About
Russian School of Mathematics is an award-winning K–12 after-school math program that offers an after-school math program, math competitions, and a Math Competition Preparation Program. The program uses one continuous curriculum from K–12, with multiple levels for every grade, including three levels per grade, and an average class size of 12. It serves over 80,000 students across North America and includes a selective competitions program.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Founded in October 1997, Russian School of Mathematics began when Inessa Rifkin and Irina Khavinson started teaching classes at Ms. Rifkin’s kitchen table, and RSM remains a family business that does not franchise and only opens a new location once a gifted and experienced teacher becomes available to lead it. The curriculum and methodology are inspired by elite mathematical schools in the former Soviet Union and are adapted for the American educational environment. The program’s mission is: “We use the rigorous study of mathematics as a vehicle to develop our students’ math fluency, intellect, and character, empowering them for life.” In July 2016, the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth named Russian School of Mathematics “one of the top 10 schools” in the world, and as of August 2024, a majority of RSM branches are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. RSM alumni have gone on to attend the best universities in the world.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth has described RSM as “one of the top 10 schools” with students who are “some of the brightest young people in the world.” The Atlantic noted that “students are required to think their way through logic problems that can be resolved only with creative use of the math they’ve learned.” NPR’s Here & Now featured the program under the title “American Students Turning to ‘Russian Math’.” The Boston Globe wrote, “The idea is that students are capable of understanding complex mathematical concepts, making kids stretch their brains.” Parents have shared experiences such as RSM going “beyond maths” in teaching “a rigorous approach to any problems,” and have credited the program with their children being “grades ahead in Math” based on the foundation acquired at RSM. Individual parents have also praised specific teachers for nurturing a love of math, helping children make progress, and creating classes that their children enjoy.
Last updated July 9, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Founded in October 1997, Russian School of Mathematics began when Inessa Rifkin and Irina Khavinson started teaching classes at Ms. Rifkin’s kitchen table, and RSM remains a family business that does not franchise and only opens a new location once a gifted and experienced teacher becomes available to lead it. The curriculum and methodology are inspired by elite mathematical schools in the former Soviet Union and are adapted for the American educational environment. The program’s mission is: “We use the rigorous study of mathematics as a vehicle to develop our students’ math fluency, intellect, and character, empowering them for life.” In July 2016, the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth named Russian School of Mathematics “one of the top 10 schools” in the world, and as of August 2024, a majority of RSM branches are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. RSM alumni have gone on to attend the best universities in the world.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth has described RSM as “one of the top 10 schools” with students who are “some of the brightest young people in the world.” The Atlantic noted that “students are required to think their way through logic problems that can be resolved only with creative use of the math they’ve learned.” NPR’s Here & Now featured the program under the title “American Students Turning to ‘Russian Math’.” The Boston Globe wrote, “The idea is that students are capable of understanding complex mathematical concepts, making kids stretch their brains.” Parents have shared experiences such as RSM going “beyond maths” in teaching “a rigorous approach to any problems,” and have credited the program with their children being “grades ahead in Math” based on the foundation acquired at RSM. Individual parents have also praised specific teachers for nurturing a love of math, helping children make progress, and creating classes that their children enjoy.
Last updated July 9, 2026.
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