Welcome to the Math Circle

Note: Winter session starts January, 15th. We will meet every Sunday. The last meeting of the Winter quarter is March, 18th. 

Los Angeles Math Circle (LAMC) is a top-tier math circle open to elementary, middle and high school students interested in mathematics and eager to learn. LAMC is a program of the Department of Mathematics at UCLA and is supported by the National Science Foundation, the Boeing Employees Community Fund, Raytheon, a gift from the Glickman family, and math circle families donations. 

Following the traditions of Russian and Eastern European math circles, the program focuses on showcasing the beauty of mathematics and its applications, improving problem solving skills, preparing students for a variety of contests and competitions, creating a social context for mathematically inclined students as well as attracting students to math-related careers.

Types of meetings:

• problem-solving sessions (most of the meetings);
• expository talks on various topics;
• preparation for the American Mathematical Competitions (AMC8, AMC10, AMC12, AIME, USAMO);

The topics we cover are as varied as advanced plane geometry, elementary number theory, fractals, combinatorics, game theory for the older students, logic, counting techniques, basic combinatorics for the younger ones. The main goal is to learn wonderful mathematics not covered in a typical school curriculum but accessible to the mathematically inclined students. Another goal is to actively engage students in problem solving and to learn effective problem solving strategies. To get an idea of what we are doing, please look at the titles and descriptions of past meetings which are available on our "Circle calendar" for the current year and on our "Archive" page for previous years.

Math Circle Structure

In 2011-2012, Math Circle will have the following levels of participation:

• Early Elementary Circle  (grades 1-2; room MS 3915H, 1 hr) is  led by Melinda Speckman;
• Junior Circle (two groups, for grades 3-4; room MS 3915A, 1 hr)  is  led by Alyssa Perez (Fall quarter) and  Dr. Oleg Gleizer (Winter quarter);
• LAMC Beginners (grades 4-6;  NEW ROOM starting 2/12/12: MS 3974) is led by Clint Givens;
• LAMC Intermediate (grades 6-8; room MS 6201) is led by Farzin Barekat and John Lensmire;
• LAMC Advanced (grades 8-9; room MS 6221) is led by Mike Hall;
• LAMC High School (grades 10-12; NEW ROOM starting 2/12/12: MS 6627) is coordinated by Yingkun Li;

All Math Circle meetings take place on Sunday at UCLA during the following time intervals:

Early Elementary Circle meets during the following time period (TBA);

Junior Circle groups meet 3:45-4:45 p.m. (first group) and 5-6 p.m. (second group);

All other groups meet 4-6 p.m. 

Enrollment for 2011-2012

To attend  LAMC, please go to "Sign up" on the left toolbar and  first register your family for the Math Circle by  filling  out the registration form electronically. Once your family is registered,  you will be able to sign up each of the children for an appropriate group.  Returning students who are submitting the  form before August, 15th are guaranteed enrollment. New students will receive approval based their priority date and the number of spaces left. Space in most groups is limited due to room size. 

For early elementary circle (new group), first priority is given to younger siblings of students who have regularly attended the math circle in 2011-2012 and are continuing this year. 

In addition to the lead instructors, each Math Circle meeting is attended by a group of outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who are being trained in teaching extra-curricular mathematics to advanced school students. They offer a lot of individual attention to the circle's participants. 

• Important Note -- Math. Sci. Building access

Please refer to FAQs if you have questions about the proper placement (choice of group) and other questions related to math circle.

Please see our Directions page for details on how to get there.