in each text!). I recommend their materials if you can’t afford the classes themselves.

[Anonymous]

I understand that Russian School of Mathmatics has different levels for each grade, AoPS does not have anything like that. They do conduct an evaluation for kids new to the program to make sure that they are placed in the proper level. I have seen kids asked to stay after the class ended to review concepts.

I get the feeling that AoPS is best for kids who are ahead in math and can grasp concepts quickly.

[Anonymous]

One of my kids went through AOps from grade 4 through Algebra 1 the other kid could not cut it. AOPS is for kathy kids who love math and crave more. It’s is not enrichment or tutoring. It’s ind with review of concepts. By the time Algebra 1 rolled around, MCPS Algebra 1 very easy compared to AOPS. My other kid does RSM third grade lower level because he actually needs help not enrichment. If you go with AOPs in gaithersburg try to get into Dr Ginsberg’s class. He is the best.

[Anonymous]

My 99th percentile magnet kid found the work way over his head. He said he learned nothing. I think it’s really only for math geniuses.

[Anonymous]

That's what I'm worried about for my 99th percentile non-magnet kid.

[Anonymous]

I am the 19:33 PP. AOPs is not for magnet school geniuses. It is accessible and doable for kids who like math. Yea it’s advanced and in depth but if your kid likes math and can do AOPS even at 50% they will be fine.

[Anonymous]

My kid was all "Why are you making me do this over the summer?" and resisted the entire time!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid was all "Why are you making me do this over the summer?" and resisted the entire time!

Lol. Probably AoPS is not for your kid then!

My kid loves it and looks forward to it. And to doing the Alcumus problems. It’s an impressive group of kids and she gets SO much more out of it than anything MCPS has offered.

And she flies through the MCPS Math classes, as a result.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand that Russian School of Mathmatics has different levels for each grade, AoPS does not have anything like that. They do conduct an evaluation for kids new to the program to make sure that they are placed in the proper level. I have seen kids asked to stay after the class ended to review concepts.

I get the feeling that AoPS is best for kids who are ahead in math and can grasp concepts quickly.

I’m 18:31 and I agree with this.

If your kid is having trouble with Algebra 1 in MCPS, I wouldn’t jump into AoPS. Try another option.

[Anonymous]

I have 3 kids. The oldest loves math and AOPS. The middle child does fine in math at school, but in no way could handle that level of challenge. The youngest does Beast Academy sometimes, but will probably not move on to AOPS.

For kids that love math and can handle and enjoy the rigor, it's amazing.

[Anonymous]

It was a waste. DD needed basic instruction that was missed during MCPS virtual instruction but AOPS is more supplementary and includes puzzles and things like that. DD is a 99th percentile kid but the virtual format was awful for her and they skipped so much.
AOPS was a waste of money and time. Wish we could get that time back.

[Anonymous]

You can enroll in AoPS for a quarter at a time. We did it during the school year and are not doing it during the summer. DS is completing 3rd grade. He enjoyed it and it challenged him but he loves math. He plays math games with his Dad and enjoys developing his own math problems in different bases. The program is not going to teach the basics of math in a traditional manner but shows a lot of different “tricks” for solving problems and different approaches to math problems. It is called the Art of Problem Solving for a reason. DS is too young to have gotten involved in the competitions and stuff yet but they sound interesting.

I can see where it would not be for everyone but my kid has been enjoying it.

It sounds like Russian School of Math, I think that is the name, is more geared towards kids who need to work on fundamentals and practice. It has several levels for each grade so kids can work at a pace that works for them. We have not tried them but I have read posts from people who have used them and like them.