12 Math Programs for High School Students in Tennessee
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you’re interested in math, you might be looking for ways to go beyond what your high school classes offer. Structured programs can introduce you to advanced topics like geometry, combinatorics, statistics, and proof-based problem-solving while helping you build skills in logical reasoning and analytical thinking. They also provide opportunities to explore how mathematics connects to fields like engineering, computer science, and research.
In Tennessee, math programs are offered through universities, statewide academic initiatives, enrichment organizations, and online learning providers. These opportunities include summer academies, competition-focused courses, dual-credit programs, research experiences, and long-term academic support initiatives that vary in structure and intensity.
Why should I do a math program in high school?
Math programs allow you to explore concepts that extend beyond the standard curriculum while strengthening your problem-solving and quantitative reasoning abilities. You might work on proof-writing, solve competition-style problems, study advanced algebra or geometry, participate in research-focused projects, or collaborate with peers on challenging mathematical concepts under the guidance of instructors and mentors. Over time, these experiences can deepen your understanding of mathematics, build your confidence in analytical work, and prepare you for future study in STEM-related fields.
To help you navigate your options, we’ve narrowed down 12 math programs for high school students in Tennessee.
If you’re looking for STEM programs in Tennessee, check out our blog here.
Location: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Cost: Free; room, meals, tuition, and required books are fully covered
Dates: May 31 – June 27
Application Deadline: December 5
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending school in Tennessee
The Governor’s School for the Sciences and Engineering (GSSE) is a four-week residential STEM program at the University of Tennessee, where students take advanced coursework in subjects such as mathematics, engineering, physics, artificial intelligence, and computer science. Participants engage in laboratory work, collaborative projects, seminars, and research-focused activities while earning five college credit hours through the university. The program also gives students the opportunity to live on campus and work closely with faculty and peers interested in STEM. For students interested in mathematics, the program offers exposure to quantitative problem-solving and college-level analytical coursework within a broader STEM curriculum.
Location: Remote - you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world
Cost: Fully funded
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November). You can apply here.
Eligibility: High school students (or students planning to enroll as college freshmen in the fall) with strong academic achievement (typically an unweighted GPA of 3.3/4.0 or higher); no prior research experience required
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as math, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper.
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Cost: None
Dates: Spring sessions: January 20, February 3, February 17, March 3, March 17, March 31
Application Deadline: Registration required; No specific deadline
Eligibility: Students from grades 7 - 12
The Nashville Math Circle is a tuition-free enrichment program for students in grades 7 through 12 interested in developing creative problem-solving skills in mathematics. The program introduces you to advanced mathematical thinking beyond the standard school curriculum. You’ll explore algorithmic, algebraic, and geometric approaches to problem-solving in a collaborative and supportive environment. The program emphasizes creativity, logical reasoning, and exposure to higher-level mathematical ideas through accessible yet challenging problems. You’ll work both independently and in groups, strengthening your analytical skills while discovering the beauty and depth of mathematics.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid available
Dates: Spring and Fall cohorts run 15 weeks; Summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts. Apply here.
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic standing (typically >3.67/4.0 GPA). Most accepted students are in 10th or 11th grade; select tracks may require prerequisites
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) is a trimester-long virtual research program designed for those interested in advanced academic inquiry. You can choose from subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, and more. A distinctive feature of Horizon is the opportunity to pursue either quantitative or qualitative research, depending on the selected track. You are paired with a professor or PhD scholar who provides mentorship and guidance throughout the research process. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a 20-page research paper suitable for submission to high school research journals. The program also offers detailed project feedback and a letter of recommendation to support your future academic pursuits.
Location: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Cost: Federally funded TRiO program
Dates: Academic Year Component: Weekly check-ins and monthly Saturday sessions; Six-Week Residential Summer Component (dates vary annually)
Application Deadline: Students must apply and be admitted into the program
Eligibility: High school students from designated target schools in East Tennessee (primarily first-generation and/or income-eligible students interested in STEM fields)
Math and Science Upward Bound (MSUB) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a federally funded TRiO program that supports high school students in pursuing four-year degrees and careers in STEM fields. The program provides instruction in mathematics and science, including hands-on laboratory research experiences with UTK faculty, graduate students, and STEM professionals. You’ll receive tutoring, college admissions guidance, ACT preparation, and financial aid assistance through school-based support and monthly Saturday sessions. The six-week residential summer component offers academic coursework, scientific research projects, cultural enrichment activities, and a culminating educational trip. MSUB also offers a competitive Bridge scholarship for graduating seniors to attend UTK the summer after high school.
Location: Tennessee public high schools and eligible private schools
Cost: Free
Dates: Semester-long or year-long courses offered during the academic year
Application Deadline: Determined by participating high schools
Eligibility: Tennessee high school juniors and seniors who meet course-specific prerequisites
The program provides free, research-based developmental math courses designed to help high school students meet college- and career-readiness benchmarks before graduation. Courses such as HS Statistics (including Statewide Dual Credit options) and Mathematical Reasoning for Decision Making allow students to earn fourth-year math credit while potentially bypassing remedial coursework at Tennessee community colleges and Colleges of Applied Technology. The curriculum was developed collaboratively by K–12 teachers and college faculty and includes ongoing in-person support for participating schools. SAILS is recognized nationally for its impact on reducing remediation in college and improving postsecondary outcomes.
Location: Hosted in partnership with Tennessee community colleges
Cost: Free
Dates: Summer following high school graduation
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Academically at-risk students who will be first-time college freshmen in the fall
In partnership with Tennessee community colleges, the program offers two formats, Summer Bridge and Summer Institute, to strengthen skills in reading, English, and math before the fall semester begins. You’ll also participate in leadership and college success workshops through daily “lunch and learn” sessions. Outcomes data show strong impact: 98% of you report feeling more academically prepared after completing the program, and you’ll demonstrate significantly higher graduation rates compared to at-risk peers. The Summer Bridge program has served over 6,000 students, while the Summer Institute allows you to earn up to nine college credit hours before starting college. Overall, the initiative aims to eliminate the need for remediation and help you begin college with confidence and momentum.
Location: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN & University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, TN
Cost: $100
Dates: June 2 – 13 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: Not specified (Applications reviewed by site coordinators; apply via the Go Vols portal)
Eligibility: Students who struggled in Algebra during the school year (middle/high school level; specific grade levels not specified)
The Summer Algebra Enrichment Program is a two-week academic enrichment experience designed to strengthen foundational Algebra I skills for those who need additional support. The program combines structured morning instruction in Algebra with engaging afternoon STEM experiences. You’ll participate in remedial algebra sessions focused on reinforcing key concepts and problem-solving strategies essential for future success in mathematics. Beyond classroom learning, you’ll engage in college and career exploration sessions, mentorship from current college students, and hands-on STEM activities that connect algebraic thinking to real-world applications.
Location: Online (Hosted by Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth)
Cost: $1,650 tuition + $15 online registration fee; $55 CTY membership fee (if not already a member). Financial aid available
Dates: Runs year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Grades 6 – 11; CTY Level Quantitative identification required; prerequisite of successful completion of Algebra I or Honors Algebra I
Honors Geometry through the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth is an online course equivalent to a full-year honors geometry curriculum. You’ll explore geometric proofs, triangle relationships, transformations, right triangle trigonometry, circles, polygons, three-dimensional figures, and probability. The course is designed to prepare you for Algebra II and Trigonometry while strengthening logical reasoning and proof-writing skills. Instruction is delivered through a virtual classroom platform featuring video, voice, screen sharing, and interactive whiteboards. You can connect with instructors via email or schedule one-on-one virtual meetings for additional support. The course is for advanced middle and high school students seeking a challenging and structured mathematics experience.
Location: Online
Cost: $1,365 tuition + $15 online registration fee (CTY membership join fee: $55 if not already a member). Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Summer A: June 17 – July 22 | Summer B: July 13 – August 17
Application Deadline: Summer A: May 11 | Summer B: June 8
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-11 who meet CTY Quantitative (CTY-Level) Identification requirements. No coursework prerequisites listed
Advanced Competitive Math is an online enrichment course offered by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY), designed for middle and high school students interested in mathematics competitions. The course provides an overview of key topics commonly tested in contests such as the AMC 10 and AMC 12, including algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. You’ll strengthen problem-solving strategies through collaborative work, structured explanations, and competition-style practice problems. The curriculum emphasizes strategic thinking, test-taking techniques, and building mathematical confidence. While there are no formal coursework prerequisites, you must qualify through CTY’s identification process.
Location: Online (Live via Art of Problem Solving Online)
Cost: $585 ($49 per lesson)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: March 1 – May 17 | June 17 – September 2
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment before each cohort (exact deadline not specified)
Eligibility: Designed for students preparing for national high school Olympiads such as the USA Mathematical Olympiad. Students should have a strong background in geometry, problem-solving experience, and familiarity with writing mathematical proofs
Olympiad Geometry is a 12-week advanced mathematics course focused on developing proof-based geometric problem-solving skills at the national Olympiad level. The curriculum covers core and advanced topics, including similar triangles, cyclic quadrilaterals, power of a point, homothety, inversion, transformations, Ceva's and Menelaus's theorems, radical axis, locus, constructions, collinearity, concurrence, and three-dimensional geometry. You’ll engage deeply with rigorous proof-writing and non-routine problems typical of high-level competitions. The course is designed to strengthen both conceptual understanding and technical fluency in geometry. Through structured lessons and challenging problem sets, you’ll refine your ability to approach complex Olympiad-style proofs with clarity and precision.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,275 – $1,575 per course, depending on enrollment period (multi-course discounts available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Admission based on application and problem-solving admission test
Dates: Session 1: June 8 – 26 | Session 2: June 29 – July 17 | Session 3: July 20 – August 7
Application Deadline: Regular Round 1: February 18 | Regular Round 2: March 25 | Late Round 1: April 22 | Late Round 2 (Final): May 26
Eligibility: Gifted middle and high school students worldwide interested in advanced problem-solving and competition mathematics
The AwesomeMath Summer Program is a three-week online mathematics program designed for motivated middle and high school students seeking advanced training in problem-solving and competition math. You can enroll in one or multiple courses across sessions, choosing from subjects such as algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory. Each course includes daily live instructor-led lectures, structured problem-solving sessions, graded homework, weekly assessments, and regular office hours. The program is particularly suited for those preparing for contests such as AMC 10/12, AIME, and USA(J)MO. Classes are interactive and recorded for review, allowing flexibility while maintaining rigorous expectations. You may attend one, two, or all three sessions depending on your academic goals and schedule.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.