Ten of the best math programs for high school students, with hands-on work, mentorship, and what makes each one worth it. Dates and details change year to year, so confirm with each program.
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
What it is: a rigorous six-week summer program from the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) with MIT. The Research Science Institute combines lectures, seminars, and intensive research, with students working alongside MIT professors and researchers.
Eligibility: rising seniors (U.S. and international), selected on academics and STEM involvement.
Cost: free; room and board covered.
Why it stands out: RSI’s selectivity and MIT connection make it one of the top STEM programs there is.
2. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
What it is: a six-week program at Boston University focused on number theory and problem-solving, where students work closely with professors, grad students, and other young mathematicians.
Eligibility: open globally; you submit a challenging math problem set.
Cost: need-based aid and some scholarships available.
Why it stands out: a rigorous curriculum with alumni who go far in academia and STEM.
3. Math Olympiad Summer Program (MOSP)
What it is: an elite training camp (run by the Mathematical Association of America) for top scorers on the USA Mathematical Olympiad, preparing students to compete at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
Eligibility: invitation-only, for high scorers on the USAMO.
Cost: free for invited students.
Why it stands out: it’s the training ground for the country’s best competitive mathematicians.
4. Stanford University Math Camp (SUMaC)
What it is: a three-week residential program at Stanford exploring university-level math like algebraic topology, abstract algebra, and combinatorics, with lectures and small-group research.
Eligibility: rising 10th and 11th graders, selected on academics and a problem set.
Cost: need-based aid available.
Why it stands out: the Stanford connection and advanced curriculum draw highly motivated students.
5. Canada/USA Mathcamp
What it is: a five-week program for mathematically talented students from Canada and the U.S., covering pure and applied topics, taught by college faculty and grad students.
Eligibility: open internationally to ages 13-18, selected on a math problem set.
Cost: need-based aid and scholarships available.
Why it stands out: a collaborative atmosphere and high academic standards.
6. Texas State Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC)
What it is: a six-week residential program (Texas State Mathworks) for students passionate about math, combining advanced coursework with hands-on research.
Eligibility: U.S. high schoolers who excel in math.
Cost: scholarships available.
Why it stands out: known for academic rigor and a research focus.
7. Ross Mathematics Program
What it is: an eight-week program at Ohio State focused on number theory and discovery-based learning, where students explore concepts deeply through rigorous problem-solving rather than memorizing formulas.
Eligibility: open globally; admission requires solving a challenging problem set.
Cost: need-based aid and scholarships available.
Why it stands out: an intensive curriculum that builds a strong mathematical foundation.
8. Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM)
What it is: a six-week program for high schoolers exploring advanced math and creative problem-solving in a collaborative, discussion-heavy environment.
Eligibility: open globally, on a problem set and academic record.
Cost: need-based aid available.
Why it stands out: respected for its exploratory approach to math.
9. University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP)
What it is: an accelerated program for gifted students to take college-level math (calculus, linear algebra, advanced algebra) while still in high school.
Eligibility: Minnesota students who pass a competitive entrance exam.
Cost: no stipend, but you earn college credit.
Why it stands out: the accelerated, credit-bearing curriculum is one of the most advanced options for young mathematicians.
10. MIT PRIMES
What it is: a year-long program where high schoolers do mathematical research under MIT mentors, on collaborative projects in pure math, computer science, and applied math.
Eligibility: students in the greater Boston area, selected on academics and recommendations.
Cost: free; financial assistance available.
Why it stands out: highly selective, with participants who often go on to strong STEM careers.
Building a research project? Try ScienceFair.io
If you’re also working on a research project, ScienceFair.io is a platform built for high and middle school students, from finding an idea to presenting your final work. You can schedule a consultation call to map out a plan.
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Take a look at ScienceFair.io if a research project is on your list.
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