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Math Education Insights
AAP, test prep, curriculum, competitions, and home practice — everything Fairfax parents need to know about elementary math, explained clearly.
The Back-to-School Checklist Every Parent Should Run Through
With just a few weeks left before school starts, here's a practical checklist covering everything from confirming your child's teacher to resetting sleep schedules and brushing up on math.
The TJHSST Roadmap: What Elementary Parents Should Know
A parent-friendly introduction to TJHSST — what it actually is, how it differs from Korea's science and gifted high schools, and what elementary-age preparation actually looks like.
How to Read Your Child's FCPS Elementary Report Card
Virginia elementary report cards don't use A-B-C grades — FCPS scores students on a 1-4 standards-based scale. Here's how the scoring works, how it differs from the state SOL test, and what parents should actually look for.
Preventing the Summer Math Slide Before School Starts
Why math skills fade faster than reading over summer break, what the research says, and practical steps parents can take in the final weeks before school starts.
Understanding FCPS AAP Math
A clear breakdown of Standard vs. Advanced (AAP) math in FCPS, covering placement criteria and the long-term pathway through middle and high school.
A Complete Guide to the NGAT (formerly CogAT & NNAT)
Everything parents need to know about the NGAT, the ability test now used for FCPS AAP placement, including structure, scoring, timing, and preparation strategies. It replaced CogAT and NNAT starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
Math Competitions Open to FCPS Students
An overview of major math competitions available to FCPS elementary students, including MOEMS, AMC 8, Math League, and Math Kangaroo, with details on difficulty, timing, and how to participate.
5 Evidence-Based Strategies for Building Math Skills at Home
Five research-backed strategies parents can use at home to help their children build stronger math skills. No tutoring required to get started.
Why Singapore Math Works
An accessible explanation of what Singapore Math is, why it's widely adopted in gifted education programs, and how it differs from traditional US math instruction.