Beast Academy by The Art of Problem Solving

Description

Beast Academy Math is a rigorous, engaging, and highly visual math program from Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) designed for advanced elementary students. Using a comic-book style with fun, monstrous characters, it challenges students to think deeply, solve complex problems, and develop strong mathematical reasoning.

The program prepares students exceptionally well for MATHCOUNTS, advanced middle school math, and future AoPS courses.

Key Curriculum Features:

  • Comic-style Guides with story-driven instruction and humorous beasts
  • Rigorous, conceptual focus with challenging problems that build creative problem-solving skills
  • Four books per grade level (A–D), each covering specific topics in depth
  • Emphasis on multiple solution methods and higher-order thinking
  • Progressive difficulty with starred and “beastly” problems
  • Strong preparation for algebra and advanced math

Program Components:

  • Guide Books (4 per grade): Non-consumable instructional books with core lessons, examples, and activities
  • Practice Books (4 per grade): Consumable books with 300-400 problems, puzzles, and complete solutions
  • Puzzle Books (optional): Stand-alone enrichment books with 12 puzzle types, hints, solutions, and strategy guides

Each grade level package includes all four Guides and Practice Books. Beast Academy Math works best for motivated students who enjoy challenges and can handle a faster pace with deeper content than standard curricula.

Beast Academy stands out for its fun, rigorous approach that turns math into an adventure while building exceptional problem-solving abilities. It is an excellent choice for advanced elementary students and families preparing for competitive math or advanced middle school programs.

Browse all Beast Academy levels, books, and sets below!

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.