CMC Preparatory Math

WHAT:  Our online-only CMC Preparatory Math classes combine the best of the nationally recognized BA and AoPS curricula with CMC's proven teaching approach. These classes teach the same topics students traditionally learn in school, but at a deeper level, and with the support of CMC's highly knowledgeable math instructors.  It is our goal to strengthen students' mental math skills, improve their understanding of the school math curriculum (from both previous and future years), and learn to solve problems creatively.
 

WHO:  Students in grades 3-8 in. Sometimes, we also admit very advanced rising 2nd graders, who must undergo an evaluation.  We reserve the right to deny admission to any 2nd grader for any reason.​​
 

CLASS FORMAT: 

• Open with an ice-breaker

• Warm-up problem to review the prior week's concepts

• Classes using Beast Academy: read the lesson in the form of a comic book textbook and work through the problems individually and then discuss the solutions and strategies as a group

• Classes using Art of Problem Solving: review the lesson as a group, solve problems individually and then share  solutions and strategies

• Both classes end with a quick math-related game when there is time

• Homework is often assigned
   

​WHEN & WHERE:  Class is held online over Zoom. Registrants will be emailed instructions for joining the class. Sessions are 10 classes. The Fall, Winter, and Spring schedules are listed below, for reference. New this year: you may register for more than 1 session. Dates/times are subject to change for Winter and Spring.
 

Sessions are 10 classes. Our schedules are:

Grades 3-5: Tuesdays, 4:15-5:10 PM

FALL 2025: September 23 - December 2 (NO CLASS Nov. 25)

WINTER 2026: January 13 - March 24 (NO CLASS Feb. 17)

SPRING 2026: March 31 - June 9 (NO CLASS April 21)

 

Grades 4-6: Tuesdays, 5:15-6:10 PM

FALL 2025: September 23 - December 2 (NO CLASS Nov. 25)

WINTER 2026: January 13 - March 24 (NO CLASS Feb. 17)

SPRING 2026: March 31 - June 9 (NO CLASS April 21)

 

Grades 6-8: Thursdays, 5:15-6:35 PM*

10 classes: March 27 - June 5 (NO CLASS April 24)

*Some of our Thursday classes end at 6:10pm, we will confirm the correct time

FALL 2025: September 25 - December 4 (NO CLASS Nov. 27)

WINTER 2026: January 15 - March 26 (NO CLASS Feb. 19)

SPRING 2026: April 2 - June 11 (NO CLASS April 23)

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COST:   $550 per session (Grades 3-6) OR $650 per session (Grades 6-8). We offer need-based financial aid to low-income families, with priority given to families from Cambridge and Somerville—although everyone is welcome to apply. There is also a $50 registration fee per year.

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REGISTRATION FEE:   $50 per year, per child. There is a one-time registration fee per academic year, per student, to help cover the cost of materials. The registration fee is due when you pay tuition for your first class.  If your child registers for another class this academic year, only tuition will be due. For example: if you register for Fall CMC Preparatory classes, you will pay the tuition and a $50 registration fee. If you also decide to register for a Fall Math Circle class, or the Winter Preparatory class, you will only be charged tuition for those classes and no registration fee. 

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EVALUATIONS POLICY:  If this is your child's first year taking CMC Preparatory Math OR if they're a returning student who has taken a long break from class, they must undergo a placement evaluation. To schedule your evaluation, simply submit your application for class and wait for a CMC staff member to contact you. You may also email us at classes@cambridgemathcircle.org to schedule an evaluation after you fill out the application.​ Evaluations will not be scheduled without an application first.

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