The Best Summer Math Programs for Middle School Students

A summer math program is a productive and fun way for students to hone their mathematical skills. It offers activities and exercises designed to help retain skills and learn new ones that will be valuable in the future. Whether your child needs to train for a competition or address knowledge gaps, the right tutoring service can help. Discover the best summer math programs for middle school students.

Why Should You Enroll Your Child in a Summer Math Program?

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A math program does more than just provide your kid with the fundamentals for school. Here’s why you should enroll them this summer.

Solidifies Their Math Understanding

Letting your child join a summer math program allows them to absorb the concepts they’ve learned in the past years. It offers them time and space to revisit previous lessons and apply them moving forward, providing them with a solid foundation for academic success.

Improves Knowledge Gaps

A learning gap is a discrepancy between your child’s skills and what’s expected at their age and grade level. If left unaddressed, knowledge gaps can prevent them from understanding more complex lessons. Moreover, it can also make it difficult for your kid to keep up with their classmates, negatively impacting their mental health. A summer math program gives children a chance to overcome the gaps, arming them with stronger knowledge for the next school year.

Boosts Real-World Application

Math concepts have practical applications in everyday life. Enrolling your child in a summer math camp can enhance their understanding of these lessons and how they relate to the real world. This experience can help them become more street-smart and develop critical thinking skills.

Lets Your Child Meet New Friends

A summer math camp lets your kid meet individuals with similar interests. Expect them to build new friendships, whether face-to-face or in online programs. By enrolling them in a class, they can help gain valuable lessons and relationships that’ll last for years.

Provides a Meaningful Summer Experience

Summer programs use hands-on activities and games to make math more engaging and enjoyable. Instead of spending hours of screen time at home, enrolling your kid in a summer math class provides a productive way to spend summer days.

What Are the Best Summer Math Programs for Middle School Students?

Discover the best summer math programs for middle school learners in the country.

Explore a more detailed background of each program.

1. Russian School of Mathematics (RSM)

The Russian School of Mathematics is an educational institution dedicated to improving students’ math and learning abilities. The term “Russian” came from the learning approach used in elite math schools in the former Soviet Union, adapted to the U.S. educational landscape. Its learners have remarkable scores in math subjects and competitions, with over 100,000 alums attending the world’s most prestigious universities. 

It’s one of the best summer math programs for middle school students because it placed sixth out of 150 1n the Harvard-MIT Math Tournament, making it ideal for kids who want to acquire advanced lessons. 

Program fee: It varies per grade. Submit a tuition request form on the website to receive cost details.

Key features:

• Ranked first by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
• Has produced 21,000 Math Kangaroo winners nationwide 
• Provides multiple levels in each grade: accelerated, advanced and honors
• 2 to 3.5 hours per week
• Classes consist of around 12 students

2. MathPath

MathPath is a residential four-week summer program for middle school students with a high interest in mathematics. It provides the opportunity to learn and develop social and mathematical skills. Teachers cover topics that aren’t usually taught in schools, such as combinatorics, symbolic logic and induction. 

Additionally, the institution hosts interactive activities like card games, pickleball and table tennis during recreational time. This year’s MathPath is at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Program fee: $6,300

Key features:

• Embraces a recreational philosophy that allows students to learn, move and run throughout the day
• Some families enjoy cheaper program costs due to early full payment discounts and financial aid given based on reported family income
• Requires students to reside in the campus, allowing children to develop life skills

3. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is one of the most prestigious math summer programs nationwide. It offers advanced mathematics through guided research, lectures and group problem-solving, enabling students to explore beyond what’s usually taught in the classroom. 

SUMaC offers online and residential summer programs, providing parents with options depending on their children’s availability. The residential program is a four-week curriculum with 40 students, whereas the online class concludes in three weeks with 64 participants.

Program fee: $3,580 for online, $8,575 for residential

Key features:

• Offers two programs — Abstract Algebra and Number Theory and Algebraic Topology
• Residential summer program offers dining, course materials, interactive activities, field trips and the experience of living in Stanford University residence halls
• Allows financial aid applications 

4. AwesomeMath Summer Program

The AwesomeMath Summer Program is a three-week online summer camp for middle and high school students worldwide. The unique virtual learning experience it offers is ideal for children interested in exploring advanced topics or addressing knowledge gaps. Around 97% of its students say they would recommend the program to their friends. 

Despite the program’s web-based nature, your kid can still collaborate with other learners. Enroll your child here if your family has a packed summer schedule.

Program fee: Ranges from $1,275 to $1,575

Key features:

• Featured on MIT”s “Preparing for MIT” page
• Allows students to choose course load and schedule 
• Organizes social activities outside class time to encourage connections among students

5. Junior Residential Summer Math Camp (JSMC) at Texas State University

The Junior Residential Summer Math Camp (JSMC) is hosted by Mathworks at Texas State University. It’s one of the most prestigious residential summer programs for middle school students looking to elevate their math skills. Despite being math-focused, JSMC counselors are dedicated to molding children into becoming creative and critical thinkers. Learners will undergo a two-week program where they learn, solve problems and socialize with like-minded people.

Taking other online and offline courses isn’t allowed so children can focus on learning. Enroll your child only if they’ve decided to dedicate themselves solely to this program.

Program fee: $2,200

Key features:

• Offers need-based scholarships
• Fees include room, supplies, workbook, food and a shirt
• Topics include probability, advanced algebraic problem-solving, number theory, combinatorics, advanced geometry and counting techniques

6. Math Corps Summer Camp at the University of Michigan 

The Math Corps Summer Camp is a five-week program held at the University of Michigan’s Central Campus in Ann Arbor. It uses a “kids teaching kids” model, where students are teaching assistants for the middle school campers. Each learner will be assigned a team, which consists of 10 middle schoolers, five high school teaching and program assistants, and one college student as the team leader, allowing everyone to learn from and with each other. 

This program is eligible for students attending school in the Ypsilanti area.

Program fee: Free

Key features:

• Has lots of positive testimonials
• Provides in-person and virtual classes
• Offers transportation from Ypsilanti to Ann Arbor and back

7. AlphaStar Math Program

AlphaStar Math Program is a prestigious math summer program ideal for kids who want to join competitions like MathCounts, American Invitational Math Exam (AIME), USA Math Olympiads and American Mathematics Competitions. Its curriculum offers topics related to the mentioned competitions, ensuring they’re well-equipped with basic and advanced math skills. The institution provides in-person lectures at St. Joseph of Cupertino School in Cupertino, California, as well as virtual classes for 15 half or full days.

Program fee: Ranges from $875 to $2,300

Key features include:

• Offers generous discounts for early enrollees
• Provides courses that match every learner’s skills
• Founded by an International Mathematical Olympiad silver medalist

Things to Consider When Choosing a Summer Math Program

With many options to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which one is best for your child. Consider the following factors:

• Curriculum offered: Ensure that lessons and activities align with your kid's goals and interests. Some summer math programs focus on competition training, while others provide a more holistic learning experience.

• Student reviews: Read testimonials from previous students and assess information about difficulty levels, the amount of homework and counselor expertise.

• Credentials: The right program must produce successful students and hire qualified instructors who can provide the support your child needs.

Help Your Kid Excel in Math This Summer

Make this a summer to remember by enrolling your child in the right math program. Involve your kid in your decision-making to manage their expectations and make them more excited about what’s to come.