Are you tired of seeing your child struggle with homework? Do you find it difficult to help them with their homework because you can’t understand the concepts yourself? You’re not alone.
Many parents find themselves in this frustrating situation, which is why they turn to tutoring services, like IXL and Russian Math for help. Both services aims to improve students’ skills using different teaching approaches and methods.
The main difference between IXL and Russian Math is their teaching methodology.
IXL is a comprehensive online learning platform that uses a variety of activities to help students learn math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish. It is a self-paced program that allows students to work at their own pace and focus on the skills they need to master.
Russian Math, on the other hand, is a more traditional math program that focuses on problem-solving and conceptual understanding. It is a teacher-led program that uses textbooks, worksheets, and manipulatives to teach students math.
In this article, we’ll compare IXL vs Russian Math you make an informed decision on which tutoring center is the right fit for your child.
Looking for private tutors? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top tutors for concepts, homework help and grade improvement on Wiingy today!
Introduction to the Debate: IXL vs Russian Math
If you are considering online tutoring, the most important step is to carefully compare all your options for top online tutoring services and make an informed decision on which tutoring service is the right fit for your child.
We have analyzed the two programs IXL and Russian Math on the following parameters:
- Subjects offered
- Teaching methodology
- Tutor matching process
- Pricing and plans offered
- Customer reviews
IXL vs Russian Math: Comparison
The following table can help in easily determining which platform will be a good choice for you based on different parameters.
| Parameters | IXL | Russian School Of Math |
| Company type | Homeschool program-Short Video Lessons | Offline classroom and online tutoring |
| Subjects Offered | IXL is an online, subscription-based learning program for PreK-12 students.IXL offers math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish. | Focuses only on math topics, like arithmetic, algebra, calculus, and geometry. |
| Mode of teaching | Online video lessons | Offline classroom teaching and online |
| Cost of tutoring | You have to purchase a minimum package of $9.90 per month for a single subject. | -Kindergarten and grade 1: 1.5 hours for $52 monthly $1872 yearly. -Grade 2-6: 2 hours for $80 monthly $2298 yearly. -Grade 7-12: 4 hours for $103 monthly $3708 yearly. |
| Minimum purchase | You have to purchase a minimum package of $9.90 per month for a single subject. | You must pay a non-refundable annual registration fee of $100.If you are joining mid-year pay a reduced fee of $80 from January through March or$40 if joining in April or later. Enrollment is not finalized until the annual registration fee is received. |
| Help in Tutor selection(Tutor Match) | IXL offers multimedia online lessons | RSM offers tutoring through its learning centers and online. The typical class size is 12 students and you have to study from the tutor allocated by them. |
| Offers free trial | No, IXL doesn’t offer a free trial.Although IXL does have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.If you find that IXL doesn’t meet your needs, you can cancel and receive a full refund. | No. |
| Cancellation policy | If in the first 30 days, IXL doesn’t meet your needs, you can cancel and receive a full refund. | If a written cancellation notice is received by RSM anytime before the 3rd lesson, the first 2 lessons will be considered a trial period and all tuition will be fully refunded (not including the registration fee). After the 3rd lesson and before the 20th lesson cancellations are accepted anytime with a 1 month (4 lessons) written notice. After Lesson 20 all new students are considered continuing and should follow the cancellation policy of a continuing student. RSM Branch should be notified about a cancellation via email. |
| Rating | Trustpilot score: 1.3/5 | Not available |
Understanding IXL
What is IXL?
IXL is a subscription-based homeschool learning website for Pre-K – 12 students. IXL uses advanced learning technology for online video lessons. IXL offers analytics and recommendations which help parents to support teaching and learning for their kids with a clear focus on outcomes.
IXL offers math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish which is tailored according to the student’s age group. Math and language arts is covered from pre-K right up to 12th grade.
How does IXL work?
IXL is an online video lesson platform. It has built-in step-by-step lessons for each subject that helps students.
IXL offers practice tests for students. One interesting feature is that students earn points when they get a question right. Students are awarded a stamp in their virtual book once they collect 100 points for a subject. Students can earn other virtual rewards as they keep on practicing multiple subjects.
IXL’s SmartScore is a unique scoring system designed to give the best possible information on students’ true understanding of a skill. SmartScore is a flagship feature of IXL and is based on IXL’s proprietary algorithm.
SmartScore is an adaptive platform that tailors the difficulty level of practice questions based on how a student performs. This approach helps students stay focused and reach their learning goals.
Subjects covered by IXL
IXL is aligned with the educational standards, including the Common Core State Standards, the Next Generation Science Standards, and all U.S. state standards.
| Subject | Grade Levels |
|---|---|
| Math | Pre-K to Calculus |
| English Language Arts | Pre-K to 12th Grade |
| Science | 3rd to 8th Grade |
| Social Studies | 4th to 8th Grade |
| Languages | Spanish |
IXL has integrated its standards alignment with its analytics and progress tracking, so parents and teachers can track a student’s progress in relation to state standards across different subjects.
What is the cost of IXL?
The cost of IXL ranges from $79 to $159 per year. IXL offers multiple monthly and yearly options for families.
| Package | Single subject package | Combo package | Core subjects package |
| Package Desc | Select from Math: Pre-K to 12 or Language Arts: Prek-K to 12 | IncludesMath: Pre-K to 12 and Language arts: Pre-K to 12 | Includes Math: Pre-K to 12 Language arts: Pre-K to 12 Science: Grade K to 8th Social studies: Grade K to 8th |
| Monthly | $9.95 | $15.95 | $19.95 |
| Yearly | $79 | $129 | $159 |
The prices are for one child. Enrolment for each additional child is charged at $4 more per month or $40 per year.
*Pricing info retrieved from the IXL website in November 2023
Evaluating IXL: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| IXL offers multiple packages. Families can purchase a single subject, a combo package, or 4 core subjects. | The IXL online curriculum requires a computer or device with an internet connection. The curriculum cannot be accessed offline. |
| IXL is aligned with the educational standards, including the Common Core State Standards, the Next Generation Science Standards, and all U.S. state standards. | IXL offers online video lessons. It is not suitable for students looking for online 1-on-1 tutoring. |
Understanding Russian Math
What is the Russian Math?
Russian Math or the Russian School of Math is a math education system that originated in the Soviet Union and is now taught in many American schools and specialized math centers.
The system emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking skills and is designed to teach students to work independently.
Russian Math education begins in pre-kindergarten and continues through 12th grade, with no year-to-year benchmarks.
Instead, students are on a continuous schedule that relies less on exams and more on classroom collaboration.
The program focuses more on the “why” of math problems, rather than just the “how”.
The main difference between Russian Math and the math being taught in schools is the methodology that emphasizes derivation. Russian Math is known for its rigor and challenging problem sets that push students to think creatively and deeply about math concepts.
How does Russian Math work?
Russian math typically works by emphasizing a problem-solving approach that focuses on developing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.
Some of the key features of how Russian math works are
- Emphasis on problem-solving: In Russian math programs, students are encouraged to solve complex problems from an early age. This helps them develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to work independently.
- Mastery-based learning: Russian math programs typically follow a mastery-based approach, which means that students are expected to fully master each topic before moving on to the next one. This ensures that students have a strong foundation in the basics and can build upon that knowledge as they progress.
- Focus on logic and reasoning: Russian math places a strong emphasis on logic and reasoning, and students are often asked to explain how they arrived at a particular solution. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts and principles.
- Early introduction of advanced topics: Russian math programs often introduce advanced topics at an earlier age than traditional programs. For example, students may be introduced to algebra and geometry in elementary school, which allows them to build a strong foundation in these subjects.
- Intensive training: Russian math programs often involve intensive training, with students attending classes multiple times per week and participating in additional homework and practice problems. This helps students develop their skills and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts.
Subjects covered by Russian Math
Russian Math covers a wide range of topics and skills, including
| Topics/Skills | Description |
| Arithmetic | This includes operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents. |
| Algebra | This includes equations, inequalities, functions, and graphing. |
| Geometry | This includes plane and solid geometry, including shapes, angles, lines, and planes. |
| Trigonometry | This includes the study of angles and triangles, including the trigonometric functions. |
| Calculus | This includes the study of limits, derivatives, and integrals. |
| Probability and statistics | This includes the study of probability, random variables, and statistical analysis. |
| Number theory | This includes the study of integers, prime numbers, and divisibility. |
| Combinatorics | This includes the study of counting, permutations, and combinations. |
What is the minimum age for kids to enroll in Russian Math?
Kids can enroll in Russian Math at any age, including pre-kindergarten, which means at the age of 4-5 years old.
The Russian program has different levels in each grade, and the curriculum is designed to be challenging and rigorous, with a focus on problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Source: Russian School of Mathematics Official Website
What is the cost of Russian Math?
The pricing for RSM varies by location of the center, the grade of the student, and the number of subjects. You can expect to pay between $2000 to $3500 for a full year tuition at RSM offers pricing for 4 levels which are as given below:
| Grade | Pricing |
| Kindergarten to Grade 1 | Average price $50 per class |
| Grade 2 to Grade 5 | Average price $60 per class |
| Grade 6 | Average price ranges from $40 to $80 per class for geometry and algebra lessons |
| Grade 7 to 12 | Average price ranges from $50 to $100 per class for geometry and algebra lessons |
RSM offers multiple payment plans. You can pay monthly, semi-annually, or one time for full-year tuition.
Source: Russian School of Mathematics Official Website
Evaluating Russian Math: Pros vs Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Russian math emphasizes a problem-solving approach that can help students develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills. By approaching complex problems with logic and creativity, students can become better equipped to tackle a wide range of challenges in all areas of their lives. | Russian math programs can be very challenging and require a significant amount of time and effort. This can be overwhelming for some students, especially if they are already busy with other extracurricular activities or academic responsibilities. |
| Russian math programs can provide students with strong preparation for competitive exams such as the SAT, ACT, and various math competitions. | Russian math programs follow a standardized curriculum that may not be customized as per individual students’ learning styles or abilities. |
| Russian math is recognized worldwide for its rigor and effectiveness in developing strong mathematical skills. | Russian math programs typically focus exclusively on mathematics and may not provide as much exposure or instruction in other subjects such as science, history, or language arts. |
IXL vs Russian Math: which is the right fit for your child?
IXL and Russian Math are both popular math learning programs, but they offer different approaches to learning.
- IXL is an online learning platform that offers a variety of courses, including math, reading, language arts, science, and social studies. Students can access IXL from any device with an internet connection and choose their own learning path and work at their own pace. IXL is personalized to each student’s needs and provides immediate feedback on student work. However, IXL can be expensive and may not be suitable for students who need more personalized attention.
- Russian Math is a math curriculum that is based on the Russian system of education. It is known for its rigorous and challenging approach to math. Students learn math through a series of problems and exercises that are designed to build their understanding of the concepts. Russian Math can help students develop strong problem-solving skills and prepare for advanced math courses. However, Russian Math can be challenging for some students and may not be suitable for students who prefer a more traditional approach to math.
The best program for you will depend on your child’s learning style and preferences. If your child is a self-directed learner who prefers to work independently, IXL may be a good option. If your child is struggling in math and needs a more challenging approach, Russian Math may be a better choice.
IXL vs Russian Math cost
The cost comparison of the IXL vs Russian Math is as below:
| IXL | Russian Math |
| Single subject: $9.95 per month Combo subject: $15.95 per month Package: $19.95 per month | Kindergarten to Grade 1: Average price $50 per class |
| Single subject: $79 per yearCombo subject: $129 per yearPackage: $159 per year | Grade 2 to Grade 5: Average price $60 per class |
| Grade 6: Average price ranges from $40 to $80 per class for geometry and algebra lessons | |
| Grade 7 to 12: Average price ranges from $50 to $100 per class for geometry and algebra lessons |
Why should you consider Wiingy for 1-on-1 online tutoring?
So far, we have explored the benefits of IXL vs Russian Math for your child’s math education. However, if you’re looking for another cost-effective online tutoring option to consider for your child, look no further than Wiingy.
The Wiingy platform offers 1-on-1 online tutoring to school, college, and adult students through its network of 1,000+ expert-vetted tutors for coding, math, science, computer science, AP, and 100+ subjects.
Over 20,000 students have used Wiingy for private tutoring, homework help, assignment help, language learning, homeschool tutoring, and test prep. Students and parents have consistently rated the Wiingy experience as 4.8 out of 5.
Unlike tutor marketplaces, each Wiingy tutor is vetted individually and undergoes an extensive assessment that includes interviews, mock lessons, and coding tests.
Less than 3% of applicants are selected to become tutors on Wiingy’s platform. This means that you work only with top verified, qualified, and experienced tutors.
An experienced tutor will be able to create a structured lesson plan customized to your pace and learning style. You will also get access to study materials, notes, practice materials, and exam strategies to help accelerate your learning.
We know that sometimes you don’t want to pay for private tutoring because it is too expensive. Tutoring costs anywhere from $100 to $150 per hour which isn’t reasonable at all.
However, Wiingy’s rates are affordable, starting from just $28 per hour, much lower than the average tutoring offered by other platforms.
We don’t require you to sign up for packages or subscriptions, so you can pay for lessons as you need them. We also offer a free trial lesson so you can try out our service before you commit.
While we try to match you with the perfect tutor per your needs, we understand that sometimes, even the best tutors might not be the right fit for you.
This is why we offer you the Perfect Match Guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your tutor for any reason, you can request a replacement tutor at no additional cost.
Lastly, if you do not wish to continue our services, we offer you a no-questions-asked full refund for your unused lessons with us.
In addition, we have 24/7 instant support from a personal student success advisor. You can contact your advisor via chat or phone if you have any questions, whether it’s about your lessons, your tutor, payments, or if you are looking to explore any other subject.
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