9 Fall Math Research Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Oct 18
- 6 min read
If you’re an ambitious middle school student looking to learn more about math, consider joining a research program in the fall. These focused programs give you the chance to work on real problems, try out research work, and see how math is used to solve complex questions. You might explore topics like number theory, probability, data modeling, or even coding for math projects.
Fall programs are usually flexible and can be easier to slot into your schedule along with school. Participating in such programs also gives you a chance to work with mentors and other students who enjoy math. You’ll work on projects, get feedback on your work, and develop skills that go beyond what you learn in class. Even if you’re not sure about a career in math, these programs help you understand which areas interest you most and give you concrete projects to showcase.
To help you get started, here’s a list of 9 fall math research programs for middle school students!
(Note: Not all programs listed are traditional math research programs. Many follow structures and problem-solving approaches that give experience similar to research, helping you develop analytical and independent thinking skills.)
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies; Full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 8-week program; multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
Lumiere’s Junior Explorers Program is a selective online research experience for middle school students, designed to build advanced academic writing and research skills. You begin by selecting a subject area, such as STEM, humanities, or social sciences, and are matched with a PhD-level mentor from a top university. Over the course of the program, you receive a structured introduction to your chosen field, then design and carry out an independent research project focused on a real-world question. To strengthen your writing and analytical abilities, you conclude the program by producing a formal research paper that presents your findings.
Location: California State University, Fresno, CA (Hybrid: in-person and online)
Cost: Free
Dates: September–May; meets every other Saturday
Application Deadline: Rolling; selective admission based on application and problem-solving sample
Eligibility: Grades 3–12; middle school students placed in grades 6–7 or 8–9 sections
Fresno Math Circle is an enrichment program for middle school students in grades six through eight who want to explore math beyond regular school lessons. You meet every other Saturday to solve logic problems, build creative strategies, and study topics like number theory, combinatorics, and geometry. Sessions are led by Fresno State math faculty, with help from college students and high school volunteers. The focus is on understanding concepts and solving problems together rather than memorizing or working quickly. You can also prepare for math competitions such as Math Kangaroo.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Various cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no coding or technical background required
Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers program introduces you to key concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning through live instruction and collaborative learning. Over 25 hours, you learn Python programming, explore data analysis, and build models using regression and classification techniques. You receive personalized guidance through small-group mentoring, with a five-to-one student-to-mentor ratio. As the program progresses, you explore more advanced topics such as neural networks and AI ethics. A central part of the experience is the team-based capstone project, where you and a few peers apply your new skills to solve a real-world challenge and present your findings at the end.
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Dates: September – November
Application Deadline: July 8
Eligibility: Ages 13–17; strong English skills required; global applicants welcome
The Junior Academy is a virtual STEM program where you work in international teams to solve real-world problems designed by industry partners. During the fall session, you will work through Launchpad, an online platform that supports teamwork, progress tracking, and guidance from mentors. While the program is not limited to mathematics, many projects involve data analysis, modeling, and algorithmic thinking. By completing all parts of the challenge on time, you earn a certificate and a free Young Membership to the New York Academy of Sciences.
Location: The City College of New York, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: September–December; 12-week program with twice-weekly after-school sessions
Application Deadline: Not listed; early registration recommended due to high demand
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8 who live in or attend school in one of NYC’s five boroughs; no GPA or coursework prerequisites
The CCNY STEM Institute’s fall program offers middle school students a hands-on and engaging STEM experience with a strong focus on mathematics. You attend after-school sessions twice a week, where you explore advanced topics through project-based learning. Courses include Algebra, Trigonometry, and SHSAT Math Prep, all designed to go beyond the standard classroom curriculum. Each class encourages collaborative learning, critical thinking, and inquiry-based problem solving. While this is not a formal math research program, you take part in exploratory math projects and present your work at a research symposium.
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $2,700/year ($100 registration + two $1,300 installments); need-based scholarships available
Dates: September–May; weekly evening sessions
Application Deadline: May 26
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
MIT PRIMES STEP is a weekly program where you learn how mathematical research works through problem-solving and exploration. You work with MIT faculty and researchers on puzzles, logic problems, and math games that help you think in new ways. You will approach open-ended questions like real mathematicians and try to find your own solutions. You also study Olympiad-style problems, recreational math, and simple tricks that show deeper math ideas. Sessions are held on MIT’s campus and include both individual work and group discussions. The program helps you strengthen your math thinking and experience how real research begins.
Location: Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, NYU, New York, NY; Zoom option available
Cost: $450 for in-person; $325 for Zoom; financial aid available
Dates: September 21 – November 23; weekly Sunday sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling until courses are filled
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8 with strong arithmetic skills and an interest in problem-solving
New York Math Circle’s Middle School Program lets you explore mathematical thinking beyond what is taught in a regular classroom. It offers two levels: MSA for introductory learners and MSB for intermediate students. You will work through challenging problems, take part in group discussions, and learn to approach math through discovery rather than memorization. Weekly problem sets help reinforce what you learn without adding too much homework. Sessions are held at NYU’s Courant Institute and are led by educators committed to math enrichment.
Location: St. Louis area (multiple locations) and online
Cost: $1,190 per year ($595 per semester); $100 discount for full payment by September; $25 one-time registration fee
Dates: September – May; weekly sessions during the academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling; requires a free math assessment before enrollment
Eligibility: Students in grades 5–8 with a strong interest in mathematics; assessment required
Project MEGSSS (Mathematics Education for Gifted Secondary School Students) is a year-long enrichment program for middle school students who want to study advanced math beyond what is taught in school. You start by taking a free math assessment to check if you are ready for the program’s approach to problem-solving and reasoning. After acceptance, you can join one of three formats: online instructor-led classes on Monday evenings, or in-person sessions at the Lindbergh IDEA Gifted Center on Tuesdays or Sperreng Middle School on Wednesdays. Each class lasts 90 minutes and covers both foundational and advanced topics that build understanding, logic, and critical thinking. The program follows the Elements of Mathematics curriculum, helping you connect middle school math to higher-level topics you will encounter later in school and college.
Location: Remote (online via Zoom)
Cost: $500 per quarter
Dates: September 30 – December 11
Application Deadline: Mid-August; registration opens 1–2 months before the quarter
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8 with a strong interest in mathematics
Stanford Math Circle is a weekly evening program where you explore advanced mathematical ideas not typically taught in middle school. If you are in grades six through eight and enjoy solving challenging problems, this program helps you build skills in abstract reasoning, logic, and creative thinking. You will study topics such as symmetry, invariants, and divisibility, guided by experienced educators and visiting mathematicians. Each session includes homework to deepen your understanding between meetings. While this is not a formal research program, it encourages long-term exploration and independent thought.
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 in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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