Mathnasium of Durham-Chapel Hill

Specialties

At Mathnasium, we specialize in teaching kids math in a way that makes sense to them, in a fun and engaging environment. We ensure success by finding the right starting point for students (through diagnostic testing) and building confidence and self-​esteem through successful interaction with carefully tailored materials. The end result is kids end up excelling academically and loving math.

History

Established in 2011.

More than thirty-​five years ago, Larry Martinek was inspired to find a better way to teach children math. As a teacher-​trainer and consultant in public and top private schools, and father to a mathematically gifted son, Larry possessed an incredibly comprehensive view of education. In his work with both stellar and struggling math programs, he clearly identified a common theme in mathematics instruction: a «serious disconnect between students’ basic skills training and the curriculum they are expected to master in the years to come.»

Spurred by the challenges in math education, Larry decided to find an approach that would provide grade-​school children with the strong mathematical foundation they need to succeed.

Over the next three decades, Larry painstakingly developed and assembled a blend of methods and materials that proved highly effective for students of all ages.

Meet the Business Owner

Steve B.

Business Owner

Steve earned his BS in engineering with honors from Rutgers College of Engineering and his MBA from UNC’s Kenan-​Flagler Business School. He has over 25 years of work experience in healthcare, management consulting, and higher education. His passion for teaching stems from a long family history in education. This includes a grandmother, mother, and two sisters who all chose teaching as their profession. Steve is also a Faculty Advisor at Kenan-​Flagler Business School where he works with students in the full time MBA, online MBA, and BSBA programs. Additionally, he is an active member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church parish. He is an avid road cyclist, PADI certified advanced scuba diver, and an accomplished pianist. Steve was born in Brooklyn, NY and was raised in NJ. He currently resides in Chapel Hill’s Southern Village community with his wife Lisa and two daughters, Maria and Natalie, both of whom are students in the Chapel Hill public schools and love attending Mathnasium.