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.
Fall 2023 top
We generally recommend that new students start in level Middle School A for those below 9th grade, and High School A for those in 9th grade and above. Check out sample problems listed under every level to decide if you are ready for it. If still in doubt about the right level, please ask, and we'll be happy to offer guidance.
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.
Guest Speaker Talks
| When: | Click on a course to see schedule details |
| Where: | Columbia University, 2990 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 (map). |
| Registration fee: | $1. (Fee may be reduced based on financial need; see FAQ). |
| Locations: | |
| COLUMBIA: | Columbia University, 2990 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 (map) |
| Instructor | Times | Loc. | Room | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GUEST SPEAKER | Dr. Po-Shen Loh | NOVEMBER 5 @ 10am | COLUMBIA | 507 | Register |
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Location: Columbia University, 2990 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
(map). Schedule: 11/5. |
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GUEST SPEAKER: DR. PO-SHEN LOH. Date: November 5, 2023 @ Columbia University, 10am TITLE: Using Game Theory To Save the Next Generation From ChatGPT AUDIENCE: Parents of K-12 students in all years, educators of all years, students in grades 6-12. (Elementary students typically do not understand the discussions about life advice, but elementary parents find that part of the talk very useful, so elementary parents can come without their kids.)
In Person
| When: | Click on a course to see schedule details
9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3 |
| Registration fee: | $395. (Math). |
| Locations: | |
| CLINTON: | The Clinton School, 10 E15 St, Manhattan, NY (map) |
| COLUMBIA: | Columbia University, 2990 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 (map) |
| Instructor | Times | Loc. | Room | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSA/MSA+ | Jayson Vu | Sundays, 1 pm to 3 pm | CLINTON | 408 | Register |
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Location: The Clinton School, 10 E15 St, Manhattan, NY
(map). Schedule: 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3. |
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| MSB/MSB+ | Dr. Kovan Pillai & Dr. Nicolas Ford | Sundays 10am to 12pm | CLINTON | 408 | Register |
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Location: The Clinton School, 10 E15 St, Manhattan, NY
(map). Schedule: 9/24,10/1,10/8,10/15,10/22,10/29,11/5,11/12,11/19,12/3. |
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| Computer Algorithms in Algebra | Dr. Alexey Ovchinnikov | Sundays 1pm to 3pm | CLINTON | 412 | Waiting List |
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Location: The Clinton School, 10 E15 St, Manhattan, NY
(map). Schedule: 9/24,10/1,10/8,10/15,10/22,10/29,11/5,11/12,11/19,12/3. |
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| HSA/HSA+ | Barry Weng | Sundays, 10am to 12pm | COLUMBIA | 528 | Register |
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Location: Columbia University, 2990 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
(map). Schedule: 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3. |
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| HSB/HSB+ | Daheng Shen | Sundays 10am - 12pm | CLINTON | 412 | Register |
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Location: The Clinton School, 10 E15 St, Manhattan, NY
(map). Schedule: 9/24,10/1,10/8,10/15,10/22,10/29,11/5,11/12,11/19,12/3. |
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| College Bridge | Dr. Michael Wijaya | Sundays 10am-12pm | COLUMBIA | 507 | Register |
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Location: Columbia University, 2990 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
(map). Schedule: 9/24,10/1,10/8,10/15,10/22,10/29,11/5,11/12,11/19,12/3. |
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| HSC | Dr. Nicolas Ford | Sundays 1pm - 3pm | COLUMBIA | 507 | Canceled |
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Location: Columbia University, 2990 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
(map). Schedule: 9/24,10/1,10/8,10/15,10/22,10/29,11/5,11/12,11/19,12/3. |
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This class will focus on solving systems of linear/nonlinear equations using state-of-the-art software and then using geometry to apply these solutions to real-life problems.
Remote
| When: | Click on a course to see schedule details.
9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2 |
| Registration fee: | $395. (Fee may be reduced based on financial need; see FAQ). |
| Locations: | |
| ONLINE: | Online |
| Instructor | Times | Loc. | Room | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSA/MSA+ | Maggie Feurtado | Saturdays 10am to 12pm | ONLINE | Register | |
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Location: Online. Schedule: 9/23,9/30,10/7,10/14,10/21,10/28,11/4,11/11,11/18,12/2. |
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| MSB/MSB+ | Dr. Sheila Miller | Saturdays 10am - 12 pm | ONLINE | Register | |
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Location: Online. Schedule: 9/23,9/30,10/7,10/14,10/21,10/28,11/4,11/11,11/18,12/2. |
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| HSA/HSA+ | Dr. Sheila Miller | Saturdays 1pm to 3pm | ONLINE | Register | |
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Location: Online. Schedule: 9/23,9/30,10/7,10/14,10/21,10/28,11/4,11/11,11/18,12/2. |
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| HSB/HSB+ | Misha Shklyar | Saturdays 1pm - 3pm | ONLINE | Register | |
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Location: Online. Schedule: 9/23,9/30,10/7,10/14,10/21,10/28,11/4,11/11,11/18,12/2. |
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Bring a notebook and pencil or pen to class. MS classes usually assign about half an hour of homework per week, whereas HS classes assign about one hour.
MSA is a one-year program appropriate for Elementary or Middle School students who are new to problem-solving. They should have strong arithmetic skills and an interest in learning mathematics beyond the school curriculum. Topics and sample questions.
MSB is an intermediate one-year program appropriate for students who have completed the equivalent of MSA. Topics and sample questions.
MSC is an advanced one-year program appropriate for students who have completed the equivalent of MSB and have had exposure to Algebra 1. Topics and sample questions.
HSA is a two-year program appropriate for younger high school students and advanced middle school students who may be new to problem-solving. They should be comfortable with regular high school material, including at least Algebra 1. Topics and sample questions. HSB is a two-year program for students who have completed the equivalent of two years of high school and have a solid understanding of algebra, geometry, and elementary number theory. Experience with problem-solving is desirable but not required. Proof-writing will be an important component of this course. Topics and sample questions. Here is a sample of Student Work HSC is a two-year program for students who have taken pre-calculus and have a deep 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. Topics and sample questions. Here is a sample of Student Work College Bridge is a two-year course designed to challenge our most advanced students who plan to take higher-level mathematics classes in college. Emphasis will be on proof-writing and examination of underlying structures in mathematics. Topics and sample questions.
New and current students wishing to move up a section must take a placement exam. Please email a request to us at info@nymathcircle.org
The High School 2-year cycles start in the fall of even years (e.g., fall 2022).
Summer 2023 top
Summer Middle School High School Program In Person
| When: | Click on a course to see schedule details
Classes are from 10:00-12:00pm. Supervised lunch from 12:00pm - 1:00pm. Afternoon classes from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Optional participation : Mathematic activities are from 3:00-5:00pm. |
| Where: | Columbia University, 2990 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 (map). Room Knox Hall. |
| Registration fee: | $800. (Fee may be reduced based on financial need; see FAQ). |
| Locations: | |
| COLUMBIA: | Columbia University, 2990 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 (map) |
| Instructor | Times | Loc. | Room | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSA/MSA+ | Frances Stern | July 10 - July 21, 2023 | COLUMBIA | Knox Hall | Closed |
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Location: Columbia University, 2990 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
(map). Schedule: July 10 - July 21, 2023. |
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| MSB/MSB+ | Dr. Kovan Pillai | July 10 - July 21, 2023 | COLUMBIA | Knox Hall | Closed |
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Location: Columbia University, 2990 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
(map). Schedule: July 10 - July 21, 2023. |
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| HSA/HSA+ | Daheng Shen | July 10 - July 21, 2023 | COLUMBIA | Knox Hall | Closed |
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Location: Columbia University, 2990 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
(map). Schedule: July 10 - July 21, 2023. |
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| Late | TBD | July 10 - July 21, 2023 | COLUMBIA | Knox Hall | Closed |
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Location: Columbia University, 2990 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
(map). Schedule: July 10 - July 21, 2023. |
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Parents are allowed to drop off students at 9:30 am. Classes are from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. There will be a supervised lunch period from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm in which students must bring lunch and drink. Students are NOT allowed to leave campus to purchase lunch. We will also have an optional after-school mathematical activities session from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Summer Middle School High School Program Remote
| When: | Click on a course to see schedule details.
10am to 12pm, and 1pm to 3pm |
| Where: | Online. |
| Registration fee: | $675. (Fee may be reduced based on financial need; see FAQ). |
| Locations: | |
| ONLINE: | Online |
| Instructor | Times | Loc. | Room | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSA/MSA+ | Maggie Feurtado | July 10 - July 21, 2023 | ONLINE | Closed | |
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Location: Online. Schedule: July 10 - July 21, 2023. |
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| HSA/HSA+ | Dr. Sheila Miller | July 10 - July 21, 2023 | ONLINE | Closed | |
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Location: Online. Schedule: July 10 - July 21, 2023. |
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Remote classes will be from 10-12pm, and 1-3pm. There will be an unsupervised lunch hour from 12pm-1pm.
Bring a notebook and pencil or pen to class. MS classes usually assign about half an hour of homework weekly, whereas HS classes assign about one hour. Year 1 for the HS curriculum starts in the fall of even years (e.g., fall 2022), and year two starts in the fall of odd years.
MSA is a one-year program appropriate for Elementary or Middle School students who are new to problem-solving. They should have strong arithmetic skills and an interest in learning mathematics beyond the school curriculum. Topics and sample questions.
MSB is a one-year intermediate program appropriate for students who have completed the equivalent of MSA. Topics and sample questions.
HSA is a two-year program appropriate for younger high school students and advanced middle school students who may be new to problem-solving. They should be comfortable with regular high school material, including at least Algebra 1. Topics and sample questions.
New and current students wishing to move up a section must take a placement exam. Please email a request to us at info@nymathcircle.orgSummer High School Math Circle (Details)
Summer High School Math Circle (Details)
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
When registering online for weekend courses, we expect you to make full payment within 48 hours of registration or within 48 hours of being approved via a placement test. Failure to do so may mean your spot is offered to another student.
Cancellation Policy:
- We'll refund the fee except for a 20% administrative charge as long as you cancel at least two weeks before the start of classes.
- We'll refund 50% if you cancel afterwards but before the 3rd class. No refunds are possible after the 3rd class.
- 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 except for a 20% administrative fee.
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
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Is there other tuition besides the registration fee?
No. The registration fee is our tuition. There is no other cost.
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Do we need to take a test for admission?
Except for the Summer High School program (separate exam) and Elementary School workshops, new students and students wishing to go up a level should take a placement test for the level they register for. During the registration process, they will be directed to download a placement test which will be taken at home. The full solutions (not just answers) should then be emailed to info+exam@nymathcircle.org.
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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.
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I attended NYMC last year. Is it going to be the same material this year?
No. Our Middle School classes are on a one-year cycle and our High School classes on a two-year cycle. Our instructors, therefore, provide a rich variety of material that varies each semester. Details are available in the course description under the registration links.
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Are parents allowed to observe the classes?
A number of university staff have objected to parents going to classrooms. As guests of the university, parents should not go to classrooms - instead, they will pick up their children in the lobby.
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How do I qualify for financial aid?
In order to qualify for financial aid, you will need to fill out a fee reduction form along with your registration form. You will also need to provide us with proof of financial need, such as a Medicaid card, a Food Stamp (SNAP) letter, or a recent 1040 tax statement (please white out your SSN numbers). Free school lunch letters and Child Health Plus no longer qualify as they are available regardless of income level.
If you do not receive any government benefits, you may still be able to qualify for some financial aid if you provide us with a detailed explanation as to why you need financial assistance. We are committed to making our program affordable for all students.
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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.