Zhao and Li make up just one of the parent-child combinations attending what are in all but name, math olympiad classes. "I hope he can win awards at math competitions, after taking the extra teaching ...

On 8 p.m. on a Monday this October, students trickle into Mathematics 509. Professor Ovidiu Savin, the director of undergraduate studies for the math department, walks in, and the room goes silent.

Maria Mihai and her mother were overwhelmed with excitement when they found out years of dedication to improving her math skills had paid off. “We both just started screaming,” said 14-year-old Mihai ...