In 1994, Academies of Math and Science (AMS) Co-Founder, Tatyana Chayka, emigrated with her family from Uzbekistan during the dissolution of the USSR. Fueled by a mother’s determination, Mrs. Chayka embarked on a quest for an education that met her son’s needs. Not able to find schools that were right for her son, in 2000 she decided to venture forth and with partner Sergey Shayevich, founded the Academy of Math and Science.
Her vision was to create a school which offered a superior education in mathematics and science while still incorporating foreign language, music, and art. Mrs. Chayka intended to build a program that she wished her son could have had, one where he could take guitar lessons, perform science experiments, and receive professional art instruction without his parents having to pay for each of these activities. The initial year was tough. With only 30 students during the first year, it was unclear whether or not the school would make it to year two.
During this time of struggle, Cathy Lund with the Walton Family Foundation paid a visit to the school and saw what Mrs. Chayka had seen – a vision of a successful school model. Through perseverance, hard work, planning, and a generous contribution from the Walton Family Foundation, Tatyana Chayka’s vision was realized – the school finished a tremendous first year and produced excellent results for the new students.
