Math Circles

In our middle and high-school circles, we teach material that is typically not covered at schools, and that is relevant to a wide range of modern professions. However, the benefits of studying in a circle are much broader than just the expansion of factual knowledge. Students learn new ways of thinking about mathematics: they learn to build arguments, to give proofs, to analyze from different points of view, to make connections across topics, to generate ideas, and to look for their own answers.

Competition Math

This is our new program for students who want to learn faster and deeper than traditional school curriculum allows. Competition Math program serves students who want to be prepared for an advanced middle school track and/or interested in participating in math competitions such as Math Is Cool, Washington State Math Championship, AMC 8/10. We work on developing solid Algebra skills, mental math skills, challenging problem solving approaches, rigorous Geometry reasoning, Combinatorics, and, most importantly, understanding of “how and why things work.” The program also includes additional components that emphasize logic and mathematical reasoning.
This year, we offer Competition Math for advanced students grades 4-5, 5-6, 6-7, 7-8, and 9-10. We also offer a Geometry course for grades 6-8. Admission is selective by the placement test, competition results or teacher recommendation.

Math Sequence

Many students join middle school circles in 6th grade and progress through the sequence of classes to high school. Each next course builds upon concepts introduced in the previous course, but we review the material constantly. Math Circles and Competition Math classes can be taken on their own, or as a bundle.

To learn more about math circles curriculum or to get a taste of problems that middle-school students solve in our classes, please check the "Resources” section of the site.

• Intermediate Circle 1
  grades 6-7
  Competition Math
  grades 6-7
  
• Intermediate Circle 2
  grades 7-8
  Competition Math
  grades 7-8
  
• Linguistics for STEM minds
  grades 8-10
  Intermediate Circle 3
  grades 8-10
  Competition Math
  grades 8-10
  Competition Math
  grades 9-11
  

Computer Science

For our programming track, we offer a broad range of year-long classes designed for motivated and curious learners. As students advance through our curriculum, they progress from class to class, learning new programming skills and new languages.

Our classes range from coding for grades 4-6 to competition preparation for high-school students, and to the mathematics of computer science. Many classes come in regular and advanced versions. All our classes emphasize computations thinking, quality coding practices, and individual attention to students.

Programming sequence

Our programming sequence for middle school starts from “Apps and Algorithms” classes and runs up to high school. The chart below lists the progression of our classes.

Competition math classes are fast-paced courses. For students completely new to computer science and those who would like to move more gradually, we recommend Coding and Algorithms with Python, grade 6-8, or Java, grade 9-11.

• Honors Apps and Algorithms
  grades 5-6
  Apps and Algorithms
  grades 5-7
  
• Python Year 1
  grades 6-8
  Honors Python Year 1
  grades 6-8
  
• Python Year 2
  grades 7-9
  Honors Python Year 2
  grades 7-9
  
• Honors Java Year 1
  grades 8-10
  Java Year 1
  grades 9-11
  
• Java Year 2
  grades 9-12