Prime Factor Math Circle

The Math Circles History

The math circles tradition comes from the Eastern Europe.
The extensive system of Math Circles helped to educate and to develop the creative potential of generations of talented students. While many of those those became mathematicians, others chose other professions. A lot of circle graduates consider it an honor to contribute back to the system by teaching and providing other types of assistance.

In recent years, the popularity of the extracurricular "circle-style" mathematics in US has been steadily growing. Some parents see this type of math as a way to develop their children's creative thinking skills. Others treat the circle math as means for developing appreciation of the subject and stimulating interest in learning. Many parents want to boost their children's mathematical knowledge, get children involved in participation in mathematical competitions and Olympiads. In addition, more and more universities are starting to consider an idea of running mathematical circles as their honorable  contribution to US school education.

You can read more about US math circles at the National Association of Math Circles web site.

The Prime Factor History

The Prime Factor was officially created in Summer 2010. It is a direct spin-off from the Northwest Academy of Sciences  (an organization that hosts the existing system of the volunteer-run math circles and  hosts the local chapter of the Math Kangaroo competition).  The idea behind the creation of Prime Factor is to expand the network of Math Circles that are available to Seattle area students.