Math Resources Guide

Overview 

In today’s world, math is power.  

Math is a gatekeeper.  Students who are skilled in math have their choice of meaningful, sophisticated, and high-paying career paths.

Savvy parents understand the importance of math.  They know that Virginia schools are the cornerstone of their child’s math education, and advocate for their child to be placed in advanced math classes at the earliest opportunity.  They also recognize that supplementing school math classes with outside resources and classes is essential to accelerating their child’s development.

The Virginia Math Foundation is a collaboration between professional math educators and parents.  We study local and national trends in math education to keep the community of Virginia parents informed.

This guide is for you.  We're building the most comprehensive list of resources available, so you can make sure your child gets the best possible math education.

If you have any suggestions for resources you'd like to see included on this list, please let us know: contact@virginia-math.org

Official Resources

• Virginia Department of Education, 2023 Mathematics Standards of Learning -- This page contains a list of the math standards (skills) that students should work on and master at each grade level.  Parents can reference this information to understand how a particular unit or lesson in their child’s school fits into the larger picture.

• Fairfax County Public Schools maintains a pacing guide for each math course, as well as a list of community resources that can be used at home.  Parents should ensure they always know what math course their students are taking, and if unsure, reach out to their child’s school to ask.

  • Elementary: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6

  • Middle: Grade 7, Pre-Algebra/Grade 8

  • High: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II

Free Resources for Use at Home

• Khan Academy Math -- Choose a topic to work on, watch a short set of instructional videos, and work through a set of practice exercises.  Students practice at their own pace, first filling in gaps in their understanding and then accelerating their learning.  Our mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.

• Coming Soon -- websites and videos to explore

• Coming Soon -- AI assistants to consider

Paid Resources for Use at Home

• Singapore Math

• IXL

• Spectrum

• Kumon

• Beast Academy

• Math Mammoth

• Saxon

Summer Math Enrichment Classes

• Fairfax Collegiate Summer Program -- Since 1993, Fairfax Collegiate has provided challenging and engaging courses in math, writing, STEM, and creative arts.  Small classes are available both in-person at locations throughout Northern Virginia, and online via Zoom.  Courses are built around creative activities that are entertaining as well as informative.  ($550 to $865 per 2 weeks, 18 to 35 hours/week)

• Russian School of Mathematics -- Students in grades K-12 can choose from a variety of math courses including those that will reinforce their knowledge and prepare them for the upcoming school year or math competition courses that will provide them with additional challenge.  ($696 to $828 per 4 weeks, 6 hours/week)

• Art of Problem Solving -- Since 1993, Art of Problem Solving has prepared hundreds of thousands of motivated students in grades 2–12 for college and career success. Through our innovative approach, students build a problem-solving foundation, an unparalleled skill set that helps them overcome obstacles in school and in life.  ($815 per 2 weeks, 15 hours/week)

Year-Round Math Enrichment Classes

• Virginia School of Math -- The Virginia School of Math organizes students into math circles, which are groups of two to six students who meet weekly with their circle leader.  Meetings are one hour and forty-five minutes long and have three segments: deliberate practice, math preview, and group challenge.  ($240 per 4 weeks, 1.75 hours/week)

• Russian School of Mathematics -- Designed as a long-term program with multiple levels for every grade, the Russian School of Mathematics’ approach develops each student to their utmost ability.  ($258 to $424 per month, 2 to 4 hours/week)

• Art of Problem Solving -- Since 1993, Art of Problem Solving has prepared hundreds of thousands of motivated students in grades 2–12 for college and career success. Through our innovative approach, students build a problem-solving foundation, an unparalleled skill set that helps them overcome obstacles in school and in life.  ($625 per 12 weeks + fees, 1.75 hours/week)

• Mathnasium -- Customized math tutoring plans that build confidence and lead to true understanding.  Our learning method was formulated to help your child build confidence in math, master math concepts, develop a love of learning, excel in school, and achieve their potential.  ($250 to $400 per month, 2 to 3 hours/week)