15 Math Classes for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 7 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you’re a middle school student interested in math, consider enrolling in a class to see what advanced math looks like in practice.
These math classes let you move beyond schoolwork by exploring topics like number theory, combinatorics, or problem-solving strategies. Some are research-focused, giving you one-on-one mentoring and opportunities to complete a math project, while others are class-based, with lectures, exercises, and competitions to sharpen your skills.
For students thinking about high school enrichment or future math competitions, these classes are especially useful. They strengthen your math knowledge, give you experiences to highlight in your applications, and help you start building a network of peers and mentors.
To get you started, we’ve put together a list of 15 top math classes for middle school students!
15 Math Classes for Middle School Students
Location: Online (live sessions via Zoom)
Cost: $1,000 tuition + $50 application fee; limited scholarships available
Dates: 13-week spring program; weekly sessions
Deadline: Rolling admission; early application encouraged
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–8 with strong arithmetic and basic algebra skills; students from underserved communities are especially encouraged to apply
NYU’s 13-week Math Program for Young Minds is an advanced math class for middle schoolers from underserved communities to gain above-grade training in the field. You’ll study college-level math coursework, including topology, number theory, and advanced geometry, at weekly class meetings taught by instructors from the NYU Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. Classes include collaborative activities, problem-solving exercises, math games, and group projects.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid offered
Dates: 8 weeks, with multiple cohorts yearly
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines for each cohort
Eligibility: Grades 6-8
Lumiere’s Junior Explorers program provides a research-focused math class for middle schoolers interested in hands-on applications of mathematical methods. You’ll be paired with a PhD-level mentor in mathematics, beginning the program with one-on-one classes covering foundational concepts in math research. You will then design an independent research project in the field, which you’ll complete under the guidance of your mentor, and finish the program with a formal research paper. While not a traditional course due to its one-on-one format, the class-based educational structure and research training make this an individualized coursework experience.
Location: San Marcos, TX
Cost: $2,200; includes housing, meals, instruction, and materials; scholarships available
Dates: June 7–19
Deadline: Registration opens January 1; early application encouraged
Eligibility: Middle school students entering grades 6–8; selection based on math ability, motivation, and teacher recommendation
Texas State University’s Mathworks offers a residential Junior Summer Math Camp for middle school students looking for an intensive opportunity to strengthen their math skills. You’ll attend a series of math classes each day taught by college professors, with class topics including number theory, combinatorics, probability, and mass-point geometry. After classes end for the day, you’ll attend a Problem Session to practice your new skills. You’ll also attend weekly lectures from researchers and industry mathematicians, participate in activities like chess with faculty, and play sports at the University’s recreation center.
4. MathPath
Location: Varies; hosted at college campuses across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: $6,300 with substantial financial aid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective
Dates: June 29 - July 27
Application Deadline: March 31; applications are considered on a rolling basis, so applying early is encouraged
Eligibility: Middle school students aged 11-14
MathPath is a month-long program for middle school students who are ahead in math. You’ll take three main math classes each day. In Math History Plenaries, you learn how math has developed over time. Guest Plenaries let you hear from professors and researchers. You’ll also take two daily Breakout classes that cover advanced topics like number theory, combinatorics, and induction. Outside of class, you’ll talk about new ideas with teachers and other students, work on the Problem of the Day, do homework, and join math games and activities.
Location: Hosted at 3 sites in New York state (NYC and Upstate) and southern California (LA)
Cost: Free (including lodging, transportation, and food)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; requires strong Math abilities | 40 students per site
Dates: 3 weeks over the summer
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: The program supports middle schoolers, focusing on 7th graders with strong math skills and first-generation college backgrounds. For 8th graders, the focus shifts to high school selection and completing Algebra 1.Â
BEAM is a three-week summer program for middle school students who are ahead in math and come from under-resourced backgrounds. You’ll spend about seven hours each day in math classes taught by university professors, covering topics like combinatorics, graph theory, and number theory. The program also includes lectures, workshops on preparing for high school and college, talks about math-related careers, and local field trips. After the summer, you can get up to ten years of mentorship through the Pathway Program, which gives you math enrichment, help with college applications, career days, and support for high school and college internships.
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Sliding scale of $250–$1,000, based on family income level
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 30 - July 25
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Grades 7-12 (Students are divided by Grades 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12) | Students must live in the Greater Chicago area or Northwest Indiana and be able to commute to campus daily
UChicago’s Young Scholars Summer Program gives middle and high school students in the Chicago area advanced math classes each summer. You’ll take two lecture classes each day with UChicago professors and a smaller seminar led by a current math undergraduate, where you focus on hands-on problem solving. Outside class, you can work on math-related research projects in UChicago computer labs. The program alternates focus each year: number theory in even years and geometry in odd years, letting you study one area in depth during the program.
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $500 per quarter
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not available
Dates: 10-week classes are hosted in Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer | Fall dates are September 30 - December 11
Application Deadline: Rolling; opens 1-2 months before each quarter
Eligibility: Middle school cohorts are split into grades 5-6 and grades 7-8 | Programs offered for grades 1-12
Stanford Math Circle offers online math classes for middle school students throughout the year. You’ll learn from professional mathematicians and math teachers, including Stanford professors, in weekly classes. The program covers topics beyond grade level, like invariants, symmetry, and advanced problem-solving. You’ll work on problems in groups, join discussions, and combine lectures with activities. If you’re interested in math competitions, some sessions focus on contests like the AMC and BAMO.
Location: Online
Cost: Per-course tuition ranges from $1,275 - $1,575 based on admissions round | Students who enroll in multiple classes are eligible for discounts on additional classes
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive - admissions contingent on strong qualifying test performance
Dates: June 9–27, June 30–July 18, or July 21–August 8
Deadline: January 16 (Early), February 20 & March 27 (Regular), April 24 & May 27 (Late)
Eligibility: Ages 12-18
AwesomeMath is a summer program for middle and high school students that offers training in advanced math. You choose from about 15 math classes and can take up to six during the summer. Classes cover topics like Algebra (from basic to advanced abstract), Math Counts with Proofs, Combinatorial Arguments, Computational Geometry, and multiple levels of Number Theory. The program focuses on both enrichment and competition preparation, so you can either get ahead in math or prepare for exams like the AMC or AIME. Your placement in classes depends on your admissions test score, which assigns you a level from 1 to 4, and you can only take classes at or below your level.
9. MIT dynaMITÂ
Location:Â MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost:Â Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size:Â 40 students/session
Dates: Mid – late August; 1 week for rising 6th and 7th graders; 1 week for rising 8th and 9th graders
Application deadline:Â February 10
Eligibility: Massachusetts students entering grades 6–9; students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds lacking access to STEM enrichment programs are encouraged to apply
The dynaMIT program at MIT gives middle school students who cannot afford enrichment programs free classes in math, science, and engineering, guided by current MIT students. You’ll study advanced math topics like knot theory and use math in physics, mechanical engineering, and computer science. Each day covers a new topic, mixing instruction with experiments and activities, such as building a small rocket and exploring math through physical models. You’ll go on field trips to labs and STEM workplaces, learn about college-level math and science from MIT undergraduates, tour MIT’s campus, and complete a final project.
Location: Online
Cost: $3,080
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 7 - 18
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Grades 8-11 | Students must have taken at least one algebra course
Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offers a math class in Logic and Problem Solving for 8th graders and high school students. You’ll study topics like number theory, combinatorics, algorithms, geometry, and probability, focusing on logic and proof-based problem solving. The class emphasizes hands-on learning, so you’ll apply each new skill to problems and logic puzzles. You’ll work with peers on in-class activities and can meet the instructor during office hours to discuss questions or homework.
11. SigmaCampÂ
Location:Â Silver Lake Camp and Conference Center, Sharon, CT
Cost:Â $1,850; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size:Â Selective
Dates: August 2 – 9
Application deadline:Â April 15
Eligibility: Middle and high school students, ages 12–16
SigmaCamp is a week-long STEM program for middle school students where you can take specialized math classes with college professors and professional scientists. Each day includes lectures and seminars, which combine seminars with hands-on lab work. Math topics include cryptography, infinities and paradoxes, quantum mechanics and linear algebra, and probability. After classes, you can join activities like chess, yoga, or glassblowing. You’ll also have chances to compete in the team-based Sigma Tournament, plan an Experiment of the Day, or teach a new math or science concept to your peers in the Junior Instructor Challenge.
Location: Online
Cost: Varies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective — ability to enroll is based on performance on testing
Dates:Â Multiple 3-week sessions; exact dates vary by course
Application deadline:Â VariesÂ
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–8
Johns Hopkins’ CTY program offers a unique math class for middle school students interested in learning problem-solving techniques through proofs and logic. You’ll learn about key concepts in formal logic, logical connectives, quantifying statements, and quantifiers, applying them to topics in pattern identification and proving (or disproving) real-world questions. You’ll work on collaborative activities with peers, including solving symbolic logic puzzles, learning the mathematics behind Sudoku, and adaptive world arguments.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $375
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 24 students
Dates: July 21-24
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Grades 6-9
Stony Brook University’s Middle School Math Program offers a one-week summer program for 6th-7th and 8th-9th graders. In the 6th-7th grade group, you’ll study topics like statistics, probability, algebra, geometry, and operations. The 8th-9th grade group focuses on linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, so you’ll work through problems and activities that connect math to real-world applications.
Location: Online
Cost: Varies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective — ability to enroll is based on performance on testing
Dates:Â Multiple 3-week sessions; exact dates vary by course
Application deadline:Â VariesÂ
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 | Requires one year of Geometry classes and experience with AMC 8-level math
Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth offers a High School Competitive Math Club class for students who want to improve in math competitions. You’ll be placed in a small group based on your score on an initial test and work with them on activities and coursework. In weekly classes, you’ll learn new competition math concepts, solve practice problems, and discuss techniques with your instructor. Outside of class, you can use a virtual forum to talk about problems and new math topics to keep practicing and connect with other students.
Location: Online
Cost: $835 (1 Credit) or $1,425 (2 Credits)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Eligibility to enroll requires above-grade performance on standardized tests and/or scoring at the 95th percentile or above
Dates: Varies; many courses are offered multiple times throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Grades 6-12; additional requirements and prerequisites vary by course
Northwestern’s Center for Talent Development offers year-round classes for students ahead in math, including options like Algebra 1 Honors, Algebra II and Trigonometry Honors, Geometry Honors, and Pre-Calculus Honors. You’ll complete a full year of coursework on an accelerated schedule, preparing you to move to the next course level the following school year. If you’re in 8th grade, check with your future high school to see if completing the course lets you test out of the equivalent class, or be ready to use it for learning and repeat the material in person.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
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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