Rising sixth grader Catherine has been accepted into the Mirzakhani Circle for the 2026–2027 academic year, a selective mathematics enrichment program for talented female students across the United States and Canada.
The Mirzakhani Circle is named in honor of Dr. Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman to receive the prestigious Fields Medal, often regarded as the highest honor in mathematics. Offered through a partnership between the A-Star Foundation and AlphaStar Academy, the program provides a collaborative community where mathematically gifted girls explore challenging problems, develop advanced problem-solving skills, and build lasting friendships with peers who share their passion for mathematics.
Admission to the program is competitive and by application. Earlier this summer, Catherine received an invitation to apply based on her strong performance in the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC). After reviewing her application, the admissions committee accepted her into the Middle School Circle for the upcoming academic year.
Throughout the school year, students participate in collaborative online mathematical problem-solving sessions and are grouped according to their mathematical background, so they can learn alongside peers at a similar level. The program emphasizes creativity, logical reasoning, and mathematical communication.
We are incredibly proud of Catherine for earning this opportunity! Way to go Catherine!