Beast Academy

Beast Academy transforms math into an adventure through comic-book storytelling where cartoon monsters tackle challenging problems together, making it especially effective for children who find traditional math workbooks boring or who need depth beyond procedural practice. This secular, problem-solving focused curriculum from Art of Problem Solving covers grades 2-5 (ages 6-13) and emphasizes conceptual understanding and critical thinking over memorization, preparing advanced learners for higher-level mathematics like pre-algebra by fifth grade. The program offers both printed materials (colorful Guide books for instruction plus black-and-white Practice workbooks) and a comprehensive online platform with video lessons, interactive puzzles, and adaptive practice. Each level divides into four parts (A, B, C, D) with most families spending 30-45 minutes daily, though challenging problems mean students often move slower than one level per school year. The self-paced format requires minimal parent involvement since instruction happens through engaging comic dialogue, though parents should expect to help with starred two-star difficulty problems that build perseverance and creative problem-solving skills. Parents appreciate the depth and engagement that makes math-loving kids beg for more lessons, though the rigorous approach isn't recommended for struggling learners or children who need confidence-building through easier material. The curriculum intentionally lacks extensive drill and moves faster than grade-level standards, so some families supplement with programs like Saxon or Khan Academy to ensure coverage of all traditional topics. Starting students 1-2 levels below their current grade helps prevent overwhelm—take the free placement test to find the right entry point before purchasing.