Math-Only Learning Center to Open in Bath Beach/Bensonhurst

By Emma Rausch September 18, 2014

Russian School of Mathematics, an after-school math-only learning center, plans to open in Bath Beach/Bensonhurst. The Brooklyn learning center for math focuses on one topic for a few months to ensure the students really understand the math concepts before moving onto the next topic.

children at chalkboard

Russian School of Mathematics focuses on building a math foundation for future learning.

On Oct. 1, Russian School of Mathematics, a classroom-based, teacher-led program dedicated to helping students learn and comprehend mathematics, will open a new location in Brooklyn for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. This location can service students from neighborhoods such as Brighton Beach, Borough Park and Dyker Heights among various other south Brooklyn communities.

RSM provides nontraditional, grade-appropriate programs, which aim to help build a foundation for future learning. “We have different goals for different ages,” says Irina Khavinson, co-founder and chief education officer of RSM. “In mathematics, what you learn today, you have to also know yesterday’s topic.”

“American schools change topic about every two weeks,” Khavinson says. “So they just studied the last topic, and then they’re onto a different one the next day. So if you were to ask them to explain the topic, they could explain quickly, but need time to comprehend.”

RSM programs are systematic and based on mathematical practices taught in the former Soviet Union and are still currently taught in Europe, according Masha Rifkin, marketing specialist for RSM. The program also focuses on providing elementary school students an early introduction to algebra.

“Each new concept is derived from knowledge that students previously mastered,” Rifkin says. “This means that they actually understand new concepts, rather than simply memorizing them, and this method also develops critical thinking skills as well as deep mathematical knowledge.”

“To learn successfully, students need to love mathematics,” Khavinson says. “Developing enjoyment in problem solving is our major goal. We are very proud of our students, of their intellectual curiosity, and deep math knowledge.”

Enrollment registration is available for programs beginning Oct. 1.

The school is located in Elite Academy of Science & Technology in Bath Beach/Bensonhurst.