10 Questions With John Cole From Bel Air's Mathnasium

What sets Mathnasium of Bel Air apart from other tutoring centers? The Bel Air team makes math fun by making math make sense.

The Bel Air team, led by director and owner John Cole, helps children in grades K-12 no matter the proficiency. By pinpointing children’s learning needs and meeting them where they are, the Bel Air tutors take children where they need to go.

Patch speaks with John about this in depth, highlighting the Mathnasium Method, upcoming summer programs, tutoring options for adults and more.

Patch: Mathnasium helps make math make sense. Tell us a little about the Mathnasium experience.

Cole: Mathnasium teaches math in a way that makes sense. We offer an initial assessment followed by a customized learning plan. We offer individualized instruction in group setting. We have highly trained instructors. We also offer test prep and homework help.

Patch: How does Mathnasium of Bel Air stand out from other tutoring centers? What makes it unique?

Cole: It does not feel like school. We maintain a fun environment. We use a unique reward system to support the program listed above. We also allow unlimited visits on a drop in basis.

Patch: Mathnasium of Bel Air helps children in grades K-12. How do you account for this wide range of skill level?

Cole: Each student is working out of their own binder. The instructors shift focus effortlessly between the lower and higher math. This keeps things interesting for all.

Patch: What about those who are more advanced in the subject?

Cole: We are fully prepared to handle what we call enrichment students. Our trained staff can handle the highest math levels.

Patch: And private tutoring?

Cole: We offer private sessions at a different fee structure. These are typically for SAT/ACT prep or college or adult students taking upper math. These are by appointment. Adults are tutored outside of our regular Mathnasium hours.

Patch: Tell us about Bel Air’s Mathnasium team.

Cole: Our team is made up of educators or former educators lead by my wife Donna who has tutored math for over 30 years in the college system. All of our team have to pass a rigorous entrance exam and have to complete Mathnasium’s online training.

Patch: What is the Mathnasium Method?

Cole: We use a combination of mental, verbal, tactile and written techniques in our education strategy. We help kids build their number sense so they truly understand math.

Patch: Can you tell us a little about the assessment process?

Cole: We verbally assess their number sense and, based on their answers to this verbal questioning, we administer an appropriate assessment, which shows us where the gaps are in the students knowledge and where they already have mastery. Their curriculum binder is then prepared based on the assessment.

Patch: What can new members look forward to during Mathnasmium’s summer program this year?

Cole: We have discounted summer rates plus summer sessions available. We have extended hours opening at 2 p.m. daily instead of 3 p.m. from June 19 to Aug. 31. With this extra hour, we will do fun activities, like teaching the kids how to play chess, and have tournaments and teaching the kids to solve the Rubik's cube.

Patch: Patch readers care about their communities and the people who work and live within them. How can parents reach out to you and explore what opportunities are available for their children at Mathnasium in Bel Air?

Cole: We love to have people stop by during the day during our office hours, which are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They can also stop by during open Mathnasium to observe, which is Monday through Thursday, 3 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We are in the Bel Air Town Center, located at 516 Baltimore Pike behind Chili’s. We can be reached at (410) 638-6284 (MATH) or email via belair@mathnasium.com or through our website. We are very active in the community. Look for our mascot Mr. A+ at Bel Air events. We will be at Under Armour Friday Nights Under the Lights events and the second week in June at the Arena Club.

Photo: John Cole, image via Mathnasium of Bel Air