WBUR Boston: Why Thousands Of American Parents Are Sending Their Kids To ‘Russian Math’

The Studio of Engaging Math in Boston helps children figure out mathematical principles for themselves rather than spoon-feeding them. Curriculum at the school is based on Russian teaching traditions that emphasize reasoning and deeper understanding early on, not just memorization and practice drills. “The child should be brought to abstract level as soon as possible, meaning early introduction of algebra and geometry, not only arithmetic,” says the school founder, Inessa Rifkin.