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Our mission

Bootstrap is a standards-based curriculum for middle-school students, which teaches them to program their own videogames using purely algebraic and geometric concepts. We work with schools and teachers to integrate Bootstrap into their algebra classes and technology programs, as well as parents and afterschool programs across the country.

Our algebra connection

Unlike most programming tools, Bootstrap uses algebra as the vehicle for creating images and animations. That means that concepts students encounter in Bootstrap behave the exact same way that they do in math class.

The entire curriculum is designed from the ground up to be aligned with state standards. Bootstrap lessons cover mathematical topics that range from simple arithmetic expressions to the Pythagorean Theorem, Discrete Logic, Function Composition and the Distance Formula. The program is based on cognitive science research and best practices for improving critical thinking and problem solving.

Click here to see a comprehensive list of algebraic topics and state standards that Bootstrap covers, for frameworks from MA, RI, NY, TX, and CA, as well as the new Common Core Standards.

Our team

Bootstrap is the creation of Emmanuel Schanzer, M.Ed. (in the hat). After earning a bachelors of Computer Science (Cornell University), he worked in the private sector for a number of years as a programmer (Microsoft, Vermonster, and others) until he switched careers and became a math teacher, starting out in Boston Public Schools. He is now a doctoral student at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Schanzer is supported by Kathi Fisler at WPI, Shriram Krishnamurthi at Brown, and Matthias Felleisen at Northeastern, Vicki Crosson (Northeast Regional Manager), and the extended team behind Program By Design.

Our Supporters

We would like to thank the following, for their volunteer and financial support over the years: The National Science Foundation, Google, as well as the Google Inc. Charitable Giving Fund of Tides Foundation, Microsoft, and Jane Street Capital.

If you'd like to contribute:
Send a check made out to Brown University to our PI, Shriram Krishnamurthi, at this mailing address. Be sure to include this letter, indicating that you wish for the funds to be put towards Bootstrap. Once your check is received, we'll send you a reciept for your tax records.