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Beast Academy

Name: Beast Academy
Brand: Art of Problem Solving
Availability: InStock

Art of Problem Solving · Grades 1-5

MathTraditional / MasteryAges 1-5

Mathematically gifted kids who love puzzles and need genuine challenge; NOT for grade-level or struggling students

$27/set or $96-160/year online

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Overview

Beast Academy is what happens when the people who run elite math-competition training (Art of Problem Solving) write a curriculum for elementary schoolers. The guides are comic books (kids read them at bedtime voluntarily) but the math inside is challenging, including combinatorics, logic puzzles, and multi-step problem solving well beyond grade level. Available in print and online with adaptive practice. Pairs beautifully with Dimensions Math or Singapore: use one as the spine, Beast Academy as enrichment. For kids who finish grade-level math and want more.

Strengths

•Rigorous (not just 'advanced grade level')
•engaging comic format
•strong reasoning and problem-solving emphasis
•prepares for AoPS pathway
•online version available
•intentionally challenging

Limitations

•32% discontinuation rate in gifted co-ops due to difficulty
•NOT for low frustration tolerance
•not independent study for most kids
•no cumulative reviews
•only grades 1-5
•some chapters extremely difficult even for gifted kids
•perfectionist children may struggle with not getting everything right

Best fit for

Mathematically gifted kids who love puzzles and need genuine challenge; NOT for grade-level or struggling students

Levels

5 separate products in this brand. Pick the right one for your child's age and stage.

Grade 1

Grade 1 (4 books: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D)

6-7 · 1

$42-146 per gradeGet it

Grade 2

Grade 2 (4 books: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D)

7-8 · 2

$42-146 per gradeGet it

Grade 3

Grade 3 (4 books: 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D)

8-9 · 3

$42-146 per gradeGet it

Grade 4

Grade 4 (4 books: 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D)

9-10 · 4

$42-146 per gradeGet it

Grade 5

Grade 5 (4 books: 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D)

10-11 · 5

$42-146 per gradeGet it

The honest read

Intentionally hard, and that's the point. Gifted kids who are used to math being 'easy' hit a wall and either love the challenge or melt down. ~1/3 of families who try it quit. The comic format is engaging but the actual math is legitimately advanced. Best for kids who enjoy being stumped. Terrible for kids who need to feel competent to stay motivated.