If you’re an 8th grader who enjoys math, you may be looking for opportunities that go beyond worksheets, homework assignments, and classroom lessons. Maybe you love solving challenging problems, competing in math contests, or discovering patterns and ideas that aren’t usually covered in school. Summer math programs for 8th graders can provide the chance to explore mathematics in a more engaging and exciting way.

Imagine spending part of your summer tackling puzzles with other math enthusiasts, learning new problem-solving techniques from experienced instructors, or exploring topics like number theory, geometry, probability, and mathematical logic. These experiences show students that math is more than just calculations: it’s a creative and powerful way of thinking about the world.

For many students, these opportunities also offer a glimpse into concepts they may not encounter until high school or even college. Some focus on competition mathematics and Olympiad-style challenges, while others emphasise exploration, collaboration, and discovering new areas of math through projects and discussions. Along the way, students strengthen their analytical thinking, persistence, and confidence in tackling difficult problems.

How to pick the best summer math programs for 8th graders?

Of course, not all math programs offer the same experience. Some are highly intensive and designed for advanced students, while others prioritize curiosity, skill-building, and a supportive learning environment. Finding the right fit can help students stay motivated and continue developing their mathematical interests.

Beyond the academics, many summer math programs bring together students from different schools, cities, and even countries. You’ll have the opportunity to meet peers who share your enthusiasm for learning, collaborate on challenging problems, and build friendships with students who enjoy math just as much as you do.

To help you find the best opportunities, we’ve compiled a list of 15 Summer Math Programs for 8th Graders. They’ve been selected for their engaging curriculum, strong instruction, and ability to challenge and inspire young mathematicians.

For adjacent opportunities, consider the online math program.

15 Summer Math Programs for 8th Graders 

1. U Chicago Young Scholars Program

Location: Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: from USD 250 to USD 1000, depends on annual household income
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not mentioned
Dates: June 29th – July 24th
Application Deadline: April 10th
Eligibility: Students from grade 7 until grade 12 and enjoy math at school; international student eligibility not specified

As one of the more advanced summer math programs for 8th graders, the Young Scholars Program (YSP) at the University of Chicago is a selective four-week mathematics summer programme for students entering grades 7 through 12 who want to deepen their understanding of advanced mathematical thinking.

The program focuses on strengthening mathematical reasoning, problem-solving ability, and intellectual curiosity through intensive study. You will spend weekdays attending four daily sessions that include two faculty-led lecture classes, one small-group session led by an undergraduate mathematics major, and a lunch or recess period. 

Why it stands out: Emphasizes deep mathematical reasoning through university-style Number Theory instruction, small-group learning, and close interaction with faculty and undergraduate mathematics mentors. 

2. Immerse Education’s Math Summer School

Location: Cambridge, Oxford, London, and Tokyo
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students from all countries aged 15-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school; open to international students

Immerse Education’s Mathematics Summer School allows you to dive deep into mathematical theories over two weeks. You will spend your time learning and solving problems in algebra, calculus, and statistics. In addition to solving problems, you will also analyze different math theories and work on group projects.

Other components of the program include attending seminars conducted by experts, one-on-one tutoring sessions, group workshops, research projects, and more, all of which aim to help you build a strong foundation in mathematics.

Why it stands out: Its mix of rigorous math academics taught by esteemed faculty and provision of residential programs at campuses will help you gain an accurate picture of life as a math undergraduate student.

3. Math Corps at UM

Location: Ann Arbor
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: July 6th – August 7th
Application Deadline: April 30th
Eligibility: Rising 6th to 8th graders currently going to school in Ypsilanti or Detroit area; international student eligibility not specified

Math Corps is a summer mathematics program that combines academic instruction with mentorship and community-building for middle and high school students. The camp follows a “kids teaching kids” model where high school students serve as teaching assistants and program assistants for middle school participants, while college students work as instructors, mentors, and team leaders. Each team includes ten middle school students, five high school assistants, and one college instructor.

Throughout the program, you will receive lessons in both foundational and advanced mathematics topics while participating in an environment centered around academic growth, leadership, and teamwork. Beyond mathematics, the program also emphasizes human values such as kindness, integrity, courage, and community support.

Why it stands out: Combines advanced math instruction with a unique peer-led mentorship structure where middle school students learn directly from high school and college mentors within a close-knit university community. 

4. University of Toronto Math Summer Camp

Location: Toronto, Canada
Cost/Stipend: CAD 425 (in-person), CAD 265 (online)
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: July 6-10 (in-person Summer Math Camp), July 20-24 (Online), August 17-21 (in-person Summer Math Camp)
Application Deadline: Not disclosed, but says that registration is still open
Eligibility: Students from grade 1 until grade 10, Canadian citizens and permanent residents only; international students may not apply

This summer camp offers both in-person and online enrichment programs for middle school students who want to explore mathematics through applied and interactive learning. During the week, you will take part in hands-on activities like building water flow networks and studying patterns of connectivity before completing a capstone project using path-finding algorithms to navigate real-world maps.

The Grade 7/8 in-person Summer Math Camp on July focuses on Networks and Navigation through topics in graph theory and real-world applications such as epidemiology, supply chains, network flow, and navigation systems. Meanwhile, the Grade 7/8 Online Summer Math Camp takes place from July 20 to July 24 and focuses on Special Effects with Math and Blender. In this course, students learn how mathematics is used in movie and video game visual effects through topics such as linear algebra, simulation physics, 3D geometry, and computer graphics.

Why it stands out: These camps connect mathematics to practical fields like network systems, computer graphics, and digital animation through project-based learning and specialised topics rarely explored in standard middle school classrooms. 

5. Texas State Mathworks for Junior High School

Location: San Marcos, TX
Cost/Stipend: USD 2200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 76 students
Dates: June 17-19
Application Deadline: Closed for 2026, not known yet for 2027
Eligibility: Currently in 6th to 8th grade, international students may apply

The Junior Summer Math Camp Residential (JSMCR) is one of the more immersive summer math programs for 8th graders, giving middle school students two weeks of challenging mathematical thinking and problem solving at Texas State University. The programme aims to strengthen your critical thinking, creativity, and confidence in mathematics while encouraging future studies in STEM-related fields such as science, engineering, and technology.

JSMCR is structured to help you become active members of the Mathworks community while developing both academically and socially. The program encourages you to focus entirely on camp activities, so you are not permitted to enrol in additional online classes or outside programs during the session. Enrollment is limited to 76 students each year, and admissions operate on a rolling basis starting from December 1, meaning early applications are strongly encouraged. 

Why it stands out: JSMCR combines university-level mathematics instruction with a fully residential campus environment, giving you the chance to live and learn as part of an academic community. 

6. National Math Camps Camp Conway

Location: Claremont, CA
Cost/Stipend: from USD 3995 to USD 4295, financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not mentioned
Dates: June 21st – July 3rd (Session 1) and July 5-17 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: Application for 2027 will be launched on November 2026
Eligibility: Students aged 11 to 14 years old with strong interest in math and high problem-solving skill; international student eligibility not specified

Camp Conway is a two-week residential mathematics camp students aged 11 to 14 who are deeply curious about mathematical exploration and problem solving. The program encourages you to approach mathematics with creativity, persistence, and intellectual curiosity while exploring topics far beyond a standard school curriculum. Throughout the camp, you will spend around six hours a day engaging with mathematics through interactive lectures, Math Explorations sessions, and self-directed Open Math Time.

Topics may include graph theory, combinatorics, cryptography, infinity, and other advanced mathematical concepts. Alongside the academic schedule, you also participate in recreational and community-building activities such as board games, sports, karaoke, origami, team competitions, and camper-led events. Generous need-based financial aid is available for qualifying families.

Why it stands out: Focuses less on accelerating students through school mathematics and more on teaching them how to think like real mathematicians in a fully residential college setting. 

7. Canada/USA Math Camp

Location: Burlington, VT
Cost/Stipend: Between 0 to USD 7500, based on individual family circumstances
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 65 new students and 55 alumni
Dates: June 28th – August 2nd
Application Deadline: Applications are now closed for 2026
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 from all around the world, enjoys learning math; open to international students

Canada/USA Mathcamp is a five-week residential summer program created for mathematically talented students who want to explore advanced mathematics beyond the standard school curriculum. The program introduces you to deep mathematical concepts while encouraging independent thinking, creative problem solving, and intellectual curiosity. Rather than following a fixed curriculum, you shape your own learning experience by choosing from a wide range of classes covering college-level mathematical topics.

Throughout the program, you learn from a diverse teaching team that includes internationally recognised mathematicians, graduate students, and researchers who are passionate about sharing advanced mathematical ideas. Outside the classroom, you can join evening activities ranging from music and sports to board games, creative events, and field trips.

Why it stands out: Unlike many structured enrichment camps, Mathcamp gives you unusual academic freedom to design your own mathematical pathway, explore university-level topics, and fully immerse yourself in a residential community. 

8. SigmaCamp

Location: Sharon, CT
Cost/Stipend: USD 1900
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: August 1-8
Application Deadline: Applications are closed
Eligibility: Middle and high school students aged 12 to 15 years old; international student eligibility not specified

SigmaCamp 2026 is a one-week residential STEM summer camp designed for middle and high school students who are interested in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology. Alongside SigmaWest and SigmaNext, SigmaCamp combines intensive academic learning with an environment focused on collaboration, creativity, and community. The centerpiece of the academic experience is the Semilab format, where theoretical lessons and practical laboratory work are combined into daily 1.5-hour sessions that run throughout most of the camp.

You also attend specialised lectures from guest scientists and researchers to broaden your understanding of STEM connections across fields. You will also attend workshops to experiment with hands-on activities such as glass blowing, rocket launching, mathematical games, and chemistry demonstrations, while additional programs encourage campers themselves to lead workshops and science experiments. 

Why it stands out: This camp blends advanced STEM academics with laboratory-based learning, interdisciplinary competitions, and student-led scientific activities, creating an environment where campers actively explore science instead of only studying it theoretically. 

9. Junior Summer Math Camp Half Day

Location: San Marcos, TX
Cost/Stipend: USD 400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: June 8-18 from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: Students from grade 3 to grade 8; international student eligibility not specified

The Junior Summer Math Camp Half-Day (JSMCH) by Mathworks is a half-day mathematics enrichment program designed for elementary and middle school students who want to strengthen their mathematical thinking in a collaborative academic environment. The program uses the Math Quest curriculum across all class levels, helping you build strong mathematical foundations while developing the problem-solving skills needed for future studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Classes take place following a Monday-to-Thursday schedule that includes breakfast, two extended classroom sessions, snack breaks, and lunch. You will spend the majority of the day engaging with mathematical concepts through guided instruction and collaborative learning activities designed to deepen conceptual understanding. While transportation is generally not provided, if you are San Marcos CISD students attending the Half-Day JSMC, you may access district bus transportation.

Why it stands out: JSMCH creates an unusually layered STEM learning community where younger students study mathematics alongside mentorship from university students, teachers, and faculty, helping them connect mathematical learning with long-term academic and STEM career pathways. 

10. Cyber Math Academy

Location: Boston, Silicon Valley, Oxford
Cost/Stipend: Price varies per city, please go to the website for more information
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: July 20-31 (Boston), July 6-17 (Silicon Valley), July 5-18 (Oxford)
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: Teens aged 9 to 16 years old, international students may apply

CyberMath Academy’s Summer Math Camps are intensive STEM enrichment programs for students aged 9 to 16, held across three major academic hubs: Boston, Silicon Valley, and Oxford. You will attend classes at venues such as the Harvard Faculty Club, Stanford Faculty Club, Menlo College, and St Edward’s Oxford while learning from instructors that include IMO medalists, AI researchers, and university academics.

The curriculum is divided into tracks for middle school students, high school students, and AI & Machine Learning learners, covering subjects such as proof-writing, advanced algebra, calculus, linear algebra, neural networks, Python programming, and deep learning. Alongside traditional learning, you will participate in workshops, coding sessions, innovation challenges, and hands-on AI projects designed to strengthen analytical thinking and technical skills.

Why it stands out: CyberMath combines advanced mathematics and AI instruction with direct exposure to major global academic and technology ecosystems, allowing students to study STEM concepts while visiting institutions, research spaces, and innovation centres connected to those fields in real life. 

11. AoPS Academy Virtual Campus

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: USD 850
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10-16 students
Dates: In the summer for 2 or 4 weeks, various dates from June to August
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: Students in grade 8 or 9, international students may apply

CyberMath Academy’s Summer Math Camps are intensive STEM enrichment programs for students aged 9 to 16, held across three major academic hubs: Boston, Silicon Valley, and Oxford. The camps combine advanced mathematics, artificial intelligence, and problem-solving with residential campus experiences and cultural excursions.

Students attend classes at venues such as the Harvard Faculty Club, Stanford Faculty Club, Menlo College, and St Edward’s Oxford while learning from instructors AI researchers and university academics. The curriculum is divided into tracks for middle school students, high school students, and AI & Machine Learning learners, covering subjects such as proof-writing, advanced algebra, calculus, linear algebra, neural networks, Python programming, and deep learning.

Why it stands out: CyberMath combines advanced mathematics and AI instruction with direct exposure to major global academic and technology ecosystems, allowing students to study STEM concepts while visiting institutions, research spaces, and innovation centres connected to those fields in real life.

12. Mathanasium

Location: In-person and online
Cost/Stipend: Flat enroll fee for all program and students attend regularly
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Rolling admission
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: Students in K-12 (from grade 1 to grade 12); international student eligibility not specified

Mathnasium’s Summer Program is a personalised mathematics learning program designed to help students strengthen their skills, prevent summer learning loss, and build confidence before the next school year begins. Available through both in-center and online formats, the program gives you flexibility to balance structured learning with summer activities while still maintaining academic progress.

Each of you begins your track with a comprehensive assessment that identifies strengths, learning gaps, and academic goals. Throughout the program, you participate in interactive and hands-on learning activities that combine structured mathematics instruction with engaging problem-solving exercises. By the end of the summer, you are expected to return to school with stronger mathematical understanding, improved confidence, and a more positive relationship with math learning.

Why it stands out: Mathnasium combines personalised learning plans, flexible online and in-person scheduling, and hands-on STEM-style activities, making it accessible for students who need either academic support or advanced enrichment during the summer break.

13. MathPath

Location: Rotating U.S. campus locations (2026 location varies by session)
Cost/Stipend: Around USD 6,300; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohort; selective admissions
Dates: Four weeks during summer 2026
Application Deadline: Around March 2026
Eligibility: Middle school students with strong mathematical interest and problem-solving ability, generally grades 6-8; international student eligibility not specified

MathPath stands out among the various summer math programs for 8th graders as a four-week mathematics programme designed for middle school students who show a strong interest and aptitude in mathematics. The programme focuses on helping you deepen your mathematical reasoning through topics such as number theory, combinatorics, proofs, and problem solving.

Throughout the camp, you attend small interactive classes, participate in collaborative mathematical discussions, and engage with peers who share a similar enthusiasm for mathematics. The experience is designed to immerse you in a mathematical community while also balancing academics with recreational activities and social events. Financial aid is available for qualifying families, making the program more accessible for students from different backgrounds. 

Why it stands out: MathPath offers rigorous proof-based learning and olympiad-style problem solving in a collaborative residential environment designed around younger learners.

14. Georgia Tech CEIMSC Summer Program

Location: Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Between USD 400-550 per student, scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Diverse dates from June to July
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: Rising 6th to 8th grade students; international students may not apply

CEISMC Summer PEAKS (Programs for Enrichment and Accelerated Knowledge in STEAM) at Georgia Tech is a series of immersive summer programs designed for rising 6th to 8th grade students who want to deepen their understanding of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through hands-on learning. The programs run in weekly sessions throughout June and July, centred around a different STEM-focused theme such as Sustainable Cities or Machine Learning.

You will participate in experiential activities that encourage curiosity, strengthen analytical thinking, and develop practical problem-solving skills. Throughout the sessions, your will engage directly with interactive STEM concepts through collaborative projects, creative experimentation, and applied learning exercises designed to make technical subjects more approachable and engaging. 

Why it stands out: Summer PEAKS combines university-campus learning with hands-on STEAM exploration across multiple themed programs, giving middle school students access to practical STEM experiences in a structured environment at Georgia Tech.

15. CMS Math Camps

Location: All around Canada
Cost/Stipend: Differs per camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not mentioned
Dates: Differs per camp
Application Deadline: Differs per camp
Eligibility: Middle school to high school students; international student eligibility not specified

The Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS) Math Camps are summer mathematics enrichment programs hosted at universities and CEGEPs across Canada, offering students the opportunity to explore advanced mathematical ideas in a collaborative academic setting. These camps range from day programs to week-long residential experiences and are designed for students who have demonstrated strong interest and aptitude in mathematics.

Through problem-solving sessions, games, projects, experiments, and collaborative activities, you strengthen your mathematical reasoning while gaining exposure to concepts that often go beyond the standard school curriculum. In addition to academic enrichment, CMS Math Camps aim to show you how mathematics connects to real-world applications and future STEM pathways. Many participants report increased interest in mathematics and science careers after attending, while also forming long-lasting friendships with peers who share similar interests. 

Why it stands out: Combines advanced mathematical enrichment with university-based learning environments and connecting to real-life STEM pathways.

From Summer Programmes to Stronger Maths Habits

A focused break can turn curiosity into stronger habits when you practise reasoning, persistence, and problem-solving beyond ordinary classroom lessons.

The 15 summer math programs for 8th graders featured here introduce number theory, geometry, logic, graph theory, competitions, mentorship, and collaborative challenges.

As you tackle harder problems, learn new methods, and work with other maths enthusiasts, you build confidence for future STEM study.

Want to keep sharpening that thinking after camp ends? Visit our Mathematics Top Books Guide for challenging reads, problem-solving inspiration, and resources that help your maths skills grow steadily.