Fall 2026

For students in Grades K-5*:

Kids are introduced to topics from number theory, geometry, combinatorics, probability, and more. 

We employ games, hands-on activities, and magic tricks to demonstrate and explore math concepts. Kids are encouraged to ask questions, present arguments, and reason. Students acquire problem-solving and logical thinking skills while building a solid foundation and understanding of mathematics.

At our math classes we show your child that math can be incredibly creative, exciting, and fun.

We offer small class sizes (no more than 10!), experienced and enthusiastic teachers, and an individual approach according to each student’s needs. 

*  Kindergarten students need to have prerequisites. Please call (510) 488-4556 or email info@FirecrackerMath.org to request more information. 

For students in Grades 6-9:

Students are introduced to topics from number theory, geometry, combinatorics, probability, and more.

We focus on an in-depth understanding of math concepts and mathematical proofs. Kids learn problem solving techniques and logical reasoning skills.

Theoretical instruction is combined with practical exercises that employ chess, games, and logical puzzles to demonstrate mathematical concepts. Kids are encouraged to explore, discuss ideas, and work together as a team.

At our math classes, we show your child that math can be incredibly creative, exciting, and fun.

We offer small class sizes (no more than 12), experienced and enthusiastic teachers, and an individual approach according to each student’s needs.

Algebra 1 – Early Access:

This 11-week course for middle schoolers covers the first term of a full-year Algebra 1 course in depth. The full Algebra 1 course is completed over two or three 14-week long terms, depending upon your student’s dedication and progress rate. 

• The class is for 7th and 8th grade students (6th graders are allowed on a case-by-case basis).  Students are expected to complete pre-Algebra prerequisites or equivalent;
• The class meets once a week for 75 min in-person on Wednesdays and once a week for 60 min online (for homework help) over Zoom on Mondays;
• Additional time of at least 1 hour per week of homework will be expected

AMC 8 Preparation:

This 10 week-long course is designed to prepare students for AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) exam.
Students develop skills in problem solving, logical reasoning and creative approach to math challenges. They explore a variety of topics from number theory, algebra, geometry, combinatorics, probability and more. Students learn to apply various problem-solving strategies while working on AMC-style problems. 

• The class is for 6-8th grade students.
• Dates: October – January 
• For those students who will be taking the exam: check the registration dates and the exam dates at the AMC site
• Students CAN participate in class but opt out of the AMC exam.

Math Kangaroo Preparation:

These weekly workshops will offer preparation and coaching for students participating in Math Kangaroo, a fun, introductory math competition in the United States and worldwide, on the third Thursday in March. The workshop will include preparation, coaching, and sampling real test problems. Students CAN participate in the class but opt out from taking the exam. Classes are in-person or online.  

Class Starts August 28

AMC 10/12 Preparation:

This 10 week-long course is designed to prepare students for AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) exam.
Students develop skills in problem solving, logical reasoning and creative approach to math challenges. They explore a variety of topics from number theory, algebra, geometry, combinatorics, probability and more. Students learn to apply various problem-solving strategies while working on AMC-style problems. 

• The class is for 8-12th grade students.
• It is a 10-week-long class that meets once a week for 1 hour. 
• For those students who will be taking the exam: you must register for the test via AMC site
• Students CAN participate in class but opt out from taking the exam.

Concepts of Algebra:

In this class, students learn algebra concepts through puzzles, games, and activities. Playing a game called the Game of Nim leads to a new operation on numbers, which allows us to examine the commutative and associative properties. Figuring out who wins at interplanetary soccer is all about determinants. We will learn vector addition, talk about permutations and their properties, learn and explore binary numbers, and much more.

The class does not replace any school algebra class. The focus is on the conceptual foundation and building mental muscles.

• The class is for 5-8th grade students.
• It is a term-long class that meets once a week for 1 hour.

Introduction to Calculus: Math in Motion

Can an arrow reach its destination if it first passes through an infinite number of points in between? How fast is a ball you throw going at the peak of its path? Is it possible to add up infinitely many numbers? What does it mean for a car to have a certain speed at a certain instant if it doesn’t travel any distance in that instant? These and other questions are the focus of calculus, and we will investigate them in this course. Students will explore and understand the concepts of SLOPE, LIMIT, and DERIVATIVE and how they are connected. There won’t be much calculation, but many mental experiments, concept discussions, and fun working together as a group. There will be minimal mandatory homework.

• The class is for 7-11th grade students. 7th and 8th graders must have already taken Pre-Algebra course or equivalent at their school. 
• It is a term-long class that meets once a week for 75 min

The teacher is Dr. Eli Lebow, who did his undergraduate work at Harvard University in mathematics and physics and his Ph.D. at Cal in mathematics. Among other places, he taught middle school students at the Academic Talent Development Program in Berkeley.