JAMS Parents
Your child has put in years of work to get here. This page covers what the upper levels are about, the milestone to aim for, and how to keep your child motivated as the work gets harder.
It's one of the questions we hear most from upper level parents. The honest answer: there is no graduation at JAMS, and no real endpoint.
Think of a martial artist who keeps training after earning a black belt. The skill keeps getting sharper the longer they practice. Abacus works the same way.
That said, there is a milestone worth aiming for.
Once a student passes Anzan Level 3, they've built a mental math skill strong enough to stay with them for life. It's the goal we encourage every upper level family to set, and a real accomplishment when your child reaches it.
Upper level students take required tests to move up and are encouraged to compete. Events include the All USA Correspondence Abacus Contest each November, Abacus Masters (our biggest event of the year), the NWNY Contest, and the International Abacus Classic.
See Competition DatesThe Soroban League offers a scholarship, a cash award, to high school seniors. Students can use it toward college tuition or whatever they choose to pursue after graduation. It's one more reason to keep going through high school.
Ask About the ScholarshipUpper levels move slower. Each one takes more work than the last, and school, sports, and activities get busier at the same time. It's normal for students to hit a wall.
Talk with us anytime. We're happy to help you plan the next step.
