The first math circle in the United States was started in 1994 by Robert and Ellen Kaplan, two well-known leaders in mathematics education and best-selling authors of Out of the Labyrinth: Setting Mathematics Free, which chronicles their formation of the non-profit Cambridge/Boston Math Circle at Harvard University and nearby. The Kaplans were inspired by educational techniques, developed in Russia and Eastern Europe, that emphasize group discussion, open-ended problem solving and interaction with working mathematicians.
Since their inception in 1994, math circles have become something of a phenomenon for top math students around the United States. The National Association of Math Circles lists more than 80 math circles in 29 states. The San Francisco Bay Area, known for producing a large number of qualifiers for the USA Mathematical Olympiad, is home to at least seven math circles. Prior to the formation of the Twin Cities Math Circle in 2011, however, the Minneapolis/St. Paul area was one of the few remaining large metropolitan communities that did not support a math circle for students. Now math-loving students in the Twin Cities area also have the opportunity to participate in a math circle.
Not all math circles implement the philosophy espoused by Robert and Ellen Kaplan. The mission statements and organizational principles of math circles in the United States vary widely. Some math circles concentrate exclusively on preparing students to do well in mathematics competitions. Others are focused on teaching students to find and write rigorous solutions (mathematical proofs) to standard and nonstandard math problems. Yet other math circles focus on mathematical research skills. The Twin Cities Math Circle, following the model developed by the Kaplans, focuses on deep mathematical discussion designed to uncover the beauty of mathematics. While increased student success in mathematics competitions or in schoolwork may be a byproduct of this effort, it is not the primary goal.
A video about math circles, Inside the Circle: How kids can be passionate about mathematics, is available on the website of the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute.
