He was taught mathematics at Geneva Academy by Simon Lhuilier in 1821 and immediately Lhuilier recognised the mathematical genius in Sturm. However, Lhuilier was over seventy years of age and close to retiring at this time so it was his successor Jean-Jacques Schaub who inspired Sturm. Schaub did more than teach Sturm mathematics for he supported him financially at the Academy. Sturm's family had been left in considerable financial difficulties on the death of his father so the financial assistance allowed Sturm to continue with his education.
Siya ay nagtuturo sa matematika at Geneva Academy sa pamamagitan ng Simon Lhuilier sa 1821 at agad-agad Lhuilier kinikilala ang mga henyo sa matematika Sturm. Gayunman, Lhuilier ay mahigit pitumpu na taong gulang ang edad at malapit na kami sa oras na ito upang ito ay ang kanyang mga kahalili Jean-Jacques Schaub na inspirasyon Sturm. Schaub ay higit pa sa turuan Sturm matematika para sa siya suportado siya financially sa Academy. Sturm's family had been kaliwa sa marami ng pinansiyal na problema sa kamatayan ng kanyang ama kaya ang pinansiyal na tulong na pinahihintulutan Sturm upang magpatuloy sa kanyang pang-edukasyon.