--- title: "Russian School of Mathematics Alternative: Compare and Choose" description: "Looking at a Russian School of Mathematics alternative? RSM's format, grades, class size and hours from its own site, beside live online math classes, 2026." canonical: https://learn.modernagecoders.com/russian-school-of-mathematics-alternative source: src/pages/russian-school-of-mathematics-alternative.html --- > Looking at a Russian School of Mathematics alternative? RSM's format, grades, class size and hours from its own site, beside live online math classes, 2026. In short The Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) is a K to 12 after-school math program with in-person branches and RSM-Online for grades 2 to 10, an average class size of 12 and three levels per grade, according to its own site. An RSM alternative might be a different live class, an online school or a private tutor. Modern Age Coders teaches math live online in a batch of 15 to 20 or 1-on-1, including Middle School Math Mastery; the first class is free. Live courses to compare ## Three live math courses families weigh against RSM Each is taught live online by a regular teacher. Choose by your child’s stage and interests. [![Middle School Mathematics Mastery course thumbnail](/images/middle-school-maths.webp) RSM / 01 Middle school math Grades 6 to 8: ratios, negatives, pre-algebra and geometry, taught for depth. Open the syllabus →](/courses/comprehensive-middle-school-mathematics-mastery)[![Middle School Math Competitions course thumbnail](/images/middle-school-math-competitions.webp) RSM / 02 Math competitions MATHCOUNTS, AMC 8 and Math Kangaroo problem solving. Open the syllabus →](/courses/middle-school-math-competitions-course)[![Algebra Foundations course thumbnail](/images/algebra-foundations.webp) RSM / 03 Algebra foundations Pre-algebra and Algebra 1 for students ready to move ahead. Open the syllabus →](/courses/algebra-foundations-masterclass) What RSM is ## What is the Russian School of Mathematics? RSM describes itself as a K to 12 after-school math program running for nearly thirty years, with in-person branches and an online school. Its name refers to its teaching tradition. | Point | What RSM says | | --- | --- | | Program | A "K-12 after-school math program", "From Kindergarten To Calculus" | | Approach | "based on elite math schools in the former Soviet Union, adapted to the U.S. environment" | | Curriculum | "one continuous curriculum, from K-12" | | Levels | "multiple levels for every grade as well as a selective competitions program" | | Class size | "Our average class size is 12, and with three levels per grade" | | Online | "RSM-Online is open to students in grades 2 - 10" | | Hours online | Classes "meet anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours per week, depending on the grade level" | | Homework | It "should take approximately half the length of your child’s lesson to complete" | | Starting | A free evaluation to recommend a class | | Summer | The summer program "runs for 6 weeks with 2 classes per week" | ### How RSM grows RSM says its first class was held outside Boston, Massachusetts, and that "We do not franchise", opening a new location only when an experienced teacher is available to lead it. It reports serving over 80,000 students across North America. It also states: "A majority of RSM branches are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges." ### RSM’s view of tutoring RSM is clear that it is a classroom program. Its programs page says: "We offer tutoring only as a short-term solution to prepare our students to join their peers in the classroom." It explains that classrooms let students verbalize and debate ideas. That is a considered position, and worth knowing if you are weighing a group against a private tutor. Sources: [Russian School of Math](https://www.russianschool.com/), its [about page](https://www.russianschool.com/about), [RSM-Online](https://www.russianschool.com/online) and [programs](https://www.russianschool.com/programs), checked 31 October 2026. Russian School of Mathematics and RSM are trademarks of their owner. Modern Age Coders is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected with RSM. We do not quote RSM’s tuition; ask RSM directly. Criteria table ## How do RSM and Modern Age Coders compare, point by point? The facts that usually decide it: format, grades, live or self-paced, class size, hours and location. RSM’s column is from its own site; ours describes how we work. | Criterion | Russian School of Mathematics | Modern Age Coders | | --- | --- | --- | | Format | In-person branches and RSM-Online | Live online only | | Grades or ages | K to 12 at branches; grades 2 to 10 online | Age 6 to adult | | Live or self-paced | Live classes | Live classes | | Class size | Average 12, as published | Batch of 15 to 20, or 1-on-1 | | Levels | Three levels per grade; selective competitions program | Placed by course and a first-class check | | Weekly time | 1.5 to 4 hours a week online, by grade | Set by course and format | | Private tutoring | Short-term only, to join a class | A full 1-on-1 option | | Location | Branches in North America and beyond, plus online | From home, anywhere in the US | | How to start | Free evaluation | Free first class | | Subjects | Math, including a competitions program | Math, plus coding and AI | Two differences deserve plain statement. First, RSM’s published average class of 12 is smaller than our group batch of 15 to 20; if a small group matters most to you, that counts in RSM’s favor, and our 1-on-1 option is the way to get a smaller class with us. Second, RSM’s online school starts at grade 2 and runs to grade 10, while our online classes start at age 6 and continue through high school, so families outside those grades often look further. When each fits ## When is RSM a good fit, and when might an alternative suit better? Neither choice is right for every child. These are the situations we see families describe, with no ranking implied. ### RSM may suit A child who likes a classroom of peers, has a branch nearby or is in grades 2 to 10 for the online school, and whose family wants one long-term program with levels for every grade. ### We may suit A child who needs 1-on-1 teaching, is outside RSM-Online’s grades, wants flexible times, or would like coding beside math from the same school. ### Something else may suit A student who needs a short burst of help for one school unit may be better served by the school’s own support or a specialist tutor, whichever program they belong to. | Question | Why it matters | | --- | --- | | How is my child placed, and can they move level? | A wrong level is the most common reason a good program feels wrong | | How long is each class, and how often? | Hours per week vary widely between programs and grades | | How much homework, and who checks it? | RSM, for example, publishes its own guide: about half the lesson length | | Does the curriculum run ahead of school? | RSM says its curriculum is generally ahead of public school; some children love that, some find it confusing | | What happens if we need to stop? | Ask about notice, pauses and summer | Two ways ## What does solving one problem two ways look like? Most serious math programs, RSM included, talk about deep reasoning rather than drills. Here is what that means in practice, with two problems we wrote, each solved by reasoning first and by algebra second. ### The age puzzle, by reasoning A parent is 4 times as old as their child. In 20 years the parent will be twice as old as the child. How old is the child now? Our worked answer: call the child’s age one unit, so the parent is four units and the gap between them is three units. The gap between two ages never changes. In 20 years the parent is twice the child’s age, so the gap then equals the child’s age then: one unit plus 20 equals three units. So two units are 20, one unit is 10. The child is 10 and the parent is 40. ### The same puzzle, by equation Let the child be c, so the parent is 4c. In 20 years: 4c + 20 = 2(c + 20). Expanding gives 4c + 20 = 2c + 40, so 2c = 20 and c = 10. Check: 40 + 20 = 60 and 10 + 20 = 30, and 60 is twice 30. The reasoning route explains why the answer works; the equation route scales to harder versions. | Route | Working | Answer | | --- | --- | --- | | Reasoning | If all 20 were chickens there would be 40 legs. There are 16 extra legs, and each goat adds 2, so there are 8 goats. | 8 goats, 12 chickens | | Equations | c + g = 20 and 2c + 4g = 56. Double the first: 2c + 2g = 40. Subtract: 2g = 16. | g = 8, c = 12 | | Search | Try every number of goats from 0 to 20 and keep the one that gives 56 legs (code below). | 8 goats, 12 chickens | ***heads_and_legs.py (our example)**Python 3* ``` heads, legs = 20, 56 for goats in range(heads + 1): chickens = heads - goats if 2 * chickens + 4 * goats == legs: print("goats:", goats, "chickens:", chickens) ``` Output: goats: 8 chickens: 12. The loop tries all 21 cases and finds exactly one. Students who see the same answer three ways remember the idea, not just the number. | Problem | Reasoning hint | | --- | --- | | A parent is 3 times as old as a child; in 12 years, twice as old. Ages now? | The gap stays the same (12 and 36) | | 30 animals, chickens and rabbits, 84 legs | Start with all chickens (12 rabbits, 18 chickens) | | Two numbers add to 50 and differ by 14 | Take away the difference, then halve (18 and 32) | | A rectangle’s length is twice its width; perimeter 48 | Six equal widths around (8 by 16) | Choosing ## How should a family decide between RSM and an alternative? A short process that works for any comparison. It takes two or three weeks and gives you real evidence rather than reputation. 1. **Write down what you want from math outside school.** Catching up, going ahead, competitions, or confidence. Each program serves these differently. 2. **Check the practical limits first.** Is there an RSM branch within reach, or is your child within RSM-Online’s grades 2 to 10? Do the class times fit your week? 3. **Take the free start each program offers.** RSM offers a free evaluation; we offer a free first class. Watch how your child talks about each afterwards. 4. **Ask the same questions of both.** Use the checklist above, and write the answers down. 5. **Decide for one term, not forever.** Review after about ten weeks: is your child keen, and is the homework manageable? Families sometimes combine programs, for example a classroom program during the school year and live online competition classes in the summer. That is a perfectly reasonable plan if the child enjoys both and the hours stay sensible. Where your child is ## Four kinds of math learner families describe to us Our description, to help you see which program shape suits your child. | Profile | What it looks like | | --- | --- | | 1. Rebuilding | Behind at school; needs gaps repaired before going ahead | | 2. Steady | On track; wants depth and confidence | | 3. Ahead | Finds school math easy; wants harder problems | | 4. Competing | Wants MATHCOUNTS, AMC or olympiad training | ### For parents Profile 1 often suits 1-on-1 first. Profiles 2 to 4 often enjoy a group of peers. A child can move between profiles in a single year; review the fit each term. ### For students If a problem has two routes, try both. The second one teaches you something the first did not. Being stuck in class is normal. Say so out loud. The catalogue ## Nine live math courses from elementary to olympiad Courses for every stage, all taught live online. I ### Elementary Ages 6 to 10 RSM / E / 01 #### Early math foundations From age 6. [Open the syllabus](/courses/early-math-foundations) RSM / E / 02 #### Elementary math Grades 1 to 5. [Open the syllabus](/courses/elementary-mathematics-complete-masterclass) RSM / E / 03 #### Mental math Number sense. [Open the syllabus](/courses/mental-maths-mastery-kids)II ### Middle school Grades 6 to 8 RSM / M / 01 #### Middle school math Pre-algebra and geometry. [Open the syllabus](/courses/comprehensive-middle-school-mathematics-mastery) RSM / M / 02 #### Math competitions MATHCOUNTS and AMC 8. [Open the syllabus](/courses/middle-school-math-competitions-course) RSM / M / 03 #### Math through coding Python and math. [Open the syllabus](/courses/maths-through-coding)III ### High school Grades 9 to 12 RSM / H / 01 #### Algebra foundations Algebra 1. [Open the syllabus](/courses/algebra-foundations-masterclass) RSM / H / 02 #### High school math To calculus. [Open the syllabus](/courses/complete-high-school-mathematics-mastery) RSM / H / 03 #### Olympiad mathematics AMC 10, 12 and AIME. [Open the syllabus](/courses/olympiad-competition-mathematics-mastery) How lessons run ## How our live math classes are organized Weekdays or weekends, flexible: choose your batch, or for a very personalised plan choose 1-on-1 at your convenience, weekend mornings or weekdays. Weekdays After-school batches across US time zones. Weekends Morning batches and competition practice. 1-on-1 Times agreed with your family. ### Live, always A teacher in every class. ### Same teacher Continuity week to week. ### Reasoning first Two routes to each answer. ### Own problems Practice written by our teachers. ### Math and code Both from one school. ### Size of class Up to twenty in a batch, or 1-on-1. Student work ## Work from our students Some of our math students also build software. See examples on [student labs](/student-labs). ![NutriLife AI nutrition coach project screenshot](/images/projects/nutrilife.webp) AI and ML #### NutriLife An AI nutrition coach that reads what you eat and works you toward a target. by Bhavya · [Open it](https://nutrilife-bhavya.lovable.app) ![Misti AI chatbot for maths and coding screenshot](/images/projects/misti.webp) AI and ML #### Misti A chatbot that answers mathematics and programming questions, built and deployed by a student. by Harshit · [Open it](https://misti.modernagecoders.com) ![GuardianX AI internet safety assistant screenshot](/images/projects/guardianx.webp) AI and ML #### GuardianX An assistant that helps a young person recognise unsafe situations online. by Vivaan · [Open it](https://guardianx-cybersaver.lovable.app) ![SkyCast weather forecast application screenshot](/images/projects/skycast.webp) Web app #### SkyCast A weather forecasting site with live conditions for any location. by Krish Fees ## Fees Our fees are published below and billed monthly in US dollars, so you can compare like for like once you have asked RSM for its tuition by grade. Free first class USD 0 no card required - A free first class - Meet the teacher - No card needed Book it Group batch USD 100 a month, billed in US dollars - Fifteen to twenty students - A regular teacher - Choose your batch - Monthly Start here One to one USD 150 a month, billed in US dollars - One teacher, one student - Paced to your child - Flexible times Enquire What families say ## Rated 4.9 across 547 Google reviews In their own words: parents reviewing us on Google. ★★★★★ "The one step solution for my son. Modern Age Coders make learning coding so simple that kids love it. The teachers explain complex concepts clearly with practical exercises and interactive content." Ria Mukherjee Parent ★★★★★ "Modern Age Coders has been a game-changer for me. I struggled to grasp IT concepts and coding before joining, but their classes transformed everything. I can now confidently write complex programs with ease." Samriddha Mondal Student ★★★★★ "One of the most wonderful education centres out there. Education is not limited to school syllabus but focuses on skill development." Vansh Agarwal Student ★★★★★ "My child Dhairya is really enjoying the Modern Age Coders classes. This is his first online class and he eagerly looks forward to it. I can already see his improvement, and the teachers are very cooperative." Sonam Oswal Parent of Dhairya ★★★★★ "Modern Age Coders have wonderful teachers who teach in a clear, easy and practical way. The teacher boosts students' confidence and inspires them to learn without hesitation." Sonu Goyal Parent ★★★★★ "I highly recommend this computer coding class! The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about coding." Ritu Kedia Parent Questions from families ## RSM alternatives: common questions ### What is a good alternative to the Russian School of Mathematics? It depends on why you are looking. Families often want online classes, 1-on-1 teaching, different hours or grades outside RSM-Online. Modern Age Coders teaches live online in a batch of 15 to 20 or one to one; compare the criteria and try a free class. ### What grades does RSM-Online teach? RSM says RSM-Online is open to students in grades 2 to 10. Its in-person branches describe a K to 12 program. ### How big are RSM classes? RSM states that its average class size is 12, with three levels per grade. Our group batches are 15 to 20, and we also offer 1-on-1. ### How many hours a week is RSM? RSM says its online classes meet anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours per week, depending on the grade level. ### Why is it called the Russian School of Mathematics? RSM says the name comes from its approach, which is based on elite math schools in the former Soviet Union, adapted to the US environment. ### Does RSM offer private tutoring? RSM says it offers tutoring only as a short-term solution to prepare students to join their peers in the classroom. We offer 1-on-1 as a full, ongoing option. ### Is Modern Age Coders better than RSM? We do not claim that. The two are built differently: RSM runs classroom programs with branches and an online school, while we teach live online only, with group and 1-on-1 options and coding alongside math. ### How much does RSM cost? We do not quote other providers' fees. RSM says it emails a PDF of tuition by grade on request. Our own fees are shown on this page. ### When are your classes? Weekdays or weekends, flexible: choose your batch, or for a very personalised plan choose 1-on-1 at your convenience, weekend mornings or weekdays. ### Are you connected with RSM? No. Modern Age Coders is independent and not affiliated with the Russian School of Mathematics. RSM's names are its trademarks. Elsewhere on this site ## Related pages More comparisons and math help for US families. ### [Modern Age Coders vs Mathnasium](/modern-age-coders-vs-mathnasium) Another after-school math option compared. ### [Math competitions for middle school](/math-competitions-for-middle-school-students) The contests advanced students enter. ### [MATHCOUNTS preparation](/mathcounts-preparation) Problem solving for grades 6 to 8. ### [Olympiad and AMC tutoring](/math-olympiad-amc-tutoring) For high school competitors. ### [Eighth grade math tutoring](/online-math-tutor-8th-grade) Linear equations and functions. ### [US competitions calendar](/us-coding-math-and-ai-competitions-calendar) Math, coding and AI contest dates. ## Related pages in this guide Part of the guide: [Homeschool and school math curricula guide](/homeschool-math-curriculum-guide-usa) ### Comparing options - [Khan Academy math vs live tutor](/khan-academy-math-vs-live-tutor) - [Art of Problem Solving alternative](/art-of-problem-solving-alternative) ### Curricula we teach alongside - [Saxon Math tutor](/saxon-math-tutor) - [Beast Academy tutor](/beast-academy-tutor) - [Teaching Textbooks math help](/teaching-textbooks-math-help) - [Math Mammoth tutor](/math-mammoth-tutor) - [Math-U-See tutor](/math-u-see-tutor) - [Eureka Math homework help](/eureka-math-homework-help) - [enVision Math help](/envision-math-help) - [Go Math homework help](/go-math-homework-help) - [Big Ideas Math help](/big-ideas-math-help) ### Homeschool testing and credit - [Stanford 10 math practice](/stanford-10-math-practice) - [Homeschool CS high school credit](/homeschool-computer-science-high-school-credit) More guides: [US state math tests by state](/us-state-math-tests-by-state) · [US gifted and selective school tests](/us-gifted-and-selective-school-tests-guide) · [US math placement and college readiness tests](/us-math-placement-and-college-readiness-tests) · [US math and coding competitions guide](/us-math-and-coding-competitions-guide) Start here ## Book a free first class Tell us your child’s grade, what they are studying and what you hope a math program will do. The first class is a real lesson with the teacher who would teach them. Read [how we teach](/how-we-teach), or compare [all our courses](/courses). [WhatsApp us](https://wa.me/919123366161?text=Hello%20Modern%20Age%20Coders%2C%20we%20are%20comparing%20math%20programs%20for%20our%20child%20in%20the%20US.%20Could%20we%20book%20a%20free%20first%20class%3F) · [+91 91233 66161](tel:+919123366161) · [connect@modernagecoders.com](mailto:connect@modernagecoders.com) Modern Age Coders is an online school whose teachers work from India and teach US students live in their own time zone. A WhatsApp message is the fastest way to arrange a class. ### Want a class sooner? Book a priority demo A priority demo is a full class of about 45 to 60 minutes. After the class the mentor sends a written skill report and a personal learning roadmap on WhatsApp. If you enrol, the demo fee is adjusted against your first month's fee. Share your demo Order ID with us on WhatsApp and we take it off. [Book a priority demo](/book-demo) ## Keep exploring Modern Age Coders ### More comparisons - [Maths Tutor vs Tutoring Centre in Australia: How to Choose](/tutor-vs-tutoring-centre-maths-australia) - [Private Math Tutor vs Online Tutoring: 2026 Decision Guide](/private-math-tutor-vs-online-tutoring) - [Tynker Alternative 2026: A Live Teacher, Not an App Alone](/tynker-alternative) - [Affordable Coding Classes in India: Plans](/pricing) - [Vedantu Alternative for 2026: Live Coding and Maths Classes](/vedantu-alternative) - [Online vs In-Person Coding Classes in Australia Compared](/online-vs-in-person-coding-classes-australia) - [Create & Learn Alternative: Small Groups, Levels, Trials](/create-and-learn-alternative) - [Coding Classes Cost in India 2026: Honest Price Guide](/coding-classes-cost-india-2026) - [Vibe Coding vs Building AI in the Netherlands](/vibe-coding-vs-building-ai-netherlands) ### Learn more - [Homeschool Coding and Math in BC: School Act Guide](/homeschool-coding-and-math-bc) - [SHSAT Math Prep and Tutoring: the 2026 Adaptive Test](/shsat-math-prep) - [Math Kangaroo Canada 2027: Format, Grades and Practice](/math-kangaroo-canada-preparation) - [Noetic Math Contest Practice Problems and Prep, Grades 2 to 8](/noetic-math-contest-preparation) ### From the blog - [Maths Learning Guides](/blog/topic/maths) - [Best WhiteHat Jr Alternative in 2026](/blog/whitehat-jr-alternative) - [Best Byju's Alternative for Kids and Teens in India (2026)](/blog/best-byjus-alternative) - [Custom Software vs Ready-Made Software: What Is Right for Your Business?](/blog/custom-software-vs-ready-made-software) ### Start here - [Real projects built by Modern Age Coders students](/student-labs) - [Browse every live course at Modern Age Coders](/courses) Free class[Priority demo](/book-demo)[Call us](tel:+919123366161) --- *Canonical: https://learn.modernagecoders.com/russian-school-of-mathematics-alternative*