Larry Martinek created the Mathnasium Method after observing how his mathematically-gifted son, Nic, approached the subject. Larry had to adapt how he spoke with Nic about maths, a principle that still holds true in our mission statement today: to teach children maths in a way that makes sense to them.

Beginning on that bedrock in 2002 with a single centre in Los Angeles, Mathnasium now stands at more than 1,000 centres teaching children in communities worldwide.

We’re committed to opening a Mathnasium centre in every community we can and we’re already on the way to becoming a nationwide UK brand. Others call this market penetration and market domination. We call it changing the world. That’s because what we do is necessary and important. And because so many children need our help.

We’re in the business of making a difference

Choose great people as instructors and empower them with the best teaching method – that’s our formula for success, and the one we support franchisees to emulate.

And this is about so much more than simply boosting grades: Mathnasium breaks down barriers to build confidence and self-esteem. Every day, franchisees witness another child freeing themselves from constant confusion with numbers, and another family alleviating the frustrations of those challenges.

Transforming a child’s attitude toward maths is key to transforming their capability. And with increased capability, a world of opportunity opens up to them.

The joy of changing childrens lives

We believe children need the human connection

No matter how advanced technology becomes, the human being remains the ultimate teaching technology. That’s because there is no replacement for the emotional support, encouragement and sensitivity that make children thrive. They need us to believe in them. Just like adults, children yearn to be treated with dignity, respect and patience.

That’s why this face-to-face education franchise works, whether in-centre or online with Mathnasium@home.

Leadership and Support Team

Our team consists of business leaders and education innovators, with a passion for helping children and supporting franchisees. They know, first-hand, what each franchisee experiences.

John and Zoe lead the way in the UK – click on their pictures to find out more about their philosophy.

  • John Preston UK Franchisor

    I had a very successful career in investment banking. I started young, I was entrepreneurial and I worked my way up quickly. One day I fell ill while walking to work, and it had the potential to be serious. Over the next few weeks, I began to think: Is this it? Is this all I’ve achieved?

    I was off work for a few months and when I went back, I couldn’t shake the feeling of not wanting to be there, that I was only doing it for the money. I quit and took time off. I knew I wanted to start a business, but I also knew I wanted to make an impact. Ultimately I didn’t know what I was looking for, but I knew it wasn’t my corporate career.

    I spent a lot of time looking at different businesses, but I didn’t want to just make money. Fundamentally, I wanted to have a positive impact on the world.

    I found Mathnasium and was instantly drawn to the testimonials from parents on the impact it had made on their kids. It blew me away, so I began researching it fully. Not only was it a great investment opportunity, but it ticked all my boxes because of the positive impact it was making in children’s lives and on future generations. I think that’s an amazing thing.

    I started my franchise and became the most successful franchisee in the UK. I absolutely loved it. It’s hard work, but it’s so satisfying too, as well as financially rewarding.

    When the opportunity came up to take over the UK franchise network, it was clear that my ambitions matched Mathnasium’s. And now I’m enjoying guiding people on their own journey using my experience It often begins for them the same way it did for me, with that nagging feeling: I want to do something more.

  • Zoe Jagelman UK Education Manager

    A former teacher, you’ll be hard pushed to find someone more passionate about maths than Zoe. She ensures that Mathnasium tuition is completely aligned to the UK curriculum and leads on training instructors and supporting franchisees, who are not shy in praising her for her guidance and approach on all education matters.

    “One of the huge challenges of teaching maths at school is that you’ve got a class of 30 students in front of you, and you know they’re all at slightly different levels of confidence and attainment. But here, because everything is completely personalised to each student, we can focus just on where that student is and what they need to move forward with their maths.”

Mathnasium Founders

  • Peter Markovitz Peter Markovitz Founder and Chief Executive Officer

    Peter is one of the world’s leading franchising and education services executives. Over the years, he has led global companies that have operated in more than 70 countries. A visionary leader with true, time-tested industry knowledge and a keen passion for education, Peter drives Mathnasium’s strategic direction and long-term growth.

  • David Ullendorff David Ullendorff Founder and President

    A pioneer in children’s education, David began his 30-year career working for Sesame Street. Before leading product development at Mathnasium, he was the architect of the world’s first definitive computer literacy curriculum for children, used to teach millions of children in 72 countries.

  • Larry Martinek Larry Martinek Founder and Chief Instructional Officer

    An education professional for over 35 years, Larry has devoted his entire career to finding a better way to teach and learn math. As the originator of the Mathnasium Method™—the most comprehensive and innovative math curriculum ever produced—he inspires thousands of Mathnasium franchisees and instructors. Larry’s life’s work has positively impacted millions of children and families worldwide by bringing them a fresh perspective on math.