Math Circle Classes
Our Math Circle classes are taught in-person at Harvard University and through select Cambridge Public Schools (CPS). We teach CMC’s original, unique curriculum & approach (developed by our founders, Mira Bernstein and Nataliya Yufa) that allow students to explore complex, beautiful math that they don’t typically encounter in school.
Math Circle classes are fun, challenging experiences, where children learn math concepts through playing games, solving puzzles, and participating in building challenges. The classes focus on logic and creative problem-solving, allowing children to learn how to solve math problems that would stump many adults.
Math Circle Classes
Early Fall registration is open! Register by August 15 and receive $25 off per student.
WHAT: Our Math Circle classes combine the best of American and Eastern European mathematical traditions by exposing children to fun, challenging math problems that students are unlikely to encounter in a traditional school setting or other math program. CMC's unique, original Math Circle approach was developed by our founders. Our classes make math fun by learning through puzzles, games, building challenges, and crossover activities that incorporate music, art, and other STEAM topics. Our goal is to strengthen your student's creative problem-solving skills, build their confidence and grit, and encourage them to see the beauty of mathematics.
Classes consist of a building or warm-up activity, followed by the main problem-solving session, followed by math games. Our theme for Spring 2025 was group theory. Additionally, middle schoolers will participate in math competition training and take part in fun, friendly team competitions.
WHO: Students in grades 1-8. Classes are broken down into smaller groups based on age (grades 1-3 and 4-8). Prospective 1st graders must undergo an evaluation with one of our teachers. We reserve the right to deny admission to any rising 1st grader for any reason.
WHEN & WHERE: We offer morning and afternoon classes on Saturdays, with class times separated by grade level. If our in-person classes are logistically difficult, we also offer a virtual option on Mondays.
Dates/times are subject to change for Winter and Spring.
Saturday mornings: Grades 1-3, 9:15-10:00AM. Grades 4-8, 10:15-11:15AM.
Saturday afternoons: Grades 1-3, 2:15-3:00PM. Grades 4-8, 3:15-4:15PM.
Monday evenings: Math Circle Online for all grades, 5:15-6:15pm.
Sessions are 10 classes.
FALL 2026: September 19th - December 12th; no class 10/10, 10/31, or 11/28
WINTER 2027: January - March (exact dates TBD)
SPRING 2027: April - June (exact dates TBD)
When registering, you may register for one or more sessions at once.
See below for our Math Circle class calendar.
COST: $500 per 10-class session. 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.
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 Math Circle classes at Harvard, you will pay the tuition and a $50 registration fee. If you also decide to register for a Fall Preparatory class, or the Winter Math Circle class, you will only be charged tuition for those classes and no registration fee.
EVALUATIONS POLICY: If your child is a rising 1st grader, they must undergo a placement evaluation. Because the material and social environment at Math Circle can be very challenging for young children, we can only admit 1st graders with very strong math and reading skills. To schedule your evaluation, simply submit your application for class by the deadline, and wait for a CMC staff member to contact you. We reserve the right to refuse admission to any 1st grader for any reason.
PROOF OF GRADE: If you are new to Cambridge Math Circle, we're glad you found us! Also, please know that all new students are required to submit proof of grade level from their school. This can include a report card from the prior year listing their grade, or any notice from the school that lists your child's name and grade. There will be a place to upload your proof of grade in the application. If you have questions, reach out to us at classes@cambridgemathcircle.org.
NOTE: Returning students DO NOT need to submit a proof of grade. This is only for students new to Cambridge Math Circle.
Math Circle Fall 2026 Class Calendar
Saturday
SEP 19
@Harvard University
Saturday
NOV 7
@Harvard University
Saturday
SEP 26
@Harvard University
Saturday
NOV 14
@Harvard University
Saturday
OCT 3
@Harvard University
Saturday
NOV 21
@Harvard University
Saturday
OCT 17
@Harvard University
Saturday
DEC 5
@Harvard University
Saturday
OCT 24
@Harvard University
Saturday
DEC 12
@Harvard University
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