15 Math Programs for High School Students in Maryland
- Stephen Turban
- 4 hours ago
- 11 min read
If you’re a high school student who finds math interesting and wants to go beyond the standard curriculum, a math program can help you explore the subject more deeply. These programs often introduce advanced concepts, expose you to different ways of approaching problems, and give you a sense of how mathematics is studied at universities.
Maryland offers a wide range of opportunities for students who want to study math outside the regular classroom. Universities, research institutions, and STEM-focused organizations across the state run programs that allow high school students to work on challenging problems, interact with instructors, and experience a more rigorous academic environment.
Why should I do a math program in high school?
As students progress in math, many begin looking for opportunities that go beyond routine assignments and exam preparation. Math programs allow you to tackle complex problems, learn proof techniques, and understand how mathematical ideas connect to fields like computer science, engineering, and data analysis. Participating in one of these programs can also demonstrate academic curiosity and commitment in college applications.
With that in mind, here are 15 math programs for high school students in Maryland!
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are free and highly competitive, including Brin Maryland Mathematics Camp (limited to 35 students), SAAMS at Morgan State, and Girls Talk Math Camp at UMD, while others like SAAMS also provide a stipend.
Remote and virtual options — including Lumiere, HARP, and RSM — make advanced math programs accessible to students across Maryland regardless of location.
Programs range from intensive two-week residential experiences (BMMC, JHU pre-college, USNA STEM) to year-round after-school tracks (RSM, AoPS Academy, Mathnasium).
Several programs connect mathematics directly to applied fields: actuarial science (SAAMS), artificial intelligence (JHU, HARP), aerospace (Baltimore SEMAA), and competition math (AoPS, RSM).
Most summer program deadlines fall between February and April, so students should research options and prepare applications during the fall or winter semester.
Location: Remote (accessible worldwide)
Cost: Varies by program track; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts (summer, fall, winter, spring); 12 weeks to 1 year options
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students demonstrating strong academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective, mentor-driven research experience designed for high-achieving high school students. In this program, you are paired 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor to design and execute an independent research project in your chosen subject area. Over the course of the program, typically 12 weeks, with extended options available, you develop a structured research paper grounded in academic methodology and critical analysis. If you are interested in mathematics, you can pursue topics such as data science, applied mathematics, quantitative economics, theoretical modeling, or computational research. By the end of the program, you will have produced a polished research paper that can strengthen college applications.
Location: Primarily virtual; final week on campus at Morgan State University (Baltimore, MD)
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive (application and interview required)
Program Dates: June 29 – July 24
Application Deadline: Priority – February 28; General – April 30
Eligibility: Rising 11th or 12th graders, or graduating seniors entering Morgan State University; interest in Mathematics, Actuarial Science, or Computer Science required
Morgan State University hosts the Summer Academy of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences as a program that introduces high school students to mathematics-driven careers such as actuarial science, finance, and data analysis. During the program, you attend mathematics classes while also learning how risk models and statistical tools are used in real industries. Workshops explain how these fields connect with university majors and professional certification pathways. The schedule also includes field trips and discussions with professionals working in quantitative careers. The final week takes place on the Morgan State campus, where you experience residential university life.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by track; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Spring and Fall (15 weeks); Summer (10 weeks, June–September)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines for Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic standing (typically 3.67/4.0 GPA or higher); most accepted students are in 10th or 11th grade; select tracks have prerequisites
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) is a trimester-long virtual research experience that allows high school students to pursue in-depth projects across disciplines, including data science, machine learning, mathematics, and related quantitative fields. After selecting a subject track, you are paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar who mentors you throughout the research process. As a participant, you design and complete a substantial research paper grounded in either quantitative or qualitative methods, depending on your chosen track. For students interested in mathematics, this may involve statistical modeling, computational analysis, or theoretical problem-solving frameworks. The program also provides structured feedback, project refinement support, and a letter of recommendation upon completion.
Location: Salisbury, Maryland (Wicomico County Public Schools)
Cost: Free (public school program)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment within WCPS high schools
Program Dates: Academic year (semester-based schedule)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Enrolled WCPS high school students
Wicomico County Public Schools offers a structured mathematics pathway that follows the Revised Maryland Math Standards across its high schools. The sequence typically moves through Algebra, Geometry, and advanced courses before branching into electives such as AP mathematics or dual enrollment classes. The district allows motivated students to take more than one math class in the same year to accelerate progress. Summer options such as Honors Geometry or Honors Algebra 2 also help students move through the sequence faster. Digital platforms like ALEKS and DeltaMath track performance and assign practice sets tailored to your progress.
Location: University of Maryland, College Park
Cost: Free (with a $25 registration fee to secure a spot)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; limited to 35 students
Program Dates: June 22 – July 2
Application Deadline: Not specified (competitive selection)
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors; calculus required
The Brin Maryland Mathematics Camp takes place at the University of Maryland and brings together a small group of high school students who already have strong preparation in advanced mathematics. The two-week program includes daily lectures delivered by university faculty along with extended sessions devoted to solving challenging mathematical problems. Many topics move beyond standard high school material and explore deeper theoretical ideas. Calculus knowledge is required before attending, and admission is competitive because the program accepts only a limited number of students each year. Graduate students and undergraduate math majors assist faculty in guiding the problem-solving sessions.
Location: Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; statewide participation
Program Dates: Academic year (fall, winter, spring Saturday sessions) and summer sessions (when offered)
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Maryland students in grades K–12 and their parents
Baltimore SEMAA operates at Morgan State University as part of a national STEM education initiative supported by NASA. The program runs academic-year sessions and occasional summer activities where mathematics is taught through applied science and engineering projects. Many activities connect mathematical reasoning with aerospace themes such as flight simulation, navigation systems, and atmospheric science. The Aerospace Education Laboratory allows you to work through aviation-related challenges that require careful calculations and technical reasoning. Another feature is the STARLAB portable planetarium, which introduces astronomy concepts through guided demonstrations.
Location: Brooklandville, MD
Cost: Tuition-based independent school program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admission (independent school)
Program Dates: Academic year (Pre-K–12 curriculum)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Enrolled Park School students (Lower, Middle, and Upper School divisions)
The Park School of Baltimore runs a mathematics track that grows steadily from basic reasoning to advanced theory. The approach focuses on understanding how mathematical ideas work. You spend time examining patterns, breaking problems apart, and testing logical arguments. Small group investigations and collaborative projects are common in classes. By the later years, you can move into subjects such as calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, or mathematical modeling.
Location: Centers in DC & Maryland region (with additional locations nationwide and online)
Cost: Tuition-based (varies by campus and course load)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Placement-based; average class size 12 students
Program Dates: Academic year; weekly sessions (2–4 hours per week)
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students; placement determined by evaluation
The Russian School of Mathematics runs an after-school mathematics program where classes focus on advanced problem solving and layered mathematical reasoning. The high school sequence includes Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, and Statistics while also preparing you for SAT, ACT, AP exams, and math competitions. Placement testing determines whether you enter accelerated, advanced, or honors tracks based on your readiness. Classes are small, usually around a dozen students, which allows teachers to walk through complex solutions step by step. Many lessons involve multi-stage problems that combine ideas from several earlier topics.
Location: Montgomery County, MD (Montgomery College campuses and virtual options)
Cost: Affordable youth program fees; scholarships may be available for eligible participants
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; varies by class
Program Dates: Spring, Summer, and School-Year sessions
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students ages K–12 (including high school) interested in enrichment courses
Montgomery College runs youth education programs that include mathematics workshops, short courses, and STEAM-focused summer camps. The offerings often include classes designed to reinforce algebra skills, introduce geometry concepts, or prepare you for upcoming math coursework. Many sessions combine mathematics with engineering or science challenges, so the concepts are applied in real-world settings. Some camps focus on practical activities such as coding, engineering puzzles, and applied problem-solving. The programs are shorter than full academic courses but still give structured exposure to mathematical thinking.
Location: Potomac, MD (The Heights School)
Cost: $1,500 (6-week program)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; individualized instruction
Program Dates: June 22 – July 27
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until program is full
Eligibility: Students in Grades 3–12
The Heights School Summer Math Enrichment Program begins with a diagnostic assessment that identifies exactly which topics you have already mastered and where additional work is needed. Teachers then design a six-week study plan that targets those specific areas while also introducing new material when you are ready. Some students use the program to review algebra or geometry topics that caused difficulty during the school year. Others move ahead into pre-calculus concepts or more advanced coursework. Classes are small, which allows instructors to monitor progress carefully and adjust assignments throughout the program.
Location: Gambrills, MD
Cost: Tuition-based (contact center for pricing); early bird discount available for SAT program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; small-group instruction
Program Dates: Summer SAT Program (June 1 – August 31); Traditional Enrollment available year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment; SAT early bird promotion ends May 31
Eligibility: Students in Grades K–12 (program varies by grade level)
Mathnasium of Gambrills offers structured mathematics instruction through both year-round sessions and a dedicated SAT preparation program during the summer months. Lessons are designed around individualized learning plans that identify gaps in algebra, geometry, or advanced math topics. Instructors guide you through targeted problem sets while explaining the reasoning behind each solution method. The SAT program focuses on the math sections of the test and includes timed exercises along with strategy discussions. Small group settings allow instructors to track your progress and adjust lessons when certain topics require more practice.
Location: United States Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD
Cost: $450 program fee; financial aid available (including travel assistance)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Program Dates: Rising 9th Graders: June 1 – 6, Rising 10th Graders: June 8 – 13, Rising 11th Graders: June 15 – 19
Application Deadline: March 31 (applications open January 6)
Eligibility: Rising 9th, 10th, or 11th graders (students must attend the session designated for their grade level)
The U.S. Naval Academy Summer STEM Program brings high school students to the Annapolis campus for a week of engineering and mathematics projects led by academy faculty. Each day includes hands-on academic modules where you work through real technical challenges involving design, mechanics, and coding. Activities may involve analyzing structures in a wind tunnel, reverse-engineering engines, or writing programs that control small robotic systems. Mathematical reasoning appears constantly throughout these projects because calculations guide the engineering decisions. Midshipmen also take part in the program and help explain how academic training works inside the academy.
Location: University of Maryland, College Park
Cost: Not specified (check program site for updates)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: July 7 – July 18 (weekdays)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders attending high school within commuting distance of the University of Maryland
Girls Talk Math Camp at the University of Maryland introduces mathematical ideas that extend far beyond the topics usually taught in high school classrooms. Short lectures from mathematicians lead into collaborative problem-solving sessions where you explore advanced concepts together with the group. A central part of the camp involves producing a podcast about a mathematician’s research and contributions to the field. You research the topic, write a script, record the episode, and edit the final audio for publication. Panels with women working in mathematics and related fields also provide insight into academic research and professional careers.
Location: Homewood Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
Cost: Tuition-based (1 college credit; see JHU Pre-College for pricing)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective (pre-college enrollment)
Program Dates: July 20 – July 30 (2 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by pre-college admissions cycle
Eligibility: Pre-college high school students; prerequisite of Algebra I; laptop required
Johns Hopkins University offers the course “Foundational Mathematics of Artificial Intelligence” as a pre-college program that introduces the mathematical models behind machine learning systems. The class examines techniques such as linear regression, classification trees, neural networks, and k-nearest neighbor algorithms. Python programming is used to build these models and test them on real datasets, so you can see how predictions are generated. Coursework also discusses how errors appear in models and how statistical assumptions affect results. The short course provides an early look at the mathematics that supports modern AI technologies.
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland
Cost: Tuition-based (varies by course and term)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Placement-based; small, advanced cohorts
Program Dates: Academic year (after school and weekends); two-week summer camps
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment (placement required)
Eligibility: Students in Grades 1–12; designed for highly motivated learners
AoPS Academy Gaithersburg offers advanced mathematics courses designed for students who want deeper problem-solving practice beyond standard school curricula. The program follows the Art of Problem Solving teaching style, where lessons revolve around complex questions that require careful reasoning and multiple solution approaches. Placement testing determines the class level before enrollment, so each group works at a similar pace. Topics include number theory, probability, algebra, geometry, and other areas that often appear in mathematics competitions. The academy also runs two-week summer camps that compress these challenging problem-solving sessions into an intensive format.
Frequently asked questions
What types of math programs are available for high school students in Maryland?
Options include university research programs (Lumiere, HARP), residential summer camps (BMMC, USNA STEM), after-school enrichment (RSM, AoPS Academy, Mathnasium), applied STEM programs (Baltimore SEMAA, JHU pre-college), and school-year academic tracks (Wicomico County, Park School).
Are there free math programs for high school students in Maryland?
Yes, several programs are free, including BMMC at the University of Maryland, SAAMS at Morgan State (which also offers a stipend), Baltimore SEMAA, Girls Talk Math Camp, and the Wicomico County public school pathway. Programs like Lumiere and HARP charge tuition but offer financial aid.
Which Maryland math programs are best for students interested in competition math?
AoPS Academy Gaithersburg and the Russian School of Mathematics both focus heavily on advanced problem-solving and competition preparation, covering topics like number theory, combinatorics, and algebra at a level well beyond the standard school curriculum.
Are there math programs in Maryland that connect to careers or applied fields?
Yes — SAAMS at Morgan State introduces actuarial science and finance, Johns Hopkins' pre-college course covers the mathematics behind AI and machine learning, Baltimore SEMAA connects math to aerospace and NASA themes, and the USNA Summer STEM Program applies mathematical reasoning to engineering challenges.
What is the most selective math program for high school students in Maryland?
BMMC at the University of Maryland is among the most selective, accepting only 35 students per year and requiring prior calculus knowledge. SAAMS also requires an application and interview, and Girls Talk Math Camp has a selective admissions process.
When should I apply to math programs in Maryland?
Deadlines vary widely. SAAMS has a priority deadline of February 28, USNA STEM closes March 31, and BMMC and Girls Talk Math Camp post competitive deadlines on their websites. Students should check each program's site in the fall and aim to apply by early spring for summer programs.
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.