Math Solutions

Russian School of Mathematics teaches students to think about math in a different way.

Olga Voronel firmly believes that there’s no such thing as a “math person.” 

“Every child can learn math and, more importantly, enjoy the process,” says Voronel, who is the Russian School of Mathematics’ regional director for Southern California. 

She says the Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) offers a proven curriculum, solid methodology and teaching practices that allow students to excel in the subject.  

“Our program allows them to develop strong foundations early in elementary school,” she says. “It prepares them for more rigorous study in middle and high school and allows our students to think about the problems in a less structured way, without having to remember the ‘tricks’ of solving specific math problems, but rather focus on the concept to come up with the solutions.”

RSM offers a teacher-led classroom experience that lets their students learn how to explain their thinking to their peers and get used to an environment of healthy competition.

Voronel herself has enjoyed math since childhood.

“I loved the beauty of math problems and enjoyed solving math problems through creative and elegant solutions,” she says. “However, my passion for math and physics really developed after my physics teachers recognized my genuine interests and suggested that I train in math and physics competitions. I’ve never looked back.”

Her journey with RSM started when she brought her daughter to the school. Nearly all the children of RSM teachers are students at the school as well. 

“I immediately loved RSM’s approach to teaching mathematics logically and deliberately,” she says. “I also loved that RSM’s focus was not on specific, often unconnected concepts necessary to master grade-level materials but rather emphasized connections between various concepts by working with concepts in different contexts and empowered the students to view problems from different angles and solve them in many different ways.”

Voronel says RSM was precisely the type of math program she had when she was a child, and she was very happy that her children had the opportunity to have the same math education experience that she did.  

“As a parent of two RSM alumni and now successful adults, I experienced firsthand how RSM’s approach to mathematics allowed them the freedom to choose their paths in life,” she says. 

Voronel first joined RSM as a teacher in 2015. The next year, she became a principal of RSM South Orange County and was then promoted to her current role as Southern California regional director. 

“In my current role, I combine my expertise in math instruction and operations to develop excellence in mathematical instruction across all of our branches in Southern California and expand RSM’s impact on local communities in Southern California,” she says. “But my greatest passion is being a teacher and working with the students in the classroom.”

Voronel says she believes it takes a community — of parents, teachers and educators — to build a confident and successful child. She says that parents’ encouragement, patience and support are essential for children. 

“Even if math is not your favorite subject, your positive attitude goes a long way,” she says. “Every child learns in different ways and at a different pace. Our problems are designed to be intellectually challenging, and the ‘aha’ moment will come at various times to students. But when it does, that moment when their eyes light up and the smiles brighten their faces is a glorious moment of achievement!”

She says that parents often ask her how best to motivate their children to enjoy math.

“I answer that question by pointing out that math is all around us. It’s a very real part of our daily life,” she says. “Children are naturally curious and ask a lot of questions. Relating some of the answers to math will help them think of math as a fun problem-solving tool.” 

Just the act of traveling can help open up a conversation involving math. She recommends asking questions like: 

“How far does your grandma live?” 

“When do we need to get to her house?”

“If we leave early, can we drive slower?”

“If we leave late, what should we do to get to her house on time?”

“Questions like these are not only an opportunity to engage with challenging concepts but to promote curiosity and develop the fundamental understanding of concepts,” she says. 

By: Jessica Peralta