Grades 6–12 · Placement by readiness

Tao Titans
Math Competition Prep

In-person AMC 8, AMC 10 and AMC 12 preparation for grades 6–12 on the Upper West Side. Build creative problem-solving in number theory, algebra, geometry, counting and probability, with practice matched to readiness.

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Weekly classFridays · 4:00–6:00 PM
Tuition$587 / month
Location226 W 79th St, UWS
FormatIn-person · max 6 students
Marcelo Ambrozio, lead math teacher at School of Math

Your teacher

Marcelo Ambrozio

Co-Founder & Lead Math Teacher

MBA · B.S. Applied Mathematics, Northwestern · 20 years coaching MIT, Harvard & Stanford candidates. Meet the team →

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Pick the day that fits your week, then continue to secure payment. Your seat is held the moment your registration is paid.

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Tao Titans · Math Competition Prep · Grades 6–12

$587 / month — tuition (recurring) · $99 one-time registration (placement test, written diagnostic, learning plan)
The first class you want to attend. Pick any day that matches the weekday you chose above.
Your schedule
Who is this for?
For students who use their own email: receive a separate homework copy. The parent remains the billing contact.
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Stripe secure checkout · $99 registration charged today · $587/month tuition begins one day before your first class.

Want to talk first? Call (646) 668-6151 or book a free 30-minute evaluation.

About the course

What students learn

In-person AMC 8, AMC 10 and AMC 12 preparation for grades 6–12 on the Upper West Side. Build creative problem-solving in number theory, algebra, geometry, counting and probability, with practice matched to readiness.

One team. Different starting points.

Our initial focus is AMC 8, AMC 10 and AMC 12. Students learn to spot structure, test small cases, draw useful diagrams and explain why a solution works. A sixth grader building number sense and a senior tackling advanced algebra will receive different problem sets. The free evaluation guides placement and extension work.

Choose the right competition pathway

The MAA sets AMC eligibility: AMC 8 is for grade 8 and below, AMC 10 for grade 10 and below, and AMC 12 for grade 12 and below, with additional age limits. These are eligibility ceilings, not required starting grades.

Beyond the AMC

When useful for a student's goals, we include MATHCOUNTS-style preparation for eligible grades 6–8 students, Math Kangaroo puzzles, school math leagues and age-appropriate olympiad-style challenges. The aim is flexible mathematical thinking, not collecting contest names.

SOMATH provides independent preparation. Contest eligibility, registration, entry fees and participation are separate and governed by each organizer. Enrollment does not guarantee contest admission, qualification or awards.

Not sure where to begin? Book a free evaluation or review the weekly schedule. Try our AMC practice resources in the Journal.

A typical class

Sample class format · 120 minutes

Every Tao Titans · Math Competition Prep class follows the same structure so students walk in knowing what to expect and walk out with a corrected mini-quiz in hand.

0:00 – 0:30
30 min

Puzzles & Enigmas

Warm-up with logic puzzles, math riddles, and short brain-teaser problems. The point is to switch the brain on without yet introducing today’s topic — students arrive at different focus levels and this 30-minute block evens the room.

0:30 – 1:00
30 min

Subject — concept & guided practice

A shared problem-solving idea, demonstrated with accessible examples. Students then try questions at their own level while the teacher checks their reasoning.

1:00 – 1:05
5 min

Brain break

A short break — water, stretch, a quick chat. Five minutes is enough to reset focus without losing the rhythm of the class.

1:05 – 1:30
25 min

Subject — word problems & applications

Level-specific AMC practice and selected competition challenges. Students compare approaches, investigate tempting wrong turns, and learn when a diagram, an equation or systematic casework is the most efficient tool.

1:30 – 2:00
30 min

Mini-quiz — corrected in class

A short timed mini-quiz on today’s topic, then we correct it together — question by question, out loud, with the right strategy spelled out for each item. Parents get the corrected paper at the end of the session so they know exactly where their child stands.

Syllabus arc

24-class rolling syllabus

Rolling enrollment begins with a placement evaluation. This topic arc is adapted to the student's level and competition goals; advanced topics are extensions, not prerequisites for every student.

Class1Placement and problem-solving habits: draw, organize, test and explain.
Class2Divisibility, primes and prime factorization.
Class3Greatest common factors and least common multiples.
Class4Remainders, modular arithmetic and repeating cycles.
Class5Fractions, ratios, proportions and percent puzzles.
Class6Digits, place value and number puzzles.
Class7Equations and strategic algebraic modeling.
Class8Factoring and useful algebraic identities, by level.
Class9Patterns, sequences and recursive thinking.
Class10Angles, triangles and geometric reasoning.
Class11Area, dissection and clever auxiliary lines.
Class12Circles, similarity and proportional geometry.
Class13Coordinate geometry and distance.
Class14Systematic counting and casework.
Class15Permutations and combinations, with level-appropriate extensions.
Class16Probability, complementary counting and sample spaces.
Class17Parity, invariants and logical constraints.
Class18Extremal reasoning and inequalities, by level.
Class19AMC 8-style mixed practice and advanced extensions.
Class20AMC 10-focused algebra and geometry for ready students.
Class21AMC 12 extensions: advanced algebra and trigonometry for ready students.
Class22Other competition styles: MATHCOUNTS, Math Kangaroo and math leagues.
Class23Timed practice at the student's appropriate competition level.
Class24Error analysis, written explanations and the next training goals.

Frequently asked

Common questions from parents

Who is Tao Titans for?

Students in grades 6–12 who enjoy mathematical challenges and want to prepare for competitions. A free evaluation helps us choose an appropriate starting level; previous competition experience is not required.

Which competitions are the main focus?

Our initial focus is AMC 8, AMC 10 and AMC 12. We also use suitable MATHCOUNTS, Math Kangaroo, school math league and olympiad-style problems to develop flexible reasoning.

Will everyone solve the same questions?

No. Shared problem-solving themes are paired with level-appropriate practice. AMC 8 foundations and advanced AMC 10 or AMC 12 extensions are assigned according to readiness, not just school grade.

Which AMC is my child eligible for?

AMC 8 is for grade 8 and below, AMC 10 for grade 10 and below, and AMC 12 for grade 12 and below. Each has an additional age limit. We discuss suitable preparation during evaluation; families should confirm current eligibility and registration with the organizer.

When and where does the class meet?

Fridays from 4:00–6:00 PM at School of Math, 226 W 79th St, 1st Floor, Upper West Side, New York. Classes are in person, with a maximum of six students.

What does membership cost?

Tuition is $587 per month, plus a $99 one-time registration fee. Course materials are included. Competition registration and entry fees are separate; membership does not automatically enter a student in any contest.

Is SOMATH an official contest organizer?

This is independent competition preparation. No official affiliation, contest entry, qualification or award is promised. Contest organizers set their own eligibility, registration rules and deadlines.