Mathnasium of Overland Park

Specialties

We Make Math Make Sense!

History

Established in 2009.

More than forty years ago, math educator Larry Martinek was inspired to find a better way to teach children math.

As a classroom teacher, teacher-​trainer, and consultant in public and top private schools – and father to a mathematically gifted son – Larry possessed a uniquely comprehensive view of education. He saw a troubling theme in mathematics instruction: a serious disconnect between the students’ basic skills training and the curriculum they were expected to master in the years to come. They weren’t being prepared properly for their future.

Larry set out on a mission: to find an approach that would provide children with the strong foundation they needed to succeed. Over the next three decades, he painstakingly developed and assembled a blend of methods and materials. Instead of relying on traditional rote memorization and repetitive exercises, Larry’s work focused on helping children understand math by honing their math instincts and getting them to think like mathematicians.

Meet the Business Owner

Donnavon I.

Business Owner

Donnavon had spent 17 years in the restaurant/​retail business before coming to Mathnasium, during which time he was continually shocked at the lack of math skills displayed by people of all ages. The desire to open a business of his own, coupled with a life-​long love of math and first-​hand knowledge of the struggles people have with math; made Mathnasium a great fit. «The joy of a students’ eyes lighting up and him/​her saying ‘a-​ha’, is worth all the hard-​work we’ve put into opening Mathnasium. I love math and I love opening ‘math doors’ for students. Mathnasium is the perfect fit.» Donnavon is married to Linda with three children and 6 grandchildren.