12 Free Math Programs for Middle School Students
If you’re a middle school student who enjoys math and wants to explore it beyond the classroom, joining a math program can benefit you. These programs allow you to develop practical skills, learn from experienced mentors, and connect with peers who share similar interests. Many of these programs are either completely free or offer full financial aid, making them accessible without adding financial pressure
What are the benefits of a math program?
When you join a math program, you get to do much more than just solve textbook problems. You work on research projects and explore a range of topics in depth, including algebra, geometry, number theory, and more, while also having the opportunity to build models and address various challenges. Some programs also introduce you to coding, data analysis, and concepts like artificial intelligence. You will collaborate with peers, learn from professors and researchers, and participate in activities that sharpen your problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
To make your search easier, we’ve narrowed down a list of 12 free math programs for middle school students that you can explore.
Note: Although not all programs below are free to attend, each offers financial aid, scholarships, or other funding opportunities to help make participation more affordable.
If you’re looking for online science programs, check out our blog here.
1. Pasadena City College Math Academy
Location: Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students per class
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Rising 7th and 8th grade students
Pasadena City College Math Academy is an inclusive program for middle school students. You will have the opportunity to build a strong foundational knowledge in math and develop new skills and strategies. The program will give you access to a range of free math courses, including Math Basics, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1A, Algebra 1B, and Geometry. You will explore the college campus, interact with fellow students, and participate in tests and homework. The program allows you to switch classes if you find them unsuitable, helps bridge the knowledge gap between middle and high school, and awards a letter grade upon completion.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring cohort and 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines. You can apply to the program here
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. Students 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 creating an algorithm to provide a custom list of educational resources based on specified criteria.
3. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program: Real-Life Applications to Mathematics
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 students
Dates: July 6 – 24
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: 6th-7th-grade students from low-income backgrounds attending school in the US
Stanford Middle School Scholars Program: Real-Life Applications to Mathematics is a three-week online course for middle school students from low-income backgrounds. You will learn from expert PhD instructors, attend live online classes, and develop the knowledge and skills to excel in academically intensive high schools, including the Stanford Online High School (OHS). You will participate in weekly interactions with instructors and explore topics such as math enrichment, high school options, growth mindset, and academic writing. The program will allow you to explore academic opportunities with support from the Stanford instructors, community, and staff. Your parents and legal guardians are also offered to attend at least one conference with program staff, along with the parent and legal guardian outreach events.
4. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply here
Eligibility: 6th-8th grade students
Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an eight-week virtual learning opportunity for middle school students. The program will allow you to work on an independent research project, learn through one-on-one mentorship from PhD researchers at renowned universities such as Yale, UCLA, MIT, Harvard, and more, and explore different research topics in Math. You will engage in in-depth research for a minimum of five hours every week and focus on one specific area or topic that interests you the most.
5. Math Corps at U(M)
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 60 middle schoolers
Dates: July 6 – August 7
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Current 6th, 7th, or 8th-grade students attending school in the Ypsilanti area
Math Corps at U(M) is a four-week summer camp for middle school students. You will engage in team-based learning experiences, explore basic and advanced math topics, and receive mentorship from high school and college students. The program follows a kid-teaching model and provides a positive, supportive learning environment. The program is a strong opportunity to participate in activities, including modular arithmetic and art, math-based card tricks, and more.
6. Canada/USA Mathcamp
Location: Champlain College in Burlington, VT
Cost: Free for US and Canadian families with household incomes under $100,000; otherwise, $7,500; Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 120 students
Dates: June 28 – August 2
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: Students ages 13–18 from all over the world.
Canada/USA Mathcamp is a five-week immersive summer program for middle school students. You'll explore graduate and undergraduate topics in mathematics, develop problem-solving skills, and gain clarity to pursue a discipline for future studies. You will have the opportunity to work on projects, attend classes, and engage in learning experiences that interest you. You will gain knowledge from experienced researchers and graduate students, and interact with peers from around the world.
7. Bard Math CAMP
Location: Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
Cost: $550; Need-based scholarships are available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: August 3 – 7
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Grade 5th-8th students
Bard Math CAMP is a one-week academic math program for middle school students. You will have the opportunity to explore math topics beyond the standard school curriculum, develop mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills, and engage in hands-on group activities. You will solve puzzles focused on math, computer science, and art. You will attend classes, gain knowledge from undergraduate math majors and experienced educators. The program is a great learning opportunity, as it is also recognized by the American Mathematical Society with Epsilon Awards on three occasions.
8. SigmaCamp
Location: Silver Lake Camp & Conference Center, Sharon, CT
Cost: $1,850; Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 40-48 students
Dates: August 2 – 9 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: April 15 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students ages 12-16
SigmaCamp is a one-week residential summer camp for middle school students. You will have the opportunity to gain knowledge of advanced concepts in math, computer science, theoretical and experimental physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and robotics, as well as participate in non-academic activities. You will learn from experienced professors and scientists at renowned institutions such as MIT, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, and Stony Brook University, among others. You will receive guidance from graduate students, attend lectures, and participate in workshops. Some of the non-academic activities include playing soccer, chess, basketball, ping-pong, music, acting, and more.
9. Texas State Mathworks Junior Summer Math Camp (JSMC)
Location: Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
Cost: $2,200; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 7 – 19
Application Deadline: February 15 (round 1); March 15 (round 2); April 16 (round 3)
Eligibility: Rising 6th-8th-grade students
Texas State Mathworks Junior Summer Math Camp (JSMCR) is a two-week immersive program for middle school students. You will have the opportunity to join advanced-level math courses and explore careers in math, science, engineering, and more. You will meet and interact with your study group, fellow campers, and counselors. You will attend mathematics classes, learn from University professors, and attend group study sessions. The program will allow you to develop problem-solving skills, enjoy recreational time, and go on camp outings.
10. University of Chicago Young Scholars Program
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Varies by household income. More information here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – July 24
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Rising 7th-12th-grade students from the Chicago area
The University of Chicago Young Scholars Program is a selective four-week day camp for middle and high school students. Each year, you'll explore various mathematical themes through the program. This year, the focus is on number theory. You will attend lecture-based classes, learn from UChicago faculty, and join small group sessions led by an undergraduate math major. Additionally, you'll have the chance to engage in research activities related to your course in the computer laboratory.
11. MathPath
Location: Varies every year
Cost: $6,600; Up to 100% financial aid based on family income
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 28 – July 26
Application Deadline: April 12
Eligibility: Students ages 11-14
MathPath is a four-week summer residential program designed for middle school students. It offers a variety of topics beyond the standard curriculum, including graph theory, number theory, different geometries, math history, combinatorics, proof writing, induction, and more. Participants will learn about real-world mathematics, receive personalized guidance, and build key mathematical skills. They can choose from approximately 12 courses, enjoy engaging activities such as card games, dancing, music, table tennis, and chess, and go on off-campus field trips.
12. National Math Camps
Location: Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA, or Saint Mary's School, Raleigh, NC
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; up to 100% need-based financial aid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Camp Sierpiński: June 28 – July 10 (Session 1), July 12 – 24 (Session 2) | Camp Conway: June 21 – July 3 (Session 1); July 5 – 17 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Students ages 11-14
National Math Camps is an immersive on-campus summer program for high school students. It offers the chance to explore complex global challenges, engage in problem-solving, and develop a mathematician’s mindset.Participants attend classes, learn from experts, and take part in hands-on activities. The program provides advanced mathematical knowledge in a supportive setting and fosters meaningful friendships with peers who share similar interests.