The "Kid Genius" School is an international educational system dedicated to the healthy development of children's brains. Our primary goal is to stimulate and develop intellectual skills and cognitive abilities from an early age. By combining the best of different educational approaches, "Kid Genius" successfully integrates Eastern and Western methodologies. The core program of the school is Mental Arithmetic, complemented by specialized programs such as Numicon and Marvel kids.

Mental Arithmetic (Japanese: Anzan) is a unique intellectual development program rooted in traditional Japanese discipline. It is the result of extensive research by psychologists, educators, and experts in child development. This program is based on the use of the soroban abacus, allowing children to visualize numbers and perform rapid mental calculations. While speed in calculation is an important aspect, the primary goal is optimal cognitive development. Scientific studies confirm that mental calculation is one of the best training methods for brain development.

"Kid Genius" is the only school in Europe that implements the original Japanese HIKARI 光 Mental Arithmetic program. Thanks to this unique methodology, our students achieve outstanding results in a very short time. Within just two months of training, they can perform complex mental calculations, unlike other programs where such results are rarely achieved. The program also integrates cutting-edge technology, including an innovative online training platform that supports home practice and homework completion. Due to the superiority of our program, "Kid Genius" has become a school of European champions, a participant in prestigious international competitions, and an organizer of major Knowledge Olympiads.

Beyond enhancing mathematical abilities, the program stimulates a broad range of essential cognitive skills, including:

• Improved listening, processing, and comprehension
• Enhanced imagination and visualization
• Stronger focus on details and problem-solving skills
• Activation of both brain hemispheres, boosting concentration, attention, photographic memory, analytical and logical thinking, creativity, and visualization skills.

The program is designed for children aged 4 to 12 (up to 14) with normal physical, emotional, and intellectual development. To participate, a child must be able to move the beads on an abacus and count to 10. Children with special needs may also enroll upon assessment, either in individual sessions or specialized groups.

This period is when the human brain develops most dynamically, forming the highest number of neural connections (synapses). After this stage, brain plasticity significantly decreases. As parents, it is essential not to miss this unique opportunity to optimize your child's mental growth.

The program consists of two levels (Basic and Advanced), plus a preparatory level for children aged 4 to 7. After completing both levels, students can advance to a third level—the Super Brain program for advanced mental mathematics. Each level lasts 10 months (September – June), totaling 40 weeks (120 classes).

Regular classes are conducted once a week, typically on weekends (Saturday or Sunday), lasting three consecutive 45-minute sessions with short breaks. Make-up classes, supplementary lessons, and advanced training are available on weekdays (Wednesday to Friday) in the afternoon.

Yes, the program is adapted to different age groups:

• Preschool (4 to 6 years old)
• Lower Primary (Grades 1 and 2)
• Middle Primary (Grades 3 and 4)
• Upper Primary (Grades 5 and 6) The Preschool group may be further divided into younger (4–5 years) and older (6 years) categories, based on need.

To ensure personalized attention, classes are held in small groups of 6 to 12 students. The program incorporates fun activities, interactive games, and competitions in a relaxed and creative atmosphere that fosters positive emotional connections.

Yes. Make-up classes take place on weekdays (Wednesday to Friday) in the afternoon. Additionally, we offer supplementary lessons for children needing extra support and advanced training for students preparing for Mental Arithmetic competitions.

Yes, but they must have a basic concept of numbers. Writing numbers is not required. Younger students go through a preparatory phase, where they learn number concepts and numerical relationships (complementarity of numbers 1–100) using a traditional school counting frame before transitioning to the abacus. For beginners, we recommend the Numicon program, which provides a solid foundation for Mental Arithmetic.

Yes, "Kid Genius" aligns with the regular school year (September – June). In addition to the main enrollment period in September, we offer a winter enrollment session (December/January).

At the beginning of the school year, students can purchase a student kit, which includes a branded backpack, wooden abacus, and textbooks. Each student also gets access to our online learning platform (http://app.hikarisoroban.org), where they complete a significant portion of their training and homework assignments.

Our team consists of highly qualified professionals: educators, teachers, psychologists, special education experts, and childcare specialists with extensive experience and sensitivity for working with children. Every instructor undergoes international training and is a certified HIKARI Mental Arithmetic teacher.

Yes! Mental Arithmetic not only enhances calculation skills but also significantly strengthens memory, focus, self-confidence, intelligence, verbal skills, imagination, and creative and analytical thinking.

No. Abacus calculation is simple and intuitive, following a few basic movement rules and easy-to-learn formulas. Even the youngest learners grasp the techniques through engaging stories and playful exercises that make learning fun and effective.

Yes. Like any skill, regular practice is key to success. We recommend daily practice for 10–15 minutes. Parental support is valuable, and our online training platform provides additional assistance.

No. The methods are distinct yet complementary, enhancing cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, concentration, and analytical thinking, which ultimately improve performance in regular school activities.

No. Mental Arithmetic is like riding a bike—once learned, it is retained for life. However, speed and accuracy improve with continued practice. Studies show that mental arithmetic enhances brain sharpness even into old age.

Absolutely! The program is designed for both left-handed and right-handed children, as it engages both hands and both brain hemispheres equally.

Because it is faster, more effective, and strengthens cognitive abilities! Mental Arithmetic builds independent thinkers, enhances brain function, and promotes lifelong learning. Instead of relying on machines to think for us, we train children's minds to be strong, creative, and intelligent problem solvers.