Getting started
What is the best age to start abacus classes?
Children can start from around age 4, and the strongest window is roughly 7 to 10 years old. At that age children pick up the bead mechanics quickly and can begin visualising the abacus mentally. Older children still benefit, they simply move through the early levels faster.
Does my child need any maths ability to start?
No. A child only needs to recognise numbers and be able to sit and focus for a short session. The abacus method starts from the very beginning and builds up, so it works for children who currently dislike maths as well as children who are already ahead.
What equipment do we need?
A physical abacus, a device with a camera such as a laptop or tablet, and a stable internet connection. We tell you exactly which abacus to buy before the first class, and we can start the demo without one.
Is the first class really free?
Yes. The first class is a free 30-minute demo with the instructor. There is no payment, no card details and no obligation to continue.
How the classes work
Are online abacus classes as effective as in-person classes?
Yes, when they are live and taught in small groups. The abacus method depends on the instructor watching the child's hands and correcting technique, which works over video as long as the camera shows the abacus. What online removes is travel time and large class sizes, which is why many children get more individual attention online than at a centre.
Are classes live or pre-recorded?
Every class is live with the instructor. There are no pre-recorded videos, because a child learning abacus needs their mistakes corrected in the moment.
How long is each class and how often are they?
The free demo is 30 minutes. Regular classes are 45 minutes, and most students take one or two classes a week alongside short daily practice at home.
Who teaches the classes?
Classes are taught by Nidhi Khariwal, founder of Speedy Scholars, who has taught abacus for over 20 years to more than 2,000 students and has coached 50 or more competition winners. She teaches in English and Hindi.
Which countries do you teach students in?
We teach families in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and India. Class times are scheduled around your timezone.
Results and progress
How long does it take to see results?
Most parents notice better concentration and faster basic calculation within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent classes and short daily practice. Full mental calculation, where the child pictures the abacus instead of using it, usually develops over one to two years of steady progress through the levels.
How much practice does my child need at home?
About 10 to 15 minutes a day. Abacus rewards short frequent practice far more than long occasional sessions.
Does abacus training actually help with school maths?
Yes, mostly indirectly. Children gain calculation speed and accuracy, which reduces the time they spend on arithmetic, and they build concentration and working memory, which helps across subjects. Many parents report that maths anxiety drops because the child stops feeling slow.
What if my child is not enjoying it?
You can stop at any time. There is no contract and no notice period. We would rather you pause than push a child through lessons they resent, because abacus depends on consistent willing practice.
Pricing and scheduling
How much do the classes cost?
A single class is $20 (£15, A$30, ₹1,600) and a 10-class pack is $150 (£120, A$230, ₹12,500), which works out to $15 per class. The first 30-minute demo is free. There is no joining fee, registration fee or exam fee.
Can we reschedule a class?
Yes. Classes can be rescheduled with reasonable notice, and unused classes in a pack stay available for you to book later.
How do we book?
Book the free demo through the booking page, pick a time that suits your timezone, and you will get a confirmation email with the meeting link plus reminders before the class.
Still deciding?
You may find these useful: how our online abacus classes work, full pricing, or the best age to start.
The fastest way to get your answer
Book a free 30-minute demo and ask Nidhi directly. Most parents decide within that one class.
Book the free demo