15 Best Math Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 28 minutes ago
- 10 min read
If you’re a high school student who finds math engaging and wants to explore the subject in a more rigorous setting, a competitive math program can be a great next step. These programs expose you to advanced material, different problem-solving methods, and the pace of college-level study. Many are designed to be accessible through funding or low tuition.
Why should I participate in a math program in high school?
As you progress in math, school classes can start to feel limited, especially if you’re interested in complex problems or novel applications of math. Math programs offer a chance to work on difficult problems, work through proofs, and think carefully about each step of your reasoning. The work is more demanding than typical high school classes, which can help you clarify whether you want to pursue math further. Getting into a selective math program can set you apart in college admissions by showing that you can handle undergraduate-level theory and work.
To help you identify the most selective and respected options, here are 15 of the best math programs for high school students!
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort for close mentorship
Application Deadline: March 3
Dates: July 1 – 15
Eligibility: Open to high school students ages 14–18 who are U.S. citizens (before the last year of high school)
√mathroots is a two-week program run by MIT PRIMES that introduces you to advanced mathematical ideas through structured exploration. You will participate in problem-solving activities, group discussions, and individual study, all guided by MIT faculty and graduate student mentors. The curriculum is designed to help you think through unfamiliar concepts and approach challenging problems methodically. The program also focuses on supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds and creating an environment where you can develop confidence in your mathematical reasoning.
Location: Remote
Cost: The program is fully funded!
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Eligibility: You must be enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall, and must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost.
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 psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated; selective
Application Deadline: December 1 (tentatively)
Dates: Runs year-long
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores (or home-schooled students of the same age) residing in the United States outside the Greater Boston area. Students from Underrepresented groups and disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged.
PRIMES-USA is a remote, year-long mathematics research program offered by MIT for high school students with a strong foundation in the subject. If you’re admitted, you’ll be matched with a mentor and begin the spring with reading and background work to prepare for your research project. During the summer and fall, you take on more independent tasks while meeting regularly with your mentor to review your progress and plan future steps. The program includes a sequence of deadlines, a final research paper, and a presentation of your findings. Sophomores typically work in small groups, while juniors are usually assigned individual projects.
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/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites; see here.
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. Apply here!
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost: Free for students whose annual family income is under $80,000. Up to $7,000 for the six-week residential program, depending on financial aid award.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 80 spots from around 800 applications
Application Deadline: Early March
Dates: June 28 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students who are 14 or older, have finished 9th grade, and are not yet in college can apply
PROMYS is a six-week summer program designed for high school students who want to study mathematics in a focused setting. Each day, you will attend number theory lectures and an advanced seminar that aligns with your interests. Past seminars have covered areas such as graph theory, Galois theory, and dynamical systems. You also work with a small group on a research problem created for the program, working through the questions step by step. A mentor meets with your group to help you structure your approach, write a clear report, and prepare a final presentation. In some cases, students later develop their project work into papers or conference presentations.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very competitive; 1,500 applications for 80–110 spots
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: June 20 – August 1
Eligibility: High school juniors from underrepresented communities who are 16 or older when the program begins can apply
The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a six-week program at Carnegie Mellon University for high school juniors interested in strengthening their background in math and science. As a participant, you will take academic courses, join research activities, and attend workshops focused on topics like experimental design, data collection, and analysis. The program also includes seminars, group discussions, and a final event where you present your work. Leading up to the summer, you take part in virtual sessions that introduce skills such as academic writing, time management, and using digital tools.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
Cost: Fully funded, stipend provided, $40 application fee with a need-based refund
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; 1,600–3,000 apps for 80–100 spots
Application Deadline: Early to mid-December. More info here
Dates: Typically 6 weeks between July and August
Eligibility: High school juniors only (U.S. and international)
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a summer program at MIT that gives you a structured introduction to both coursework and research in STEM fields. If you’re placed in a mathematics project, you will work with an MIT faculty advisor and a graduate student mentor on a topic that fits your preparation and interests. The program starts with classes that build a shared background, then shifts into five weeks of independent research, supported by regular meetings with your mentors. Mathematics projects are guided by faculty such as David Jerison and Ankur Moitra, with additional support from staff members like André Dixon.
Location: Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX)
Cost: No cost; the program provides a $750 stipend. On-campus meals, room and board, and weekend activities/programming are covered.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1.6–3%; 12 students selected each year
Application Deadline: February 16
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Eligibility: At least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should graduate in this or the next year (U.S. and international)
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University is a seven-week summer research experience for high school juniors and seniors. If you choose a mathematics project, you will work with a faculty mentor to develop a research question and carry it through to completion. The program brings together a small cohort of 12 students, allowing for regular check-ins and consistent guidance throughout the research process. By the end of the session, you will have prepared a written report that outlines your methods and results. Participants receive a $750 stipend for their work during the program.
Location: Mercy University Westchester Campus, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Cost/Stipend: None; $800 stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated; selective
Application deadline: June 1 (tentatively)
Dates: July 7 – August 2 (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 with a B average or higher; women and minority students encouraged to apply
At M3U, you spend the program working on questions from the physical, natural, and environmental sciences using mathematical modeling as your main tool. Your days will include a mix of classroom instruction, computer lab work, and science activities, along with occasional visits to research sites or museums. You use software to examine data, test models, and prepare a final written and oral project summary that you share at the end of the program. Guest speakers introduce you to different scientific careers, discuss issues such as ethics in research, and offer guidance on preparing for college. Field trips give you a chance to meet researchers and see the kinds of settings in which scientific work is carried out.
Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Cost: Not specified; contact Math Center for Educational Programs at mathcep@umn.edu
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application deadline: May 31 (tentatively)
Dates: June 23 – 27 (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students (preferably in Minnesota) who have completed a one-year course in single variable calculus
The IMA-MathCEP camp is a one-week program where you use mathematical models to study and address real-world problems. Each year, the specific topics and activities vary, but previous sessions have examined areas such as population and disease trends, the influence of climate on resources, and traffic effects on infrastructure. Past projects have included tasks like analyzing potential routes for a light rail system. The program allows you to see how mathematics can be applied in practical settings and to consider its relevance for future studies or careers.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; offered to 10 high school students each year
Application Deadline: February 13
Dates: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
MathQuantum is a two-week online summer program for high school students interested in mathematics and quantum information science (QIS). Supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the program covers foundational topics such as linear algebra, quantum mechanics, and cryptography. You participate in coding exercises, mentor-led discussions, and complete a small project connected to the course material. The curriculum also includes sessions on ethical considerations in QIS and introduces tools commonly used in the field, such as ion traps and QLab. Optional activities may include joining the Qubit by Qubit summer camp, as well as sessions focused on academic planning and career exploration.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,750 (online) | $8,950 (residential); need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 40 residential students and 64 online participants accepted
Application deadline: February 2
Dates: Session One (Online): June 15 – July 3 | Session One (Residential): June 21 – July 17 | Session Two (Online): July 6 – 24
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
At SUMaC, you spend three to four weeks working through advanced math topics like abstract algebra, number theory, or algebraic topology. You can join either a four-week residential session at Stanford or a three-week online program, and both formats mix lectures, group problem solving, and individual work. The math goes well beyond standard high school classes and pushes you to think carefully about structure, proofs, and connections between ideas. During the program, you also complete a small research project and present your work at the end.
Location: Otterbein University, Columbus, OH, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Cost: $7,000; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15%; 60 first-year participants/site
Application deadline: March 15
Dates: June 15 – July 25 (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students
The Ross Mathematics Program is a six-week residential summer course that centers on number theory and introduces you to the process of mathematical reasoning. Each day includes lectures, discussion sessions, and problem sets that guide you through the study of integers and related ideas. Much of the work happens outside of class, where you spend time independently or with classmates developing proofs and refining your solutions. The program encourages steady collaboration so you can exchange approaches and learn from others’ methods.
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara
Cost: Commuter $5,675, Residential $13,274. Need-based scholarships are available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated; selective
Application Deadline: March 9
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Eligibility: High school students in the 10th or 11th grade (outstanding 9th graders accepted on a case-by-case basis) with a minimum 3.80 academic weighted GPA
The UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program is a six-week summer experience where you work on a research project under the guidance of a faculty member, graduate student, or postdoctoral researcher. You will be placed in a specific field across STEM, the humanities, or social sciences, and past work has ranged from neuroscience and data science to environmental policy and mathematical modeling. Most of your time is spent doing actual research, whether that means lab work, fieldwork, or data analysis, usually around 35 to 50 hours each week. Alongside the research, you take two UCSB courses, one focused on research writing and another on presenting academic work, and earn eight college credits. The program ends with a written research paper and a presentation at a final symposium.
Location: University of California Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, San Diego, or Santa Cruz campuses, CA
Cost: $5,518 + $46 Application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 160–200 students per campus
Application deadline: February 6
Dates: July 5 – August 1
Eligibility: California students going into grades 9 through 12 in the Fall
If you are a high school student in California with an interest in STEM, COSMOS provides a four-week residential program at select University of California campuses. You will apply to a specific course cluster that aligns with the campus’s research strengths, such as mathematics, engineering, computer science, or environmental science. The program combines lectures, laboratory work, and hands-on projects, giving you the opportunity to study topics beyond the typical high school curriculum. You join a small cohort of students and work closely with faculty, graduate students, and researchers while gaining experience with advanced facilities and contemporary scientific methods.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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.
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