About MWSM

Metrowest School of Mathematics (MWSM) is an independently owned affiliate of the Russian School of Mathematics. It was founded in 2003 as a partnership between RSM and a group of former RSM parents who later founded the Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School (AMSA) in Marlborough, MA. This partnership enabled MWSM to use the well established RSM curriculum. Initially intended as a testing ground for the ideas underlying theAMSA curriculum, MWSM took off on its own and turned into a vibrant afters-chool program which continues to grow every day.

Our Curriculum

MWSM uses the well established RSM curriculum, which attempts to combine the best international and US practices. We introduce algebra as early as in kindergarten, and by second grade our students are already solving simple algebraic equations and understand the notion of functions. The benefits of early introduction of algebra, with its roots in theories of a well-known Russian educator Lev Vygotsky , are becoming increasingly recognized in educational research in the United States. An excellent selection of information about Vygotsky can also be found at http://www.kolar.org/vygotsky/. A list of recent publications on Early Algebra can be found in http://www2.earlyalgebra.terc.edu/publications.htm.

The RSM curriculum that we use here at MetroWest puts some of these ideas into practice, and we proudly observe how our students, who attend our program just two hours a week, are capable of absorbing complex notions with ease at an early age.
Our emphasis in elementary school is primarily on the cognitive development of the child, which we foster with a combination of carefully selected assignments and teacher-student interactions, providing the scaffolding for developing the necessary cognitive skills, intellectual curiosity, and mastery of key concepts.
By middle school we add a heavy emphasis on proficiency with mathematical concepts and tools, while continuing to incorporate logical problems and puzzles into the mainstream program.
By the end of the 7th to 8th grade, when most of our classes complete Algebra 1 and some Algebra 2, we encourage our students to try early SAT tests as part of the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth admissions process.
Our older students continue to pre-calculus, calculus, AP preparation and SAT II preparation classes. We also offer SAT preparation classes to high school students who have not been previously exposed to our program.
Visit our Programs page for more detail.
We believe that our program and methods are consistent with the recent recommendations of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel, which recognized that “…the curriculum must simultaneously develop conceptual understanding, computational fluency, and problem solving skills. Debates regarding the relative importance of these aspects of mathematical knowledge are misguided. These capabilities are mutually supportive, each facilitating learning of the others. Teachers
should emphasize these interrelations; taken together, conceptual
understanding of mathematical operations, fluent execution of
procedures, and fast access to number combinations jointly support
effective and efficient problem solving.” ( See http://www.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/mathpanel/report/final-report.pdf for the full report of National Mathematics Advisory Panel).
While our program is most beneficial when started early, we have several tracks that allow children who join our program later to catch up to our mainstream curriculum. We give placement tests to our entering students, allowing us to place the child at the appropriate level in the program. If necessary, we provide additional tutoring for students entering mid-year.
We also believe that the spirit of competition and intellectual challenge and fun is essential in developing the agility of the young minds and fostering interest in mathematics. In view of that, we offer—free of charge to students enrolled in our mainstream program—Olympiad preparation classes starting from grade 3, and many of our students participate in national math competitions such as MOEMS (www.moems.com) and AMC-8 (www.unl.edu/amc/e-exams/e4-amc08/amc8.shtml). We are proud to have several national winners!
As we continue to welcome new families, we are heartened that our efforts are appreciated by the communities we serve. We are determined to continue implementing our mission—bringing high quality math education to the children of Metrowest.

Our Faculty

Dr. Anna Charny, MWSM Director and one of its Founders, received her Ph.D. and M.S. degrees from MIT. She has a lifelong interest in teaching advanced mathematics to primary and secondary school children. Her teaching and tutoring experience >>> More >>>Read more about our Faculty

Our Community

We are fortunate to have a healthy and vibrant community of students from a wide range of private and public schools – and some homeschoolers - in more than 40 towns in Metrowest Area. Doctors, engineers, scientists, teachers, and so many other professionals choose our program and bring their children year after year.  In our classrooms students from wide ethnical, religious and cultural backgrounds learn and have fun together. 

Our teachers are no less diverse, ranging from Ph.D.s to college students, but all share the common love for children and passion for teaching mathematics, and are all trained to teach our program and are familiar with our methods. Their skill and their enthusiasm bring  their student back to MWSM week after week and year after year.
>>> Read more about Teachers