AoPS vs RSM vs Brighterly: Which Math Program Fits Your Child in 2026?
reviewed by Maila Caliao
Updated on July 25, 2026
Key Points:
- Choosing between AoPS vs RSM vs Brighterly will depend on your kids’ learning style, budget, and goals.
- Brighterly offers 1:1 personalized tutoring for kids of any level that can help cement foundations or stretch them.
- AoPS offers fast-paced in-person or online courses designed to deepen math understanding and thinking.
- RSM offers three levels of online or in-person courses to suit students of all abilities while remaining rigorous.
If you’re looking for an after school math program but can’t decide, have a look at our guide to AoPS vs RSM vs Brighterly. All three programs can help your kid excel at math, but the best option for your child will depend on your kid’s learning style, budget, and time.
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AoPS vs RSM vs Brighterly: Comparison
Making a direct comparison of AoPS, RSM, and Brighterly is difficult as each program offers something slightly different. While some kids thrive in group classes, others prefer 1:1 support, especially if building foundations is important. Brighterly and AoPS also offer additional subjects beyond math for kids looking for more rounded educational support.
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Brighterly |
AoPS |
RSM |
|
|
Method of Learning |
Online 1:1 tutor-guided learning |
Online and in-person group classes, self-paced courses |
Online and in-person group classes |
|
Subjects Covered |
Math, Reading, Writing |
Math, Science, Language arts, and Computer Science |
Math only |
|
Best for |
Students of all abilities who want a personalized program |
Advanced and gifted students to excel or competition prep |
Students who want a rigorous, structured math curriculum |
|
Audience |
K-12 |
K-12 |
K-12 |
|
Progress Tracking |
Yes, regular progress reports, lesson summaries, and tutor feedback |
Yes but limited |
Yes, report cards and teacher feedback |
|
Homework |
Optional homework based on needs |
Yes, extensive homework |
Yes, regular homework |
|
Trustpilot Rating (As of July 2026) |
4.4 (based on 800+ reviews) |
2.5 (based on 7 reviews) |
N/A |
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RSM vs AoPS vs Brighterly: Cost Comparison
Costs of RSM vs AoPS vs Brighterly can differ significantly, and each offers a different pay structure. With AoPS, you pay per course (length of course varies), while at Brighterly you purchase a package of lessons and at RSM you can pay monthly for the online course. In-person courses have their own pricing structure, and you should contact your nearest centre directly for further information.
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Brighterly |
RSM |
AoPS |
|
|
Pricing Model |
Subscription-based lesson packages |
Monthly or annual tuition or per course |
Pay per course |
|
Typical Cost (As of July 2026) |
Tutoring: From $17.70 per lesson (12-month plan, 2 lessons/week, with a 20% discount) (No extra fees) |
Tuition: $164-$440/month (varies by grade and location) Summer course: $800-$1700 (varies by course) (May charge additional enrollment/registration fees) |
AoPS Online: $415-$495 per 12-week course (not including textbooks) AoPS Academy: $945 per 12-week semester (not including textbooks) (May charge additional enrollment/registration fees) |
|
Free Bonus Content |
Extensive free resources including math and reading worksheets, and diagnostic tests |
Free evaluation |
Extensive free resources including videos, articles, and Alcumus adaptive practice |
What Is AoPS (Art of Problem Solving)?
Art of Problem Solving is an out-of-school learning platform that offers advanced online and in-person math programs. Courses are designed for advanced and gifted students who want to deepen their math knowledge or compete in math competitions. AoPS has 3 divisions, with AoPS Online being the most frequently used.
Best for: Advanced and gifted math students who love math and want to deepen their knowledge and understanding of math. Also great for kids looking to enter competitive math.
AoPS Key Features
Three AoPS divisions
Art of Problem Solving consists of three different divisions, each catering to a different age, ability, or need.
- AoPS Online: Rigorous online courses (12-25 weeks) for middle and high school students. Designed for advanced students to deepen their learning. Mostly live online classes but some self-paced options.
- AoPS Academy: Small group classes for Grades 1-12 in person or online lasting up to 36 weeks. Also offers summer programs.
- AoPS Beast Academy: Self-paced challenges and live online classes with fun textbooks aimed at elementary-aged kids.
Note: You can also check this comparison of Beast Academy against Khan Academy and Brighterly.
Advanced and rigorous
AoPS Online offers math training programs for middle and high school students that cover topics beyond what most schools cover. AoPS Beast Academy is designed for elementary-aged kids, and it also offers rigorous, fast-paced courses to help younger children build foundations and deepen their math understanding.
Note: According to the National Association for Gifted Children, research shows that acceleration for gifted students provides academic benefit and accelerated students outperform their peers both academically and in their career paths. Acceleration is considered to be either grade-based (skipping a grade) or content-based (using additional programs to accelerate learning)
Live online courses or in-person lessons
Courses typically last between 12 and 24 weeks and cover a wide range of math topics (e.g algebra, geometry). Before starting a course, your kid needs to take a free, at-home diagnostic test to check that it’s the right level for them.
Dedicated Olympiad and math competition course
AoPS offers dedicated competition courses including an online Olympiad training course. This course lasts 7 months, and students train with former Olympiad medalists. Students can take competition courses in math, physics, chemistry, and computer science to prepare them for key competitions.
Summer math courses
AoPS Academy offers virtual and in-person summer courses so your kid can build their math skills over the vacation. There’s a wide range of courses available lasting between 2 and 4 weeks for grades 3-10.
AoPS Pricing
AoPS Online is priced by course, ranging from $415-$495 for 12-week courses.
AoPS Pros and Cons
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Pros |
Cons |
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*Based on 2025-2026 Trustpilot, Reddit, and Yelp reviews.
What Is RSM (Russian School of Math)?
Russian School of Math is an after-school math program for all ages. It offers three levels of classes at each age to suit children of all abilities. It’s known for a rigorous curriculum that accelerates children through the foundations and then deepens their knowledge.
Best for: Parents looking for an accelerated, traditional math course to get their child ahead in math and improve critical-thinking and analysis skills.
RSM Key Features
Inspired by elite mathematical schools in the former Soviet Union
Russian School of Math teaching is rigorous, traditional, and uses a structured approach. The course moves quickly, and students develop their abstract and critical thinking and mental flexibility. Some parents report the pace and structure feel too rigid for their child.
Different levels for all abilities, including advanced students
RSM offers three different levels for each course from beginner to competition level. New to the program, students can start at level 1 and then move up upon completion, and advanced or gifted students can join level 3 where the curriculum goes into great depth and pushes students’ abilities.
Online and in-person courses across the US
Both online and in-person courses are available at RSM, although the availability of in-person classes varies greatly by area.
Small-group classes
Classes are around 2 hours a week and consist of a 1:12 teacher/student ratio. This can be good for children who prefer a small-group approach.
Free evaluation
Each child undergoes a free evaluation before starting to ensure they’re placed in the appropriate level where the pace and depth are right for them.
Summer programs online and in-person
Russian School of Math summer programs help kids prepare for the next year of school and prevent summer learning loss. RSM offers full and half-day summer programs as well as a 3-week intensive course.
RSM Pricing
RSM pricing ranges from $166-$444/month depending on grade and hours. You can also pay per term or year.
RSM Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
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*Based on 2025-2026 Trustpilot, Reddit, and Yelp reviews.
Note: For a further view into RSM, please check the following guides: Singapore Math vs Russian Math vs Brighterly, Mathnasium vs Russian Math, and Russian Math vs Kumon vs Brighterly.
What Is Brighterly?
Brighterly is an educational program that offers out-of-school math and reading programs for K-12. We offer 1:1 tutors to cultivate a personalized learning environment that works at the speed of the individual child. The tutor develops a personalized plan based on the child’s ability, needs, and goals. The tutor also gives weekly lesson feedback and regular progress tracking.
Best for: Parents who are looking for fully personalized support for their child. This can be especially useful for kids with gaps in their learning or who need to build their math confidence.
Brighterly Key Features
1:1 online tutoring
We offer 1:1 after school tutoring with highly experienced teachers. Each tutor creates a personalized plan for the student, and parents can discuss what they want their kids to work on, as well as where their strengths and weaknesses lie. For example, if your child struggles with algebra, then an algebra tutor can find the gaps and fill them.
Personalized to the individual child’s ability and speed
Each tutoring session is adapted to the individual child’s needs. Some children need help reviewing and cementing math foundations, whereas others already have a good base and prefer to work on deepening their understanding. We also offer high school math tutors who can help prepare your child for exams and college-level math.
Offers homework help
Tutors can provide homework support to help kids work through school homework in a stress-free, tear-free environment, relieving the burden from parents. Tutors can also help spot any learning gaps and fill them.
Tutors provide in-depth lesson tracking and feedback
Each kid will get an AI-generated summary of what the lesson covered and activity recommendations to practice at home so that parents can keep the learning going between sessions. Parents also receive monthly progress updates from their child’s tutor that cover what topics were taught, where your child improves, and any areas that still need attention.
Aligned with US-state standards
Our learning program is aligned with US state standards so you can be sure that what your child is learning is aligned with the school curriculum. Tutors are matched to a student based on their needs.
Note: For example, a student looking to deepen their geometry understanding will be matched with a specialist geometry tutor.
Brighterly Pricing
Lessons start from $17.70 per 45-minute lesson on an annual package of 2 lessons a week. Prices increase for shorter plans up to a maximum of $21.90/lesson. (Prices accurate as of July 2026 and include the offered 20% discount.)
Brighterly Pros and Cons
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Pros |
Cons |
|
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*Based on 2025-2026 Trustpilot, Reddit, and Yelp reviews.
Need help filling in math gaps?
1:1 personalized support builds your child’s foundations, boosts math confidence, and accelerates learning.
Which Program Is the Right Fit for Your Child?
The right program for your child will depend on their goals, needs, and current math understanding. To try to understand which program suits your kid best and help you decide between Brighterly vs RSM vs AoPS math, answer these questions.
- Does your child have strong math foundations?
- Yes: AoPS or RSM
- No: Brighterly
- Does your child want to compete in math competitions?
- Yes: AoPS or RSM competition courses, or Brighterly personalized lessons
- No: Brighterly or RSM or AoPS general courses
- Does your child prefer a 1:1 personalized approach?
- Yes: Brighterly
- No: RSM or AoPS
In general, both AoPS and RSM offer in-depth math study, but RSM offers different levels for all abilities while AoPS is generally considered the most rigorous program for advanced or gifted students. There are also several other alternatives to RSM and AoPS that are popular with parents.
Brighterly, with its 1:1 tutoring, is suitable for any level, especially those looking to strengthen the foundations and improve confidence.
Note: If you’re still unsure which program is right for your child, look for a Click me so they can try it out before they commit.
AoPS vs RSM vs Brighterly Reviews (Reddit, Trustpilot, Parent Forums)
Looking at reviews from real parents who use the service can give a more balanced picture of the pros and cons of each platform.
Other RSM reviews across Reddit also praise the depth they teach children and comment on the challenging and fast-paced nature that helps keep kids ahead of normal grade-level math, like this Reddit review from 2025:
Looking at reviews to try to answer: AoPS vs RSM, which is better? You can also use parent forums and facebook groups where parents often compare the two. Like this Facebook group review from June 2026:
As Brighterly offers 1:1 tutoring as the main teaching method, it’s not often compared to RSM or AoPS. But this July 2026 review on Trustpilot shows that parents value the personalization that allows their child to progress through materials quickly.
Ultimately, it often comes down to the type of environment your child thrives best in. You need to consider whether a personalized, small-group, or large-group class is better for your child, how much homework they can cope with, and whether in-person learning is important to you and your kid.
Need help filling in math gaps?
1:1 personalized support builds your child’s foundations, boosts math confidence, and accelerates learning.
Conclusion
When looking for the right math program for your child, it’s important to understand their needs and what they want to gain from out-of-school math tuition.
For children looking to build the foundations, their confidence, or who like to work at their own pace, our 1:1 tutoring could be the right fit. If your kid is already excelling at math, then they might enjoy the accelerated or competition programs offered by RSM and AoPS either in-person or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AoPS Harder Than RSM?
Yes, AoPS is generally considered to be harder than RSM. However, both programs offer accelerated math courses designed for advanced and gifted students, but RSM also provides courses for children of all ability levels. Neither program focuses on teaching foundational math skills or reinforcing what students have already learned in school. Instead, both are designed to challenge students with concepts beyond their current grade level.
Can a Student Do Both AoPS and RSM?
Your kid can take as many math classes as you (and they) want to. However, both AoPS and RSM require multiple hours a week of class as well as homework on top. Many parents find that trialing one program first and then switching to the second is a better method than running them side-by-side. You can also purchase the textbooks or course material from each program before starting to see which one you and your child align with.
Which Is Better for Math Competitions, AoPS Academy vs RSM?
Both AoPS Academy and RSM offer specific math competition courses where children are prepared to compete in math olympiads and other national and international competitions. Art of Problem Solving boasts significant success in math competitions. According to their website (as of July 2026), all members of Team USA who won the International Math Olympiad 2024 were AoPS alumni. Russian School of Math also offers special prep courses for a wide variety of national and international competitions and has a highly competitive team.
Is RSM or AoPS Better for Elementary-Age Kids?
Both programs run courses for elementary-aged kids. RSM offers live classes designed for K-5 both online and in-person with a 1:12 teacher/student ratio and provides weekly homework. AoPS runs the Beast Academy, which is for elementary-age kids. It’s a mix of self-paced online challenges, books, worksheets, puzzles, and live online classes. Before starting any of these programs, your child has to be evaluated to see which grade and level are currently best suited to their knowledge.
How Much Do AoPS and RSM Cost Compared to Each Other?
AoPS and RSM both require a significant financial commitment, but their pricing structure and overall costs differ. RSM uses a monthly or term-based subscription, and costs vary depending on the grade and hours. AoPS charges per course, with each course typically lasting around 16 weeks and the cost varying between the grades. Both also charge additional enrollment and registration fees.
Is AoPS Recognized by Colleges?
AoPS courses are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, but it is up to the individual school whether or not their courses will be accepted by the school. AoPS online also mentions that many of their students go on to study at prestigious universities.
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