Maybe your child's teacher mentioned they're "a little behind." Maybe homework time has turned into tears. Or maybe your kid is doing fine and you just want them to love math before it gets hard. You're in good company, and you have more good options than ever.
We make Bobby's Math Club, so we're not neutral, and we've tried to be fair to everyone here. Prices are typical U.S. ranges as of October 2026 and vary by location and plan, so check with each provider.
What each one costs, and what your child does
| Program | Format | Typical cost | Time required | What your child does | What you do |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Bobby's Math Club | At home, any device (plus printable worksheets) | Unlimited practice free | ~5 min/day | Short practice at their level, read aloud, with hints and badges | Read plain-English progress emails |
| Mathnasium | In-person learning center (some online) | ~$200–$400+/mo | ~60 min, 2–3×/week | Works through a personal plan with instructors nearby | Drop-off and pick-up |
| Russian School of Math (RSM) | Weekly classes, in person or online | ~$150–$300/mo (billed by school year) | 1–3 hr class/week + homework | Takes a challenging class focused on problem-solving | Scheduling and homework check-ins |
| Kumon | In-person center + daily worksheets | ~$100–$200/mo per subject | 20–30 min/day + 2 center visits/week | Completes daily worksheets that build speed and accuracy | Keep the daily worksheet routine going |
| Khan Academy | Online, self-paced | Free to use (optional paid AI tutor) | Flexible | Watches video lessons and tries practice exercises | Help choose goals and check in |
1. Bobby's Math Club: a happy five-minute habit for Pre-K–5th
- Format
- At home, on any phone, tablet or computer
- Cost
- Unlimited practice is free
- Time
- About 5 minutes a day
I built Bobby's Math Club, and I use it with my own kids every week. The idea is simple: short, encouraging practice several times a week, at just the right level for your child.
What parents notice:
- Every question is read aloud, so even pre-readers can practice on their own.
- Hints are a tap away, there's no timer, and "I don't know yet" is always an OK answer.
- Mistakes come with a short, kind explanation.
- Badges, level-ups and celebrations give kids a reason to come back tomorrow.
- You get plain-English progress emails on what they practiced and what to focus on next.
- Printable worksheets for screen-free days.
What it does well
- Unlimited practice, free forever
- Only ~5 minutes a day; fits any routine
- Practice at your child's level, with almost no setup
- Gentle for kids who feel anxious about math
- Progress emails you can actually understand
Good to know
- Made for PK-5
- It's practice, not a live tutor teaching a brand-new topic
- Mostly multiple-choice questions
- Not designed for competition math
Best for: families who want steady, stress-free progress; kids who are anxious about math or a little behind; and busy parents who can't add another weekly drive.
2. Mathnasium: in-person help from an instructor
- Format
- In-person learning centers (some offer online)
- Cost
- Roughly $200–$400+/month, often plus an assessment fee
- Time
- Typically ~60-minute sessions, 2–3 times a week
Mathnasium starts with an assessment and builds a personal plan, then kids work through it at the center with instructors on hand to help. It sits between one-on-one tutoring and a class.
What it does well
- A personal plan for each child
- Real instructors who can re-explain in person
- Homework help at many locations
- A friendly center many kids enjoy
Good to know
- About $200–$400+ a month
- Sessions happen at the center, 2–3 times a week
- Centers are independently owned franchises
Best for: kids who benefit from a person explaining things face to face, in families with time for regular center visits.
Want the full picture? Read Mathnasium vs. Bobby's Math Club.
3. Russian School of Math (RSM): a challenge for kids who love math
- Format
- Weekly classes, in person or online
- Cost
- Roughly $150–$300/month, usually billed for the school year
- Time
- A 1–3 hour class each week (depending on grade) plus weekly homework
RSM is known for a rigorous curriculum that builds deep problem-solving and often works ahead of school. Many students thrive and go on to enjoy competitions and advanced classes.
What it does well
- Deep, rich curriculum
- Wonderful for kids who love math
- Builds real problem-solving skill
- Small classes with trained teachers
Good to know
- Usually a school-year commitment
- Weekly homework alongside school
- Often works ahead of school's pace
- A set weekly class time
Best for: kids who already like math and want to go further, and families ready for a weekly class.
Want the full picture? Read the Russian School of Math vs. Bobby's Math Club.
4. Kumon: speed and routine through daily worksheets
- Format
- In-person center visits plus daily worksheets at home
- Cost
- Roughly $100–$200/month per subject, plus a registration fee
- Time
- About 20–30 minutes of worksheets every day, plus two center visits a week
Kumon has helped millions of kids build fast, accurate arithmetic through short daily worksheets that step up a little at a time.
What it does well
- Builds fluency (knowing math facts quickly and accurately) and work habits
- Long track record and clear structure
- On paper, away from screens
- Kids can work ahead of grade level
Good to know
- Daily worksheets at home, with a parent keeping the routine going
- Two center visits a week
- Priced per subject
Best for: kids who like routine and want faster arithmetic, with a parent ready to keep the daily worksheet habit going.
Want the full picture? Read Kumon vs. Bobby's Math Club.
5. Khan Academy: free lessons for every topic
- Format
- Online, self-paced
- Cost
- Free to use (a paid AI tutor add-on is available)
- Time
- Flexible
Khan Academy is a remarkable free resource: video lessons, articles and practice for nearly every math topic from early elementary through calculus, from a nonprofit.
What it does well
- Free, high-quality, and covers everything
- Great videos when your child needs a concept explained
- Good for older kids and for review
- Nonprofit
Good to know
- Self-paced, so kids choose what to do next
- Younger kids often enjoy a grown-up alongside
- Parents usually help set goals
Best for: older or self-motivated kids, and families who want a free way to learn specific topics.
Want the full picture? Read Khan Academy vs. Bobby's Math Club.
Also worth knowing, IXL: a subscription (roughly $10–$20 a month) with a huge library of skills matched to every grade, popular with schools. Kids can answer a limited number of questions a day for free. See the best free math practice programs, ranked, or IXL vs. Bobby's Math Club.
Which fits your child?
| If your child… | Start with |
|---|---|
| Gets anxious or teary about math | Bobby's Math Club: gentle practice where "I don't know yet" is always OK |
| Is a little behind and you're watching the budget | Bobby's Math Club a few minutes at a time, plus Khan Academy videos for specific topics |
| Needs a person to re-teach a topic | Mathnasium or a private tutor |
| Loves math and wants a challenge | Russian School of Math |
| Wants faster arithmetic and likes routine | Kumon |
| Is in a busy family with no time for another drive | Bobby's Math Club: 5 minutes at home, whenever works |
From one parent to another: these aren't either/or. Plenty of families pair a center or class with a few minutes of practice at home.
Questions parents ask
What is the best math program for kids?
The best math program is the one your child will do consistently. For low-stress practice at home, Bobby's Math Club offers free unlimited practice in about 5 minutes a day for Pre-K through 5th grade. For in-person help, Mathnasium is popular; for a challenging class, the Russian School of Math; for daily arithmetic worksheets, Kumon; and for free self-paced lessons, Khan Academy.
How much does math tutoring for kids cost?
In-person math centers in the U.S. typically cost about $100 to $400 or more per month, depending on the program, location and how many sessions a week. Online subscriptions like IXL run roughly $10 to $20 a month. Khan Academy is free to use, and unlimited practice on Bobby's Math Club is free.
How many minutes a day should my child practice math?
For elementary-age children, short practice works well: about 5 to 15 minutes at a time. Consistency matters more than length, so five focused minutes at a time build more confidence than one long session.
Is Kumon or Mathnasium better?
They suit different children. Kumon builds speed and accuracy through daily worksheets at home plus two center visits a week. Mathnasium builds a personal plan and has instructors explain concepts in person, usually in sessions 2 to 3 times a week.
What's the best free math program for kids?
Khan Academy is free to use, and unlimited practice on Bobby's Math Club is free. Khan Academy offers lessons and practice for every grade and works well for self-motivated kids. Bobby's Math Club offers read-aloud practice at each child's level for Pre-K through 5th grade, with progress emails for parents.
How can I help my child who hates math?
Lower the pressure and shorten the sessions. Choose practice at your child's level so they succeed often, celebrate effort over speed, and keep it to a few minutes a day. Letting a child say "I don't know yet" helps rebuild confidence.
At what age should kids start a math program?
Children can start playful math practice as early as Pre-K, around age 4. Early, positive experiences with numbers, shapes and counting build a foundation for later grades, and the U.S. Department of Education's guide to teaching math to young children recommends teaching numbers, counting and shapes from preschool. Bobby's Math Club starts at Pre-K and reads every question aloud for pre-readers.
Do online math programs actually work?
Yes, when children use them consistently and the practice is at the right level. Programs that meet children at their level, explain mistakes kindly and keep parents informed tend to work well for elementary-age children.
Kumon, Mathnasium, Russian School of Math, IXL and Khan Academy are trademarks of their respective owners. Bobby's Math Club is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of them.