FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why PiMath?
PiMath provides highly personalized, proof-based mathematics instruction in small groups, led directly by an experienced faculty mentor. The focus is on depth, rigor, and long-term growth, not competition or one-size-fits-all enrichment.
How are PiMath courses different from other mathematical enrichment activities?
PiMath is intentionally designed to be small, personal, and mentorship-driven. Courses are capped at a very small number of students so that each participant is known well as a mathematician and as a learner. Classes function more like a research seminar or apprenticeship than a traditional course: students receive frequent, individualized feedback on their mathematical thinking, proof writing, and exposition, and discussions are shaped by the ideas students bring to the table.
Unlike many enrichment programs that focus on short-term problem solving or competition preparation, PiMath emphasizes deep understanding, rigorous proof, and sustained intellectual growth over time. Students are encouraged to revisit ideas, refine arguments, explore extensions, and develop mathematical maturity at a pace that allows for genuine insight.
Most importantly, PiMath is built around long-term mentorship. The goal is not just to complete a single course, but to support students across multiple years as they grow into independent thinkers—whether that means progressing to advanced topics, engaging in research, developing expository writing, or preparing for future academic opportunities. Relationships matter here, and PiMath is structured to foster trust, confidence, and a lasting love of mathematics.
What is the class format?
PiMath courses are taught live, online, using interactive software specifically designed for mathematical instruction. This is the same style of technology and pedagogy that Dr. Paquin has used successfully for many years in advanced online mathematics courses through Stanford Online High School, the Stanford Summer Bridge Program in Mathematics, and UCLA mathematics courses.
Classes meet in small groups, allowing for active participation, discussion, and individualized attention. Each course meets twice per week:
One meeting is a structured class session focused on new ideas, proofs, and guided problem-solving.
One meeting has an office-hours–style format, where students work through problems collaboratively, ask questions, present ideas, and receive real-time feedback.
Discussion and collaboration are highly encouraged in every meeting. Students are invited to explain their reasoning, challenge assumptions, refine arguments, and learn from one another in a supportive, seminar-style environment. This format ensures that students are not passive listeners, but active participants in the mathematical process.
Who are the courses for?
PiMath courses are designed for highly motivated middle school and high school students who are eager to engage deeply with mathematics beyond the standard school curriculum. These courses are ideal for students who enjoy asking why things work, writing and refining proofs, and thinking carefully about structure and ideas.
PiMath is especially well suited for students who:
Are curious, persistent, and excited by challenging problems
Want to develop mathematical maturity, rigor, and clear exposition
Are interested in proof-based mathematics rather than contest preparation
Thrive in small-group, discussion-driven environments
While most students are in high school, advanced middle school students are welcome to apply if they are ready for abstract thinking and sustained engagement. Placement is based on readiness and interest, not age or grade level.
Because PiMath emphasizes long-term mentorship, students who are looking for a thoughtful, supportive mathematical home—where they can grow over multiple years, explore advanced topics, and possibly transition into research—will find the program to be a particularly strong fit.
Does PiMath offer credit for the courses?
PiMath courses do not offer formal academic credit, and we are not able to transcript these classes directly. PiMath is designed as a mentorship-driven enrichment experience, rather than a credit-bearing school program.
That said, PiMath can still play a meaningful and substantive role in a student’s academic journey. Upon request, Dr. Paquin is happy to:
Write detailed letters of recommendation describing a student’s mathematical ability, work ethic, and growth
Provide documentation of coursework, topics covered, and expectations that may support an independent study, enrichment credit, or portfolio submission at a student’s school
Coordinate with a school teacher or administrator if a student wishes to pursue an independent study or enrichment arrangement alongside PiMath
More importantly, PiMath is built around long-term mathematical mentorship. For students who continue over time, this may include guidance toward:
Advanced proof-based coursework
Independent or collaborative research projects
Mathematical writing and exposition
Conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications when appropriate
Many students find that the depth of work they do at PiMath—particularly sustained research, high-level mathematical writing, and close mentorship—carries significant weight in college applications, research programs, and future academic opportunities, even without formal course credit.
If you have questions about how PiMath might fit into your specific academic situation, you’re very welcome to reach out—individual pathways are always open for discussion. Please contact Dr. Paquin directly at paquin@paquinmath.org for more information.
How much do PiMath courses cost?
PiMath courses cost $1,200 per 10-week session. Each course meets twice per week, and all instruction, feedback, and mentorship are provided directly by Dr. Paquin—not by teaching assistants.
Tuition reflects the highly personalized nature of PiMath: small class sizes, frequent individual feedback on problem-solving and proof writing, live discussion-based meetings, and ongoing mentorship that extends beyond a single assignment or course. Students receive detailed written and verbal feedback designed to support genuine mathematical growth.
Financial aid is available, and families are encouraged to apply regardless of financial circumstances. PiMath is committed to making advanced, proof-based mathematics accessible to students who are motivated and ready to engage deeply.
If you have questions about tuition or financial aid, please feel free to reach out—happy to discuss individual situations.
Are class sessions recorded? What if a student misses class?
Yes. All PiMath class sessions are recorded, and recordings are made available to students through the class webpage. In addition, annotated class slides and lecture notes are posted immediately after each class, so students can easily review the material, revisit key ideas, or catch up if they are unable to attend live.
While live participation is strongly encouraged—discussion and interaction are an important part of the PiMath experience—students are not penalized for occasionally missing a class due to scheduling conflicts, travel, or other commitments. The combination of recordings and detailed notes ensures that students can stay fully engaged with the course even if they miss a session.
Students are always welcome to follow up with questions in subsequent classes or during the office-hours–style meeting.
What is the expected time commitment outside of class?
Students are expected to work on problem sets outside of class, which are designed to encourage deep thinking rather than high volume. There is no fixed hourly requirement: students may invest as much or as little time as their schedule allows each week.
Problems are intentionally open-ended and exploratory, allowing students to engage at different levels. Some students may spend a short, focused amount of time each week, while others may choose to dive deeply into extensions, refinements, or additional questions. Both approaches are fully supported.
The emphasis at PiMath is on thoughtful engagement and growth, not on completing every problem or keeping pace with others. Students are encouraged to communicate openly about their workload, and flexibility is built into the course to accommodate busy academic and extracurricular schedules.
What is PiMath’s philosophy?
PiMath is built on the belief that learning mathematics well takes time, conversation, and trust. We value curiosity, persistence, clarity of thought, and joy in discovery.
