- January 21, 2026
Indian Trails Middle School sixth grader Lev Makarov’s interest in mathematics soared a year and a half ago, when he read, “Everything You Need to Ace Math in One Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide.”
Since then, Lev has gone on to achieve a perfect score in the fifth grade math assessment exam, and he has passed the high school-level Algebra 1 and Geometry classes, scoring in the highest achievement in the end of course exams. Now, he is taking Algebra 2 through the Florida Virtual School Flex program.
“He is a fantastic student and very smart,” ITMS Principal Ryan Andrews said. “He passed the state algebra and geometry exams as a sixth grader.”
Lev is just 10 years old.
The Flagler County School District gave the Makarovs the option of Lev taking Algebra 2 through Florida Virtual School while his classmates are in their sixth grade math class or attend class in-person at Matanzas High School.
“Logistically, that was a little hard on us,” said Lev’s father, Alek Makarov. “So we chose to study online.”
Lev’s parents never pushed him to study math, Alex said, adding that he took to it naturally.
Now, Lev is joining online math competitions administered by Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS) and American Mathematics Competitions (AMC).
“The Olympiad problems are always harder than regular math,” Lev said. “They’re usually combinatorics, number theory, geometry or algebra.”
While math is Lev’s favorite subject, it’s not his only interest. He also plays soccer with Inter-United Soccer Club, and he takes Brazilian jiu jitsu classes with Spartan Academy, where he is a grey belt. He used to also compete in chess, but now he only plays chess for fun, he said.
As Lev was describing his interests, his dad asked him if he likes video games.
“I mean, every child has video games, yeah,” Lev said.
Lev said he prefers geometry to algebra “because it’s more about shapes and you can actually connect the solution by drawing it.”
Lev said his classmates do ask him for help in math sometimes, and he’s glad to provide it.
Alek said Lev’s ITMS guidance counselor, Phyllis Linck, and the school and district administration gave the Makaraovs the guidance they needed for Lev.
“We had those meetings. There were four or five people in the room, and they were very responsive,” Alek said. “They gave us options, gave us possible paths for Lev, how to progress and what to do.”
Alek some people have questioned whether the Makarovs are allowing Lev to accelerate too quickly.
“We were getting some feedback,” Alek said, ‘like maybe don't accelerate too much, let Lev socialize. But there was no pressure. When my wife and I ask Lev, ‘What do you want to do next?’, he tells us. Letting him move at his own pace is the best that we can do for Lev.”
When asked what he wants to do next, Lev said, “Pre-calculus, I'm pretty sure. I just started Algebra 2. I don't know what's next.”
