Books and Articles

"Out of the Labyrinth: Setting Mathematics Free"
by Robert Kaplan and Ellen Kaplan

"Chances Are . . . : Adventures in Probability"
by Ellen Kaplan and Michael Kaplan

"The Art of the Infinite: The Pleasures of Mathematics"
by Robert and Ellen Kaplan

more books...

Latest News

March 23, 2006
Chances Are . . . Adventures in Probability by Michael Kaplan and Ellen Kaplan was released.
more news...

Fundraising

We are a non-profit organization and welcome contributions. Click here for information about our fundraising campaign...

History

Disturbed by the poor quality and low level of math education in the country, three of us began The Math Circle in September 1994...

Photos

Directions

Our courses are located on the campuses of Harvard and Northeastern Universities. [learn more...]

The Math Circle

The Math Circle gives all students a chance to enjoy math through exciting topics that are normally outside the school curriculum. Its classes are collegial rather than competitive, its instructors experienced, committed and enthusiastic.

Our classes begin with a free discussion of ideas and play of invention around a developing problem; then - once insight blossoms - we link this insight formally to axioms, aiming for elegance and clarity. While the courses are mathematically rigorous, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. We want our students to feel free to express their ideas, to suggest their own approaches, and to make mistakes. We work in a spirit of friendship, cooperation, and enjoyment of one another.

Weekday Sessions are for younger students with no prior exposure to algebra. Harvard classes meet initially in room 310, Harvard Science Center. Brookline classes meet on Wednesdays at the Pierce School, with ages 7-8 from 3:30 to 4:20 in Room 220, and ages 9-11 from 4:30 to 5:20 in the Math and Science Classroom.

Sunday Sessions, for older students, meet at Northeastern University, room 110, Kariotis Hall. Sunday sessions last from 9:00am-noon.

2008-9 ACADEMIC YEAR SCHEDULE

Fall Term 2008

Tuesday: (Harvard) Oct 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov 4, 18, 25; Dec 2, 9, 16.

Wednesday: (Harvard) Oct 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov 5, 12, 19; Dec 3, 10, 17.

Wednesday: (Brookline) TBD.

Sunday: (Northeastern) Oct 5, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9, 16, 23; Dec 7, 14; Jan 4.

Spring Term 2009

Tuesday: (Harvard) Feb 3, 10, 24; Mar 3, 10, 31; Apr 7, 14, 28; May 5.

Wednesday: (Harvard) Feb 4, 11, 25; Mar 4, 11; Apr 1, 8, 15, 29; May 6.

Wednesday: (Brookline) TBD.

Sunday: (Northeastern) Feb 1, 8, 22; Mar 1, 8; Apr 5, 12, 26; May 3, 10.

Class times can be found on the Application Form.

ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED. For new students a phone interview may be required. Please call
(617) 519-6397
or e-mail mathcircle@math.harvard.edu for further information.


The Math Circle does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and admission policies. We are non-profit and welcome contributions.