Episode 54: The Art of Problem Solving. A Conversation with Richard Rusczyk.

Ready to unlock the magic of math? 🎉 This episode features Richard Rusczyk, founder of Art of Problem Solving and Beast Academy. His journey—from an “aggressively average” high school in Alabama to Princeton—shows the magic of student empowerment through autonomy and intrinsic motivation. 🚀

We explore learning spaces where project-based learning and creative problem-solving shine. Richard explains how leading with questions reduces math anxiety and builds confidence. Through stories of teachers and mentors, he highlights the value of self-paced and mastery-based learning.

At Art of Problem Solving, students don’t just excel—they join a vibrant learning community and build lifelong friendships. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑❤️ 

This episode celebrates the mentors, parents, and educators creating empowered learners. 🙌 Tune in and get inspired to help kids think creatively, overcome challenges, and thrive. 🎧

More About Our Guest
Richard Rusczyk founded the Art of Problem Solving in 2003 to create interactive educational opportunities for avid math students. Art of Problem Solving now reaches hundreds of thousands of high-potential math students every year through its learning centers, online schools, books, websites, and online learning systems. Richard authored or co-authored 7 math textbooks and was one of the co-creators of the Mandelbrot Competition and a past Director of the USA Mathematical Talent Search. Richard was a participant in National MATHCOUNTS, a three-time participant in the Math Olympiad Summer Program, and a USA Mathematical Olympiad winner (1989). He graduated from Princeton University in 1993.

Connect with Richard
https://artofproblemsolving.com/
https://beastacademy.com/

Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!

About the podcast
The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.

Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.

Got a burning question?
We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together!

Important links:
• Connect with us on social
• Get our free literacy curriculum

Interested in starting a microschool?
Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool