8 Free Math Programs for Middle School Students
Middle school is a great time to explore your interests, and one way to do this is by participating in programs. If you’re interested in math, programs offer projects, mentorship, and more in-depth exploration than your standard school curriculum. Early exposure to mathematics can positively influence your academic path. Math skills built early help establish a strong foundation for high school.
Participating in a competitive, fully-funded program also brings recognition to your achievements. Free programs can deepen your understanding of math and connect with like-minded peers without financial barriers.Â
To help you find a program that works for you, we’ve compiled a list of 8 free math programs for middle school students.Â
Location:Â Online
Fee: Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates:Â Varies according to cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program allows middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE. The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and entirely virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure!Â
Location:Â Pasadena City College
Fee: Free
Application Deadline:Â May 1st - May 31st
Program Dates: June 23rd - August 1st
Eligibility: Rising 7th and 8th graders
Pasadena City College Math Academy allows middle school students to develop mathematical skills. The program offers lessons and activities to boost your confidence and competency in math. The academy focuses on interactive learning and problem-solving, making math enjoyable. Supplies for participants are free. This program will help you learn about practical applications of knowledge.
Location:Â Online
Fee:Â Paid (price<$1)
Application Deadline:Â Rolling admissions
Program Dates:Â Ongoing enrollment
Eligibility:Â Students up to grade 8
The Noetic Learning Gifted Math Program online course is for students who want to be challenged and strengthen their math skills. It provides resources like self-paced courses, problem-solving challenges, and national-level math competitions. The program encourages you to exercise critical thinking and logical reasoning. The site provides individualized feedback, helping you identify areas for improvement.Â
Location: Online
Fee:Â Free
Application Deadline: N/A
Program Dates: July and August (tentative)
Eligibility:Â Rising 6th and 7th graders
The CDC Data Detectives Camp brings public health and data science to middle school students in a virtual format. You will learn how to collect, organize, analyze, and visualize data by completing real-world projects and interactive activities. The program helps you think critically and solve problems. In addition, it explores how data input is used in policy decisions in public health. This program seeks to inspire teamwork and analysis skills among students while preparing them for future science and technology careers.
5. MATHIGON
Location: Online
Fee:Â Free
Application Deadline:Â None
Program Dates: Ongoing enrollment
Eligibility:Â Middle school students
Mathigon is an online math platform that provides interactive learning for middle school students. It offers simulations, games, and step-by-step guidance to help you understand mathematical topics. The program is based on the discovery-learn approach, so you can explore concepts at your own pace. This program encourages creativity and critical thinking. With personalized feedback, a virtual tutor, and various visual tools, Mathigon aims to make math accessible for all learners. The website is entirely free and continuously updated.
6. Khan Academy
Location:Â Online
Fee:Â Free
Application Deadline:Â None
Program Dates:Â Ongoing enrollment
Eligibility:Â Middle school students (all ages allowed)
Khan Academy is an online open resource that provides free mathematics, science, and humanities classes, including a comprehensive math curriculum for middle school students. The web portal contains videos explaining subjects, interactive exercises, and customized learning pathways. It adjusts to each student's pace so they can concentrate on improvement areas. Khan Academy follows curriculums taught in schools, making it useful for reinforcement and advanced learning.Â
7. Math Corps
Location:Â University of Michigan
Fee:Â Free
Application Period:Â FebruaryÂ
Program Dates:Â July to August (tentative)
Eligibility:Â 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in the Ypsilanti area
Math Corps is a free summer program hosted by the University of Michigan. It is aimed at middle and high school students who want to strengthen their math skills in a collaborative environment. The program pairs younger students with college mentors and high school teaching assistants. You will engage in interactive math lessons, group activities, and personal development workshops. Math Corps emphasizes building confidence, leadership skills, and a love for learning. Meals and materials are provided.
Location:Â Online
Fee:Â Free
Application Deadline:Â August 19th
Program Dates:Â August 21st - 26th
Eligibility:Â Middle school students
MOSA Middle School Math Program is an online program offering a mathematics curriculum. It provides lessons, quizzes, and activities aligned with academic standards to help middle schoolers master different mathematical concepts. The program focuses on self-paced learning. MOSA aims to help you experience the enjoyment of building your skills in math. Structured guidance is combined with regular assessment to prepare you for advanced mathematics courses.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.