Appreciate reading the benefits of the AoPS classes. I was just wondering how much of these benefits can be realized at a "beginner" class like prealgebra 1 or 2. My thinking was my son would finish a couple of books on his own for a while, and as he gets more advanced, he might start taking online classes, at which point he might be better positioned to take full advantage of what the aops online community offers. Do you think the benefits of the aops online community are still significant even for a class like prealgebra 1 or 2?

Looking to hear your experience or thoughts on balancing other extracurricular interests vs. interest in math. My 4th grade son has so far focused on two main activities: cello(for 3 years) and math through math circle. My son's cello teacher has told us that he is a rare talent and that he can go as far as he wants to go in cello if he were to put the necessary work in. Our pipe dreams include going to Meadowmount Summer Music Camp and playing in National Youth Orchestra-USA like few of the older students with the same teacher have done. I believe my son would really enjoy making music at such a high level. But, I realize that it would take a lot of work and perhaps almost singular dedication to reach these goals. Herein lies our dilemma. My son also enjoys math and math competitions; he would like to do well in AMC, MathCounts, JMO, etc. This fall, he will be moving to a private school that has an excellent reputation in math; a recent MathCounts national winner as well as few USA(J)MO qualifiers have attended this school. So we are about to amp up his time in math. What do you think? Is it possible or reasonable to pursue these goals in two separate fields? Right now, I am inclined to think that it is possible but we would not know until we really give it a try. My son would have to really manage his time carefully and work efficiently. However, my biggest fear is that I might push my son too hard and potentially rob him of a happy childhood. Plus, I have a younger son as well who is also playing cello and showing interest in math. Would esp. appreciate your first-hand account of success or struggles as well as any caveats or advice based on your experience. Thx. a ton in advance!

Greatly appreciate everyone's responses. They are def. helpful. dmmetler, it is good to hear that aops books are digestible for young students without much outside help. Rush, my son seems to be similar to your child. He loves Alchemus (spelling?). He also loves any sort of competition. He would def. work harder in a team or a structured environment. However, I also think there is a lot of value in starting and finishing a book on one's own effort, esp. at a young age. I believe a mom from New Zealand (forgot her username) whose son has represented the country at IMO wrote that her son went through the AOPS algebra book on his own, and that experience was key in his learning true "problem-solving" skills that laid the foundation for his success in IMO. Trabug, appreciate reading the benefits of the AoPS classes. I was just wondering how much of these benefits can be realized at a "beginner" class like prealgebra 1 or 2. My thinking was my son would finish a couple of books on his own for a while, and as he gets more advanced, he might start taking online classes, at which point he might be better positioned to take full advantage of what the aops online community offers. Do you think the benefits of the aops online community are still significant even for a class like prealgebra 1 or 2? Thx. again!

Hello, would appreciate hearing anyone's experience with aops online classes. I am considering an aops prealgebra online class (have not decided on prealgebra 1 or 2) for my 4th grade son, who enjoys math and likes to participate in math competitions such as math counts, amc 8, etc. Since this class costs over $300 and requires regular time commitment, I am wondering if a student can learn the material by just studying the aops prealgebra book. Specifically, I am wondering if the online class would allow students to learn the material at a deeper level, making the cost worthwhile. Also, I suppose it would be easier for a 4th grader to learn the material through an online class vs. on his own, which would require a greater self-discipline. Thx. a ton in advance for your response.