12 Best Math Summer Camps for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 13
- 7 min read
If you’re a middle school student who likes math or wants to see what’s beyond your school lessons, summer is a great time to dig deeper. Math summer camps give you the chance to explore new ideas, work on challenging problems, and learn math skills that go beyond what you usually see in class.
Math camps are shorter and more focused than college programs, so you won’t get overwhelmed. They also often include hands-on activities, puzzles, and team challenges to keep things interesting. Plus, many camps offer scholarships or free spots, so money doesn’t have to hold you back.
To help you find the right fit, here are 12 of the best math camps for middle school students!
12 Best Math Summer Camps for Middle School Students
Location: Virtual.
Cost: $2400. Need-based financial aid is available.
Program Dates: The program runs multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Deadline: Deadlines vary for each cohort. February 9 for the upcoming spring cohort.
Eligibility: Middle school students are eligible to apply
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week online research experience for middle school students. You’ll be paired one-on-one with a mentor from a top university such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, or Yale, and guided through a structured academic project based on your interests.
In the first four weeks, you’ll explore four topics within your selected track. Weeks five and six focus on diving deeper into one topic of interest. In the final two weeks, you’ll work closely with your mentor to develop and complete a personalized research project.
2. MathPath
Location: Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA
Cost: $6300 program fee; need-based financial aid available
Program Dates: June 29-July 27
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; recommended submission by mid-February for the best chance of acceptance
Eligibility: Students aged 11–14 can apply, provided they turn 11 before the start date and do not turn 15 until after the program ends
MathPath is a four-week residential summer program for middle school students interested in advanced mathematics. You’ll study topics like number theory, combinatorics, and logic—subjects that are rarely taught in school.
Courses vary each year and may include areas like fair division, cryptology, or geometry. Instructors are experienced in working with younger students who are ready for deeper math exploration. You’ll also meet other students who share your interest in math.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Varies by registration date and camp type. Day: $3,499–$3,999; Residential: $7,735–$8,485
Program Dates: July 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: Open until the camp begins or all spots are filled
Eligibility: Middle schoolers are welcome to apply
CyberMath’s Summer Math Camp offers middle school students a fast-paced environment to explore advanced topics like algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. You’ll work through problem sets, puzzles, and logic challenges designed to stretch your thinking and deepen your understanding of mathematics.
The program features lectures from instructors affiliated with schools like Harvard and MIT. Students also visit both campuses during the camp. Classes are held at the Harvard Faculty Club, and residential students stay near Harvard Square.
4. AwesomeMath
Location: Virtual
Cost: Costs per course vary. Some discounts are offered
Application Deadline: May 27
Program Dates: Between June and August
Eligibility: Open to middle school students aged 12+ and high school students under 18
AwesomeMath is a three-week online summer program for middle and high school students who want to improve their competition math skills. You’ll attend live 90-minute lectures followed by problem-solving sessions, work on regular homework and quizzes, and get access to office hours for support.
Courses cover key areas like algebra, number theory, geometry, and combinatorics, all geared toward preparing you for contests such as AMC 10/12, AIME, or USA(J)MO. You can choose one or more courses per session based on your interest and availability. The program also includes optional social events so you can meet other math-focused students from around the world.
5. Epsilon Camp
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Cost: $3250 + $150 registration fee. Financial aid may cover full attendance.
Application Deadline: The priority deadline is typically in January
Program Dates: July 13 – 27
Eligibility: Students aged 7–12
Epsilon Camp is a two-week residential summer program for mathematically gifted students aged 7 to 12. You’ll explore advanced math topics through daily lectures and problem-solving sessions led by professional mathematicians.
The curriculum focuses on abstract thinking and creative reasoning, with content well beyond the typical school level. Outside class, you’ll join recreational and social activities with peers who share your interests. A separate parent program runs alongside, offering workshops on how to support your math learning.
Location: San Marcos, TX
Cost: $2200. Need-based scholarships are available
Application Deadline: Three rounds; final deadline in April
Program Dates: June 1 – 13
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 6–8
The Junior Summer Math Camp (JSMC) at Texas State University is a two-week residential program for middle school students who want to explore advanced math. You’ll attend classes taught by university faculty, solve challenging problems, and build creative and critical thinking skills.
Afternoons include study groups and recreational activities. The program is competitive, accepting about 60 students each year, with fewer than 20 percent of applicants admitted. To apply, you’ll need teacher recommendations and academic records.
Cost: Free
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Application Deadline: April 18
Program Dates: July 7– August 8 (tentative)
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 6–8 from the Ypsilanti area
Math Corps at the University of Michigan is a free summer program that combines math enrichment with mentorship and community-building. You’ll learn from college instructors and work closely with high school teaching assistants using a “kids teaching kids” approach.
The curriculum covers foundational and advanced math topics, focusing on collaboration and building confidence. You’ll be placed in teams with peers and mentors to create a supportive learning environment.
Location: Multiple campuses, including Roger Williams University, Dickinson College, Johns Hopkins University, Loyola Marymount University, and Skidmore College
Cost: Varies by course, campus, and residential or commuter option
Application Deadline: May 2
Program Dates: Varies by course
Eligibility: Varies by course; most are open to middle school students
CTY’s summer math programs give advanced middle school students a chance to explore topics such as number theory, cryptography, game theory, and mathematical logic. Each course runs for several weeks and is structured around daily lectures, problem sets, and collaborative work.
Programs are held at various college campuses and are designed to be academically challenging. You’ll focus on one topic in depth and build skills in critical thinking and advanced problem-solving. Sessions vary by location and date, so you can choose the one that fits your schedule.
Location: Both virtual and in-person options at the Georgia Institute of Technology
Cost: P.E.A.K.S. program: $400–$650; STEAM whistle workshop: $225 (registration fee). Financial aid is available for P.E.A.K.S.
Program Dates: Typically from June to July
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; programs generally run June through August
Eligibility: Open to K-12 students
Georgia Tech’s CEISMC Summer Programs include P.E.A.K.S. (Programs for Enrichment and Accelerated Knowledge in STEAM), a five-day residential experience for rising 6th to 8th graders. You’ll explore STEAM subjects through hands-on activities that build early interest and practical skills in science, math, technology, engineering, and the arts.
Workshops are led by Georgia Tech faculty, students, and local educators. If you prefer learning from home, you can join the STEAM Whistle Workshop, which includes online projects designed to be interactive and accessible.
Location: Both virtual and in-person programs at the Northwestern University campus
Cost: Varies based on program and number of courses selected. Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; specific deadlines depend on the program
Program Dates: Varies by program; 3-week camp with sessions in June and July, 1-week camp with 3 sessions in July
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8 in good academic standing
Northwestern’s Center for Talent Development (CTD) offers summer math programs for middle school students interested in going beyond the standard curriculum. You can choose from courses like Algebra, Geometry, Mathematical Modeling, Stock Market Math, and Math for Sports.
Programs are available both online and in person. You can join a three-week academic session or opt for a shorter one-week camp. Each course is designed to help you strengthen your math foundation, explore real-world applications, and prepare for more advanced studies.
Location: Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania
Cost: $5300 program fee; financial aid available
Application Deadline: April 29
Program Dates: June 22-July 26
Eligibility: High school students are prioritized; middle school students may apply. Students outside the 14–17 age range must provide additional information during the application.
MathILy is a five-week residential math program focused on discrete mathematics. It is designed for high school students, but if you’re an advanced middle schooler, you might also be eligible. You’ll study topics like combinatorics, graph theory, binary linear algebra, and number theory.
You’ll also have the chance to explore proof techniques, game theory, and mathematical modeling. There’s a related program called MathILy-Er for students who are earlier in their math journey but ready for a challenge.
Location: NCSSM-Durham and Elizabeth City State University
Cost: Free for all accepted participants; covers housing, meals, and activities
Program Dates: 1 week, typically in July
Application Deadline: Applications are expected to open by December
Eligibility: Open to current 8th-grade students residing in North Carolina
Step Up to STEM at North Carolina State University is a one-week summer program for underrepresented minority students entering 9th grade. You’ll engage in an interdisciplinary curriculum covering math, science, and biomedical engineering.
The program includes hands-on workshops, experiments, and group projects led by NC State faculty and mentors. Along with academics, you’ll take part in enrichment activities like lab visits, sports, and campus tours.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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