Curriculum review
Beast Academy
by Art of Problem Solving · Est. 2012
About
What it is
Beast Academy is an advanced elementary math curriculum published by Art of Problem Solving (AoPS), designed specifically for mathematically gifted or advanced students. The curriculum goes far beyond grade-level expectations, emphasizing deep problem-solving, logical reasoning, and competition-style mathematics.
The program covers Levels 1 through 5 (roughly grades 1-5) and uses a unique comic-book format. Monster characters guide students through mathematical concepts in engaging, illustrated Guide Books. Each chapter in the Guide Book presents concepts through the story, followed by increasingly challenging problems in the companion Practice Book.
Beast Academy Online ($99.99/year for all levels, with sibling add-ons at $64.99/year) provides interactive practice, instructional videos, and progress tracking. The online platform covers all five levels with a single subscription, and up to 6 students can share a family account.
Print Guide Books (~$18 each) and Practice Books (~$16 each) are sold separately. A full grade level of print materials costs approximately $136. Bundles combining online access with one level of print books are available for about $160.
Beast Academy problems are genuinely challenging — they require creative thinking, not just procedural execution. Students who love puzzles, logic, and competition math will thrive. However, the program is explicitly not for grade-level or struggling math students — the difficulty is fixed and does not adapt downward.
After completing Beast Academy, students can continue into AoPS's middle and high school courses, which are the standard curriculum for competition math preparation in the United States.
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Common questions
Frequently asked
Is Beast Academy right for my child?
Beast Academy is designed for mathematically gifted or advanced students who are ready for above-grade-level challenge. If your child loves puzzles, logic, and math, they'll thrive. If your child struggles with grade-level math, Beast Academy will likely frustrate them.
What ages is Beast Academy for?
Beast Academy covers Levels 1-5, roughly corresponding to grades 1-5 (ages 6-11). After completing Level 5, students can transition to AoPS's middle and high school courses.
Do I need both the books and the online subscription?
You can use either format independently. The online subscription ($99.99/year) includes all levels. The print books provide a different experience — the comic-style Guide Books are particularly engaging. Many families use both.
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