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[quote=pettifogger][quote=Anonymous]I am aware of all the programs out there that accelerate kids in math/writing (AoPS, Kumon, Curie, CTY—the list is long). Are there any well regarded programs that nurture creativity in children? I’m not interested in acceleration. Thanks![/quote]

For math, try looking at material from mathematical circles. They focus much more on the 'why' instead of the 'how', and try to develop beautiful ideas via problems that are accessible to kids. There is still a lot of thinking, exploration, and problem solving, but its in a more collaborative environment as compared to something like math competitions. At a math circle students generally work together and the problems might feel a bit more puzzly than average. While math competitions also tend to have troves of really nice problems which require a lot ingenuity/creativity to solve, some math contest problems tend to be overly technical, which can end up turning off some kids who are new to problem solving.

The only issue is that in this area there are very few math circles around. American University has an online only circle that will open again in the spring, and I believe the Fairfax Math Circle (FMC) will also have a spring program. Personally, I would just buy books: The Mathematical Circles Library series of books are wonderful (they're all published by AMS, the American Mathematics Society with the specific purpose of teaching problem solving by exploring beautiful mathematical ideas). For middle schoolers (and perhaps some late elementary kids), the Mathematical Circle Diaries by Anna Burago (both volumes) are absolutely fantastic. I've been blown away by the quality of the interesting problems presented, as well as the insightful explanations, which are even better than many of the math contest questions out there. The one caveat is that the material is challenging and you need to work on it together with your child and give them guidance/encouragement as they will not be able to do it fully solo.

https://www.amazon.com/Mathematical-Circle-Diaries-Year-Curriculum/dp/0821887459[/quote]

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