About Prime Factor
Learning beyond the curriculum
Since 2010, Prime Factor has helped hundreds of students discover the beauty of mathematics, computer science, and logical thinking.
IN-PERSON in Redmond, WA
Our Mission
More than the
next test
Prime Factor is a learning community where students explore mathematics, computer science, and other challenging subjects through discussion, discovery, and creative problem solving.
As a nonprofit organization, every program we offer supports our educational mission. Our original curriculum, outstanding instructors, and welcoming community help students build strong reasoning skills, confidence, and intellectual curiosity.
Our Values
What we stand for
At Prime Factor, these values guide the way we teach, learn, and grow together.
Deep, Thoughtful Learning
Real learning goes beyond memorization. Students develop lasting understanding by asking questions, testing ideas, and engaging deeply with challenging problems.
Small Groups, Personal Attention
Each student is seen, supported, and challenged. Teachers respond to individual strengths and create space for thinking out loud.
Learning as Community
Students return year after year, build lasting friendships, and learn alongside others who share their curiosity.
Access & Opportunity
We are committed to making high-quality enrichment more accessible through need-based scholarships, so more students can participate regardless of financial circumstances.
Experienced, Passionate Teachers
Our instructors are mathematicians, programmers, scientists, and educators who enjoy sharing ideas and inspiring curiosity.
Non-Profit Mission
Prime Factor is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to helping children grow as curious, confident thinkers.
How we teach
Learning that lasts
Our goal is not simply to cover advanced material, but to develop deep understanding and lasting problem-solving skills.
Reasoning matters
Learning through problems, patterns, discussion, thoughtful explanations, and discovery — not rote formulas.
Questions are always welcome
Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and think aloud. We believe that thoughtful questions are often the first step toward better understanding.
Learning begins with exploration
We use visual models, games, experiments, puzzles, and hands-on activities to make abstract ideas tangible. This approach helps students understand concepts that are often taught much later.
Meet Our Teachers
The people
behind the learning
Our teaching team includes educators, researchers, engineers, mathematicians, and scientists who combine deep subject knowledge with a passion for teaching. They are joined by outstanding teaching assistants—many of them Prime Factor alumni—who answer questions, support students individually, and help create a welcoming classroom.
Anna Burago
Founder and lead teacher of Prime Factor. Anna holds master's degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Washington and has spent many years teaching mathematics and computer science. She is the author of the Mathematical Circle Diaries books and enjoys helping students discover the beauty of mathematics through creative problem solving.
Luba Malkina
Luba Malkina is Prime Factor's Academic Director and a lead
teacher for elementary and middle school mathematics. She holds
a Master's degree in Mathematics and Statistics from St.
Petersburg State University (Russia).
She is dedicated to helping each student build strong
problem-solving skills and the confidence to tackle challenges,
in math and beyond.
Yuliya Magidson
Yuliya Magidson is a mathematics teacher at Prime Factor with a
Master's in Mathematics from Dnepropetrovsk State University
(Ukraine).
She has coached students to success in MATHCOUNTS, AMC, and Math
Kangaroo, and loves sharing the creativity and beauty of
mathematics.
Julia Levenkova
Julia (Ioulia) Levenkova is Prime Factor's Lead Computer Science
Teacher.
She holds a Master's degree in Computer Science from St.
Petersburg State University (Russia) and is a software engineer
by training.
Outside of programming, Julia enjoys reading and playing
MMORPGs.
Andrei Burago
Andrei Burago is a math major with 30 years of experience as a
software developer, having worked at Microsoft, Google, Adobe,
and others. Passionate about education, he has been teaching
extracurricular math and coding for over 30 years.
Andrei’s hobbies are board games, languages, and poetry.
Katya Avdeeva
Katya Avdeeva is a mathematics teacher at Prime Factor with a
master's in Applied Mathematics.
She currently teaches advanced middle school mathematics in
Philadelphia, and her students have earned top scores in Math
Kangaroo and MOEMS.
Katya is passionate about helping students think independently
while making math both challenging and enjoyable.
Andrey Yatsenko
Andrey Yatsenko is a long-time mathematics teacher, experienced
chess player, and head of Prime Factor's chess program.
After a successful career as a software developer at Microsoft,
Andrey returned to his true passion—teaching mathematics and
chess to young students.
Outside the classroom, he enjoys music and hiking.
Alena Kulchenko
Alena Kulchenko is a computer science teacher at Prime Factor.
She holds a Master's degree in Chemistry and currently works as
a data analyst.
Teaching young students is Alena's passion — two of her children
attended Prime Factor classes, and she is delighted to now be
part of the teaching team.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and
gardening.
Katia Nepom
Katia Nepom is a product manager and UW graduate. Involved in
math circles and competitions since middle school, she credits
those experiences with sharpening her problem-solving skills.
Katia has taught students of all ages, from elementary math
circles to UW's honors proof-based calculus program, and is
excited to bring her enthusiasm for mathematics to Prime Factor
students.
MORE THAN A SET OF CLASSES
A place for students excited by ideas
Prime Factor brings together students who are excited by ideas, ready for challenge, and eager to grow. Through thoughtful teaching, engaging programs, and a welcoming community, students discover new interests and develop confidence in their abilities.
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