Math Circles
Overview
The Math Circles program was initiated by teachers and mathematicians through the support of the Pacific Institute of Mathematics Sciences (PIMS) at UBC. They saw that students were entering university inadequately prepared for the big jump between high school and university math, and set out to change this.
Math Circles is a full-year after school enrichment math program designed to promote conceptual understanding, communication, and problem-solving abilities in an interactive classroom setting.
In Math Circles, children develop key competencies, such as the ability to solve word problems, reason well, think logically, communicate mathematically, employ modeling and visualization, and make connections among various mathematical concepts. Emphasis is on understanding concepts, developing critical thinking skills, and solving complex word problems as opposed to memorizing. Developing these key competencies prepares students for success in university and beyond!
Math Circles empowers students by
Focusing on conceptual understanding
Building confidence across all ages and skill levels
Extending knowledge compared to school
Preparing for university and beyond
Our locations
Join our Math Circles classes at any of our four Metro Vancouver locations or enjoy the convenience of online learning. Experience math excellence in person or from home—your choice!
SFU Burnaby
8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6
KPU Surrey (Civic Plaza)
3 Civic Plaza – 13485 Central Ave, Surrey, BC, V3T 0K2
UBC Vancouver
2175 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
Douglas Coquitlam
1250 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam ,BC, V3B 7X3
BCIT Burnaby
SE6 Building, 3700 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby, BC, V5G 3H2
KPU Richmond
8771 Lansdowne Road, Richmond, BC, V6X 3X7
What will you learn in each level?
The founders, Dr. Natasa Sirotic and Dr. Klaus Hoechsmann, who hold PhDs in Mathematics Education and Mathematics respectively, have built the curriculum using the top math education resources and practices around the world.

Alpha

>

In Alpha class students deepen their understanding of core topics and focus on solving challenging word problems. The curriculum draws upon Singapore Math, which aims to develop mathematical concepts for mastery.

Topics covered include operations with whole numbers, fractions, ratios, angles, decimals, percentages, averages, rates, triangles, four-sided figures, and volume.

Students engage in solving challenging word problems by modeling situations with diagrams, reasoning through logical steps, and presenting solutions for class discussion. Homework assignments provide questions of varying difficulty to reinforce skills.

Beta

>

In Beta class, students build on their learning from the Alpha level. They will deepen their understanding of each topic and focus on solving challenging word problems. The curriculum draws upon Singapore Math, which aims to develop mathematical concepts for mastery.

Topics covered include algebra, ratios, percentages, speed, irrational numbers, square and cube roots, the Pythagorean theorem, circles, and volume. Students tackle challenging word problems by modeling situations with diagrams, reasoning logically, presenting solutions, and discussing alternative approaches.

Students engage in solving challenging word problems by modeling situations with diagrams, reasoning through logical steps, and presenting solutions for class discussion. Homework assignments provide questions of varying difficulty to reinforce skills.

Gamma

>

In Gamma class, students transition to more abstract yet intuitive explorations which are both “hands on” and “intellectual”. This class is designed to entice the student into asking questions, exploring and playing with ideas, and being flexible in one’s thinking and innovative in one’s perspective. Gamma is a course in developing the mathematical habits of mind, and it represents a perfect transition into the more formal treatment of topics that comes later on.

Key topics include the basic laws of arithmetic extended to algebra, figurate numbers, primes, and factors, parity and divisibility rules, the Euclidean Algorithm and the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic, the effects of scale on area and volume, geometric and algebraic proofs of the Pythagorean theorem, the approximation of pi using Archimedes' method, surface areas and volumes of solids, including cylinders, cones, and spheres, using Cavalieri’s principle, tilings, tessellations, and Platonic solids.

Delta

>

In Delta class, students continue in their transition to more abstract yet intuitive explorations. This class is designed to entice the student into asking questions, exploring and playing with ideas, and being flexible in one’s thinking and innovative in one’s perspective.

Key topics include linear equations and inequalities, linear functions, similarity and congruence, geometric constructions, circle geometry, rationals and irrationals, exponents, logarithms, growth and decay.

Epsilon

>

In Epsilon, students develop sophisticated mathematical habits of mind and an ability to visualize mathematical relationships through the study of functions and their graphs. Epsilon continues to build the student's ability to think like a mathematician and includes more traditional, rigorous proofs, and difficult problems aligned with the BC math curriculum, preparing students for success in senior-level high school math courses.

Key topics include systems of linear equations, circle theorems, quadratic and polynomial equations and functions, radical functions and equations, inverse functions, absolute value functions, and trigonometry.

Omega

>

Omega continues to build the student's ability to think like a mathematician and includes more traditional, rigorous proofs, and difficult problems aligned with the BC math curriculum, preparing students for the next level, Calculus.

Topics include transformations of functions, exponential and logarithmic functions and equations, trigonometric functions, and sequences and series.

Calculus

>

Calculus is the mathematical study of continuous change, and it is the gateway to more advanced courses in mathematics at the university level. The application of calculus to physics and engineering was the most significant factor in the development of modern science beyond where it was in the days of Archimedes. Calculus gives engineers the ability to model and control systems, enabling extraordinary power over the material world.

Students conduct an in-depth study of continuous change, functions, graphs, limits, continuity, derivatives, integrals, and their applications in science and engineering.

Statistics

>

Statistics is an introductory course focusing on four key areas: data exploration, study planning, probability, and statistical inference. Students will be exposed to different activities, simulations and technology use to develop strategies for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. There will emphasis on effective statistical communication to prepare for written and oral analyses of real data.

Based on the AP Statistics Course by College Board, this course covers one and two-variable data, data collection, probability, random variables, probability distributions, sampling distributions, statistical inference, and linear regression.

Homework Support
Homework is assigned after each class, and is checked for completion by the teacher. We offer live online homework tutorials between each class, in which students ask the online instructor questions about the homework and get live support!
Assessment Test
Upon registering, new students receive an assessment test which is used to determine the most suitable level placement for them. Grade 5 students are NOT required to take the assessment test; instead they are automatically placed into the beginner level, Alpha, unless they wish to challenge the test.
Program Details
Program duration
September - May
Class details
17 classes (90 mins each)
Homework details
2-3 hours of homework between each class
Locations available
In-person & online
Eligibility
Grade 5-12 & Grade 4 students who demonstrate readiness
Free trail
Want to see our classes in action? Sign up for a free trial class!
A group of people sitting at desks in a classroom
Pathway to brighter futures

Unlock your child's potential today

Hear what parents, students, and teachers have to say about Math Circles.
View more
Hannah Hwang
Parent
"When I was in the high school what I did most in math classes was memorize formulas and do lots of calculations. I was blessed to find the Math Circles program. I loved the way of approaching the concepts, and I learned a lot from the materials along with my daughter. Thanks so much for providing such a wonderful program to our kids."
Gordon Hamilton
Math Educator
"Let us not equate mathematics and arithmetic; let us not equate applying algorithms and thinking. Math Circles explores mathematics that is worthy of the human intellect. It's not trying to make math easy, but celebrates the challenge of struggling with a tough problem."
Robert Huang
Graduate
"After graduating, I went to University of Waterloo and am studying Statistics. I think Math Circles helped me a lot, especially with regards to tackling a problem from multiple perspectives, which was a skill that I use a lot in both my academic work and professional work."
Simon Kim
Parent
"Once again, Andrew had a wonderful year with Math Potentials. Thank you very much for all your hard work! Andrew has gone from being very intimidated by math to feeling quite confident(sometimes boastful ha ha) and comfortable with it. He got all As last report card, and was recommended to Grade 9 Math because he had finished Grade 8 by December, so in Grade 9, he will be taking Gr10 Math."