8 Free Online Summer Math Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 18
Participating in a summer math program during middle school can be a great way for you to strengthen your foundation and explore new areas of interest beyond the standard classroom curriculum.
These programs offer opportunities ranging from hands-on coding projects with artificial intelligence to advanced research opportunities, giving you real industry exposure and the chance to work with mentors from top universities. Whether you're looking to strengthen your foundation in algebra and geometry or explore fields like cryptography and machine learning, free online summer math programs for middle school students give you the chance to explore your interests during your summer break.
We've compiled a list of the top free online summer math programs for middle school students, focusing on options that offer rigorous academics, meaningful mentorship opportunities, are fully funded or offer generous financial aid, and receive backing from prestigious institutions like Stanford, Johns Hopkins, and Harvard.
Here are 8 free online summer math programs for middle school students!
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling admissions. Apply here.
Eligibility: Grades 6–8
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program (JEP) is a selective 8-week research experience for middle school students across multiple academic disciplines. You get to work one-on-one with PhD mentors from top universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale, developing custom research projects based on your interests.
The program emphasizes independent research, critical thinking skills, and project-based learning across STEM and humanities fields, preparing students for academic competitions and future research. JEP provides mentorship from over 1000 PhD candidates and graduates, allowing students to gain research skills and explore advanced topics in areas including computer science, AI, biology, economics, psychology, and engineering.
Cost: $1,990
Location: Online
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Apply here.
Eligibility: Grades 6-8
The Veritas AI Trailblazers Program is a 25-hour virtual experience designed for middle school students to learn Python fundamentals and key concepts in machine learning and artificial intelligence. You will work on hands-on group projects and receive guidance from mentors through small group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. The program covers essential topics, including data analysis, regression problems, neural networks, image classification, and AI ethics, over 10 structured sessions. Each session combines 1.5 hours of lectures with 1 hour of interactive coding and small group work, allowing you to apply concepts that you learn immediately. You’ll complete collaborative group projects where topics are determined through a collaborative process within small groups, with mentors providing support throughout the development process. Founded and run by Harvard graduate students, the program provides an introduction to AI for middle school students with no prior coding experience required.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Dates: July 7-25
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 and 7 with household incomes under $90,000
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program is a free, three-week online program that prepares low-income students for high school through academic enrichment and skill-building opportunities. You will cover subjects like cryptography and financial mathematics, engage in live, virtual classroom discussions led by Stanford instructors, and collaborate on real projects that build critical thinking and academic writing skills. The program extends beyond summer with weekly online after-school meetings from August through December, where you’ll participate in workshops covering similar math subjects, high school application strategies, and academic writing.
Cost: Free
Location: Online/Virtual
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
Zearn's online summer math program is a free, 4-6 week summer experience for first through ninth graders through digital math lessons that students complete independently. You’ll work through interactive video lessons featuring visual models and real-life examples, with each 30-minute lesson building both procedural fluency and conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts. The summer intensive series covers targeted content for grades 6-8, focusing on concepts like proportional relationships, arithmetic with signed numbers, and linear functions to prepare students for success in their upcoming grade level. Lessons can be used flexibly across summer learning models, including in-school summer programming, tutoring, or at home, allowing you to customize the experience to your needs.
Cost: Varies by course
Location: Virtual
Dates: Between June- August. Varies by course.
Application Deadline: Registration deadlines vary by course
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
Johns Hopkins CTY's online mathematics programs provide middle school students access to challenging coursework beyond traditional school curricula. You will participate in competitive mathematics courses designed specifically for grades 6-8, covering topics like number theory, algebra, geometry, and problem-solving strategies through interactive lessons and timed assessments. The hybrid format combines self-paced independent work with weekly live strategy sessions led by instructors, who provide personalized feedback and guidance, helping students develop mathematical creativity and analytical thinking.
6. MATHCOUNTS
Cost: Free
Location: Various locations
Dates: August through June
Application Deadline: Registration opens August 15 and remains open through June
Eligibility: Grades 6-8
MATHCOUNTS National Math Club is a year-round mathematics program that provides schools and community organizations with free resources to establish and run engaging math clubs for middle school students. The program operates through local clubs that meet regularly in-person, typically following a suggested calendar of 5 activities per month lasting 30-90 minutes each. You will participate in collaborative problem-solving activities, math games that introduce algebra concepts like "Salute," and creative projects that can qualify clubs for recognition status. Unlike structured online summer math programs for middle school students, this flexible club model allows communities to adapt activities to their specific needs and schedules.
7. Khan Academy
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Dates: Available year-round
Application Deadline: No application required
Eligibility: Grades 6-8
Khan Academy offers middle school students a chance to strengthen their math skills through interactive video lessons and practice exercises that adapt to their learning style. You will work through everything from basic arithmetic to pre-algebra and geometry, building problem-solving skills at your own pace. The platform adjusts difficulty based on how you’re performing, so you’re always learning at just the right level. You will earn digital badges as you master concepts and can connect with other learners through discussion forums.
8. AdelaideX
Cost: Free audit access for 4 weeks
Location: Online
Dates: Self-paced, approximately 4 weeks to complete
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: Open to all students
AdelaideX offers the Maths Foundations course, a self-paced online program that builds mathematical skills through video lessons, interactive exercises, and mastery-based assessments. You will work through foundational topics, including operations with natural numbers, integers, and rational numbers, along with decimal calculations, basic geometry, and solving linear equations and inequalities. The course uses short quizzes that you can retake until you demonstrate mastery, allowing learners to build confidence through repeated practice. You will gain access to expert instruction from the University of Adelaide's School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and can connect with the Maths Learning Centre for additional support.
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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