Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the age requirement for attending Epsilon?
A: Epsilon Camp is structured as a multi-year experience, designed for students to grow with the program over several summers. While we serve students between the ages of 7 and 12, applicants must be at least 7 years old and no more than 10 years old at the time of entry.
Here’s how the structure works:
Pythagoras (Year 0) is our entry point for most 7–8-year-olds.
Archimedes (Year 0.5, formally known as Pythagoras Transitional) is for 8–9-year-olds who are academically ready for more challenges but not yet a full fit for Euclid, or returning Pythagoras students who are not yet of age for Euclid. Completion of pre-algebra is required to enter this level.
Euclid (Year 1) is generally for 9–10 year-olds, and serves as the first year of our structured curriculum. Completion of algebra is required to enter this level.
Students must complete Euclid before moving to Gauss (Year 2), and Gauss before advancing to Conway (Year 3).
Q: Which Level Should My Child Apply to as a First-Time Applicant?
Beginning with the 2026 admissions cycle, there is no need to select a specific level when applying. All applicants will complete the same application materials, and after reviewing your child’s assessment results and other application information, Epsilon Camp will determine placement into the level that best fits their age and readiness.
Q: Is Epsilon a residential camp or a sleep-away camp?
A: Epsilon is a residential camp, but not a sleep-away camp. You and your child stay together in a dorm on campus for the full two-week session. During the day, you drop your camper off at their classroom and then return to the dorm with them when class is over. So it’s residential, but you don’t drop off your child for two weeks. You’re right there alongside them. There is a concurrent parent program during the time when campers are in class. There are two mandatory meetings, but all other sessions are optional.
Q: What do parents do at Epsilon camp?
A: We offer a concurrent parent program designed for parents like you while your child is in class. There are two mandatory meetings, but all other sessions are optional. Most parents attend at least some sessions and find it incredibly helpful to connect with one another about parenting mathematically gifted children. Wi‑Fi is typically available both in the dorm and classroom areas, so many parents work remotely. Some families alternate weeks—one parent stays during the first week, another during the second.
Q: Where is Epsilon Camp held?
A: Epsilon Camp is typically held on a university campus, and we rotate locations every one to three years. The camp usually takes place over two weeks in July, though exact dates and campus locations may vary each year.
Q: Are siblings allowed to be at Epsilon Camp?
A: Yes, siblings are welcome on campus, even if they are not campers themselves. While they cannot participate in the student program, many families choose to bring siblings along and find ways to include them in the camp experience.
Some parents enroll younger siblings in local summer camps during the day, while others bring them to the optional parent program sessions. Siblings are also welcome to join various social activities and evening math stations, as long as they are supervised by a parent.
We’ve had many families with siblings stay on campus. Housing is typically arranged in suite-style dorms, or in adjacent rooms, so the whole family can be together. While parents are responsible for supervising siblings throughout, we consider them part of our broader camp community.
Q: Does my child need to reapply every year to Epsilon Camp?
A: No, returning campers do not need to reapply. Epsilon Camp is a multi-year program, and readmission is not competitive. Existing campers will be invited to return as long as they continue to benefit from the program.