New in 2026: The registration process has changed! Please review the updated process before registering.
Program overview
Math Circles is a free enrichment program for students in Grades 6 to 12. It runs for eight weeks each Fall and Winter, offering both in-person (Grades 6-12) and online (Grades 6-10 only) sessions. The program covers mathematical topics beyond the standard curriculum through problem-solving and direct instruction. Sessions are divided by grade levels, ensuring appropriate content and challenge for each group.
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Program details
Materials are intended to be accessible to interested students from Grades 6 to 12. There are four levels to choose from: Grade 6, Grade 7/8, Grade 9/10, Grade 11/12. Students can choose their Math Circles level based on their grade level and/or mathematical ability.
Mathematics and computer science are powerful tools, and diversity among mathematicians and computer scientists increases the potential for positive impact. The CEMC strives to be inclusive and welcoming to participants of all gender identities, cultural backgrounds, and lived experiences.
- Math Circles runs both in person and online at the Grade 6, Grade 7/8 and Grade 9/10 levels.
- Math Circles runs in person only at the Grade 11/12 level.
- An option is available to receive materials only at any level.
- Math Circles groups meet once a week, with participants attending the same afternoon/evening session for the entire eight weeks. We request participants ensure their availability and dedication for the entire evening/afternoon sessions they choose. This consistency will maximize the learning experience and foster a cohesive learning environment.
- While Math Circles is open to all interested students, we would expect that participants attending are prepared to actively engage in the session’s tasks and work through and solve the problems presented at each session.
Math Circles runs both in person and online at the Grade 6 level, Grade 7/8 level, Grade 9/10 level and in person only at the Grade11/12 level.
- Grade 6 Math Circles will meet in person Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. ‐ 8:00 p.m. The online section will meet Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. ‐ 8:00 p.m. EDT/EST.
- Grade 7/8 Math Circles will meet in person Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. ‐ 8:00 p.m. or Thursday afternoons from 4:30 p.m. ‐ 6:00 p.m. The online section will meet Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. ‐ 8:00 p.m. EDT/EST.
- Grade 9/10 Math Circles will meet in person Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. ‐ 8:00 p.m. The online section will meet Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. ‐ 8:00 p.m. EDT/EST.
- Grade 11/12 Math Circles will meet in person Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. ‐ 8:30 p.m. There is no online offering for this level at this time.
Fall 2026:
Week 1: October 5/6/7/8
Week 2: October 12/13/14/15
Week 3: October 19/20/21/22
Week 4: October 26/27/28/29
Week 5: November 2/3/4/5
Week 6: November 9/10/11/12
Week 7: November 16/17/18/19
Week 8: November 23/24/25/26
Fall 2026 Locations:
Check back in September 2026 for in-person Math Circle locations.
Winter 2027:
Week 1: Feb 8/9/10/11
Week 2: Feb 16/17/18
Week 3: Feb 22/23/24/25
Week 4: March 1/2/3/4
Week 5: March 8/9/10
Week 6: March 22/23/24/25
Week 7: March 29/30/31/April 1
Week 8: April 5/6/7/8
Winter 2027 Locations:
Check back in January 2027 for in-person Math Circle locations.
Online Math Circles will take place over Zoom. Links will be emailed to registered participants closer to the first date.
Below are some sample materials from previous editions of Math Circles:
| Grade 6 | Functions | ||
| Computer Science | |||
| Probability | |||
| Cryptography | |||
| Grade 7/8 | Systems of Equations | ||
| Turing Machines | |||
| Game Theory | |||
| Graph Theory and Search Algorithms | |||
| Grade 9/10 | Linear Diophantine Equations I | ||
| Linear Diophantine Equations II | |||
| Introduction to Group Theory I | |||
| Introduction to Group Theory II | |||
| Introduction to Group Theory III | |||
| Grade 11/12 | Cryptography I | ||
| Cryptography II | |||
| Dynamical Systems and Fractals I | |||
| Dynamical Systems and Fractals II |
Registration for all in-person Math Circles will be application based, and registration for online Math Circles will be first-come, first-served. We welcome all applicants who are interested in math. Prior math enrichment experience is not required.
New: Registration for in-person Math Circles
Students will need to fill out an application form which includes the following questions. To help us get to know you, please answer the questions independently and in your own words.
- Why are you interested in attending Math Circles? (50-100 words)
- Have you attended any other math enrichment programs before? Please note that prior experience is not required: Yes/No
- At Math Circles, we aim to bring together a diverse set of participants with a variety of lived experiences. If there are aspects of your identity and/or difficulties you have faced in accessing opportunities outside of school that you would like us to consider in reviewing your application, you may share them here. Your response is optional and will be kept confidential (Optional, 50-100 words)
All applications received before the registration deadline will be considered.
Fall 2026:
Registration opens on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at noon, and closes on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Please note that the registration page will be activated Thursday, September 10, 2026 at noon.
All attendees for Math Circles will be required to acknowledge and follow the program guidelines, which can be found here.
Math Circles is a completely free program offered by the CEMC.
In the case of extreme weather conditions, please check your email for an announcement regarding whether or not Math Circles has been cancelled for the evening.
For any inquiries or questions, please feel free to contact our Math Circles Organizer.
