While a summer break provides the much-needed time to relax and rejuvenate, it can create a gap in the mathematical learning skills of students. Being distanced from scheduled classes, assignments, and homework, hampers the regular required practice which can potentially affect the overall understanding of math concepts.
Well, a summer math program tailored specifically for middle school students can be a way out by providing enriching and rewarding experiences, igniting a passion for mathematics, and fostering academic growth.
These programs go beyond the traditional classroom setting, offering a dynamic and interactive learning environment. By participating in a summer math program, middle school students will not only strengthen their mathematical foundation but also enhance their analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative skills along with a chance to learn from experienced instructors who are passionate about mathematics and dedicated to inspiring young minds.
As summers are here, presented below is a list of comprehensive summer math programs for middle school students to help them gain confidence in tackling complex mathematical problems, develop a growth mindset, and nurture a lifelong love for mathematics.
Fun and fascinating summer math programs for middle school students
1. MathPath
Date: June 25 – July 23, 2023
Deadline: Applications open
Eligibility: Middle school students of age 11-14
Mode of instruction: Offline (University of Portland in Portland, OR)
Fee: $5650
Financial aid: Financial aid is available to families on a scale based on reported income
MathPath is a residential program that takes place over the course of several weeks during the summer. It provides an immersive and intellectually stimulating experience for middle school students who are passionate about mathematics and eager to further develop their mathematical abilities.
It offers a rigorous curriculum that covers a wide range of advanced mathematical topics, including number theory, algebra, geometry, and combinatorics. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and problem-solving sessions, students are encouraged to explore and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts. Students interact with experienced mathematicians, educators, and fellow participants, creating a stimulating environment that encourages intellectual growth and fosters a love for mathematics.
2. Canada/USA Mathcamp
Date: July 2 – August 6, 2023
Deadline: Applications generally begin in mid-January and close by March end.
Eligibility: Middle school & high school students of age 13-18
Mode of instruction: Offline (Champlain College in Burlington)
Fee: $5,000
Financial aid: Need-based scholarships are available
Mathcamp is a summer program designed for talented students who are passionate about mathematics. Mathcamp is held at different college campuses each summer, allowing students to experience life on a college campus and gain exposure to the academic environment. During the program, students engage in a wide range of mathematical activities, including problem-solving sessions, advanced math courses, interactive workshops, and research projects.
In addition to the rigorous academic component, Mathcamp offers a variety of recreational activities, including sports, arts, and social events. These activities provide students with opportunities to relax, connect with their peers, and form lasting friendships. The program offers a unique and enriching summer experience for mathematically talented students, helping them develop their mathematical skills, expand their knowledge, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.
Please note: In order to benefit from the mathcamp, students are required to be comfortable with high-school algebra, geometry, trig, exponents, and logarithms. If a student is familiar with precalculus, then it will be a plus point!
3. Epsilon Camp
Date: July 9 – August 23, 2023
Deadline: Applications generally begin in December and close by January. The applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the month of May
Eligibility: Students of age 7-12
Mode of instruction: Offline (Miami University in Oxford, OH. )
Fee: $2,900 and $150 registration fee
Financial aid: Need-based scholarships are available
Epsilon Camp is a summer program designed to challenge and inspire mathematically gifted middle school students. The program offers a three-week residential experience filled with engaging and challenging activities. The camp emphasizes collaborative learning and fosters a sense of community among the participants. The curriculum is designed keeping in mind the requirements of every age group.
The classes are designed in such a way that students can enjoy learning as well as indulge in play. The schedule set allows time for self-directed learning along with fun activities like puzzles, math games, and hands-on activities. The program promotes critical thinking, creativity, and independent exploration of mathematical concepts. Outside of the classroom, Epsilon Camp provides recreational activities and social events to create a well-rounded experience.
4. AwesomeMath
Date: Going to be in three sessions. Session 1 – June 5 – June 23, 2023, Session 2 – June 26 – July 14, 2023., and Session 3 – July 17 – August 4, 2023
Deadline: Applications generally begin in January and close by May
Eligibility: Students of age 12 – 18.
Mode of instruction: Online
Fee: Ranges between $1,075 to $1,375
Financial aid: No financial aid is available but you can avail discount on tuition fees if you apply early and enroll for multiple courses.
Awesome Math is a comprehensive online platform that offers a wide range of programs and resources for middle school and high school students. Upon getting accepted for this summer program, students can choose and select courses they want to enroll in for each session. These programs are designed to deepen students’ understanding of mathematical concepts, develop problem-solving skills, and foster a love for mathematics.
With its comprehensive offerings, Awesome Math provides students with a supportive and stimulating environment to further their mathematical abilities and develop a strong foundation in math. The platform empowers students to embrace math as an exciting and rewarding subject, encouraging them to excel in their math studies and future pursuits.
5. Alphastar Academy summer math camp
Date: Going to be in three sessions. Session 1 – June 5 – June 23, 2023, Session 2 – June 26 – July 14, 2023., and Session 3 – July 17 – August 4, 2023
Deadline: Applications generally begin in March and close by May
Eligibility: Grade 4 – 12
Mode of instruction: Online as well as Offline (Mission College)
Fee: $2,400
Financial aid: There are discounts for early registration, sibling discount, and USAJMO/USAMO qualifiers
Alphastar Academy Summer Camp is an engaging and educational program designed to help students enhance their math skills in four fundamental areas: Algebra, Counting, Geometry, and Number Theory. The camp basically trains students for the competitions and exams such as Math Counts, American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) 8/10/12, American Invitational Math Exam (AIME), and USA Math Olympiads (USA(J)MO), and the curriculum is designed considering the syllabus of these competitions.
The camp provides a dynamic learning environment where students can explore various math concepts, problem-solving techniques, and logical reasoning. One of the major features of this program is that live sessions will be recorded and both offline and online students will be having access to the recorded sessions to review later. At alpha star academy summer camp, students have the opportunity to participate in interactive lessons, hands-on activities, general review sessions, quizzes, and final exams to help students get a stronghold of concepts and prepare for the competitive exams.
6. Bard Math Circle Summer Camp
Date: June 26 – June 30, 2023
Deadline: NA
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6 – 9
Mode of instruction: Offline (Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY)
Fee: $450
Financial aid: Need-based scholarships are available
A five-day summer camp for mathematically talented middle school students aims to teach mathematics in a creative way. The program focuses on igniting the natural curiosity of students helping them approach the subject with love and fun. It covers topics that are not covered in the school curriculum offering a relaxing environment.
Through a combination of warm-up activities, tips and tricks lectures, and collaborative group work, students engage in deep mathematical thinking and exploration. They are encouraged to think critically about the problems, conduct research and bring their math to life through art. The program fosters collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and a love for the beauty of mathematics. It offers an immersive and intellectually stimulating experience for middle school students who are eager to delve deeper into mathematics and engage in advanced mathematical exploration.
7. IDEA MATH Summer Program
Date: July 4 – June 16, 2023
Deadline: Applications generally begin in March and close by May
Eligibility: Students entering grades 4 – 12
Mode of instruction: Offline (The greater Boston area (MA/NH): Rivier University, 420 South Main Street, Nashua, NH 03060)
Fee: Program fee varies according to the registration date and type of program chosen
Financial aid: 2022 or 2023 MATHCOUNTS National Round Participant, 2022 or 2023 USAJMO qualifier, 2022 or 2023 USAMO qualifier are eligible for a $100 tuition scholarship/discount
IDEA MATH Summer Program is an intensive summer program for students who are passionate about mathematics. The program aims to cultivate students’ mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills through a rigorous and immersive experience. The program is designed to promote mathematical exploration, discovery, and independent thinking.
During the two-week residential program, students participate in a challenging curriculum that covers topics from which contest problems are drawn such as algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory. The program fosters collaboration, encouraging students to work together on challenging mathematical problems and projects. IDEA MATH believes that students learn better by discovering rather than just memorizing. Applying seminar-style teaching, the class size is small enough so that every student can get the required individual attention.
8. Young Scholars Program by The University of Chicago
Date: July 5 – June 28, 2023
Deadline: Applications generally close by April
Eligibility: Grades 7 – 12
Mode of instruction: Offline (University of Chicago)
Fee: Program fee varies according to the family income
Financial aid: Financial assistance is available for qualifying students
The Young Scholars Program is a highly regarded summer program for mathematically talented and enthusiastic students looking to further their math skills and understanding. The University of Chicago offers a rigorous and immersive environment where students engage in a variety of mathematical activities, including lectures, problem sessions, research projects, and mathematical explorations.
Students have the opportunity to dive deep into topics like number theory, geometry, and more while developing their problem-solving skills and mathematical thinking. Founded in 1988, YSP is renowned for its challenging curriculum, exceptional faculty, and vibrant mathematical community. It provides a unique opportunity for students to further their mathematical abilities and explore their passion for mathematics in a stimulating and immersive summer program.
9. Russian School of Mathematics Summer Program
Date: Courses open in June and are mostly 6-week sessions with 2 classes per week
Deadline: NA
Eligibility: Programs are available from grades K-12
Mode of instruction: Online as well as Offline (Can apply to nearby RSM locations)
Fee: Program fee varies according to the program chosen
Financial aid: NA
The Russian School of Mathematics offers a diverse range of academic programs for grades K-12 students looking to work on their math skills and conceptual understanding. Students can choose from a wide selection of courses available for all grade levels according to their level and area of improvement. The program provides an immersive and challenging learning environment, allowing students to solve challenging problems that deepen their understanding and prepare them for tests and math competitions.
The program focuses on building abstract thinking, mental flexibility, and problem-solving skills by providing challenging problems and working on non-standard interesting problems. With an average of only 12 students in a class, the program lays a strong emphasis on interactive sessions and individual attention with expert faculty. Based on elite math schools in the Soviet Union, adapted to the U.S. environment, RSM not only builds mathematical excellence but also develops intellect and character.
10. Random Math Summer Camp
Date: Camp dates vary according to the course chosen
Deadline: NA
Eligibility: Programs are available from grades 5 – 11
Mode of instruction: Online as well as Offline
Fee: Program fee varies according to the program chosen
Financial aid: Need-based financial aid is available
Random Math offers a wide range of math enrichment programs and resources for students of all ages. Students can access a variety of math courses depending on their current understanding level which is determined by the assessment designed by Random Math. These programs are designed to deepen students’ understanding of mathematical concepts, develop problem-solving skills, and foster a love for mathematics.
With its comprehensive offerings, Random Math provides students with a supportive and stimulating environment to further their mathematical abilities and develop a strong foundation in math. The platform empowers students to embrace math as an exciting and rewarding subject, encouraging them to excel in their math studies and future pursuits.
What to look out for in a summer math program?
When choosing a summer math program, there are several key factors to consider. Here are some things to look out for:
- Curriculum and Content: Assess the program’s curriculum to ensure it aligns with your child’s math level and interests. Look for programs that cover a range of math topics, offer challenging problem-solving activities, and provide opportunities for exploration and critical thinking.
- Qualified Instructors: Check the qualifications and experience of the instructors leading the program. They should have expertise in mathematics education and a passion for teaching.
- Classroom size: Look for programs that have a low student-to-instructor ratio to ensure individual attention and support. Also, check if the other students grouped under one classroom are at the same level so that the child is not left behind and can learn with the class.
- Enrichment and Engagement: A good summer math program should go beyond regular classroom learning. It should provide enrichment activities, hands-on projects, math games, and real-world applications to make math fun and engaging for students.
- Flexibility and Customization: Consider whether the program offers flexibility in terms of scheduling and duration. It’s also beneficial if the program allows students to work at their own pace and offers personalized instruction tailored to individual learning needs.
- Reviews and Reputation: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous participants or their parents. Positive feedback and a strong reputation indicate the program’s quality and effectiveness.
- Opportunities for Collaboration: Collaborative learning enhance the overall learning experience and work on team-building skills. Check if the program offers group activities, teamwork exercises, or competitions that encourage students to work together and learn from one another.
- Long-Term Impact: Consider how the program supports long-term math skills development. Look for programs that aim to foster a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities that can be applied beyond the summer program.
Conclusion
Summer math programs bridge the gap by ensuring that students not only continue to learn but also work on developing their math skills. These programs are designed in such a way that it foster a love for learning and a passion for mathematics and students do not feel pressure at all.
They provide a supportive community of like-minded students and passionate instructors who inspire and encourage students to embrace the beauty and power of mathematics. So, choose the one that fulfills your requirements from the list above and let the adventure begin as students embark on a summer filled with mathematical exploration, growth, and discovery.
An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’,