Art of Problem Solving AoPS Academy Virtual Campus online classes

What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently highlight the interactive nature and academic rigor of the AoPS Academy Virtual Campus. According to Find My Homeschool, the program effectively builds critical thinking and communication skills among motivated peers in a supportive environment. While Well-Trained Mind Forums prefers the structured video classes over text-based options, the high cost of a single course is cited as a notable drawback. These reviews suggest that while the campus provides a high quality and engaging learning experience, the price point represents a significant trade-off for many families.

How It Works

The child attends about two hours of live video class each week, either one 105-to-120-minute lesson or two 55-minute lessons, where an instructor leads a small group through complex problem-solving using a shared digital whiteboard. Throughout the week, the student spends one to three hours on homework and challenging written assignments that require deep critical thinking rather than simple memorization; in the elementary math levels, homework and exams run on Beast Academy Online, which is included in tuition. The parent's role is primarily that of a project manager who monitors deadlines and provides emotional support, as the curriculum is designed to intentionally challenge the student to the point of temporary frustration. Math courses use Beast Academy or Art of Problem Solving books, language arts courses require purchased reading books, and students need a computer with a reliable camera and microphone for active participation in the real-time discussions.

Switching to This?

Before enrolling, parents should have their child take the placement test on the Virtual Campus 'Choose the Right Math Level' page, as the curriculum's depth often means a student will place into a course that sounds 'behind' their current grade level. Each class follows a fixed syllabus, but year-round courses open new sections on start dates throughout the year, so families can begin a level in fall, winter, spring or summer. When switching from a traditional curriculum, parents should expect a significant adjustment period where the student learns to 'grapple' with problems they haven't been taught how to solve yet. This 'discovery method' is a major shift for children used to being shown a formula before being asked to apply it.

Curriculum Details

Price

$425 - $2,110/course

Year-round courses cost $945 for an 18-week course, or $1,890 to $2,110 for a 36-week course, about $53 to $59 per week; books are extra. Summer camps cost $425 or $850. A full tuition refund is available within two weeks of starting a year-round course.

Grades

2 - 12

Available As

Digital Synchronous Live Video Internet required

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Math Writing Reading/Language Arts

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Pacing

Fixed schedule

Parent Time

10-30 min/day

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Advanced

Worldview

Secular

Parent Role:

Parents primarily act as facilitators, ensuring students attend live sessions and manage the significant weekly homework load. Detailed feedback is provided by instructors.

Online Class Details

Enrollment:

Semester starts

Delivery Format:

Synchronous live

Live Class Schedule:

Weekly

Class Size:

10-16 students

Live Class Time:

1-2 hours/week

Parent Time Required:

Minimal 1hr

Teacher Qualifications:

Teachers typically hold advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) in their subject matter or have extensive competitive math/writing backgrounds.

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: May 2026

How This Compares

Compared to the standard AoPS Online courses, the Virtual Campus provides face-to-face video interaction and live verbal discussion, which is a better fit for social learners who find the traditional text-only chat interface too isolating or fast-paced. When weighed against Blue Tent On-Line, AoPS is more focused on the 'discovery method' where students must find their own path to an answer, whereas Blue Tent offers a more traditional, high-rigor honors approach with direct instruction. Parents choosing between AoPS and the Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) often find that while both are challenging, AoPS emphasizes creative, competition-style math puzzles, whereas RSM is more focused on a structured, teacher-led mastery of logical building blocks.

Getting Started