The Russian School of Math (RSM) is known for deep, rigorous math that often moves well ahead of school. For a child who loves a challenge, it can be wonderful.
Here's how it compares with a short, five-minute habit, so you can decide what fits your child right now.
A quick note: we make Bobby's Math Club, and we've done our best to be fair. Prices are typical U.S. ranges as of October 2026 and vary by grade and location, so check with RSM for exact tuition.
How they compare, at a glance
| Feature | Russian School of Math | ⭐ Bobby's Math Club |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 What you'll pay | ~$150–$300/mo, usually billed for the school year | Free: unlimited practice |
| ⏱️ Time it takes | A 1–3 hour class each week, plus homework | About 5 minutes a day, at home |
| 📚 What your child does | Small classes with a teacher, focused on reasoning and problem-solving, plus weekly homework | Short practice at just the right level, with every question read aloud, hints a tap away and a kind explanation after mistakes |
| 👪 What it asks of you | A fixed weekly class time, and often some homework help | A few minutes a day; plain-English progress emails come to you |
| 😊 What keeps kids going | Challenging problems and classmates who love math too | Badges, level-ups and celebrations, with no timer |
| 🎯 Grades | Pre-K/K through high school | PK-5 |
Where the Russian School of Math shines
RSM teaches in small classes with a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes reasoning and problem-solving, often well ahead of school. Many students go on to do very well in advanced classes and math competitions.
What it does well
- Deep, rigorous, conceptual curriculum
- Great for strong or math-loving kids
- Builds genuine problem-solving skills
- Trained teachers and small classes
Good to know
- Billed for the school year
- Weekly homework between classes
- Moves at an accelerated pace
- A fixed weekly class time
What your child gets with Bobby's Math Club
I built Bobby's Math Club, and I use it with my own kids every week. It's the regular habit that comes before acceleration: short, successful practice that helps kids believe they can do math.
What it does well
- About 5 minutes a day, at home, at just the right level for your child
- Every question read aloud, with hints a tap away
- No timer, and "I don't know yet" is always an OK answer
- Badges and celebrations, plus plain-English progress emails for you
- Unlimited practice, free forever
Good to know
- It's short practice, not a tutor or a full course
- Made for PK-5
- Practice happens on a phone, tablet or computer, with printable worksheets too
Which fits your family?
- "My child loves math and wants more challenge." → RSM.
- "My child is anxious or a little behind." → Bobby's Math Club first; revisit enrichment once confidence is up.
- "Our week is already full." → Bobby's Math Club, five minutes at home.
- "We're watching the budget." → Bobby's Math Club: unlimited practice is free.
You don't have to choose just one. Some RSM families use Bobby's Math Club for a few minutes of foundational practice a day alongside the weekly class.
Questions parents ask
Is the Russian School of Math worth it?
RSM can be a wonderful fit for children who already enjoy math and want more challenge, in families ready for a weekly class, homework and a school-year commitment. For anxious or struggling children, a short practice habit, about five minutes at a time, may be a better first step.
How much does the Russian School of Math cost?
RSM is usually billed for the school year, which works out to roughly $150 to $300 a month depending on grade, location and class length.
Does RSM give homework?
Yes. RSM typically assigns homework between weekly classes, and the amount varies by level.
Is RSM a good fit for kids who struggle with math?
RSM is accelerated enrichment, so it suits children who are ready for extra challenge. If your child is anxious or behind, building confidence with short, successful practice first often helps.
What is an alternative to the Russian School of Math?
Bobby's Math Club is a free alternative for Pre-K through 5th grade: about five minutes of practice a day at home, at just the right level, with every question read aloud.
Can my child do RSM and Bobby's Math Club?
Yes. A few minutes of practice a day at home can reinforce the foundations alongside RSM's weekly class.
Russian School of Math is a trademark of its owner. Bobby's Math Club is not affiliated with or endorsed by it.