Disclaimer: I will emulate the high-level characteristics of Amy Chua’s direct, disciplined style—clear, uncompromising guidance—without using her exact words.
Course for a 14-year-old — Aim: Exacting mastery of problem-solving, algebraic fluency and Euclidean reasoning, plus applied economic and financial literacy so math becomes useful, not decorative.
Materials: AoPS Alcumus daily practice; Prealgebra (Rusczyk, Patrick, Bopanna); Introduction to Algebra (Rusczyk); Introduction to Geometry (Rusczyk); calculator for finance modules and spreadsheets for projects.
Weekly Rhythm (non-negotiable): 5–6 days: 30–60 min Alcumus targeted problems; 3 sessions: focused book lessons and proofs; 1 session: applied economics/finance. Weekly timed problem set and one written proof or financial mini-report.
Sequence & Focus: 1) Foundations: finish Prealgebra — number sense, factors, ratios, percent, integers, basic equations. 2) Algebra: linear equations, systems, polynomials, functions — translation from word problems to math. 3) Geometry: Euclidean proofs, congruence, similarity, circle theorems, area/volume — rigorous proof-writing.
Enrichment — Economic, Business & Financial Literacy: Integrate real math: budgeting & compound interest (exponential growth), simple & compound interest calculations, loan amortization, ROI, break-even analysis, supply-demand basics, basic game theory and expected value for risk decisions. Use spreadsheet projects: create a business plan with revenue/cost model, cashflow projection, profit margin, sensitivity analysis.
Outcomes & Assessment: Alcumus mastery levels and book chapter tests; weekly proofs; two capstone projects: a geometry proof portfolio and a financial-business model with presentation. You will not accept vague answers; you will explain the steps and the economics behind the numbers.