Early family math
For families who want young children to grow up with mathematics as part of life: playful, curious, social, and full of wonder.
Joyful mathematics for curious minds in Portland.
The Number Garden is a warm, inquiry-driven math studio in Portland where mathematics feels alive: playful, rigorous, beautiful, and full of genuine discovery.
Who the current programs are for
Children and young teens come to The Number Garden for different reasons. Some want a joyful early start in mathematics. Some are looking for richer challenge. Some want a warmer path back into confidence and fluency.
Deeper challenge
For students who are ready for richer problems, deeper challenge, and more real mathematical thinking than school usually offers.
Rebuilding confidence
For students who need steadier support, stronger foundations, and a warmer path back into mathematical confidence and fluency.
The studio's current paid programs serve ages 3-14. Curious adults, educators, and independent learners are welcome to explore the resource library or contact Paul about future offerings.
Programs
Find your place at The Number Garden.
Choose the kind of mathematical experience you are looking for. Math Mentorship and Chess Studio welcome students throughout the year as space allows; Math Circles run in age-banded seasons.
Ongoing · Ages 8-14
Math Mentorship
Individualized weekly support for schoolwork, stronger foundations, confidence, enrichment, and deeper questions.
- When
- Tuesdays, 2-5pm
- Membership
- $195/month
Ongoing · Ages 4-10
Chess Studio
A welcoming path into chess through mini-games, puzzles, coached play, and real strategic thinking.
- When
- Thursdays, 2-5pm
- Membership
- $120/month
Seasonal · Ages 3-13
Math Circles
Age-banded Saturday groups for puzzles, patterns, conjectures, and the pleasure of figuring things out together.
- When
- Saturdays, 9am-1pm
- Season
- $120-$240
A Studio You Can Get To Know
See the place, the person, and the mathematical work.
Before you commit, you can look closely at what The Number Garden is building: a real Portland studio, a founder-led practice, and mathematical materials you can explore for yourself.
The Studio
A place you can visit first.
The Number Garden is at 1717 NE 42nd Ave Suite 0100B in Portland. Free intro visits give prospective learners and caregivers time to see the room and talk before making an enrollment decision.
Learn about studio visitsThe Founder
Work directly with Paul.
The studio is founder-led. Paul meets families, guides students, and shapes the programs around a clear approach to playful, rigorous mathematical thinking.
Meet PaulThe Mathematics
Try the ideas, not just the claims.
Explore a complete Diffy Squares investigation or the Beginner Chess mini-games that help make strategy visible to new players.
Schools, PTAs, and Community Partners
Interested in joyful math for your community?
The Number Garden is beginning conversations with PTAs, schools, and community organizations interested in warm, rigorous math experiences for children and families.
If you are imagining a family math night, a small-group enrichment experience, or a partnership that helps more children meet mathematics with curiosity and confidence, email Paul to start a conversation.
Stay in Touch
Not ready to book a visit yet?
Join the email list to stay informed.