15 Math Programs for High School Students in Wisconsin
- Stephen Turban
- 5 hours ago
- 12 min read
If you’re a high school student interested in mathematics, structured programs can help you explore topics beyond what’s typically offered in school. Structured academic programs can help you explore advanced topics while giving you exposure to college-level academics, mentorship, and collaborative learning environments. They also allow you to build skills in problem-solving, research, and analytical thinking in a more focused setting.Â
Wisconsin offers a range of math programs through universities, academic departments, and STEM-focused organizations across the state, designed to provide close interaction with instructors, small class sizes, and opportunities for mentorship.
Why should I do a math program in high school?
Math programs allow you to study topics that go beyond the standard high school curriculum, such as algebra, calculus, number theory, and applied mathematics. You’ll also develop key academic skills, such as constructing clear mathematical arguments, approaching complex problems, and collaborating with peers. Participating in selective or research-focused programs can strengthen your college applications by showing initiative, intellectual curiosity, and readiness for advanced work.
To help with your search, we have compiled a list of 15 math programs for high school students in Wisconsin.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Remote - you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring; options range from 12 weeks to one year (check schedules here)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can find more details about the application here.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12 who 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 math, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and more.Â
Location: University of Wisconsin-Superior, Superior, WI
Cost: Free with a stipend for required activities attended and completed assignments
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 56, across schools in the Superior District
Program Dates: Varies, with academic year (September – May) and summer (6 weeks) components
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 11 in the Superior School District (enrolled for UB in grade 8); should be from families of low-income as determined by the U.S. Dept. of Education; must commit to the entire duration of the program
University of Wisconsin-Superior's Upward Bound (UB) program is a free program for students attending high school in Wisconsin's Superior District that provides assistance with tutorials in core subjects, including math, and helps develop other skills. During the academic year, you will attend supervised weekly tutoring sessions along with sessions for skill development and counselling. During the summer break, you will stay on the university campus and have access to the campus facilities. You will study math, literature, lab science, composition, and a foreign language through a specific theme. The math part covers algebra, geometry, and some advanced topics. At the summer program's end, your accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies, based on program type; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 4 – 6 for a Seminar program; 1:1 student to mentor ratio for a Labs program
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts in summer (10 weeks, June – September), spring (12 – 16 weeks), and fall (12 – 16 weeks)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the summer, spring, and fall cohorts
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA); most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as computer science, economics, maths, 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 topic in the math track, you will be paired with a professor/PhD scholar who will provide guidance to refine your research topic and act as your mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page math 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. Find details of the Horizon Seminar Program on Theoretical Mathematics here and apply here.
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI (virtual option may be available)
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Individual/small group
Program Dates: Varies, with Spring and Fall cohorts (10-week sessions)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school girls
Gloria’s Math Night (GMN) is a math enrichment program hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Department of Mathematics. You will be matched with a graduate student mentor to explore your interest in a specific math question or topic outside of the regular high school curriculum. Project topics can include abstract algebra, the RSA Algorithm, math parking functions, and more. You will solve individually-assigned math tasks and participate in discussions with peers. The program wraps up with a presentation event. You can express your interest here.
Location: Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: Varies, with school-year and summer components
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in Milwaukee attending a target school (enrolled in grade 8 for the UB program and in grade 9 for the UBMS program) from low-income families (check all requirements here)
Marquette University's Upward Bound (UB) and Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) Programs are educational programs to prepare low-income high school students for college academics. You will attend commuter tutorial sessions during the school year and residential sessions on campus during the summer. In the UB program, you'll study algebraic equations, graphs, and other math topics, along with various subjects. If you're interested in a career focused on math or science, you might consider the university's UBMS program, where you'll take specialized classes in math, science, writing, and technology. You will also attend personal development sessions and participate in social activities with peers.
Location: At your school in Onalaska, WI, or online if your school functions remotely
Cost: As determined by your school district (may be free/low cost); need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: As determined by your school teacher
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students attending a partner school
This course is part of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Concurrent Enrollment program for high school students. You will study under your high school teacher and explore math with the same academic rigor and pace as a university course. The course covers elementary algebraic functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, among other topics. Upon completion, you will earn both high school and college credits. A grade report will be provided, and you can request an official transcript through the university's online student center platform.
Location: UWM Campus, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: Varies based on program type; discount available if registration is for six or more classes at one time;Â scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Typically up to 16
Program Dates: Multiple sessions, with programs starting on June 15
Application Deadline: 10 days prior to the start of the program (registrations typically open on February 10)
Eligibility: Students in grades K5 – 12 with high academic potential
As part of the UW Milwaukee College for Kids & Teens (CFK&T) Program, high school students in grades 9–12 can take math courses. Classes are arranged by grade level and subject area. During one- or two-week sessions, you'll get practical experience in a math topic that interests you. For example, you can study algebraic functions in pre-calculus, explore financial and business math, see how numbers relate to sports in the Sportistics course, and more. You might even learn to determine the height of the tallest tree on campus with a trigonometry class. Explore CFK&T math courses here.
Location: UW–Madison Campus, WI (both residential and commuter options are available)
Cost: $4,450 (domestic student) | $2,600 (commuter student) | $4,800 (international student); non-refundable application fee is $100
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small class size
Program Dates: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: May 1 (applications typically open on January 12)
Eligibility: Students finishing grades 9 – 12 with a 3.0 or higher GPA (unweighted) or commensurate (check complete admissions criteria here)
The 'Mathematical Sciences: Exploring Contemporary Applications and Tracks' course is an educational course offered as part of the Badger College's Summer Scholars Program. You will learn from UW–Madison staff and Badger Precollege instructors, participate in discussions, and explore academic and career pathways in the mathematical sciences. You will learn how math applies to engineering, technology, science, and other fields, while developing problem-solving skills for real-world situations. Additionally, you'll join the Jump Forward series once a week to explore college admissions and student life.
Location: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: Details of the cost are not available; DPI Pre-College Scholarships are available for students who are eligible for free/reduced lunch
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: Vary, during the academic year (October – May) and Summer (July – August)
Application Deadline: Not specifiedÂ
Eligibility: Grades 9 – 12 with a GPA of at least 2.0
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Future Success Program (FSP) combines an academic-year program with a 5-week summer component. Throughout the school year, you will participate in workshops focused on college and career planning, along with field trips and campus tours. During summer break, tutoring sessions will help you prepare for the upcoming school year and give you a taste of college-level coursework. Your studies will include math, science, and English, complemented by electives in STEM fields such as engineering, IT, health, and architecture, as well as a career elective in business or Spanish. Additionally, you will receive guidance on college applications, scholarships, and financial aid.
Location: Concordia Wisconsin Campus, Mequon, WI (virtual option available)
Cost: $80 per credit/$160 per credit, based on program (check details here); on-campus students may be required to purchase textbooks
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: January 5 – May 1 (Spring) | May 11 – August 14 (Summer) | August 24 – December 11 (Fall)
Application Deadline: December 17 (Spring) | May 1 (Summer) | August 14 (Fall)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12; should have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in high school core academic subjects
High school students interested in math might consider Concordia University's Pre-College Program to delve into the subject and earn college credit. For those interested in the field of math, there's an introductory undergraduate statistics course offered by the university's School of Arts and Sciences that covers sampling, data interpretation, hypothesis testing, and more. Students can take the on-campus math class alongside undergraduates or choose the online version with high school students from around the world. Participation includes engaging in discussions and completing assignments on time. Explore the details of pre-college program courses here.
Location: UW-Milwaukee Campus, Mitchell Hall, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: $210 | DPI Pre-college Scholarship available for students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: January 17, 24, 31, and February 7, 14 (Spring) | October 11 – November 8 (Fall tentative dates, based on an earlier cohort)
Application Deadline: September 26 (Fall)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 11 – 12; should have a core GPA of 2.5
High school students keen to strengthen their math and other subjects for the American College Testing (ACT) could consider the Mini-Courses ACT Preparation Class. You will participate in an unofficial pre-test experience before the class begins and a post-test experience after the class ends. The classes usually take place on consecutive Saturdays. They cover core subjects such as math, science, English, social studies, and a foreign language, as well as reading. Additionally, you will become familiar with the kinds of questions asked on the ACT and develop strategies to answer them.
Location: UW-Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI
Cost: $12/student; optional lunch ticket $10/person
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 12 students per grade can register
Program Dates: April 30 (contest date)
Application Deadline: March 19 (early registration deadline) | April 9 (final deadline) | sign-up for optional limited-capacity sessions will begin on April 16
Eligibility: Grades 7 – 10 (registration through your school)
As part of UW-Oshkosh's Mathematics outreach program, students in grades 7-10 can participate in a problem-solving contest, with high school students competing in the grades 9–10 division. Participants can compete individually or in teams of four to demonstrate their mathematical problem-solving skills. The individual contest involves solving 20 problems, while the team contest features five problems. After the competitions, attendees can engage in on-campus hands-on math and STEM activities, enjoy a math game show, and watch demonstrations, with optional limited-capacity sessions available. The program concludes with an award ceremony, where medals and trophies are awarded to winners. Additionally, recognition certificates will be sent later to individual students and teams who place in the top 10% of their division’s score distribution.
Location: University of Wisconsin-Parkside Campus with online and hybrid options available
Cost: May be free (cost can be split between the school district and your school)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: Varies, with multiple flexible schedules in the Fall, Spring, and Summer (check dates here)
Application Deadline: Spring: December 1 | Summer: April 1 | Fall: August 1
Eligibility: Full/part-time high school students enrolled in a Wisconsin public/private/charter school in grades 9 – 12; recommended GPA of 2.5; prerequisites or additional requirements may apply to some courses (check all requirements here)
University of Wisconsin-Parkside's Early College Credit Program (ECCP) provides high school students with opportunities to explore a college-level subject while earning college credit. You will get a peek into college academics while earning credits for post-secondary education. You can earn up to 18 college credits! If you are passionate about math, then you can consider courses in calculus and analytic geometry, business algebra fundamentals, college math with applications, trigonometry, and more. With the instructor's consent, you may also gain an opportunity to explore a topic in a specialized area of math or pursue independent study. Explore UW-Parkside's ECCP math courses here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $200 per credit; need-based full scholarships available (check scholarship details here)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: September 2 – December 15 (Fall) | January 26 – May 10
Application Deadline: August 7 (Fall) | January 9 (Spring)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12; should have a 3.0 GPA cumulatively or in relevant coursework
High school students eager to explore mathematics online might want to consider UW-Green Bay's Dual Enrollment Access Academy. This program allows you to earn both high school and college credits. One option is the Math Appreciation course, where you'll explore mathematics from historical, creative, and various other perspectives. The learning modules cover topics such as rational and irrational numbers, infinity, probability/statistics, and more. You'll also enhance your reasoning skills and problem-solving capabilities. Explore upcoming math courses here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,308 + $75 administrative fee (does not include the cost of course materials); currently enrolled full-time students at any UW System institution (other than UW-Stout) may be eligible to enroll without paying an additional tuition fee.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: NA
Program Dates: Self-paced; should be completed up to 6 months from registration date
Application Deadline: No deadline (available throughout the year)
Eligibility: Advanced high school students/first-year or higher college students; a prerequisite is the completion of two years of high school Algebra and one year of high school Geometry with a C or better, or the equivalent
High school students interested in an online algebra course might consider the UW Independent Learning program's Algebra for Calculus. This course covers topics such as equations, functions, and graphs. The instructor will help you create a personalized learning plan to complete the course. You will engage with quizzes, solve math mysteries, complete assignments, and participate in math discussions with peers. Three graded proctored exams and a final exam are required, and you can request an official transcript after finishing the course.
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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