16 Summer Math Programs for Middle School Students
If you are a middle schooler who enjoys problem-solving, puzzles, or exploring how math connects to the world, a math program can be a great way to spend your summer. Math programs designed for middle school students provide a structured environment for learning beyond the classroom, building foundational math skills, and exploring advanced topics such as statistics, coding, or data science.
Participating in a summer math program is a way to meet peers who share your interest in the subject and gain exposure to the mathematical thinking used in research, engineering, and technology. Available in a range of formats, from intensive residential camps to accessible virtual workshops, summer math programs are designed to challenge you during the school break. The experience can also help you feel better prepared for high school and college-level math curricula.
Here we have listed 16 summer math programs for middle school students.
1. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~40 students (residential), ~64 (virtual)
Location: Virtual and in-person at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $8,250 (residential) | $3,550 (virtual); financial aid available
Dates: Residential: June 22 – July 18 | Online Session 1: June 16 – July 4 | Online Session 2: July 7 – July 25
Application deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Stanford University’s SUMaC is an intensive program that delves into advanced mathematics through two courses—Abstract Algebra & Number Theory and Algebraic Topology. During the program, you will participate in daily problem-solving seminars, collaborate on research-oriented projects, and give presentations to demonstrate your findings. The virtual format involves three to five hours of structured work each day, while residential sessions offer on-campus activities in addition to academic sessions. The program can help you explore theoretical concepts beyond the standard curriculum. You will also work on a research project and present it at the end of SUMaC.
2. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
Location: Fully Virtual
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost: Varies depending on program
Age requirements: Grade 6 - 8
Deadline: Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines, you can refer to this
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE. During this program, spanning weeks 1 to 4, participants will delve into four distinct topics within their selected track. In weeks 5 to 6, the focus intensifies as participants embark on a deep dive into one specific topic area, and finally, weeks 7 to 8 are dedicated to project implementation, with participants receiving guidance and support from their mentors as they bring their projects to life. You can find the application form here.
3. University of Chicago’s Young Scholars Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $250–$1,000 depending on family income; scholarships available
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Chicago-area students entering grades 7–12
The Young Scholars Program at the University of Chicago offers academically advanced students the opportunity to explore higher-level mathematics through a theme that changes each summer. You will attend two daily lectures delivered by UChicago faculty and meet in small discussion groups led by undergraduate math majors, delving deeply into a single mathematical area, like geometry. The program prioritizes exploration and creative problem solving over standard test preparation, helping you practice mathematical thinking. This setting will allow you to engage directly with researchers and peers who share a strong interest in math.
4. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program: Real-Life Applications to Mathematics
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~12 students
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Summer component: July 7 – 25 + weekly sessions in fall: August 27 – December 10
Application deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 and 7 from low-income backgrounds who reside and attend school in the U.S.
Stanford’s Middle School Scholars Program offers middle schoolers opportunities to prepare for advanced high school courses through a combination of summer and fall programming. Here, you will choose from various advanced courses. In the Real-Life Applications to Mathematics course, you will explore topics like cryptography, modular arithmetic, and financial mathematics. You will also learn how to apply math concepts to decode problems and analyze real-world scenarios. The live online classes will offer opportunities for interactive discussion and collaborative problem solving. Beyond academics, the program guides you through researching and applying to selective high schools or engaging in enrichment opportunities, helping you chart an academic path.
5. Stony Brook University's Middle School Math Program
Cohort size: 24 per program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $375
Dates: July 21 – 24
Application deadline: None; first-come, first-served
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6 to 9
The Middle School Math Program conducted at Stony Brook University offers students opportunities to engage in sessions and activities that cover key math concepts. Here, you will explore topics like algebra, geometry, operations with rational numbers, statistics, probability, and linear, quadratic, and exponential functions under the guidance of math instructors. You will also find hands-on opportunities to refine critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The experience can help you build a solid foundation for high school mathematics.
6. MathPath
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Varies by year; previously at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA
Cost: $5,950; financial aid and early payment discounts available
Dates: June 29 – July 27
Application deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Students who are 11–14 years old; admission is based on performance on a challenging set of entrance problems
MathPath is a four-week residential summer program for mathematically advanced middle school students held at a different university campus each year. Here, you will explore higher-level topics, such as number theory, combinatorics, and non-Euclidean geometry, through a combination of lectures, intensive problem sessions, and group workshops. The program prioritizes providing personalized attention and the freedom to customize the program curriculum according to your interests and academic level. During the program, you will engage in activities that help you exercise creativity to solve complex problems and collaborate with like-minded peers. Outside of academics, you will take part in recreational and social activities designed to balance rigorous study with relaxation.
7. Math Corps at the University of Michigan
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~60 students
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: Free
Dates: July 7 – August 8
Application deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: 6th–8th graders attending school in the Ypsilanti area
Math Corps at U(M) combines rigorous math enrichment with a strong mentorship model, pairing middle school participants with high school teaching assistants and college mentors. Here, in a small group, you will work on foundational and advanced math concepts. In addition to receiving math instruction, you will engage in activities focused on robotics, modular arithmetic, and even card tricks based on probability. The program fosters multi-year community support, with many students returning in later years as mentors, creating a unique social and academic network.
8. CyberMath Academy’s Summer Math Camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Harvard Faculty Club, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $3,799–$3,999 (day participants) | $7,985–$8,485 (residential participants); exact cost varies based on your registration date
Dates: July 7 – 18
Application deadline: Open until start date or until seats fill
Eligibility: Students who are 9–18 years old
CyberMath Academy’s Summer Math Camp is a two-week program designed for advanced school students. In its dedicated course for 4th through 8th graders, you will study algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics and work on challenging problems, puzzles, and ciphers to refine critical thinking skills. The program features guest lectures from faculty at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, providing exposure to advanced mathematical ideas. You will also tour Harvard and MIT campuses and participate in activities that introduce you to collegiate life. Sessions are held at the Harvard Faculty Club, with residential arrangements in Harvard Square—a setup offering you a university-like environment to explore math concepts.
9. Pasadena City College’s Math Academy for Middle School Students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~25 students per class
Location: Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Rising 7th and 8th graders
Pasadena City College’s Math Academy offers a free opportunity to strengthen foundational and advanced math skills over the summer. In a small class, capped at about 25 students, you will choose a focus area such as math basics, pre-algebra, algebra, or geometry, and attend regular sessions that include homework and exams. At the end of the program, you will receive a letter grade, providing you with a tangible measure of your progress. Courses are held on a college campus to help you get early exposure to higher education settings while building critical math competencies.
10. AwesomeMath
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective admissions based on prior experience
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting at $1,275/course; discounts available
Dates: Session 1: June 9 – June 27 | Session 2: June 30 – July 18 | Session 3: July 21 – August 8
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines from January to May
Eligibility: Middle school students at least 12 years old and high school students under 18
The AwesomeMath Summer Program is a three-week online camp designed for students passionate about advanced mathematics and competition problem-solving. You will attend 90-minute live lectures, paired with 60-minute problem sessions, and complete homework and assessments to track your progress. You can choose from four courses—Algebra, Combinatorics, Geometry, and Number Theory, all aimed at preparing you for contests like AMC, AIME, and USA(J)MO. You will work on homework and assignments and receive feedback and grades to track your progress. In addition to academic work, the program organizes social events to help you connect with peers from around the world.
11. Texas State Mathworks Junior Summer Math Camp (JSMC)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~20%; ~60 students per cohort
Location: Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
Cost: $2,200; need-based scholarships available
Dates: June 1 – 13
Application deadline: Round 1: February 15; Round 2: March 15; Round 3 (final round): April 16
Eligibility: 6th–8th-grade students
The Junior Summer Math Camp at Texas State is a residential program designed to help middle school students develop critical thinking and creativity through advanced mathematics. Classes led by university faculty cover topics such as counting principles, number theory, combinatorics, advanced geometry, probability, and algebraic problem-solving. You’ll work through challenging concepts in morning sessions, join collaborative study groups in the afternoons, and participate in recreational activities and local excursions. The camp also introduces you to various STEM career pathways while providing learning supplies, a custom workbook, and other supplies to support your experience.
12. Epsilon Camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective with multi-round review
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Cost: ~$5,920, which includes registration fee, meals, accommodation, tuition, and other costs; full financial aid is available for eligible families
Dates: July 13 – 27
Application deadline: Priority admission: January 8, after which applications are accepted on a rolling basis until May 1 or until full
Eligibility: Students who are 7 to 10 years old
Epsilon Camp is an intensive two-week program designed for exceptionally young mathematicians who are ready for university-level ideas. Held at a university campus each year, the program offers an introduction to advanced mathematical concepts through lectures and problem-solving workshops led by professional mathematicians. You will explore topics like number theory, combinatorics, computational mathematics, geometry, fractals, symmetry, and more during the program. You will also work on puzzles, math games, and other collaborative activities to develop deep, abstract thinking and build social connections. The camp also offers a parent workshop series to help families support mathematically gifted children.
13. National Math Camps
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA, or Saint Mary’s School, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $3,500; financial aid available
Dates: Camp Conway (CA): June 15 – 28 (Session 1) or June 29 – July 12 (Session 2) | Camp Sierpiński (NC): July 6 – 19 (Session 1) or July 20 – August 2 (Session 2)
Application deadline: May 11 (Camp Conway) | May 25 (Camp Sierpiński)
Eligibility: Students who are 11–14 years old
National Math Camps provide middle school students with opportunities to engage in mathematical exploration, combining academics with a vibrant community atmosphere. Each week, you will choose a Topic Class to focus on an area like graph theory, cryptography, knot theory, or voting systems. You will also engage in daily Math Explorations classes to learn what it means to think like a mathematician. During the program, you will spend some time working on puzzles, interacting with the faculty, attending math lectures, and working on problem sets. You will also sharpen your communication skills through presentations and discussions, and participate in social activities such as talent shows and game nights.
14. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Mathematics Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective based on qualifying test scores; 16–18 students in each class
Location: Multiple campuses, including Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI; Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA; Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY
Cost: Varies by course, campus, and format (residential vs. commuter)
Dates: Varies by course and session
Application deadline: May 16
Eligibility: Varies by course; most options open to middle school students with qualifying scores
The Johns Hopkins CTY Mathematics Program offers middle school students rigorous, topic-focused courses that go far beyond standard school curricula. Depending on your interests and eligibility, you can enroll in Cryptology, Number Theory, Mathematical Logic, or Game Theory—courses designed to sharpen problem-solving and critical thinking skills. For instance, in the Mathematical Logic course, you will learn how to test the validity of arguments, write proofs, and work with the rules of grammar and the meanings behind symbols. Classes focus on helping you build deep conceptual understanding and engage in hands-on applications, often in collaborative settings. With the program typically conducted on university campuses, you will get to experience college life.
15. SigmaCamp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~40–48 students
Location: Silver Lake Camp and Conference Center, Sharon, CT
Cost: $1,850; financial aid available
Dates: August 2 – 9
Application deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Middle and high school students who are 12–16 years old
SigmaCamp is a nonprofit initiative that brings together curious students with researchers from top institutions like MIT, Yale, and Princeton to explore advanced STEM topics in an immersive camp setting. In its math track, you will tackle challenging problems that go beyond typical school content under the guidance of professional mathematicians. The program’s core, Semilabs, combines theory and hands-on experiments across STEM fields. You will also attend elective lectures, compete daily in SigmaTournaments featuring math games and engineering puzzles, and participate in unique activities like the Junior Instructor Challenge, where campers teach their peers. The camp provides opportunities for technical skill development and collaborative learning in a lively community environment.
16. Canada/USA Mathcamp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 130 students (65 new students + 55 returning alumni)
Location: Varies each year; previously held at Lewis & Clark in Portland, OR
Cost: $0–$6,000 based on family income; financial aid available
Dates: June 29 – August 3
Application deadline: Closed for current cycle; next round opens in fall
Eligibility: Students who are 13–18 years old
At Mathcamp, a five-week residential program, you will explore concepts beyond the standard mathematics curriculum, from theoretical subjects such as abstract algebra, topology, or real analysis, to applied math fields like physics, linguistics, and quantum computation. At camp, you attend classes, engage in social activities in the evenings, participate in problem-solving sessions and weekly competitions, and discuss math with peers and faculty. You will work on projects independently as well as with other campers, and present your work at the end of the program. You can check out past projects here. Additionally, you will attend talks as part of the Colloquia series, which covers a range of topics, including the mathematics of origami, string theory, and cognitive science.
If you are a middle schooler who is interested in exploring the intersection of AI and math, then consider applying to Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers—a virtual program covering the basics of AI and offering opportunities to work on an interdisciplinary project. Here, you will work with mentors from leading universities. Check out the program brochure to learn more.
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