10 Best Summer Math Programs for 5th Graders

As a rising 6th grader, diving into a structured math program over the summer can be one of the best ways to get ahead. Summer math programs for 5th graders are not just about solving equations—they're a way to build early exposure to high school-level academics, critical thinking, and even real-world applications of math in science, finance, and technology. These programs offer hands-on problem-solving, logic training, and even chances to collaborate on projects, often in small, selective cohorts. For many families, these opportunities are an affordable alternative to year-round tutoring or expensive academic camps, while still providing access to expert instruction and mentoring.

If you're interested in math and looking for a meaningful way to explore your interests before middle school, joining one of these programs can be a solid next step. Online summer math programs for 5th graders provide a flexible, low-cost, and often fully funded way to connect with academic mentors and meet like-minded peers from around the country. We’ve narrowed down a list of the most selective and well-regarded programs—those with a rigorous curriculum, strong support networks, and sponsorship from top-tier institutions.

1. Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program 

Subject Areas: STEM (e.g. Computer Science, Biology, Physics, AI & Data Science), Humanities (e.g. History, Sociology, Economics, International Relations), and Engineering

Location: Virtual

Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no prior experience required, but best suited for motivated and academically curious students

Application Deadline: August 24 (Fall Cohort); other deadlines vary by cohort

Program Dates: Start date for September 14 (Fall Cohort); sessions also available earlier in the summer and spring

Cost: $2,690; need-based financial aid available

In this rigorous research-based program, you’ll work one-on-one with a mentor from a top university to pursue a project of your own design. You'll learn how to design a research question, conduct independent inquiry, and present your findings. Lumiere encourages intellectual curiosity through structured support and real academic practice. You’ll build analytical and writing skills while gaining exposure to the research process. The final product—a research paper or presentation—can be a meaningful addition to your academic portfolio.

2. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Cost: Free

Dates: July 7 – 25 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts of 12 students per group

Application Deadline: March 20

Eligibility: Open to current 6th and 7th grade students in the U.S. from families with household incomes typically under $90,000

If you're eager to apply your math skills in real-life situations, the Stanford Middle School Scholars Program offers a highly selective, fully online opportunity to deepen your academic experience. In the summer portion of the program, you’ll explore topics like cryptography, modular arithmetic, and financial math through engaging, instructor-led sessions. The course helps you develop critical thinking and analytical skills as you learn how math underpins credit systems, investments, and secure communications. Weekly follow-up sessions in the fall extend the experience, supporting your growth in academic writing, high school preparation, and mindset training. The instructors—many of whom hold PhDs—will guide you through live classes, helping you connect with a national cohort of motivated students. This is one of the most enriching summer math programs for 5th graders looking to challenge themselves beyond the classroom.

3. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers

Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Python Programming, Data Science

Location: Virtual

Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no coding or technical background required

Application Deadline: July 20 (Fall Cohort, early deadline); other sessions may be offered throughout the year

Program Dates:

• Weekend Track: 25 hours over 10 weekends

• Summer Track: 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays)

Cost: $2,290; full financial aid available for students with demonstrated need

Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers program introduces you to core concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning through live instruction and group collaboration. Over the course of 25 hours, you’ll learn Python programming, explore data analysis, and build models using regression and classification techniques. The program includes small-group mentoring (5:1 ratio), ensuring personalized guidance as you move through increasingly advanced topics, including neural networks and AI ethics. 

A major component is the team-based capstone project, where you and a few peers apply your new skills to a real-world challenge and present your findings. While the environment is designed for beginners, the curriculum pushes you to think critically about how AI works—and how it should be used.

4. Stanford Math Circle for Grades 5-6

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Cost: $495 per quarter (financial aid not publicly listed)

Dates: April 1 – June 5 (spring quarter); other quarters offered during the academic year

Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served; limited enrollment per section

Application Deadline: Registration opens 1–2 months before each quarter

Eligibility: Open to students currently in grades 5–6

If you’re seeking consistent exposure to advanced math topics beyond the school curriculum, the Stanford Math Circle (another Stanford program!) offers a highly engaging online program designed for mathematically curious 5th and 6th graders. Over ten weekly sessions, you'll explore subjects like combinatorics, divisibility, invariants, and symmetry in small group settings. The problems presented are intentionally non-standard, designed to spark creativity and mathematical thinking rather than memorization. Homework is a required component, and students are encouraged to spend time independently solving and reflecting on challenging questions. Led by instructors affiliated with Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Studies and Mathematics Department, the program cultivates a problem-solving mindset in a community of like-minded peers. Among summer math programs for 5th graders, this one stands out for its strong emphasis on depth and reasoning over speed or competition.

5. Northwestern Center for Talent Development Summer Courses

Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL & Online

Cost: Varies; ~$835 for 1-credit online courses; financial aid available

Dates: June 4 – August 13 (flexible online start dates); in-person day camps and 3-week residential camps also available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; enrollment reviewed based on eligibility and available space

Application Deadline: Rolling; early application recommended for financial aid

Eligibility: Students entering grades 3–8; eligibility tiers vary by program type

At the Center for Talent Development, you can choose from a wide range of summer math courses tailored to gifted students who are ready to dive deeper into problem-solving and critical thinking. Whether you opt for asynchronous online classes or a day/residential camp on Northwestern’s campus, you’ll engage with accelerated content designed to challenge you. Topics often include pre-algebra, number theory, probability, and math modeling, with options for both enrichment and honors-level work. Instructors are experienced in working with advanced learners and provide feedback through evaluations and optional credit transcripts. You’ll also have the flexibility to work at your own pace and the support to turn your academic interests into lasting strengths. For motivated students seeking advanced summer math programs for 5th graders, CTD offers one of the most customizable and well-supported options availabl

6. Texas State University Junior Residential Summer Math Camp

Location: Texas State University, San Marcos, TX

Cost: $2,200; need-based scholarships available

Dates: June 1-13

Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~20% acceptance rate; limited to 60 students

Application Deadline: February 15 (Round 1), March 15 (Round 2), April 16 (Final Round)

Eligibility: Open to current 6th–8th grade students; teacher recommendation and transcript required

At Texas State University’s Junior Summer Math Camp, you’ll spend two weeks fully immersed in advanced problem-solving, mathematical thinking, and collaborative learning. Each day combines classroom instruction with university faculty, guided study groups, and fun recreational activities—giving you the chance to grow both academically and socially. You'll tackle subjects like number theory, combinatorics, probability, and advanced geometry, gaining tools that will prepare you for competitive math tracks in middle and high school. The camp prioritizes depth over speed and encourages a mindset of inquiry and perseverance. With a selective admissions process and strong community support, this program stands out among summer math programs for 5th graders aiming to advance their mathematical talent in a serious and supportive environment.

7. Epsilon Camp

Location: Washington University in St. Louis, MO

Cost: $3,250 tuition + ~$2,670 in housing/meals/registration; need-based financial aid up to full cost available

Dates: July 13 – July 27

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited to a small number of students aged 7–10

Application Deadline: January 8 (first round); rolling until May 1 or until full

Eligibility: Ages 7–12; strong math proficiency, IQ/achievement test, and teacher recommendations required

Epsilon Camp is a residential summer program designed for profoundly gifted students with a passion for advanced mathematics. If you’re a young learner who already explores math far beyond grade level, this program offers an opportunity to study deep mathematical topics with Ph.D.-level mathematicians and like-minded peers. You'll attend intensive classes on subjects like number theory, logic, and algebraic thinking, all while participating in camp activities like games, chess, and outings. The environment is intentionally rigorous and intellectually immersive, fostering both academic challenge and community-building for the entire family. Epsilon also runs a parallel parent program, helping families support their children's unique academic journeys. Among summer math programs for 5th graders, Epsilon stands out for its extraordinary depth, selectivity, and emphasis on nurturing gifted learners.

8. University of Michigan Math Corps Summer Camp

Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Cost: Free

Dates: July 7 – August 8 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 60 middle schoolers

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in spring; early submission recommended

Eligibility: Open to students currently in 6th–8th grade who attend school in the Ypsilanti area

At Math Corps U(M), you’ll join a close-knit team that brings middle school students, high school mentors, and college instructors together in a vibrant community built on learning and support. You'll attend daily sessions that mix fundamental skills with advanced mathematical topics—all while building relationships with older students who serve as your tutors and mentors. The camp runs four days a week and includes not just instruction but also community-building activities and inspirational programming that emphasizes kindness, integrity, and the idea that greatness exists in everyone. You'll be grouped into a team led by college mentors, making it easy to form lasting friendships and receive personalized support. As one of the few fully free summer math programs for 5th graders in the region, Math Corps stands out for its mentorship model and commitment to equity and community transformation.

9. MathPath

Location: Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA

Cost: $6,300; financial aid available up to full cost, plus travel support

Dates: June 29 – July 27

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; application includes a qualifying test and writing sample

Application Deadline: March 31

Eligibility: Ages 11–14; typically students in grades 6–8, but advanced 5th graders may apply if age-qualified

If you’re a middle school student with a deep passion for mathematics, MathPath offers a month-long residential experience where you can immerse yourself in topics far beyond the standard school curriculum. You’ll attend two breakout classes daily, choosing from advanced topics like number theory, combinatorics, and spherical geometry, plus daily plenary lectures and collaborative problem-solving sessions. The program’s enrichment—not acceleration—focus makes it ideal if you love exploring the why behind math rather than racing ahead in content. You’ll live on campus, build friendships with other gifted students from around the world, and take part in structured recreation, academic mentoring, and optional math conferencing. Among summer math programs for 5th graders, MathPath stands out for its intellectual depth, rigorous admissions process, and ability to foster a true mathematical community.

10. Rutgers University Summer Bridge Program in Math Grade 6

Location: Rutgers University, Online

Cost: $299 (discounted to $269 for Rutgers faculty/staff)

Dates: July 14 – July 31

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; class minimums required

Application Deadline: Rolling admission while spots remain

Eligibility: Open to students entering 6th grade; no prerequisites required

If you're looking for a structured, standards-aligned math review before starting middle school, Rutgers’ Summer Bridge Math Program for Grade 6 offers a practical and accessible option. You’ll attend 12 live online classes over three weeks, covering key topics such as decimals, fractions, ratios, integers, coordinate planes, and introductory algebra. Sessions are interactive, with opportunities to write directly on slides and solve problems in real time. You’ll also get extra practice problems outside of class to reinforce your understanding. The program is designed by experienced educators and aligns with national math standards, making it a strong fit for students who want to reinforce their learning or get a head start on the school year. Among summer math programs for 5th graders, this one stands out for its detailed coverage of grade-level content and user-friendly format.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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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