AEFSIA
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We recommend students begin abacus learning at age 6 or older. At this stage, most children have developed the focus, coordination, and basic math understanding needed to learn abacus concepts with confidence and success.
Our program is led by Mr. David Li-Chi Lee, who brings over a decade of teaching experience and holds an advanced abacus certification. Mr. Lee began learning the abacus at the age of 4 in 1994 while living in Taipei. After moving to California in 1997, he resumed his abacus training, achieved Degree Level certification by age 12, and continued his studies throughout his youth.
From 2006 to 2015, he served as a teaching assistant under the renowned U.S. Int'l Abacus & Mental Math Development Association (USIAMMDA), assisting Mr. and Mrs. Wu in teaching thousands of students over the years. Mr. Lee has earned numerous scholarships and awards and completed the 3rd Degree certification, fulfilling all professional-level requirements, including being a certified instructor.
In 2025, Mr. Lee was officially named the successor of USIAMMDA by the association, continuing the legacy of Mr. and Mrs. Wu, who, by the time of their retirement, had helped tens of thousands of students throughout their 62-year teaching career. Today, Mr. Lee carries forward their experiences, and through his leadership at AEFSIA, the depth of tradition continues with every student and family served.
Visitation by appointment only. We do not accept walk-ins.
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Hours
Wednesday to Friday
3:00 — 4:20 PM
5:00 — 6:20 PM
7:00 — 8:20 PM
Saturday
10:00 — 11:20 AM
12:00 — 1:20 PM
2:00 — 3:20 PM
4:00 — 5:20 PM
6:00 — 7:20 PM
Sunday
12:00 — 1:20 PM
2:00 — 3:20 PM
4:00 — 5:20 PM
6:00 — 7:20 PM
PST Pacific Standard Time
The abacus is suitable for students of all ages and backgrounds. Not only does the abacus follow the same order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS), but math with abacus is also significantly faster, precise, and accurate. The abacus is an arithmetical tool used in mental math, employing visual aids in calculations and comprehension. Abacus learning operates on principles of rounding, with its 34 composition rules enabling users to perform quick and precise additions, subtractions, multiplications, and divisions.
In conclusion, although it differs from school methods, with mastery and a thorough understanding of its components, abacus can easily be integrated into traditional school curriculums. Not only does it enhance arithmetic accuracy, but it also exponentially increases calculation speed, and more.
Abacus learning goes beyond arithmetic; it enhances memory and retention, focus and concentration, intuition, critical and logical thinking, reasoning, and hand-eye coordination. Just as practicing a musical instrument fosters creativity or playing sports improves physical fitness, the abacus strengthens the brain and its cognitive functions, improving mental capacity, agility, and flexibility. Even in an era dominated by modern technology, where mathematical equations can be solved instantly, learning the abacus promotes the development of a healthier, more active mind, benefits intellect, and sharpens academic abilities.
Beginner Phase
Most students complete the beginner phase within 3 to 6 months. During this time, they learn how to use the abacus, build early mental math skills, and understand core concepts such as abacus compositions. They also begin working through assessment exams for Levels 13 to 11 and are introduced to basic multiplication and division. Progress varies based on each student’s age, learning pace, and consistency with classwork and homework.
Intermediate Phase
This phase typically lasts 2 to 3 years. As students progress, they show noticeable improvement by completing assessment exams from Level 10 to Level 1, including multi-digit multiplication and division. They also begin applying abacus strategies naturally in their everyday lives.
Advanced Phase
Completing the advanced stage usually takes 3 to 5 years after the intermediate phase. During this time, students complete assessment exams of Degree levels, including advanced multiplication and division. The advanced stage focuses on mastering abacus techniques, where students learn to visualize and perform mental arithmetic quickly and accurately.
Learning at Their Own Pace
Abacus learning is flexible, and every student progresses differently. Some individuals may move through more quickly, while others may take more time — and that’s perfectly okay. We assess each student individually and advance them to the next level only when they’re ready. If their assessment results show they’ve mastered the current material, we’ll promote them accordingly.
To put the learning timeline in perspective: some students enjoy a few months of lessons and develop useful lifelong skills, while others continue practicing and reach a high level of mastery. The journey can be short or long, and it all depends on the student's pace, goals, and interests. Our role is to support and guide them every step of the way.
For more information about abacus levels, please refer to FAQ #7, "What Are Abacus Levels?" which explains each level in detail.
Understanding Abacus Levels and Certification Requirements
Abacus training is designed to develop speed, accuracy, and advanced mental arithmetic skills. Student progress is measured through a structured sequence of levels, with each level building on the previous one to ensure steady and meaningful development. In short, abacus levels exist to determine a student’s proficiency and track their progress over time.
After completing the basics and introductory course, students begin at the 13th level, the starting point of the system. As they improve, they move up, progressing from 13th to 12th, 11th, 10th, and so on, eventually reaching the 1st level. Upon completing the 1st level, students enter the Degree-level phase. Degree levels begin with the 1st Degree, then 2nd, 3rd, and progress up to the 10th Degree, which is the highest level in abacus. Levels 13 to 11 are considered beginner, Levels 10 to 3 are intermediate, and Levels 2 to 10th Degree are advanced.
In total, abacus consists of 23 levels, serving as the international standard and benchmark for all abacus users and learners. With the aim of advancing a level, students must consistently achieve a satisfactory score. In addition, students can participate in biannual assessment exams and certifications, where they receive an official recognition letter of completion indicating their specific level of achievement.
Our courses and programs use standardized materials that are recognized and that meet and exceed current metrics. Our level certification exams and assessments meet all international standards.
Key Points:
Each level test is timed at 3 minutes.
To pass Levels 13 through 1, students must score at least 70 points within the time limit.
To pass 1st Degree, students must score 80 points or more within 3 minutes.
Certification Requirements:
To receive level certification, students must score at least 70 points in 3 minutes (80 points for the 1st Degree).
AEFSIA.ORG offers certification assessment exams twice per year. Details on exam dates and fees will be announced once scheduling is confirmed and finalized. Information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.
• Session length: 80 minutes per class, 1 session per week.
• Class rates: $30 per student
• Registration & Materials: A one-time fee of $49.99 is required for every new student, covering all materials for classroom activities, homework assignments, and any other materials for special activities. This also includes a personalized backpack (or tote bag, depending on availability), 3-ring binder, personalized file of records, and a unique ID card. Fees include all administrative expenses.
Note: Abacus is not included, and students must purchase their own abacus separately.
Quarter Tuition:
• New Student: $409.99 for the first quarter (12 classes), due at sign-up.
• Returning: $360 per quarter (12 classes), due prior to a new quarter.
Qualify for a 10% tuition reduction as part of our sibling support initiative (reduction excludes the registration fee).
Disclaimer:
Tuition must be paid in full on or before the start of each quarter. We accept Cash, Zelle, Apple Cash, Checks, and Cashier’s Checks (payable to Dottlight, Inc.). For a 3.5% fee, we also accept Apple Pay, PayPal, and major credit/debit cards (Securely processed via PayPal). Missed classes must be made up within 28 days and do not carry over to the next quarter. For full details, please refer to our Payment & Refund page.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact us at (626) 436-4199