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A local math learning center is set to relocate within Oak Park to accommodate a growing number of students.
Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest, currently at 212 S. Marion St., will move to 1101 Chicago Ave. Owner Jana Frank, who also owns a location in La Grange, hopes to open in the new space shortly after Labor Day.
"We needed a bigger space. We have outgrown this space," she said. "The goal was, we wanted to be in a new spot by the start of the school year."
Frank has spent four years in the Marion Street space, which is about 1,000 square feet. The Chicago Avenue location is about double that size. Mathnasium has about 800 locations worldwide.
Mathnasium will fill the corner storefront previously occupied by Element Cyclesport, which was bought by cycle shop chain Wheel and Sprocket, now open at 1118 Westgate St.
Frank, a former Chicago Public Schools teacher and longtime math tutor, heard about Mathnasium five years ago, fell in love with its philosophy of education and pursued opening her own location.
"Our goal is to make math make sense," said Frank, who lives in Chicago. "When I heard about it, the first thought I had was, this sounds right up my alley."
Frank said many children hate math or experience math anxiety, and Mathnasium avoids a "one-size-fits-all" model and instead adjusts to the needs of each child.
"There's more freedom, which is what I love about our business model," she said. "If you're taught the right way, anybody could be good at math."
The center currently has about 150 regular students, Frank said. The larger space will allow for greater growth, providing more available time slots and flexibility for children to come by when it's best for parents, Frank said.
Arturo Maldonado said his 10-year-old daughter, Jasmyn, has seen incredible progress in her abilities and confidence in math since she started going to Mathnasium two years ago. The family pays a monthly fee, and Jasmyn goes three to four times each week during the school year, Maldonado said.
He appreciates that Mathnasium focuses on what students do in the classroom and staff even stay in touch with a child's teacher.
"They're fully invested in making sure your child succeeds in their math abilities," Maldonado said. "I'm excited they're getting a bigger location."
After building an office within the space, Frank said she's been working to finalize renovations, finishing painting and putting in carpet and furniture. If there's enough room, Frank said she also hopes to expand Mathnasium's early childhood program, offering one-on-one time for preschoolers.
For more information, visit www.mathnasium.com/oakparkriverforest or call 708-613-4007.
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
