My Experience as a Parent Observing Spirit of Math: A Gifted Child’s Journey in Math Enrichment

Introduction

As a parent of a gifted child in York Region, I’m always searching for programs that can truly challenge and support his learning. When my son was about to enter Grade 1, we decided to enroll him in Spirit of Math, one of Canada’s most recognized after-school math enrichment programs for high-performing students. What made the experience even more unique was their parent-friendly policy that allowed me to quietly sit in the back and observe the class.

This gave me valuable insight—not just into how the program works, but also how my son learns best.

Why We Chose Spirit of Math

Our son was doing well in school, but we noticed a common theme: he was often bored. He enjoys numbers, puzzles, and solving problems, but he tunes out when the material feels too easy. We wanted something that wasn’t just more math—but better math.

Spirit of Math stood out because of its structured, rigorous curriculum that focuses on logic, number theory, and deep problem-solving. It was recommended by many parents of gifted or advanced learners, and the small class size made it even more appealing.

The Structure of Spirit of Math Classes

Each 90-minute class is highly structured and consistent, which benefits gifted children who thrive on clear expectations:

Drills (10–15 minutes):Quick-paced mental math to sharpen speed, accuracy, and foundational skills.
Core Curriculum (25–30 minutes):Introduction of a new concept (e.g., geometry, logic, advanced arithmetic). These are typically above grade level.
Problem Solving (25–30 minutes):Real-world application of concepts through challenging word problems and logic puzzles. Students are encouraged to discuss strategies, not just find answers.
Homework Review & Wrap-Up (15–20 minutes):The teacher checks understanding, reviews tough homework problems, and summarizes the day’s learning.

This consistent flow helped my son feel secure and focused, even though the content was difficult.

First Impressions and Classroom Atmosphere

Right from the start, I noticed how disciplined yet dynamic the classroom felt. The teacher maintained high expectations, and the students were fully engaged. They weren’t just solving for X—they were explaining their thinking, asking follow-up questions, and learning to persist through mistakes.

Watching from the back gave me the chance to see how different children approach challenges and how my son compares in pace, persistence, and confidence.

How My Gifted Son Responded

At first, he was excited—but overwhelmed. The workload was heavier than what he was used to, and perfection was emphasized. But by the third or fourth class, he began adapting.

He particularly loved the mental math drills and logic games. Though he occasionally fidgeted (as younger gifted children often do), the rhythm of the class kept him engaged. He also began developing academic grit—the ability to stick with a hard problem without giving up.

My Observations as a Parent

Sitting in class gave me key insights into:

How he processes information under pressure
His need for more time with multi-step problems
His hesitancy to ask for help, even when needed

The teacher balanced support and independence well, which helped him grow. This reinforced how vital it is to pair high expectations with a safe, encouraging environment.

What Worked Well

✅ Small class size
✅ Predictable structure and routine
✅ High academic expectations
✅ Emphasis on critical thinking and reasoning
✅ Workbook-based learning that builds over time
✅ Parental observation encouraged
✅ Strong math curriculum, ideal for gifted learners

What Could Be Improved

⏱️ 90-minute classes can be long for younger students
📚 Homework is demanding and may require parental support
🔁 Less room for creative or exploratory learning—very structured
💡 Not ideal for children who need lots of movement or breaks

The Cost Factor

Let’s talk about price. Spirit of Math tuition is over $3,000 per school year. While that’s a significant investment, I do believe it’s fair for the level of instruction and the depth of the curriculum provided. However, it’s important to evaluate your family’s budget and your child’s needs before committing.

Would I Recommend Spirit of Math?

Yes—with the right fit.

Spirit of Math is ideal for children who are gifted, advanced in math, and who enjoy structure and challenge. It may not be for every learner, but for our son, it met a need the regular classroom couldn’t.

And as a parent, being allowed to observe was a rare privilege. It gave me deeper understanding of my son’s learning style, how he compares to peers, and how I can better support him at home.

Final Thoughts

Spirit of Math helped my son grow not just in academic skill—but in confidence, discipline, and resilience. It’s not just about getting ahead in math; it’s about learning how to think critically and problem-solve independently.

If you’re a parent of a gifted child and are looking for a rigorous math enrichment program in York Region, I strongly recommend exploring Spirit of Math. And if you can, sit in on a class—you’ll learn as much as your child does.