Russian School of Mathematics
Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) is an after-school math program for grades K–12 that teaches in small, leveled classes with a continuous curriculum inspired by elite Soviet math schools. Classes run at company-owned locations across North America and live online.
What is Russian School of Math?
Russian School of Mathematics, usually called RSM or Russian Math, is an after-school math program for kindergarten through 12th grade. Inessa Rifkin and Irina Khavinson, who emigrated from the Soviet Union, started it at a kitchen table outside Boston in 1997. Today RSM says it serves more than 80,000 students across North America.
The "Russian" refers to the method. RSM's curriculum is inspired by elite Soviet math schools, where math is treated as a tool for training the mind. Lessons stress logic, reasoning and connections between ideas rather than memorized procedures.
RSM is not a franchise. The company says it opens a location only when an experienced teacher is ready to lead it.
How it works
- Evaluation. Your child takes an evaluation that places them in one of three levels for their grade.
- Weekly classes. Classes average 12 students and meet 1.5 to 4 hours a week, depending on grade. Students explain and debate ideas out loud, which RSM considers central to learning.
- Homework. Each class comes with weekly homework. Plan for it alongside regular school work.
- Optional tracks. Strong students can try out for the competition program. RSM also runs a six-week summer session and test-prep boot camps.
RSM offers tutoring only as a short-term bridge to help a student join a class. It isn't a homework-help service.
What it covers
| Stage | Focus |
|---|---|
| Elementary K–2 | Number sense, early reasoning, logic puzzles |
| Elementary 3–5 | Arithmetic mastery, problem solving, early algebra ideas |
| Middle school | Advanced algebra and geometry, often ahead of school |
| High school | Algebra, geometry and upper-level courses; test prep as a byproduct |
| Competition | Tiered prep for national and international contests |
RSM-Online covers grades 2–10 with the same program in live virtual classes.
Who it's best for
RSM fits students who are on grade level or ahead and enjoy being stretched. It's a long-term commitment that pays off over years. Families aiming at competitions or advanced high school math often choose it alongside or instead of Art of Problem Solving.
Look elsewhere if your child is far behind or needs help with this week's school assignments. A personalized center like Mathnasium or one-on-one tutoring from Thinkster Math may fit better. Browse math for gifted kids and math tutoring.
Pricing at a glance
RSM shares tuition by location and grade instead of posting national prices. As of October 2026, third-party guides put 2026–27 tuition at roughly $165–$445 a month. High schoolers taking two courses pay the most. Ask your branch for its tuition sheet and withdrawal policy.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Sometimes. Arizona ESA and Florida's FES-UA allow tutoring and courses from providers that meet program rules, and each program decides on every purchase. Learn how ESAs work, then save RSM to your wishlist and apply once to the scholarships that fit your family.
How it compares
- Kumon vs Russian School of Math: Kumon is individual worksheet drills; RSM is a teacher-led class with deeper problem solving.
- Mathnasium vs Russian School of Math: Mathnasium personalizes to fill gaps; RSM follows a rigorous curriculum.
- At home: Beast Academy and Math Academy offer challenging self-paced math for less.
See more math enrichment and all of math.
Who Russian School of Mathematics is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Strong or curious math students who want depth and challenge
- Kids aiming at competitions such as AMC 8
- Families who want a long-term program from elementary through high school
- Students who learn well by discussing ideas with peers
Look elsewhere if
- Kids who are significantly behind and need one-on-one remediation
- Families who want help with school homework
- Students who already feel overloaded with homework
- Families who want month-to-month flexibility
Russian School of Mathematics pros and cons
Pros
- Deep, conceptual curriculum with logic and problem solving
- Three levels per grade for better placement
- Small average class size of 12
- Company-owned locations rather than franchises
- Clear path into competition math
Cons
- Prices aren't published; you request them by grade
- Weekly homework load can be significant
- Group class pace, not individualized tutoring
- Online classes only cover grades 2–10
- Locations are concentrated in larger metro areas
What’s included
- One continuous K–12 curriculum, not homework help
- Three levels per grade so kids land in an appropriately challenging class
- Average class size of 12
- Classes meet 1.5 to 4 hours per week depending on grade
- Selective competition-math program
- Live online classes for grades 2–10 through RSM-Online
- Six-week summer program with two classes a week
Russian School of Mathematics levels
New students schedule an evaluation with RSM. The results place a child into one of the levels offered for their grade, from standard through competition track.
Official Russian School of Mathematics placement test ↗How much does Russian School of Mathematics cost?
RSM sets tuition by location, grade and course load, and it shares tuition sheets by request rather than publishing a national price. RSM-Online emails a tuition PDF by grade. As of October 2026, third-party price guides put 2026–27 tuition at roughly $165–$445 a month, or about $1,500–$4,000 for a school year. High schoolers taking both algebra and geometry pay the most. Families report paying monthly, twice a year, or for the full year.
Free trial: No free trial. New students schedule an evaluation that RSM uses to place them in a class level.
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
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Russian School of Mathematics FAQs
How much does Russian School of Math cost?
RSM doesn't post national prices, and tuition depends on location, grade and how many courses your child takes. As of October 2026, third-party guides put 2026–27 tuition at roughly $165–$445 a month, or about $1,500–$4,000 a year. RSM-Online emails a tuition sheet by grade on request.
Why is it called the Russian School of Math?
RSM's approach is based on elite math schools in the former Soviet Union, adapted for the US. Founders Inessa Rifkin and Irina Khavinson started teaching at a kitchen table outside Boston in 1997.
Is RSM for gifted kids only?
No. RSM offers three levels per grade, so students who are on grade level can enroll too. It's designed for long-term enrichment rather than catching up, so kids who are far behind may need a tutor first.
How much homework does RSM give?
RSM assigns weekly homework that supports each class, and many families describe it as substantial. Ask your branch how much time is typical for your child's grade and level.
Is RSM a franchise?
No. RSM says it does not franchise and opens new locations only when an experienced teacher is available to lead one. It serves more than 80,000 students across North America.
Does RSM offer online classes?
Yes. RSM-Online runs live, interactive classes on RSM's own video platform for grades 2–10, mirroring its in-person program. Classes meet 1.5 to 4 hours a week depending on grade.
Can I use an ESA or scholarship for RSM?
Possibly. Some ESA programs allow tutoring and courses from providers that meet their rules, and each program decides. Save RSM to your Edulist wishlist and check scholarships for your state.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: