IndiaParentMagazine

The Case For Math And Computer Science Enrichment

Two years ago, businessman and entrepreneur Thibault de Chatellus decided to follow his passion: He invested in a math and computer enrichment program to teach children the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century. As a young student, his son took classes at the Institute For Mathematics & Computer Science (IMACS), a unique enrichment program that transformed his life. Recognizing how it could do the same for others, Thibault decided to bring IMACS to the Bay Area. The first IMACS center opened in Sunnyvale at 719 Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road in July.

Excerpts from an IPM interview with Thibault de Chatellus, President, IMACS California


What exactly is IMACS?

IMACS is an extraordinary math and computer enrichment program. For over 20 years, IMACS has helped thousands of bright children reach their highest potential. This innovative program, designed for bright elementary and middle school students, develops logical reasoning and creative problem-solving skills rarely taught elsewhere. More than 4,500 students in the U.S. and abroad attend IMACS classes or study its online courses each year. IMACS students have gone on to elite colleges and have won numerous awards in math and science.


Why is IMACS unique?

IMACS teaches students by ability, not age or grade. As a result, IMACS students are never held back from reaching their full potential. Additionally, our curricula are developed by a long-standing team of mathematicians, computer scientists, engineers, and educators, who draw on an average of over 25 years of experience teaching talented students. Rather than accelerating the pace of standard material or teaching tricks without understanding, IMACS designs original curricula that engages bright children on a deeper level.


What programs does IMACS offer in Sunnyvale?

IMACS offers five levels of math enrichment for students starting as early as first grade. Classes are taught by highly qualified teachers using challenging games, logic puzzles and mathematical problem-solving activities that keep students highly engaged. The self-paced computer enrichment curriculum is designed for third to ninth graders.  It develops advanced problem-solving skills and builds a strong foundation in programming and computer science.


Why should parents consider math and computer science enrichment?

More and more jobs in today’s knowledge-based economy require a mastery of mathematics and strong critical thinking skills. Unfortunately, US students are falling further behind. Today, they rank 35th in mathematics and 27th in science compared to other countries in the most recent PISA test. More than ever, education needs to emphasize the development of skills, instead of the acquisition of knowledge, which can quickly become obsolete.


Why did you send you son to IMACS?

Like all parents, I wanted the very best for my child.  Our son was in one of the best schools in the area, but we were not sure that it was enough. Giving my son advanced math education and problem-solving skills was important. We signed up for a free IMACS class and were immediately impressed by the teaching methods.  IMACS was so different from anything we had ever seen.


What were the results?

The power of IMACS is not that it taught my son how to solve specific problems. Rather, it taught him how to think logically and creatively, so he could approach any problem. He became an outstanding student – not only in math – and approached all of his studies with poise and confidence. He graduated with the highest GPA in his high school, graduated from an Ivy League college and now works for one of the top management consulting firms in the country.


Why did you invest in IMACS?

I had reached a point in my professional life where I wanted to pursue something that would truly make a difference in the lives of others. Knowing how much IMACS benefited our son, I thought it should be more widely available and decided to bring the program to the Bay Area.


How can parents get their kids started in the program?

All parents and their children are invited to attend a free class. Because IMACS groups students by ability, not by age or grade, the class allows IMACS to determine the right starting point for each child. For more information on IMACS and to register for a free class, go to www.imacs.org/ or call 408.702.2447.