It's true AoPS doesn't have make-up classes, but this hasn't been an issue for us, as you have a hard copy of the reading materials, all the homework/exercises are online, and then you also get a copy of class notes from the teacher for that week that you can review. Honestly we haven't had the occasion to use the notes though, DS (4th grade AAP) has been able to stay current with the material on the weeks he has missed this year (2 or 3 so far) by just doing the BA reading materials and online homework.

Both RSM and AoPS are great programs for advanced students (and RSM also ok for kids who are on-grade), I'd recommend picking primarily based on which one resonates with your kid, key thing is that they are enjoying it. Logistical concerns may apply as well, RSM is 5 mins away for us vs. 15 for AoPS, which is why we tried RSM first.

DD likes RSM and has remained there, but DS really didn't, so we swapped him over to AoPS and he totally LOVES it. DD is jealous that DS gets to do his math homework online, but she is 2nd grade and we find it's easier at her level to work through problems with her in the physical RSM book, and she enjoys having that 1:1 coaching time with mom or dad as well.

We do feel that sometimes DS rushes through his AoPS homework online and just tries to get to the answer without fully understanding the process and doesn't read the instructions. So we're working with him on that, sometime have him redo the exercises verbally explaining his though process to us. In that regard, paper homework would maybe be better, but he's so much happier with the class that I'd rather have him voluntarily engaged with the online HW than resistant with paper HW.

Both programs cover core math skills as well as the more creative/flexible problem solving and mathematical thinking areas, but it is just a question of degree: RSM seems to focus more heavily on the former, AoPS puts more emphasis on the latter.

We did not try Aops but are doing RSM since my DD got into AAP. DD placed in the highest level (honor) on her grade when started. Then the following year, moved to next grade level advanced and honor. We are happy with it so far and DD loves to going to the RSM class. If your kid wants to, try it. Aops did not have a level for each class and had no flexibility of taking a make-up class. So we are staying with RSM. Aops is also very good program.

Parent of a child at RSM but we have done AoPS.

My first question is, does your child want to do extra math? We asked our child if he wanted to try AoPS in 3rd grade, he said yes, so we enrolled him. He asked to continue but we moved to RSM because he wanted to be in person and he likes the 5-10 minute commute to the 30-40 minute commute that would have been in -person AoPS. He asks to continue each year and so we continue to enroll him. If he said he was done, we would stop.

AoPS and RSM type programs are close to a 2 hour a week class commitment and up to an hour a week of homework. There are programs for kids who are behind in math or need the foundations shored up. I would hope a kid in LIV or Advanced Math does not fall into either of those categories but I am sure that it happens. If your kid is in that position, the RSM lower level classes might be a good fit but there is also Kumon, Sylvan, and Mathnasium to help them get their feet under them.

AoPS is really meant for kids who are ahead in math and want to work on challenging problems at a quick pace. It is not going to teach math fundamentals, the kids are expected to be above grade level and to be able to pick up concepts quickly.

RSM is leveled so that kids who need help will be in a class that is suited for them and kids who are advanced will be in a class suited for them. It is closer to regular classroom learning and less creative math than AoPS. The exception to the rule is the math competition class, which students have to test into. That is more creative math problems but kids are expected to pick up material very quickly in that class. It is also an additional 2 hour long class with homework.

Does anyone have experience with the local classes? Do your advanced math/Level IV kids like them? Anything to be aware of (eg hours of hw)