Mathematics Enrichment (Grades 1-6)

The IMACS Math Enrichment program is perfect for above-average to gifted elementary school and middle school students. Whether your child excels at math and is ready for greater challenges, has lost their excitement for math, or seems indifferent to math, IMACS math enrichment can help them reach their full potential.  Our program introduces students to advanced mathematical concepts in interesting and engaging ways. Our students learn sophisticated math skills, prepare for middle and high school, and most importantly have fun!

The IMACS mathematics enrichment program is a multi-level program for above-average to talented children in grades 1-6. Students are placed by ability and must, therefore, complete the placement process prior to registration. The goal of this process is to learn how to best serve your child with an appropriate level of challenge.

Everything you need to know about the placement process and the placement class can be found below.

Step 1: Register for and complete the Pre-Placement Preparation

• How do I register for the Pre-Placement Prep? Click on one of the red “Free Class” buttons at either the top or bottom of your screen or visit imacs.org/start.
• What is the purpose of pre-placement preparation? To introduce students to the main components of the IMACS math enrichment curriculum and to give us a preliminary indication of your child’s intuitive mathematical abilities.
• How long does pre-placement prep take and what does it consist of? It takes about 20-30 minutes and consists of three videos, each followed by a number of fun puzzles.
• What should I do to prepare my child for this? Nothing!
• Can I help my child during the pre-placement prep activities? We strongly recommend that you allow your child to solve the puzzles unaided, since this gives the IMACS instructor better insight into the intuitive abilities of your child. However, feel free to observe while your child works through these activities! You may find the videos interesting since they demonstrate some of the techniques and concepts that are covered in our math enrichment classes. In addition, the extent to which your child is engaged by the puzzles will provide you with insight into whether an IMACS math enrichment class may be right for your child.
• Must pre-placement prep be done in a single sitting? Yes; we strongly recommend students work through these 20-30 minutes of activities in a single setting.
• Does my child have to solve all the puzzles? Your child should attempt every puzzle, but it’s okay if they can’t find a solution for all of them.
• What type of device and browser are recommended? We recommend using Chrome or Firefox on a desktop or laptop with a mouse. If using an iPad, place it in landscape mode for the best results.

Step 2: Register for and attend an IMACS Placement Class via Zoom

•  What is the purpose of the placement class? When combined with information from the pre-placement preparation, it allows the IMACS instructor to recommend the appropriate math enrichment level for your child.
• When can I schedule the placement class? When are they held? Once your child completes the pre-placement prep, you will receive an email with a link to schedule your free placement class. Placement classes are available at various times throughout the week to accommodate parent schedules.
• How long does the placement class take? About 45 minutes.
• Should I watch the placement class? Do I have to? While you don’t have to, we strongly encourage you to! Watching the class will give you information that will be useful when deciding whether to enroll your child in an IMACS math enrichment course. For example, you will observe
  1. The engaging and effective IMACS approach to teaching logic, reasoning, and problem-solving;
  2. The extent to which your child is engaged; and
  3. The unmatched teaching ability of IMACS instructors.

Step 3: Receive your class recommendation and enroll!

• How will I learn the recommended enrichment level? IMACS will contact you by email shortly after your placement class finishes.
• How do I enroll my child? Along with the recommendation, IMACS will send you all of the information you need to enroll, which can be done via your Parent Portal.

Was your question not answered? Please contact us by calling toll-free 866.634.6227 in the USA, or 954.791.2333, or by email at parentrelations@imacs.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

There are five enrichment levels with various live class durations:

• Primary Enrichment (45 minutes)
• Elementary Enrichment (60 minutes)
• Full Enrichment (90 minutes)
• Intermediate Enrichment (90 minutes)
• Advanced Enrichment (90 minutes)

Most students will be placed into one of the first three levels (since the Intermediate and Advanced Enrichment classes requires problem-solving abilities not found in students who have not completed earlier IMACS classes).

While the five levels of Math Enrichment vary in sophistication, they all have the following in common:

• meticulously-designed games, stories and puzzles;
• emphasis on logical thinking, abstract reasoning, mental arithmetic and an understanding of mathematical tools; and
• use of visual and physical devices to teach advanced concepts in creative ways.

While traditional teaching generally focuses on the memorization and execution of techniques and algorithms, the IMACS Math Enrichment Program helps students develop advanced problem-solving skills in an interactive environment full of fun games, stories and puzzles.

Visualization allows IMACS Mathematics Enrichment students to understand advanced concepts about numbers, sets, relations and functions that are usually brushed over in traditional — and even gifted — math classes in school.

As you will see from the free Placement Class, IMACS does not tutor students in the rote skills they study in school. IMACS students learn genuine reasoning skills, allowing them to achieve success in their academic and professional careers in a way that most of their peers will not.

The IMACS Math Enrichment program teaches students using fun and interactive stories, puzzles, and games. Students progress through five levels of meticulously designed lessons, learning advanced concepts often overlooked in traditional math classes such as sets, relations, and functions. Our students are grouped by ability, not age, and so your child will be free to reach their full potential.

The IMACS Mathematics Enrichment program prepares your child for success in middle school, high school, college, and the workplace. Our program teaches advanced mathematical thinking that makes excelling in middle and high school classes much easier, but more importantly we teach the critical thinking and problem solving skills that will enrich every aspect of their lives. Our graduates have a competitive advantage that will help them think, learn, grow, and achieve.

The IMACS Mathematics Enrichment program was designed by world-renowned mathematicians and educators to be an outstanding series of logic and problem solving classes. Classes are tightly scripted; instructors train for months prior to flying solo; every class has at least one back-up instructor ready to take the reins in the event of unexpected technical issues; and IMACS parent services are absolutely the best to be found in any sphere of secondary education.

And yet … IMACS Mathematics Enrichment classes are not for every student.

The only way to discover if they’re what your child has been waiting for is to see for yourself … it takes just a few minutes of your time and is completely free of charge and obligation!