15 Math Programs for High School Students in Texas
- Stephen Turban
- 1 hour ago
- 14 min read
If you’re interested in mathematics, participating in a structured program can help you explore concepts that go beyond the standard high school curriculum. These opportunities introduce you to areas such as mathematical research, competition mathematics, proof-writing, data analysis, and advanced problem-solving while helping you strengthen logical reasoning and quantitative thinking. They also provide opportunities to engage with challenging ideas in collaborative academic settings.
In Texas, math programs are offered through universities, research organizations, enrichment providers, and academic outreach initiatives across the state. These opportunities include residential summer camps, pre-college courses, research experiences, competition-focused programs, and college-level classes that vary in length, structure, and area of focus.
Why should I do a math program in high school?
Math programs allow you to deepen your understanding of mathematical concepts while developing skills that are valuable across STEM, economics, finance, and data-driven fields. Depending on the program, you might explore advanced topics such as combinatorics and number theory, conduct research projects, prepare for mathematics competitions, complete college-level coursework, or work through challenging problem sets with peers and instructors. These experiences can help you build confidence in tackling complex problems, strengthen analytical thinking, and prepare for future academic opportunities.
With that, here are 15 math programs for high school students in Texas!
If you’re looking for summer research programs in Texas, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are free, including SAMSA at St. Philip's College, Young Summer Math Days at Rice University, and the NSF-funded components of various programs, while others like Lumiere and HARP offer full financial aid, making Texas a state with strong accessible math opportunities across income levels.
Programs span a wide range of mathematics sub-fields including competition and Olympiad mathematics (AwesomeMath, IDEA MATH, Advanced Competitive Math, Olympiad Geometry), proof-based reasoning (Techniques of a Pro Mathematician, HSMC), calculus and precalculus preparation (Rice RUSMP courses), data science and research (Lumiere, HARP), and geometry and algebra foundations (JHU CTY courses, UT High School).
Several programs are hosted on Texas university campuses, including Rice University, Texas State University, and UT Austin, giving students direct access to faculty-led instruction and a preview of college-level mathematics expectations.
Students looking for residential experiences can apply to Techniques of a Pro Mathematician at Rice University, IDEA MATH in Plano, and Honors Summer Math Camp at Texas State University, all of which offer structured multi-day or multi-week on-campus programs with intensive problem-solving curricula.
Deadlines for competitive programs vary widely, with AwesomeMath's early deadline falling on January 14 and Young Summer Math Days closing April 1, so students should begin identifying programs in the fall and apply to early-deadline options first.
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Location: St. Philip’s College, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 8 - 25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students 11 - 15 years old; Must submit: Application form, Essay (150+ words on a STEM topic), Math or science teacher recommendation.
The Science and Math Summer Academy (SAMSA) is a STEM enrichment program designed for those interested in exploring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The academy provides hands-on learning experiences both in and outside the classroom. You’ll engage in interactive activities and virtual field trips that introduce them to high-demand STEM fields, including engineering, biotechnology, game design, alternative energy, chemistry, and environmental science. The program emphasizes informal, experiential learning to spark curiosity and encourage you to pursue future careers in STEM. Through collaborative projects and guided exploration, you’ll gain exposure to real-world scientific concepts while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid is available.
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th- or 11th-graders! A few tracks require prerequisites.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: Free; lunch is provided. The program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the RTG NASC grant.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 13 - 17
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students who are 9th or 10th graders in the current school year (entering grades 10–11 in Fall); Must submit a short application including personal details and a response explaining why they want to participate; Parent/guardian participation agreement required
Young Summer Math Days is a week-long educational program designed to introduce you to diverse and engaging topics in modern mathematics. Hosted by the Department of Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research at Rice University, the program features lectures and hands-on workshops led by faculty members and graduate students. You’ll explore how mathematics connects to real-world applications, with sessions on topics such as mathematics in art, car racing, biological modeling, mathematical analysis, computing, and mathematical puzzles. Each day includes multiple lectures, collaborative activities, and discussions with Rice undergraduate and graduate students about studying mathematics in college.
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: Early Bird: $2,200 (before Feb 1); Regular: $2,500 (before May 1); Includes housing, meals, and instruction
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Three 6-day residential sessions in Summer: Session 1: July 5 - 10; Session 2: July 12 - 17; Session 3: July 19 - 24
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students with strong mathematical ability; Must have completed high school geometry; Must know basic trigonometry concepts such as sine, cosine, and tangent (SOHCAHTOA), and be able to sketch graphs of sin(x) and cos(x)
Techniques of a Pro Mathematician is an intensive residential math camp designed for high school students who want to develop advanced mathematical thinking skills in a college environment. Offered as part of the Tapia STEM Camps at Rice University, the program focuses on teaching the core techniques professional mathematicians use to analyze and solve problems efficiently. You’ll practice structured mathematical reasoning, communication, and problem-solving through guided exercises and collaborative activities. Throughout the week, you’ll solve challenging problems, implement instructor feedback, and present technical mathematics concepts to peers. The program emphasizes that mathematical excellence comes from mastering fundamental thinking techniques rather than memorizing formulas.
Location: Rice University School of Mathematics Project, Houston, TX
Cost: $600 program fee (optional workshops and parking fees available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15 - 26
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who will have completed Algebra II and Geometry before the program; Students planning to take Precalculus in the fall.
Preparing for Success in Precalculus is a short summer academic program offered through the Rice University School of Mathematics Project (RUSMP). The program is designed to help you strengthen your mathematical foundations before beginning precalculus coursework. Led by experienced Rice faculty and master teachers, the course emphasizes conceptual understanding, mathematical communication, and logical reasoning. You’ll engage in active learning activities and real-world problem-solving tasks to build stronger analytical and evidence-based thinking skills. The program also introduces strategies for responsible and effective use of AI tools to support mathematical learning. By the end of the two-week program, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of key mathematical ideas and improved preparation for advanced high school mathematics and future college-level coursework.
Location: John Paul II School, Plano, TX
Cost: Half-day (1 course, 40 hours): $1,395 early enrollment ($1,595 regular); Full-day (2 courses, 80 hours): $2,695 early enrollment ($2,895 regular); Lunch is not included but can be purchased separately
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically 6-16 students, capped at 16-20 depending on the course
Dates: June 4 - 6, June 8 - 12, June 15 - 18
Application Deadline: Early registration: March 15; Regular registration: April 15
Eligibility: Students entering grades 3 - 12; Students must complete a placement test (unless recently enrolled in IDEA MATH) to determine the appropriate course level.
The IDEA MATH Summer Program is an intensive mathematics enrichment program designed for those who enjoy solving challenging mathematical problems and exploring advanced topics beyond standard school curricula. The program focuses on key areas commonly featured in math competitions, including algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory. Courses are taught using a seminar-style approach in which you’ll actively collaborate, present solutions, and develop your mathematical reasoning skills. The curriculum emphasizes discovery-based learning, encouraging you to understand concepts deeply rather than simply memorizing formulas or techniques.
Location: Online through UT High School (University of Texas at Austin)
Cost: $260
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced (students can begin after enrollment and progress through the course at their own pace)
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: High school students seeking Algebra 1 credit; Students needing credit recovery, flexible scheduling, or academic acceleration
Algebra 1, Semester A is the first course in a two-semester Algebra 1 sequence offered through the UT High School Independent Learner Program. The course introduces you to foundational algebra concepts that prepare you for advanced mathematics courses such as geometry, algebra II, and precalculus. You’ll explore topics including linear equations, inequalities, systems of equations, polynomials, quadratics, and exponential functions. The curriculum emphasizes interpreting and analyzing functions through multiple representations such as graphs, tables, equations, and real-world applications. The course includes interactive lessons, graded assignments, proctored online assessments, and a final exam. The flexible online format allows you to complete coursework independently while developing problem-solving and analytical skills essential for higher-level mathematics.
Location: Rice University School of Mathematics Project, Houston, TX
Cost: $1,000 program fee (optional workshops and parking permits available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6 - 23
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who will have completed Precalculus before the program; Students planning to take Calculus in the fall.
Preparing for Success in Calculus is a summer academic program offered through the Rice University School of Mathematics Project (RUSMP) to help you transition successfully into calculus. Led by Rice faculty and experienced master teachers, the program emphasizes conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, and effective problem-solving strategies. You’ll engage in interactive lessons and real-world mathematical applications designed to strengthen your foundation before beginning calculus coursework. The program focuses on mathematical communication, proof and justification, and the responsible use of AI tools to support learning. Through active learning and collaborative problem solving, you’ll gain stronger analytical skills and improved preparation for advanced high school mathematics and future college-level STEM studies.
Location: Multiple campuses across the U.S. (in-person) + online options
Cost: Not publicly available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1:1 Tutoring available
Dates: Summer enrollment open
Application Deadline: Rolling admission (contact campus for availability)
Eligibility: Students in grades 4-12 (varies by program type)
Fusion’s one-to-one instructional model lets you strengthen core academic skills, recover credits, or explore new subjects in a personalized learning environment. Math remediation courses use ALEKS (a McGraw-Hill platform) to develop mathematical reasoning, problem-solving, and executive functioning skills, while reading remediation with Lexia PowerUp focuses on vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension. You can also participate in tutoring sessions, either one-on-one or in small groups, across both core and elective subjects. Additional enrichment opportunities include executive functioning support, social-emotional learning, creative expression, technology exploration, world language labs, math labs, and literacy labs. With its flexible, student-centered structure, Fusion helps you stay academically engaged during the summer while building confidence and independence.
Location: Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
Cost: $6,600 (covers room, board, books, and supplies). Need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 21 - August 1
Application Deadline: Acceptances begin around February 15
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest and ability in mathematics. Students must submit: a 1-page essay, a transcript or report card, and a teacher recommendation. Applicants provide information about math coursework and standardized test scores (if available)
The Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) is an intensive residential mathematics program designed to challenge and develop talented high school students through immersive learning and collaborative problem solving. Hosted by the Mathworks program at Texas State University, the camp provides a full-time academic environment where you’ll explore advanced mathematical topics, strengthen analytical thinking, and build research skills. You’ll work closely with peers and instructors in a community dedicated to mathematical exploration. Returning students may join research teams led by mentors and contribute to original mathematical research projects, some of which have led to awards or publications.
12. Honours Geometry
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
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Summer A: June 15 - March 12; Summer B: July 13 - April 9
Application Deadline: Summer A: May 11; Summer B: June 8
Eligibility: Grades 6 - 11; CTY Level Quantitative identification required; prerequisite of successful completion of Algebra I or Honors Algebra I
Honors Geometry offered by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth is an online course that mirrors a full-year honors-level geometry curriculum. In this course, you will study topics such as geometric proofs, triangle relationships, transformations, right triangle trigonometry, circles, polygons, three-dimensional figures, and probability. The program is designed to prepare you for Algebra II and Trigonometry while strengthening your logical reasoning and proof-writing abilities. Instruction takes place through a virtual classroom that includes video, audio, screen sharing, and interactive whiteboards to support collaborative learning. You can also reach instructors via email or schedule one-on-one virtual meetings for additional guidance.
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) for middle and high school students interested in mathematics competitions. The course introduces core topics frequently tested in contests such as the AMC 10 and AMC 12, including algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. Through collaborative discussions, guided explanations, and competition-style practice problems, you’ll develop stronger problem-solving strategies. The curriculum also focuses on strategic thinking, test-taking approaches, and building mathematical confidence. Although there are no formal coursework prerequisites, students must qualify through CTY’s identification process to enroll.
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, experience in problem-solving, and familiarity with writing mathematical proofs.
Olympiad Geometry is a 12-week advanced mathematics course designed to develop proof-based geometric problem-solving skills at the national Olympiad level. The curriculum explores both foundational and advanced topics, including similar triangles, cyclic quadrilaterals, power of a point, homothety, inversion, geometric transformations, Ceva’s and Menelaus’ theorems, the radical axis, locus problems, geometric constructions, collinearity, concurrence, and three-dimensional geometry. Throughout the course, you will work extensively on rigorous proof-writing and tackle non-routine problems commonly seen in high-level competitions. The program aims to deepen conceptual understanding while strengthening technical fluency in geometry. Through structured lessons and challenging problem sets, you’ll develop the ability to approach complex Olympiad-style proofs with clarity and precision.
Location: Virtual (Online)
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; (Each course runs for three consecutive weeks)
Application Deadline: Early: January 14; 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 who want advanced training in problem-solving and competition math. You can enroll in one or more courses across different sessions, selecting from subjects such as algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory. Each course features daily live lectures led by instructors, structured problem-solving sessions, graded homework, weekly assessments, and dedicated office hours for additional support. The program is especially helpful if you are preparing for competitions like AMC 10/12, AIME, or USA(J)MO. Classes are interactive and recorded for later review, offering flexibility while maintaining a rigorous academic structure. You can choose to attend one, two, or all three sessions depending on your schedule and learning goals.
Frequently asked questions
What types of math programs are available for high school students in Texas?
Options include free university enrichment programs (SAMSA, Young Summer Math Days at Rice), residential summer camps (Techniques of a Pro Mathematician, HSMC at Texas State), competition-prep courses (AwesomeMath, IDEA MATH, Advanced Competitive Math, Olympiad Geometry), calculus and precalculus preparation courses (Rice RUSMP), online independent coursework (UT High School, JHU CTY), and virtual mentor-guided research programs (Lumiere, HARP).
Are there free math programs for high school students in Texas?
Yes, several programs are free. SAMSA at St. Philip's College is free for eligible students. Young Summer Math Days at Rice University is free and funded by the National Science Foundation. Programs like Lumiere and HARP charge tuition but offer full financial aid. HSMC at Texas State University and Techniques of a Pro Mathematician at Rice offer need-based scholarships to qualifying students.
Which Texas math programs are best for students interested in competition mathematics?
AwesomeMath Summer Program offers structured three-week online courses covering algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory, with preparation for AMC, AIME, and USAMO. IDEA MATH in Plano uses a seminar-style format for competition-focused problem-solving. Advanced Competitive Math from JHU CTY focuses specifically on preparation for the AMC 10 and AMC 12. Olympiad Geometry from AoPS is designed for students preparing for national Olympiad-level proof-based geometry problems.
Which programs are best for students who want to transition into calculus or advanced coursework?
Rice RUSMP's Preparing for Success in Precalculus and Preparing for Success in Calculus are both designed specifically to bridge students into the next level of mathematics, emphasizing conceptual understanding and mathematical communication over formula memorization. JHU CTY's Honors Geometry provides a rigorous, proof-based geometry course that prepares students for Algebra II and Trigonometry.
Which Texas math programs are best for students interested in research?
Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs students 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor for a 12-week project culminating in an independent research paper in mathematics or a quantitative field. HARP offers similar trimester-long virtual research with publication support. HSMC at Texas State University offers a returning-student research track in which participants work on original mathematics projects, some of which have led to awards or publications.
When should I apply to math programs for high school students in Texas?
AwesomeMath has the earliest deadline on January 14 for its early round. Young Summer Math Days closes on April 1; IDEA MATH's early deadline is March 15; and HSMC at Texas State begins accepting students around February 15. Rice RUSMP courses accept rolling applications. Students should begin researching in the fall and prioritize January- and February-deadline programs well before the winter break.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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.