We've known critical thinking matters for a century, so why is it still so hard to teach? Part 2 unpacks the real constraints schools are working within, and makes the case for why building this skill matters more than ever in the age of AI.

AI can already out-answer our kids. So what's left for them to master? Part 1 of this series makes the case that critical thinking is the most important skill for the future and shows how Beast Academy builds it into every puzzle.

Beast Academy Online, Art of Problem Solving's elementary math platform, is recognized at an annual industry awards program for its approach to deep mathematical thinking for students ages 6–13

AoPS founder Richard Rusczyk has been awarded the 2025 Courage & Civility Award and is directing the $5 million grant to MATHCOUNTS to create a new program for grades 3-5. This expansion will build foundational problem-solving skills in elementary students, extending MATHCOUNTS' proven middle school model to younger learners with support from AoPS's Beast Academy expertise.

A new independent study of nearly 1,000 elementary students shows that Beast Academy Online significantly improves math achievement for high-ability learners. Students who used the platform just 25 minutes more per week scored substantially higher on year-end assessments.

How can puzzles transform your classroom? When two students—one who’s bored from flying through assignments and another stuck on a tough problem—both say, “We’re bored!” puzzles can be the perfect solution. Discover how thoughtfully designed puzzles not only engage diverse learners but also foster collaboration, strategic thinking, and perseverance.

"One of my favorite Beast Academy problems is the Honeycomb Path Puzzle. It's a simple concept with incredible flexibility, and gives many opportunities for challenge." ~David Flynn, Math Curriculum Team Lead

Students who used Beast Academy gained 1-2 additional grade levels on their spring 2021 National MAP Assessment Scores, as compared to those who didn’t use Beast Academy, according to a recent WestEd study in Mankato Area Public Schools, a K–12 school district in Mankato, Minnesota.