MATH TAUGHT THE RIGHT WAY (MTRW) is a program of the Berkeley Math Circle for middle and high school students, with meetings normally held at UC Berkeley from 5-8 pm on Monday evenings throughout the academic year. The program is intellectually demanding, and it tests and encourages the mental development of students in a content-rich and challenging environment. The MTRW program does NOT conform to generic U.S. labels of math classes (e.g., Algebra 1, Algebra 2, etc.), but instead interweaves algebra and geometry with general problem-solving and writing skills. By the end of 9th grade, MTRW surpasses the regular U.S. math curriculum, in breadth, and more importantly, in depth and rigor. Learning to "read and write mathematics" is a skill that is emphasized at MTRW as the basis for communicating mathematics.
Most instructors at the MTRW have PhD, MA, or BA degrees in math or other related degrees in science and are distinguished teachers at the Berkeley Math Circle, universities, and renowned middle and high schools. MTRW students submit homework to be graded each week in each of three subjects: algebra, geometry, and proofs/problem solving. There are final exams in each subject. Report cards include the percentage of successfully completed regular and bonus work, as well as statistics for the corresponding classes, a list of top performers, and some special awards from instructors.
Historically, the program fills quite quickly, with some groups reaching capacity in less than a week. The selection process is based on high academic qualifications and a timely and complete application, including payment sent through PayPal upon acceptance. Readmission for current students is not guaranteed. We will select only those who have shown dedication and growth in the program. We also expect to accept some very strong new students.
Application Dates to Watch For:
| MTRW Fall 2025 |
Applications now open! The MTRW Fall 2025 application is available at this link. |
MTRW Fall 2025 Application Information
PROGRAM START
We are still working on our contract with the University, and while we anticipate MTRW to move forward for Fall 2025, there is still a chance it may be delayed or cancelled altogether. We are currently accepting applications and students will be placed on a waiting list in the order their application is accepted, prioritizing strong continuing students. Once we have certainty that the program will start for the Fall 2025 session, we will reach out to families for payment processing. Once that process starts, there will be a short window to receive payment (typically around 24-48 hours), so please be on the lookout for when we make that announcement and when you receive the PayPal invoice.
Remember that the space in the MTRW is very limited to the classrooms that we receive and all slots fill up quite quickly. If you are not sure you would like to participate in MTRW, you should NOT apply. If you are applying to MTRW just to "try it out," you should not apply. Spaces should be given to the most dedicated families who are ready to commit to rigorous mathematical education and have no doubts about their commitment, schedule, or situation in Fall 2025.
INSTRUCTIONAL MODE
We anticipate that MTRW sessions in the Fall 2025 semester will be held IN-PERSON, possibly with occasional online sessions as needed. Depending on local and/or national guidelines, we may re-introduce masking or even online classes if needed. Families must commit to attending in-person AND any online sessions of MTRW in Fall 2025, regardless of when/whether a change of mode may occur. It is possible, but unlikely, that a move to remote classes would be necessary for some MTRW groups but not for others, in which case siblings may be split between attending on campus and attending online at the same time.
Once enrolled and students have paid their enrollment fees, no refunds will be provided to families, regardless of changed personal circumstances or if sessions move between in-person and online modes.
FEES FOR FALL 2025
The following are the fees for the MTRW Fall 2025 Program:
- $910 for the 6A, 7A, 8A, or 9A full programs
- $303 for the 9A Proofs only program
DATES AND REMINDERS FOR FALL 2025
In total, there are 15 class meetings, all on Mondays from 5-8pm.
- First day of class: August 25th, 2025
- Last day of class: December 8th, 2025
Note that MTRW will NOT be meeting on September 1st (Labor Day), but we WILL be meeting on all other Mondays in this date range, including Indigenous People's Day (Monday, October 13th) & Thanksgiving Week (Monday, November 24th).
Final Exams will be conducted during the last two weeks of classes, at a schedule and in modes (in person or take-home), as determined by the instructors. Families cannot request make-up Finals or alternative final exams.
Application link
The MTRW Fall 2025 Application is available through this form.
Acceptances will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, so families are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Most acceptances are completed within the first two weeks of the portal being open. Later applications will be reviewed only if space remains. We strongly recommend submitting applications as early as possible.
Please, DO NOT contact MTRW staff with non-emergency questions at any time. Ignoring this policy may hurt your admission chances. We do NOT reply to email inquiries as we do NOT have the resources to answer questions from hundreds of families via email.
Brief description of MTRW groups
6A Group
5:00-8:00pm (Algebra, Geometry, and Problem Solving). Intended for 6th graders or motivated 7th graders who lack some background.
7A Group
5:00-8:00pm (Algebra, Geometry, and Problem Solving). Intended for 7th graders and advanced 6th graders who successfully completed 6B MTRW.
8A Group
5:00-8:00pm (Algebra, Geometry, and Proofs). Intended for 8th graders and advanced 7th graders who have successfully completed the MTRW 7B material.
9A Group
5:00-8:00pm (Algebra, Geometry, and Proofs). Intended for 9th-12th graders and advanced 8th graders who have successfully completed the MTRW 8B material.
9A Proofs-only Subgroup
5:00-6:00pm (9A Proofs); restricted only to 10th-12th graders or students who have completed the MTRW 8B material.
Fees for MTRW Fall 2025
Payments will be collected only from admitted students after we sign the agreement for this fall. Payments must be made online within 48 hours of the acceptance email and invoice being sent.
DO NOT SEND PAYMENTS before you have received such an email.
- $910 for 6A Group (Algebra, Geometry, Problem Solving; 5-8 pm Mondays)
- $910 for 7A Group (Algebra, Geometry, Problem Solving; 5-8 pm Mondays)
- $910 for 8A Group (Algebra, Geometry, Proofs; 5-8 pm Mondays)
- $910 for 9A Group (Algebra, Geometry, Proofs; 5-8 pm Mondays)
- $303 for 9A Subgroup (Proofs-only; 5-6 pm Mondays)
REMINDER: Students should only enroll if they can regularly attend classes live, regardless of whether they are held online or on campus.
No refunds will be provided for any reason after a student is enrolled in the program.