About the Academy of Mathematics
The Akademie der Mathematik (the german Academy of Mathematics) was founded by Kai Bollmann — someone who didn’t always understand mathematics, but learned how to master it.
He began working as a mathematics tutor as early as 1989. At first, it was to earn pocket money, later to finance his studies. The paradox: as a student, he himself regularly brought home poor grades in math.
He knows from personal experience what it feels like to hear nothing but “train station” in class (German idiom for “I didn’t understand anything”). In the eighth grade, he had to leave the Gymnasium because of mathematics. Later, even after completing his Abitur following his Realschul diploma, he again received a failing grade in mathematics. He was described as having a “lack of comprehension ability” and was strongly advised against pursuing further study — especially in mathematics or the natural sciences.
Despite this advice, he consciously chose to study physics, mathematics and economics. Early on, he devoted himself intensively to learning strategies, models of thinking and didactic approaches — and found the decisive key to success in them.
After studying in Bielefeld and at Harvard University — where he ranked among the top-performing students in mathematics already in his first semester — and after several years in management consulting, he founded the Mathematics Academy.
Today he works with an interdisciplinary team of mathematicians, physicists, economists and engineers. Together, they show students of all levels — from school learners to university students, working professionals and corporate clients — that mathematics can be understandable, logical and accessible.
Different personalities, specialised areas and experiences are deliberately combined here. This ensures that for every type of question the right contact person is available — and that we can meet the most diverse requirements and needs.
Because we all use math every day.