15 Math Programs for High School Students in Maine
- Stephen Turban
- Apr 20
- 9 min read
If math is one of the subjects you enjoy most in school, a math program can help you explore it more seriously and beneficially! These programs allow you to study advanced ideas, try new approaches to solving problems, and work alongside students who share the same interests.
Maine provides several opportunities for high school students to engage with mathematics outside the classroom. Universities and STEM-focused organizations in the state host programs that allow students to learn from experienced instructors and experience a more rigorous academic environment.
Why should I do a math program in high school?
Math programs encourage deeper thinking by giving you time to work through complex problems and understand the reasoning behind solutions. They can also help you see how mathematics connects to fields such as physics, computer science, and economics. Taking part in a math program can strengthen your college applications by showing academic curiosity and commitment to developing your skills.
With that in mind, here are 15 math programs for high school students in Maine!
15 Math Programs for High School Students in Maine
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: Varying deadlines based on 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 that you can explore as a high schooler. 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: Freeport, ME
Cost: Tuition-based independent school (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Varies by admissions cycle
Program Dates: Academic year (Grades 9–12)
Eligibility: Enrolled high school students
Maine Coast Waldorf School teaches mathematics through observation, pattern recognition, and step-by-step reasoning. In Grade 9, you study probability and combinatorics while continuing work in algebra. Algebra I and Algebra II focus on understanding equations, functions, and problem-solving strategies. Lessons emphasize identifying patterns, forming mathematical ideas from real examples, and then translating them into formal math concepts. Upper grades continue with more advanced mathematical topics that build on algebra and probability foundations.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid 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: University of Maine, Orono, ME
Cost: Free (federally funded TRIO program)
Application Deadline: Varies; applications accepted through the academic year
Program Dates: June 24 to July 25
Eligibility: High school students from low-income backgrounds and/or first-generation college-bound students attending target schools
Upward Bound Math-Science at the University of Maine provides year-round support focused on strengthening mathematics skills. You receive tutoring and structured guidance in math topics used in high school coursework. The summer residential program includes additional math instruction and practice solving quantitative problems. Workshops help reinforce algebra and other foundational mathematics needed for college preparation. Regular meetings track progress and help you improve your mathematical understanding over time.
Location: University of Maine, Orono, ME (residential)
Cost: Free (food and lodging provided; students cover transportation)
Application Deadline: April 15
Program Dates: July 12–15, July 19–22, or July 26–29
Eligibility: High school juniors who excel in math and science and demonstrate leadership and communication skills
The Chip Moody Consider Engineering Program introduces how mathematics is used in engineering problem-solving. During the four-day residential program, you work on design challenges that require applying algebra and basic calculus ideas. Activities often involve calculating measurements, analyzing data, and testing mathematical solutions in engineering experiments. Faculty and engineers guide the mathematical reasoning behind each project. The program shows how mathematical formulas and models support engineering design decisions.
Location: Bar Harbor, ME, and Farmington, Conn
Cost: $7,500 stipend + room, board, and round-trip U.S. travel provided
Application Deadline: January 26
Program Dates: Late May – early August
Eligibility: High school seniors who have completed Grade 12, are at least 18 by program start, and are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
Jackson Laboratory’s Summer Student Program is a research internship where mathematics is used for scientific data analysis. In genetics and genomics research, you apply statistics and quantitative reasoning to interpret biological data. You learn how to analyze research results using mathematical methods such as probability and statistical modeling. Lab work involves collecting data and using mathematical tools to evaluate patterns in experiments. These quantitative methods help explain results in genetic research.
Location: Host research institutions across Maine
Cost: Paid internship (stipend provided)
Program Dates: Six weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Maine high school juniors (including homeschooled students), U.S. citizens, with a B-average GPA
MERITS is a research internship where you work on STEM projects that often involve mathematical analysis and modeling. During the six-week placement, you may analyze scientific data using statistics or computational methods. Projects can include building mathematical models, interpreting measurements, or evaluating experimental results. Mentors guide you through the calculations and reasoning needed to understand the data. Mathematics becomes the main tool used to interpret scientific findings.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free (open-access platform)
Program Dates: Self-paced; available year-round
Application Deadline: None
Eligibility: Open to all students; content aligned with U.S. high school math curricula
Math Planet is a free online platform where you can study core high school mathematics topics at your own pace. The lessons cover subjects such as Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry. Each topic includes explanations, example problems, and practice exercises. You solve problems step by step to build an understanding of equations, functions, and geometric relationships. The platform also includes SAT and ACT math practice.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free (core features; premium options available through schools)
Program Dates: Year-round availability
Application Deadline: None
Eligibility: High school students seeking supplemental math practice
DeltaMath is an online platform focused on practicing high school mathematics skills. You work through targeted problem sets covering topics such as algebra, geometry, precalculus, and calculus. The system provides immediate feedback so you can correct mistakes and understand the correct solution. Assignments often include solving equations, analyzing functions, and working with trigonometric or calculus concepts. Progress tracking helps you identify which math topics need more practice.
Location: Online or residential at Stanford University, CA
Cost: $3,750 for online and $8,950 for the residential track; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; limited enrollment
Program Dates: Session One (Online): June 15 – July 3, Session One (Residential): June 21 – July 17, Session Two (Online): July 6 – 24
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (grades 10–11 at time of application)
Stanford University Mathematics Camp focuses on advanced proof-based mathematics. During the program, you study topics such as algebraic structures, number theory, and mathematical logic. Lectures introduce the theory behind these ideas while problem sessions focus on constructing proofs and analyzing mathematical systems. You spend time exploring abstract mathematical concepts rather than only solving calculations. The program develops rigorous reasoning used in higher-level mathematics.
Location: Live online and self-paced options; select in-person sites
Cost: $1,150 to $3,550 based on the format
Program Dates: June 8–26, June 29–July 17, and July 20–August 7
Application Deadline: Rolling until courses fill
Eligibility: Middle and high school students preparing for AMC 8/10/12, AIME, or USA(J)MO
AlphaStar Summer Math Camp trains you for national mathematics competitions. Lessons focus on core contest subjects such as algebra, geometry, combinatorics, and number theory. Instructors teach advanced strategies for solving challenging problems quickly and accurately. Homework sets and practice tests reinforce these concepts. The curriculum prepares you for contests such as AMC 8, AMC 10, AMC 12, AIME, and Olympiad-level exams.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,275 to $1,575 per course
Program Dates: Session 1: June 8 – June 26, Session 2: June 29 – July 17, Session 3: July 20 – August 7
Application Deadline: Opens December 15; rolling admissions until sessions fill
Eligibility: Mathematically advanced middle and high school students preparing for AMC 10/12, AIME, or USA(J)MO
The AwesomeMath Summer Program is a three-week online enrichment experience focused on advanced competition mathematics. Designed for students preparing for high-level contests, the program develops rigorous problem-solving skills across algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory. Each day includes a 90-minute live lecture followed by a structured 60-minute problem-solving session. Homework is assigned and graded daily to reinforce concepts, and additional assessments are administered during the first two Saturdays of each session to measure progress.
Location: Online options
Cost: Approximately $300–$400 per unit plus registration and campus fees
Program Dates: Varies by session
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Eligibility: High school students who meet course prerequisites or placement requirements
UCLA Summer Sessions allow qualified high school students to enroll in university-level mathematics courses and earn transferable college credit. Courses follow UCLA’s fast-paced quarter system and are taken alongside undergraduate students, providing direct exposure to the rigor and expectations of a top public research university. Depending on your preparation and placement, you may enroll in courses such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, or Discrete Mathematics. Instruction emphasizes both theoretical understanding and applied problem-solving relevant to engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences. Online options maintain the same academic standards as in-person courses, allowing remote participation without compromising rigor.
Location: Online options
Cost: Approximately $550 per unit plus campus and registration fees
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment (space permitting)
Program Dates: Varies by the cohort
Application Deadline: May–June (varies by session)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors; course prerequisites or instructor approval may be required
UC Berkeley’s Summer Sessions allow qualified high school students to enroll in university-level mathematics courses and earn college credit. Offerings commonly include Calculus I and II, Calculus for Life Sciences, and Linear Algebra with Differential Equations, enabling you to select coursework aligned with your preparation and academic goals. Courses are taught alongside Berkeley undergraduates and follow the university’s standard academic pacing. Instruction emphasizes conceptual depth, problem-solving precision, and applications relevant to engineering, physical sciences, and biological sciences. Assignments typically include regular problem sets, midterms, and final exams, reinforcing both theoretical reasoning and computational fluency.
Location: Not specified
Cost: Not mentioned
Application Deadline: Not mentioned; however, you can email precollege@iit.edu for additional details
Dates: Session One: June 10–14
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising ninth through 12th graders and must be at least 14 years old
The Illinois Institute of Technology offers this online math program to help you explore areas of mathematics that most high school classes don’t cover. You’ll learn about topics like the infinitude of primes and how math applies to real-world problems, from web search algorithms to space imaging. The program focuses on building your problem-solving skills, introducing you to advanced ideas, and helping you see how math works outside textbooks. You’ll also practice writing and explaining your work using proper notation and clear reasoning, the way it’s done in higher-level math.
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.
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