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 6-8 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.
CEMC stories
Our contests, programs, tools and resources have a significant impact on students and educators worldwide.
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 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 and Grade 7/8 levels, and in person only at the Grade 9/10 and Grade11/12 levels.
- 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 and 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 these levels at this time; however, materials will be posted weekly.
Fall 2024 Math Circles dates
Week 1: October 7/8/9/10
Week 2: October 15/16/17/21
Week 3: October 22/23/24/28
(no Math Circles October 29/30/31)
Week 4: November 4/5/6/7
Week 5: November 11/12/13/14
Week 6: November 18/19/20/21
Week 7: November 25/26/27/28
Week 8: December 2/3/4/5
Winter 2025 Math Circles dates
Week 1: February 3/4/5/6
Week 2: February 10/11/12/13
Week 3: February 17/18/19/20
Week 4: February 24/25/26/27
Week 5: March 3/4/5/6
(no Math Circles March 10/11/12/13)
Week 6: March 17/18/19/20
Week 7: March 24/25/26/27
Week 8: March 31/April 1/2/3
Fall 2024 room assignments
Grade 6: Tuesday, room MC 4063
Grade 6: Wednesday, room MC 4042
Grade 7/8: Tuesday, room MC 4060
Grade 7/8: Wednesday, room MC 4041
Grade 7/8: Thursday, room MC 4060
Grade 9/10: Wednesday, room MC 4040
Grade 11/12: Wednesday, room MC 4063
View the campus map.
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 Fall 2024 Math Circles is now closed. Registration for Winter 2025 Math Circles will open in early January and the registration button below will then become active.
As part of the registration process for Gr 9/10 and Gr 11/12 Math Circles, an expression of interest by the student is required (optional for Gr 6 and Gr 7/8). The prompt is provided here so that you may prepare your expression in advance of registration opening: "In 50-100 words, explain why you would like to register for Math Circles and tell us about your interest and experience in mathematics."
Registration for Grade 6 and Grade 7/8 Math Circles is first-come, first-served. Registration for Grade 9/10 and Grade 11/12 Math Circles will be first-come, first-served for most spots, and a lottery system from the waitlist will be used for the remaining spots, with preference given to students in schools with lower Math Circles enrolment. Those who do not secure a space in the Fall will be placed on a waitlist and will be given priority access to registration for the Winter session.
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.
