14 Fall Math Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 10 min read
If you're looking to improve your math skills this school year, there are plenty of fall math programs for middle school students that can help you achieve your goals. These programs go beyond standard classroom work and offer opportunities to tackle novel problems, explore advanced concepts, and collaborate with mentors. Whether you're interested in solving complex puzzles, trying competition-style math, or simply expanding on what you're learning at school, there is likely a program that fits your interests.
These programs focus on building confidence, improving analytical thinking, and providing a fresh approach to learning math. Many offer mentorship, workshops, small-group sessions, and even a look at college-level math. They’re often more affordable than year-long programs and provide a supportive environment where you can connect with other students who share similar interests.
Below is a list of 14 fall math programs for middle school students, selected for their academic rigor, mentorship opportunities, and connections to top universities or math organizations. If you're ready to challenge yourself and develop your math skills this fall, take a look at the options below.
14 Fall Math Programs for Middle School Students
Location: Online (Founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers; HQ – Wilmington, DE)
Cost: Varies | Need-based financial aid available
Program Dates: 8 weeks (rolling cohorts throughout the year)
Application Deadline: Varies across different cohorts
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 to 8 | Open to motivated students globally interested in exploring academic research or writing
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program pairs middle school students with PhD mentors from universities such as Harvard, Oxford, MIT, and Princeton to explore academic subjects and develop a written project. You’ll learn to read and interpret academic literature, build research questions, and create outputs such as a high school-level research paper or case study. You’ll receive individualized feedback through eight mentor sessions and two writing-coach sessions, ensuring you master both analytical and writing fundamentals. The program’s rigorous selection process and personalized mentorship make it a competitive and enriching experience in academic writing for middle school students. Lumiere also offers a Junior Research and Publication Program for students who wish to publish their research in academic journals.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type | Full financial aid available
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines | You can apply to the program here
Program dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring cohort | 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual program that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you will learn the basics of Python as well as topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. You’ll learn through lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. Previous student projects have included building a machine-learning model to classify music genres and developing a machine-learning algorithm to generate a customized list of educational resources based on specified criteria.
Location: California State University, Fresno, CA
Cost: Free (donations accepted)
Program Dates: Meets every other Saturday from September–May
Application Deadline: Rolling until groups are filled
Eligibility: Students in grades 4–5, 6–7, and 8–9 for middle school sections | No prerequisites required
Fresno Math Circle offers middle school students a structured, fall-to-spring enrichment experience centered on mathematical exploration and collaborative problem-solving. Sessions introduce you to concepts not typically taught in school, such as combinatorics, number theory, and logic-based puzzles, with faculty guiding you through multi-step reasoning. You’ll work together on challenging problem sets and engage in discussions that build mathematical communication skills. The program incorporates depth-oriented tasks that help you develop logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and the ability to generalize solutions. The every-other-week structure allows you to build sustained mathematical maturity throughout the fall while participating in a supportive, community-driven environment.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (offers both in-person and online sections for students across the U.S.)
Cost: Tuition varies by quarter, depending on grade level and format | Financial aid availability may vary
Program Dates: Quarter-long fall sessions with weekly meetings (typically September–December)
Application Deadline: Rolling until sessions are filled
Eligibility: Middle school students in Grades 5–8 with a passion for mathematics
The Stanford Math Circle offers middle schoolers the opportunity to explore mathematical ideas that extend beyond their school curriculum through weekly, discussion-based problem-solving sessions. Instructors introduce topics such as number theory, combinatorics, graph theory, geometry, or logical reasoning, depending on the grade level and quarter theme. You’ll work collaboratively on challenging problems, practice explaining your thought process, and learn how to approach unfamiliar math situations with structure and creativity. Class meetings incorporate interactive exploration, guided strategy-building, and exposure to higher-level fields through examples drawn from research mathematics. The quarter format allows you to engage with math consistently throughout the fall while working with peers who share similar enthusiasm. Sessions are led by mathematicians and educators from the Stanford community.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $2,700 per academic year (includes $100 registration fee + two instalments of $1,300) | Need-based scholarships available for families receiving public assistance
Program Dates: Academic year, with weekly evening sessions during the school year (September–May)
Application Deadline: May 26 (entrance quiz in early June)
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8 in the spring (entering grades 7–9 in September) | Homeschooled students of the same age are also eligible
PRIMES STEP (Solve–Theorize–Explore–Prove) is an advanced problem-solving program that introduces middle school students to mathematical thinking beyond the standard curriculum through logical puzzles, olympiad-style problems, and exploratory tasks. You’ll meet weekly in small groups on the MIT campus, working under the guidance of Dr Tanya Khovanova, an active researcher in recreational mathematics and a senior mentor in the broader PRIMES ecosystem. The program emphasizes learning problem-solving techniques, experimenting with strategies, and simulating aspects of the research process by inventing and tackling new problems. Over time, some cohorts develop projects that lead to expository or research-style papers, a number of which have been published in mathematics journals and expository outlets. Students are expected to prepare via contest-preparation materials (such as Art of Problem Solving books) and demonstrate strong motivation, maturity, and teamwork through a competitive entrance quiz and recommendation process.
Location: New York University, NY | Remote and in-person options available
Cost: Tuition varies by course | Financial aid may be offered for select programs
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters with weekly sessions (typically October–December)
Application Deadline: Rolling until classes fill
Eligibility: Students in middle school (grades 5–8, depending on section) | Placement may consider prior problem-solving experience
NYMC offers fall semester classes that immerse students in deeper mathematical thinking through problem-solving sessions, thematic lessons, and guided discovery. Classes expose you to topics that go beyond school math, such as number theory, combinatorics, and geometric reasoning, using puzzles and structured problem sets. You’ll work collaboratively in small groups, discuss solution strategies, and learn how to articulate mathematical thinking clearly. Instructors introduce contest-style problems and exploratory tasks that help you strengthen logical reasoning and build familiarity with challenging math structures. The informal seminar-style environment encourages curiosity while also providing enough structure for you to engage with weekly problem sets or mini explorations.
Location: Lindbergh High School Gifted & Talented Center / Sperreng Middle School, St. Louis, MO (in-person) | Hybrid Online format available
Cost: $1,190 per year (discounted to $1,090 if paid upfront) | Instalment plan available.
Program Dates: Weekly fall–spring sessions beginning in September and running through the academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling until classes are filled | A math assessment is required prior to placement
Eligibility: Middle school students (late elementary to early high school accepted) | Must complete the MEGSSS Math Assessment
This year-long Foundations course introduces mathematically motivated middle schoolers to advanced problem-solving and early proof-based thinking through the Elements of Mathematics curriculum. You’ll meet weekly, either online with real-time instruction or in person, with coursework that spans algebraic structures, logical reasoning, set theory, and deeper explorations into number systems. Instructors help you tackle challenging problems that build mathematical maturity and prepare you for high-level high school and college-track mathematics. The program emphasizes collaboration, discussion-based learning, and the development of a strong foundation for future STEM pathways. Students who join MEGSSS become part of a long-standing mathematical community with access to experienced faculty and ongoing enrichment opportunities.
Location: Online (Northwestern University Center for Talent Development, Evanston, IL-based).
Cost: Typically $575 per 6-week online enrichment course | Need-based financial aid available
Program Dates: Multiple 6–9 week sessions across the academic year (Fall: Oct 8–Nov 19 | Winter: Jan 21/28–Mar 11/18 | Spring: Apr 8–May 20/27 | Summer: Jun 24–Aug 5)
Application Deadline: Rolling until sections are filled | Tuition increases slightly after each Early Bird deadline
Eligibility: Advanced learners in roughly grades 3–8 (middle schoolers usually enrol in grades 6–8) who meet CTD’s talent identification/eligibility criteria for above-grade-level coursework
CTD’s Online Enrichment and Core Essentials math offerings give you the chance to study topics like Pre-Algebra Prep, Pre-Algebra Condensed, Algebra Exploration, Competition Math, and Critical Mathematics in small, instructor-led online classes. You’ll work through weekly modules that combine problem sets, short readings, and occasional projects, and get written feedback from instructors who specialize in teaching advanced learners. Many math courses focus explicitly on reasoning, argumentation, and contest-style questions, so you practice both procedural fluency and proof-like explanation. Because sessions run during the school year in Fall, Winter, and Spring, you can treat them as a structured “extra” math track that sits alongside your regular class. If you want an ongoing, semester-style math experience during the fall but need the flexibility of online learning across time zones, CTD’s course menu is one of the broadest and most customizable options available.
Location: Online (Art of Problem Solving, AoPS Online)
Cost: Paid | Tuition varies by course and term
Program Dates: Multiple sessions offered year-round, including fall term classes (typically several weeks per course)
Application Deadline: Rolling until individual sections are full
Eligibility: Strong math students (typically grades 5–8 and above) ready for Prealgebra, Algebra, Geometry, or middle-school contest prep | Placement guided by AoPS course map and prerequisites
AoPS Online offers a full ecosystem of advanced math and contest-preparation courses, from Prealgebra 1 & 2 to introduction and intermediate tracks in algebra, geometry, number theory, and counting & probability. If you’re prepping for math contests like MATHCOUNTS, AMC 8/10/12, AIME, or F=ma, the dedicated problem series and “Final Fives”/special seminars give you structured practice with past problems and test-taking strategies. Beyond contest prep, you can build a deep theoretical foundation through proof-heavy courses (like Olympiad Geometry or Group Theory) that mirror how real mathematicians think. Live online classes, problem-solving handouts, and daily homework push you well beyond school pace while message boards and WOOT-style programs connect you with a global community of highly motivated peers. For a fall term, you might combine a core course (say, Introduction to Algebra A or Introduction to Geometry) with a contest problem series to simultaneously accelerate your school math and sharpen your competition skills.
Location: Piedmont/Oakland, Lafayette, Berkeley, San Francisco (CA) | Online options available
Cost: $470 (in-person, full term) | $415 (online, full term) | Financial aid is available
Program Dates: September 11–December 16.
Application Deadline: Rolling until classes are filled
Eligibility: Students in grades K–11 | Middle school-level sections offered for grades 6–9
This program offers middle schoolers a structured, conceptual, and problem-solving–focused math curriculum inspired by classical mathematical traditions. Students in the grades 6–9 explore deeper reasoning skills through logic puzzles, algebraic thinking, number theory, and multi-step problem solving taught by experienced instructors. Classes blend theory with hands-on activities, such as chess, brain teasers, and creative mathematical challenges, to foster flexible thinking. Middle schoolers also have access to contest-oriented special courses, such as AMC 8 prep and Math Kangaroo preparation. The small-group format ensures guided attention, while weekly sessions help students strengthen mathematical foundations throughout the fall term.
Location: New York University, NY
Cost: $1,250
Program Dates: February 5–May 7
Application Deadline: December 15
Eligibility: Middle school students currently in grades 7–8
The Math Program for Young Minds is a 13-week enrichment program designed for mathematically talented middle school students who want deeper exposure to rigorous math topics. You’ll explore areas such as number theory, topology, and introductory geometry, subjects that extend well beyond the standard school math curriculum. Weekly sessions combine faculty-led instruction, collaborative problem solving, and guided practice in abstract reasoning. The structure closely mirrors university-style learning, providing a clearer understanding of how higher-level mathematics is taught and studied. You will also receive regular interaction with NYU faculty and teaching assistants, which will help you refine your logic and problem-solving processes. This program is best suited for students who are comfortable with challenging concepts and eager to stretch their mathematical thinking.
Location: Online (U.S.)
Cost: Varies by class
Program Dates: August 20–December 14
Application Deadline: Rolling until seats are filled
Eligibility: Students in Grades 6–8
The Think Academy Fall Program offers structured, semester-long online math courses that cover Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, and competition prep. The program includes live classes, homework, teacher feedback, and office hours designed to develop your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The curriculum uses a three-step STEM approach (Simplify–Reason–Apply), which helps you learn to break down problems, analyze patterns, and apply methods to new situations. Class sizes are small (approx. 18), allowing for guided discussions and targeted support. With Core+, Honors, and Challenge tracks, you can move at an appropriate pace while preparing for advanced high school math or AMC-level contests.
Location: Online + in-person center in Cupertino, CA.
Cost: Varies by level | typically ~$2,160 (online) or ~$2,560 (in-person) for class + practice track per year
Program Dates: Runs the full academic year beginning in Fall (August–June)
Application Deadline: Rolling | Placement requires assessment before enrollment
Eligibility: Students in grades 3–12 | Middle schoolers placed into appropriate levels based on skill and readiness
Random Math’s year-long Competitive Math Program is a structured and rigorous pathway designed for middle schoolers aiming to develop their problem-solving skills and prepare for contests such as the AMC 8, AMC 10/12, MOEMS, MathCounts, and more. You’ll work in leveled cohorts matched to your assessment performance, ensuring that you learn alongside peers with similar skills and goals. Sessions focus on higher-order problem solving across number theory, algebra, geometry, and combinatorics, combining theory with intensive practice. Weekly classes are supplemented by additional practice sessions for competition-track students, helping you build speed, accuracy, and advanced reasoning habits. The program’s structured progression provides you with the space to grow throughout the entire school year while developing the mathematical maturity necessary for advanced STEM pathways.
Location: Online (live, instructor-led)
Cost: $595
Program Dates: September 5/6/7–November 28/29/30 (Fall) | January 9/10/11–March 27/28/29 (Spring)
Enrolment Deadline: September 22 (Fall) | January 26 (Spring)
Eligibility: Middle and high school students with a strong interest in advanced math or physics | No formal prerequisites, but courses are leveled from beginner to Olympiad
AwesomeMath Academy offers rigorous weekend classes where you explore mathematics and physics beyond the school curriculum, using problem-solving approaches modeled after national and international competitions. You can choose from multiple tracks, from beginner to Olympiad, covering AMC 8, AMC 10/12, AIME, USAMO/JMO, and F=ma–Olympiad physics levels. Classes run once per weekend and blend theory, proof-based reasoning, and competition-style problem sets. You’ll engage in highly interactive sessions with instructors who guide you through the “why” behind advanced concepts, helping you build deep mathematical intuition. The structured 12-week format provides consistent practice in logical thinking, multi-step problem-solving, and mathematical communication.
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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