Questions parents ask
Can't find an answer? Call (210) 284-7236 or email info@abacusmentalmath.com.
Online classes
How many students are in an online abacus class?
Classes are semi-private: at most 4 students, each on their own computer at home, so the sensei can watch every child's work and teach each one individually. Private 1:1 classes and a self-paced option are also available.
Who teaches the classes?
Our sensei, who are trained through our teacher course based on the Japanese Soroban method.
How long has Abacus Mental Math been teaching?
Over 15 years. We have taught more than 2,000 students, who have signed in and practiced from 65+ countries.
Can my child join from outside the United States?
Yes. Classes are online and scheduled in your time zone; our students have signed in and practiced from 65+ countries.
How long is the entire program?
From 10 Kyu (lowest) to 1 Kyu (highest) takes about 3.7 years at one lesson a week, though some students move faster and finish sooner.
At what age can a child start?
Ages 5–14 are ideal, and we teach younger and older children too. Younger children start with our pre-Soroban levels. The elementary years are prime time for this kind of learning — don't lose that window.
How soon will my child start anzan (visualizing)?
At one lesson a week, usually after about three months of training. Some children get there much sooner.
My child is already advanced — will this challenge them?
Absolutely. The training builds on itself like a spiral curriculum, and a quick learner can move faster and reach the harder questions sooner.
My child is an average learner — will it help?
Every child is smart, because the brain is amazing. This training brings out potential your child already has.
My child has learning disabilities — will it help?
We have had excellent results supporting children with learning disabilities. Some need more hands-on help from a parent. Because the method taps into how the brain naturally works, children who don't “get” math often find their whole math world opens up.
One hand or two?
Japan has historically used the one-hand method, with results recorded in the Guinness World Records, and that is what we teach. Some children eventually drop their hands entirely and perform anzan with no movement at all.
If my child advances faster, do I pay more?
No. Fees are monthly, not per lesson. Your teacher works at your child's pace and extra lessons cost nothing.
What is the class size, and how long are classes?
Every class is one hour, live on Zoom. Semi-private classes have at most 4 students, each on their own computer. Private 1:1 classes and a self-paced option are also available.
How do I start?
Book a free trial class on this site, or call (210) 284-7236 — we'll find a time that works.
My child has done some abacus already — can they jump in?
Yes. We assess and place your child, and if there are gaps from a different progression we run a sprint course to bring them up to speed before continuing.
Why teach the abacus when we have calculators?
Because it is faster and more effective. A calculator is a tool that thinks for you; the brain is a muscle that grows by use. We were all once children taught the traditional way, and most of us can admit to depending on a calculator ever since.
Is the abacus a cheat tool?
No. The Soroban cannot compute any more than pen and paper can — the user does all the thinking. What sets it apart is that a trained user can beat a calculator for speed and accuracy without giving up any mathematical thinking.
Is the portal safe for my child?
Students sign in with a private username that is never shown publicly. Nothing about your child appears on our public pages unless you give consent, and you can change that at any time.
What do children earn, and who approves it?
Passing units earns coins, badges and diamonds. Coins can be saved toward real toys from our Toy Shop, and every order needs your approval and the school's before we buy it.
Can my child practice listening in another language?
Yes. Listening practice works in English, Spanish, French, German and Chinese, with several voices to choose from, and we keep adding more languages.
Is there homework between classes?
Your child's sensei can set homework and extra work in the portal, and every lesson has a question bank of the questions your child missed, so practice goes where it's needed.
What can I see as a parent?
Sign in with your child's account and your parent PIN to open the Parent tab: progress, billing, your agreement and any toy orders waiting for you.
Is abacus a quick fix?
No. Abacus Mental Math® is a powerful way to learn math, but it isn't a quick trick. Like learning to read a new language, it's a skill built with time and steady practice. Follow the program lesson by lesson, at least one lesson a week, stay consistent, and you will see results you didn't think possible.
Is the soroban abacus better than Vedic Math?
For most children, yes. Vedic Math is a collection of shortcut techniques, and a child has to learn many of them and keep picking the right one for each problem. The soroban is one place-value system: the same bead moves work for every number, children can see place value on the beads, and with practice the moves go into the mind as anzan (fast mental math). One consistent method, clear grades to work through and the research behind it are why we teach the soroban. See the full comparison: Vedic Math vs Soroban
Still deciding?
The trial class answers most of these questions better than a page can: you see the method, your child tries it, and we tell you where they would start.
It takes an hour, it costs nothing, and there is no paperwork.
See it for yourself
The trial class is free, live on Zoom, and takes an hour.
Book a free trial class