MathAltitude Helps Children Understand Mathematical Concepts & Ease the Transition to the Common Core Math Standards

Northborough public school students are learning math quite differently than their parents did as a result of the controversial Common Core State Standards Initiative adopted here in 2010. While adults may feel lost when it comes to helping their children with math homework, many youngsters also are struggling with learning the core’s new problem-solving strategies.

This development has not gone unnoticed by Olga Serebrennikov, Principal of MathAltitude School of Mathematics in Worcester. She has seen a significant increase in student enrollment at her five-year-old, after-school and weekend math enrichment program.

“The transition to the Common Core math curriculum is much easier for younger students than it is for third and fourth graders who already adopted the ‘old’ way of doing math and cannot switch to a new program essentially overnight,” Serebrennikov said. ‘We have seen an influx of older elementary school students to our program because the schools switch to these new curricula without a gradual transition. What’s interesting here is that classmates of these struggling students, already enrolled in our school, did not even notice the changeover.”

Parents of seventh and eighth-grade students also seek out MathAltitude to help navigate the demanding middle-school math curriculum to ensure their children’s understanding of more advanced math concepts, she adds.

MathAltitude proactively helps frustrated students and parents deal with the limitations of mathematical education in the U.S. “We studied various programs offered throughout Worcester County and developed a solution designed to augment existing math curricula in local public and private schools and to provide additional ways for parents to enrich their children’s math education,” Serebrennikov said.

The MathAltitude courses are based on the most effective European teaching methodologies that allow learning mathematics in a systematic, structured and logical way. The school’s mission is to encourage students to develop logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and independent learning.

The school offers comprehensive mathematical education for kindergarten to high-school students at 35 Harvard Street in Worcester, Mass. Registration is currently open for the 2015-2016 school year, which begins September 2.

Classes have no more than eight students—designed for children to enhance their math skills, excel in their regular math classes, and prepare for the standardized tests required for college admission. Private one-on-one math tutoring also is available.

“Our classroom setting and group-lesson structure create an environment that encourages constructive dialog and discussion among teachers, students and their peers to challenge the children’s intellectual curiosity, but not overwhelm them,” she explains. “This innovative method inspires a lively exchange of ideas for solving difficult problems and friendly competition among students of a similar age and ability.”

MathAltitude also offers free preparatory workshops for its students competing in various mathematical contests throughout the year. For more information about MathAltitude 2015-2016 classes and to schedule a free placement test, visit www.mathaltitude.com, call 860-375-3276 or email info@mathaltitude.com.