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Student Classes

New York Math Circle’s goal is to constantly challenge your mind. You’ll get to solve unusual problems and invent your own, apply existing knowledge in new situations, learn famous gems of mathematics, and explore the unknown. The Math Circle will open your eyes and increase your sensitivity to all the mathematics around us. Our main requirement is that you have an open mind and a willingness to work.

NYMC is not a tutoring or test preparation program. Classes focus on material you won’t encounter in the regular curriculum. We’ll help you develop reasoning and problem solving skills, and along the way will help you enjoy, appreciate, and expand your knowledge of mathematics.

To subscribe to announcements about student classes, see our contact page.

Spring 2014   top

Our courses are open to all students who are excited about learning and doing mathematics above and beyond regular curriculum. Once you start the program, we expect you to come for the full semester.

Any course for which fewer than 10 students register may have to be cancelled.

Middle School Circle at Queens College

When: Sundays, Mar 2 - May 18, 2014.
Namely (no class on crossed-out dates):   3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18.
Where: Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd (map).
  QC Middle School Circle, grades 5-6 QC Middle School Circle, grades 7-8
Times 11:30am - 1:00pm 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Room 121 121
Instructor Aziz Jumash Aziz Jumash
Fee 195.00 245.00

The NYMC classes at Queens College are open to enthusiastic students in grades 5-8 with a strong interest in learning and doing mathematics above and beyond the regular curriculum. There will be an emphasis on creative problem solving and thorough explanations. In addition, students will be encouraged to communicate their ideas clearly.

Students should be well-versed in arithmetic, including order of operations, and operations with fractions, decimals, and percents. For grades 7-8, students should also have basic algebraic skills. Enthusiasm about math, and some success in the subject (for example, a 4 on the last New York State Math Exam) are expected. These courses are appropriate for both new and returning students (as they will each cover new material).

In the descriptions of our circles given below, we mention the grade levels of the student. As mathematical preparation in students varies, this is somewhat flexible. If in doubt about the right level, please ask, and we'll be happy to offer guidance on choosing the right level class.

QC Middle School Circle, grades 5-6   (Register)

This class is appropriate for students in grades 5-6, or others who have completed the equivalent of fourth or fifth grade mathematics. They should be well-versed in arithmetic, including order of operations, fractions, decimals, and percents.

QC Middle School Circle, grades 7-8   (Register)

This class is appropriate for students in grades 7-8, or others who have completed the equivalent of sixth or seventh grade mathematics, and have an understanding of basic algebraic skills. Students should be enthusiastic about mathematics and possess a strong interest in learning more about it.

High School Circle at NYU

When: Saturdays, Feb 8 - May 18, 2014.
Namely (no class on crossed-out dates):   2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17.
Where: NYU Courant Institute, 251 Mercer St (map).
Registration fee: $245. (Fee may be reduced based on financial need; see FAQ).
  High School Circle A-1 High School Circle A-2
Times 11:30am - 1:30pm 2pm - 4pm
Room 512 202
Instructor David Hankin Stan Kats
Fee 245.00 245.00
  High School Circle B High School Circle C
Times 2pm - 4pm 2pm - 4pm
Room 517 512
Instructor David Gomprecht David Hankin
Fee 245.00 245.00

The High School Circle is open to all high school students with an interest in learning and doing mathematics above and beyond the regular curriculum.

Interesting topics and intriguing problems will be explored in a friendly setting, providing ample challenges for high school students of varying levels. The topics include number theory, algebra, geometry, combinatorics, and more. The courses also address subtle mathematical ideas, including the nature and construction of proofs. Problem posing and problem solving are emphasized throughout.

In the descriptions of our circles given below, we mention the age and grade level of the student, but this is less important than mathematical preparation: there are high school juniors and sometimes seniors in our Math Circle A, enjoying mathematics right alongside freshmen and sophomores, as well as younger students who are ready for the challenges of our Math Circles B and C. If in doubt, please ask, and we'll be happy to offer guidance on choosing the right level class.

High School Circle A-1 (Registration Closed)

Section 1, 11:30am-1:30pm

This course is appropriate for younger high school students, who are comfortable with regular high school material, including at least Algebra 1.

Note: Due to sufficient interest, we are offering two sections of this course. They constitute the same course, but at different times.

High School Circle A-2 (Registration Closed)

Section 2, 2pm-4pm

This course is appropriate for younger high school students, who are comfortable with regular high school material, including at least Algebra 1.

Note: Due to sufficient interest, we are offering two sections of this course. They constitute the same course, but at different times.

High School Circle B (Registration Closed)

Students are expected to have completed an equivalent of two years of high school, and have a solid understanding of algebra, geometry, and elementary number theory. Experience with problem solving, such as prior NYMC or math team participation, is desirable but not required. Please take a look at these sample problems to see the kinds of problems that will be explored in this course.

High School Circle C (Registration Closed)

Students are expected to have taken pre-calculus and to have deeper knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, as well as experience with mathematical problem solving. Problems will require sustained effort, and writing proofs will play an important role. Students are expected to be able to solve the first few questions on the AIME contest (see 2009 AIME for an example).

Middle School Circle at NYU

When: Saturdays, Feb 8 - May 17, 2014
Namely (no class on crossed-out dates):   2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17.
Where: NYU Courant Institute, 251 Mercer St (map).
  NYU Middle School A-1 NYU Middle School A-2
Times 12pm - 1:30pm 2pm - 3:30pm
Room 312 312
Instructor Eliza Kuberska Eliza Kuberska
Fee 195.00 195.00
  NYU Middle School B-1 NYU Middle School B-2
Times 11:30am - 1:30pm 2pm - 4pm
Room 317 317
Instructor Amy Starks Amy Starks
Fee 245.00 245.00
  NYU Middle School C
Times 11:30am - 1:30pm
Room 517
Instructor David Gomprecht
Fee 245.00

The Middle School Circle is open to all middle school students with a strong interest in learning and doing mathematics above and beyond the regular curriculum. We aim to improve the students’ reasoning and problem solving skills.

Topics will include basic number theory, geometry, combinatorics, probability, sequences, recursion, and induction. There will be an emphasis on creative problem solving and thorough explanations. In addition, students will be encouraged to communicate their ideas clearly.

In the descriptions of our circles given below, we mention the grade levels of the student. As mathematical preparation in students varies, this is somewhat flexible. If in doubt about the right level, please ask, and we'll be happy to offer guidance on choosing the right level class.

Please consider registering for the Queens Math Circle (below), which is also at the middle school level.

NYU Middle School A-1 (Registration Closed)

Section 1, 12pm-1:30pm

This class is appropriate for students in grades 5-6, or others who have completed the equivalent of fourth or fifth grade mathematics. They should be well-versed in arithmetic, including order of operations, fractions, decimals, and percents. Please take a look at these sample problems to see the kinds of problems that will be explored in this course.

Note: Due to sufficient interest, we are offering two sections of this course. They constitute the same course, but at different times.

NYU Middle School A-2 (Registration Closed)

Section 2, 2pm-3:30pm

This class is appropriate for students in grades 5-6, or others who have completed the equivalent of fourth or fifth grade mathematics. They should be well-versed in arithmetic, including order of operations, fractions, decimals, and percents. Please take a look at these sample problems to see the kinds of problems that will be explored in this course.

Note: Due to sufficient interest, we are offering two sections of this course. They constitute the same course, but at different times.

NYU Middle School B-1 (Registration Closed)

Section 1, 11:30am-1:30pm

This class is appropriate for students in grades 6-7, or others who have completed the equivalent of fifth or sixth grade mathematics. Students should be enthusiastic about mathematics and possess a strong interest in learning more about it.

Note: Due to sufficient interest, we are offering two sections of this course. They constitute the same course, but at different times.

NYU Middle School B-2 (Registration Closed)

Section 2, 2pm-4pm

This class is appropriate for students in grades 6-7, or others who have completed the equivalent of fifth or sixth grade mathematics. Students should be enthusiastic about mathematics and possess a strong interest in learning more about it.

Note: Due to sufficient interest, we are offering two sections of this course. They constitute the same course, but at different times.

NYU Middle School C (Registration Closed)

This class is appropriate for students in grades 7-8, or others who have completed the equivalent of sixth or seventh grade mathematics. Students should be enthusiastic about mathematics and possess a strong interest in learning more about it. Please take a look at these sample problems to see the kinds of problems that will be explored in this course.

Past Courses

We had our first full course for students in Spring 2008. You can see the listing of past courses here.

Registration Policy for Weekend Courses

After registering online for weekend courses, we expect you to make a payment of at least a 20% non-refundable deposit within a week to reserve your spot (we do encourage you to pay the full registration fee, though). The balance is due two weeks before the class starts. If we don't receive your deposit or payment in time, we may cancel your registration and give your spot to another student.

Cancellation Policy:

  1. We'll refund the fee except the 20% non-refundable deposit if you cancel at least 2 weeks before classes start.
  2. We'll refund 50% if you cancel afterwards but before the 3rd class. No refunds are possible after the 3rd class.
  3. If on the first day of classes you find that the level isn't right for you, please speak with the instructor about a more appropriate level, and email . We will do what we can to place you in the right class. But if we aren't successful, we'll refund your registration fee, less the non-refundable deposit.

If you find you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible out of consideration for students who may be waiting for a spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is there other tuition besides the registration fee?

    No. The registration fee is our tuition. There is no other cost.

  2. My child is struggling in math. Will NYMC help him or her?

    Probably not. Our program assumes that participants are already comfortable with regular school material, and introduces a lot of additional interesting topics and problems. It is for children who like math, and would like to deepen their understanding through exposure to new topics and greater challenges.

  3. I attended NYMC last year. Is it going to be the same material this year?

    No. Our instructors provide a rich variety of material that varies each semester. We generally assume that students attend the same circle for two semesters before moving on to the next level, and occasionally a student enjoys one level so much that she or he will stay several semesters in a row. All our courses vary the material offered each year. Important topics and concepts may be repeated and reinforced, but there are always plenty of new topics and problems to keep everyone engaged and challenged.

  4. It is hard for my family to afford the registration fee. What can I do?

    We are committed to making our courses available to everyone. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, you may request a fee reduction. The difference would come from contributions from private individuals who value and support our work.

    To request a fee reduction, register for the course you are interested in. After submitting the registration form, there is a link to the Fee Reduction Form, where we ask for basic information about your family's financial situation. Once you submit that form, we will consider your situation, and get back to you soon with further information.

    If a student wants to learn mathematics at NYMC, but money stands in the way, do not hesitate to apply.

  5. Your fees used to be lower. What happened?

    Our fees have been heavily subsidized from the very beginning. The new fee aims to cover our per-student costs, so that private donations only subsidize those who need the help. If you are in that category, you may request a fee reduction (see the question above).

    By the way, we also rely on in-kind support from universities for the classes, as well as on donations and grants to cover our administrative costs. If you compare our fees to other programs, you'll see that they are still very low in comparison.

  6. This program is wonderful. How can I support it?

    Private contributions are vital to us, and we would be extremely grateful for a monetary donation. Donations to NYMC are tax-deductible. You can make them here.

    There are also some limited volunteer opportunities available, but mainly involving special skills and non-trivial commitment. If you are interested in volunteering, please email us at info@nymathcircle.org, and describe your interests and skills. We'd love to hear from you!

    Another great help would be if you can help us spread the word about NYMC. Tell your friends, write about us on your blog, or become our fan on facebook.