Art of Problem Solving
Rigorous math textbooks, live online classes and free practice tools for advanced students in grades 5–12, plus Beast Academy for ages 6–13 and in-person AoPS Academy campuses. Known for contest prep and discovery-based learning.
What is Art of Problem Solving?
Art of Problem Solving, or AoPS, is a math education company for students who love math. Its mission is to train great problem solvers. Its online school has run since 2003, and today AoPS has three divisions:
- AoPS Online: textbooks, live online classes and free tools for grades 5–12.
- Beast Academy: a full elementary curriculum for ages 6–13. See our Beast Academy listing.
- AoPS Academy: small live classes in math, science and language arts for grades 1–12 at physical campuses and a Virtual Campus.
AoPS texts have been used by many winners of MATHCOUNTS and the American Mathematics Competitions.
How it works
AoPS books use a discovery approach. Each section opens with problems for students to try before reading the explanation. Then come exercises and tough challenge problems, with full solutions in a separate manual.
Live online courses mostly meet once a week, with weekly homework. A course like Scholars Math 6: Prealgebra (Part 1) runs 16 weekly 75-minute sessions. Students who prefer to work alone can use the books with free Alcumus practice and videos. Parents mostly encourage; AoPS students usually work independently.
What it covers
| Track | Typical grades | Courses and books |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 5–9 | Prealgebra, Algebra, Counting and Probability, Number Theory, Geometry |
| Intermediate | 8–12 | Intermediate Algebra, Intermediate Counting, Precalculus, Calculus |
| Contest prep | 6–12 | AMC 8 and MATHCOUNTS, AMC 10 and 12, AIME, Olympiad seminars |
| Beyond math | Varies | Python, USACO programming, physics |
Counting, probability and number theory get far more attention than in typical school math.
Who it's best for
AoPS fits strong students who enjoy hard problems, especially those eyeing contests or a fast path through algebra and calculus. It's a top choice in our gifted math programs. Students who want steady, worked-example practice may do better with Math Academy or Khan Academy.
Pricing at a glance
As of October 2026, textbook-and-solutions sets run about $47 to $74. Live courses are priced individually; Scholars Math 6: Prealgebra (Part 1) is $465. Alcumus, Math Jams, the forums and the AoPS Wiki are free.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Textbooks and online courses are common eligible categories, but each program decides. Florida's PEP handbook lists curriculum and instructional materials, for example. Start at our scholarships hub and check Arizona or Florida. Save AoPS to your wishlist and apply once on Edulist.
How it compares
- Beast Academy is the AoPS program for ages 6–13 and leads into AoPS Prealgebra.
- Math Academy is adaptive, fast and practice-heavy, with less contest focus.
- Brilliant is interactive and self-directed, but not structured courses.
- Russian School of Math offers rigorous classes in person and online.
- MATHCOUNTS is the middle school competition many AoPS students train for.
See our best homeschool math curriculum, high school math and enrichment programs.
Who Art of Problem Solving is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Advanced and gifted math students in grades 5–12
- Students preparing for MATHCOUNTS, AMC 8/10/12 or AIME
- Homeschoolers who want a rigorous, accredited math sequence
- Kids who enjoy struggling with hard problems
Look elsewhere if
- Students who need a gentle, spiral-review approach
- Kids who want worked examples before trying problems
- Families wanting a standard grade-level pace
Art of Problem Solving pros and cons
Pros
- Deep, rigorous treatment of math beyond typical curricula
- Strong preparation for competitions
- Excellent free tools: Alcumus, Math Jams, forums, Wiki
- Online school accredited by ACS WASC
- Clear path from Beast Academy through calculus
Cons
- Very challenging; can discourage even strong students
- Live classes are expensive per course
- Less routine practice of mechanics
- Books, classes and Academy are separate purchases that can confuse new families
What’s included
- Introduction, Intermediate and contest textbooks with full solutions manuals
- Live online courses from prealgebra through calculus, contest prep, programming and physics
- Alcumus, a free adaptive practice system for strong students
- Free Math Jams, videos, forums and the AoPS Wiki
- AoPS Academy small-group classes in person and at a Virtual Campus
- Beast Academy elementary curriculum for ages 6–13
How much does Art of Problem Solving cost?
AoPS prices each product separately. As of October 2026, textbook-and-solutions sets on the AoPS store range from about $47 to $74. Live online courses are priced per course; Scholars Math 6: Prealgebra (Part 1) lists at $465 for 16 weekly 75-minute sessions, and other courses range higher or lower. Alcumus, Math Jams, the forums and the AoPS Wiki are free.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcumus (free) | Free | Yearly | Free |
| Scholars Math 6: Prealgebra (Part 1), 16 weeks | $465 | One-time | — |
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
Applications are not open on Edulist. Saving a product does not subscribe you or establish eligibility. Visit your wishlist to opt in for updates.
View wishlistWhat parents say
A summary of public parent feedback we read on forums, app stores and review sites. It is not a set of Edulist family reviews.
Reviewers summarized by HomeschoolTools, including Cathy Duffy, praise AoPS as fantastic for avid math students and strong at building problem-solving skills. Critics on the Well-Trained Mind forums say the emphasis on extreme difficulty can discourage strong students and skimp on practicing mechanics, and some families call the workload grueling.
Common praise
- Exceptional depth and rigor
- Teaches students to persevere through hard problems
- Strong contest preparation
Common complaints
- Too hard for many otherwise strong students
- Not enough practice of basic mechanics
- Time-consuming workload
Art of Problem Solving family reviews
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Art of Problem Solving FAQs
What is AoPS?
AoPS stands for Art of Problem Solving. It makes advanced math textbooks, runs live online classes for grades 5–12, offers free tools like Alcumus, and operates AoPS Academy campuses and Beast Academy for ages 6–13.
How much do AoPS classes cost?
AoPS prices each course separately. As of October 2026, Scholars Math 6: Prealgebra (Part 1) lists at $465 for 16 weekly sessions. Textbook-and-solutions sets cost about $47 to $74.
Is AoPS accredited?
Yes. AoPS says its online school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). Check with your district or umbrella school about how course credit transfers.
Is Alcumus free?
Yes. AoPS describes Alcumus as a 100% free adaptive practice system designed to challenge high-performing math students.
Is AoPS good for average math students?
It can work, but it's built for students who enjoy struggle. AoPS books start with hard problems before explaining, which can overwhelm kids who prefer worked examples. Use the free Are You Ready? tests on each book page before buying.
How do AoPS online classes work?
Most courses meet weekly for live sessions and include weekly homework; AoPS also offers self-paced options. Sections run on set schedules throughout the year, so check the class schedule for start dates.
Can ESA or scholarship funds pay for AoPS?
Often, since textbooks and online courses are common eligible categories. Each program decides, so confirm before enrolling and save AoPS to your Edulist wishlist.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources:
- artofproblemsolving.com · about
- artofproblemsolving.com · store
- artofproblemsolving.com · aops curriculum
- artofproblemsolving.com · catalog
- artofproblemsolving.com · prealgebra pt1
- artofproblemsolving.com · how school works
- artofproblemsolving.com · alcumus
- homeschooltools.net · art of problem solving
- stepupforstudents.org · pep family handbook