JAMS is month-to-month. Try 2 classes for $50. See how to start

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Getting started at JAMS is simple

JAMS is month-to-month. There's no long-term contract, and you can begin with a short trial or your first month. Here's everything you need to choose the right start for your family.

Is JAMS a good fit for your child?

JAMS is a great fit if

  • You want your child to build real math skills, not just finish homework
  • You value focus, discipline, and confidence as much as grades
  • Your family can support 10 to 15 minutes of practice, 5 days a week
  • You're open to a long-term path

JAMS may not be the right fit if

  • You're looking for short-term test prep or homework help
  • You're hoping for big results in a few weeks

We'd rather tell you now. Abacus skill grows with steady practice over months and years. That's exactly why it lasts.

Three ways to begin

Trial Week

$50

Best for
Families who want to see a class before deciding.
Includes
2 in-person classes in the same week.
Good to know
The $50 is non-refundable. If you enroll, it's credited toward your $199 registration fee. Trial classes are in person only, and missed trial classes can't be made up.
Book a Trial Week

One-Month Start

$574 due at registration

$199 registration (abacus, books, bag, and materials) + $375 first month of tuition

Best for
Families who want a full month to see how their child responds.
Good to know
This is a paid month of classes, not a free trial. After the first month, continue month-to-month or stop. Lasting abacus skill takes longer than one month, so think of this as the first step.
Start With One Month

Enroll

$199 registration + monthly tuition

Best for
Families ready to begin the long-term JAMS path.
Includes
All materials, level placement, and your child's spot in a weekly class.
Good to know
Still month-to-month. Tuition is drafted from your bank account on the 15th for the following month.
Enroll Now

Not sure between One-Month Start and Enroll? Both are month-to-month. Choose One-Month Start if you'd like a month to decide. Choose Enroll if you already know JAMS is right for your family.

What happens next

  1. We'll contact you within 2 business days to confirm your child's class time.

  2. Your child is placed at the right level, and their abacus and materials are ready at the first class.

  3. At the first class, your child learns how to hold and read the abacus and starts a simple practice routine.

  4. Your child practices 10 to 15 minutes a day at home. Teachers review homework each week to see where your child needs help.

What the first month looks like

The first month is about building a foundation and a habit. Most children learn to read and move the beads, start simple addition and subtraction, and get used to a focused class routine.

At the end of the first month, your child's teacher will share how your child is doing and what comes next.

Pricing at a glance

Item Details
Registration fee $199, one time. Includes the abacus, books, bag, and materials.
Monthly tuition $375 at beginning levels. Tuition varies by level.
Trial Week $50 for 2 classes. Credited toward registration if you enroll.
Sibling discount $50 off for the second child, one time, applied at enrollment.
Tests and competitions Some levels include required regional and national tests. Fees are added to monthly tuition.
Billing Tuition is drafted from your bank account on the 15th for the following month.
Stopping Let us know in writing before the 15th, and no further tuition will be drafted.

Questions families ask before starting

Is there a free trial?

No. JAMS doesn't offer a free month. You can try 2 in-person classes for $50, and that $50 is credited toward registration if you enroll. Or you can begin with a paid first month and continue month-to-month.

What does month-to-month mean?

There's no long-term contract. Tuition is drafted on the 15th for the following month, and you can stop by letting us know in writing before the 15th. Month-to-month makes it easy to start. Lasting skill still takes steady practice over many months.

Can we stop after the first month?

Yes. Let us know in writing before the 15th, and no further tuition will be drafted. We do encourage you to talk with your child's teacher first. Many children are just finding their rhythm after the first month.

What age should my child start?

Children of almost any age can start. Ideally, your child should be able to recognize and write the numbers 0 to 9 without help.

Do I need to know the abacus to help my child?

Not at all. Teachers ask students to do their homework independently so we can see exactly where they need help. Your role is to set aside 10 to 15 minutes a day for practice, provide a quiet place to work, and encourage the effort.

Do you offer online classes?

We recommend in-person classes. Online classes are available for families who live 30 miles or more from JAMS. Online students receive their materials by mail for a fee, need a computer with a working camera and microphone, and learn in small groups of 3 to 6 students per teacher.

What if I'm enrolling more than one child?

Please submit one form per child. Families enrolling a second child receive a one-time $50 discount, applied at enrollment.

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Your child's first class is closer than you think

Pick the start that fits your family. If you have questions first, we're happy to help.

Call (503) 419-8040 or email info@jamsportland.com. We reply within two business days.