If you’re a high school student looking to sharpen your math skills during the school year, a fall math program is a practical way to do it. These programs run alongside your regular classes, usually between September and December, so you can immediately apply new concepts to what you’re already learning in school.
Math programs often focus on specific topics such as number theory, statistics, or data analysis. You might take part in research projects, solve real-world problems, or work on math modeling exercises guided by mentors or instructors.
Why pick a fall program over a summer program?
Although summer programs give you a more immersive experience. Fall programs are shorter and fit within the academic year; they help you stay consistent with your learning while offering exposure to topics that schools don’t always cover. It also gives you a head start on preparing for upcoming standardized tests or math competitions.
Participating in a math program during the fall can also help you build a stronger academic profile for college applications. It shows you’ve gone beyond classroom learning and developed analytical and quantitative skills that are important in fields like engineering, economics, or computer science.
To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of 14 free fall math programs for high school students!
14 Free Fall Math Programs for High School Students
1. PRIMES-USA
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free ($20 application fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective ( 47 students in last year)
Dates: Year-long program with major phases (including fall)
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores
PRIMES-USA gives you a full-year opportunity to work on challenging, unsolved problems under the mentorship of MIT graduate students and faculty. Beginning with advanced reading in early January and culminating in a formal presentation and paper in October and December, you’ll immerse yourself in an authentic research cycle. Over the fall term, you’ll finalize your project, meet with your mentor (in person or remotely), and participate in the program’s Fall Conference—bringing your work to completion alongside other peer researchers.
2. UCLA Olga Radko Endowed Math Circle (ORMC)
Location: Los Angeles, CA; virtual sessions also available
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 400 students ( K-12 cohort) in academic-year program
Dates: Fall sessions start in early October and have 9 meetings
Application Deadline: Typically open until late August for the fall quarter
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 (also younger grades) who are enthusiastic about math
ORMC gives you a free, high-quality enrichment opportunity that meets weekly during the fall session. You’ll explore advanced topics, from algebra and number theory to geometry, game theory, and combinatorics, under expert instructors from UCLA’s math department and a community of like-minded peers. Over the course of the fall meetings, you’ll build deeper problem-solving skills that go far beyond standard classroom math and help prepare you for contests, advanced coursework, or mathematical research. You’ll gain consistent exposure to challenging content while balancing your school commitments. You can check out the current year and previous year ORMC meetings to know more.
3. UCI Math Circle
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: October 20 – March 2 (fall season)
Application Deadline: Registration opens ahead of the fall term and ends before the term starts
Eligibility: Middle school and high school students
The UCI Math Circle offers you a tuition-free, weekly virtual opportunity from October through March. You’ll collaborate with peers and UCI graduate student mentors to explore interesting topics not covered in standard school classes, everything from puzzles and games to number theory, combinatorics, and advanced problem solving. Because the fall session starts in late October and meets during the academic term, you can balance participation with your regular school schedule. This program gives you a chance to deepen reasoning skills, work through mathematical investigations in small groups, and join a community of like-minded students.
4. Husky Math Academy (HMA)
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not listed
Dates: October to mid-June (classes on Thursdays)
Application Deadline: September 8
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-10
The Husky Math Academy offers a weekly evening class series in Seattle where you’ll explore proof-based themes across algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. You’ll engage in challenging problem sets, discuss solutions with peers and instructors, and be mentored by faculty, coaches, and graduate students from the University of Washington. The Thursday schedule means you can participate while still keeping your regular school year going. Because the focus is on building strong analytical foundations rather than contest prep specifically, through this program, you’ll gain a broadened mathematical toolkit and enhanced reasoning skills. If you are interested and wish to know more, you may contact the Academy.
5. Math Circles of Chicago (MC²) — College Pathways Track
Location: Various school/college hubs, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free/stipends are available for students from lower-income schools or families
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Dates: Events throughout the year
Application Deadline: Application deadline for the scholarship is October 19
Eligibility: Grades 9-12
Math Circles of Chicago’s College Pathways track provides enriching weekly sessions centered on creative problem-solving beyond standard coursework. You’ll meet with experienced instructors and work alongside peers exploring topics such as graph theory, number theory, and combinatorics. The program will aid you in building skills that serve competition, research, or advanced study. Because the sessions are held across city hubs on Saturdays, you can keep up with your school year while participating. The program welcomes an open application and supports students from diverse backgrounds, inviting you to join a supportive community of mathematically passionate learners. If willing, you may apply here.
6. SchoolNova — Fall Math & Physics Clubs
Location: Stony Brook University, NY; virtual programs are also available
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Math and Physics clubs begin in the fall, starting September 14
Application Deadline: Registration opens before the fall term
Eligibility: High School Students
The SchoolNova offers you free advanced math clubs that meet weekly and focus on Olympiad-style questions and logical reasoning. Through a set of approximately 25 sessions over the academic year, you’ll engage with challenging topics, such as number theory, combinatorics, geometry, and contest-prep questions, as well as collaborate with other passionate peers. Since the program is free and runs starting in the fall semester (with both online and in-person options), you can integrate it alongside your school year. SchoolNova’s club format is designed to extend beyond the classroom, helping you deepen your mathematical thinking, prepare for competitions like AMC/AIME, and develop confidence in tackling complex problems.
7. Fresno Math Circle (FMC) — California State University, Fresno
Location: CSU Fresno campus, Fresno, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: For 10-12 grade students, classes meet every other Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 PM
Application Deadline: Review of applications starts at the end of June
Eligibility: Grades 3-12
Fresno Math Circle is a biweekly enrichment program for high school students interested in exploring advanced mathematics. You’ll work with faculty from California State University, Fresno, to study topics such as algebra, number theory, and combinatorics at a deeper level than typical school courses. Sessions are interactive and problem-based, helping you develop reasoning skills and prepare for math competitions in a collaborative setting. The program is designed to fit alongside your regular academic schedule, making it manageable during the school year. Here’s the application form.
8. Nashville Math Circle
Location: Stevenson Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Alternative Tuesdays in September, October, and November
Application Deadline: Registration opens ahead of the semester
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-12
The Nashville Math Circle provides a dynamic two-hour Tuesday evening forum where you can explore rich problem-solving themes beyond typical classroom work. Led by Vanderbilt faculty and assistants, you’ll engage in group tasks that emphasize algorithmic thinking, number theory, geometry, and combinatorics. You’ll be motivated to think differently about math in a collaborative and stimulating environment. Because the sessions are designed for grades 7–12 and meet in the evenings on campus, you can participate alongside your regular school year without interfering with your major commitments. Here’s the registration link.
9. NASA Office of STEM Engagements (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Internships are offered across various NASA facilities
Cost/Stipend: Paid internships; stipend varies by project
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 16 weeks during the fall
Application Deadline: May 22 (for fall cohort)
Eligibility: High school students with a 3.0 GPA; age must be 16+ years
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagements provides you with paid internship opportunities at multiple locations across the U.S. If you are a math-loving high school student passionate about numbers, you can take part in real projects within the agency. Interns collaborate with NASA mentors on applied mathematics, data analysis, and mathematical modeling tasks. Some projects will get you involved in data visualization, modeling, and analysis. You’ll identify and correct errors, prepare data for archiving, and create metadata, charts, and presentation materials. Here, you may keep yourself updated on NASA internship news.
10. JetBrains Youth Math Club
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: October to May
Application Deadline: Students need to register before the first assignment (October 1)
Eligibility: High school students
JetBrains Youth Math Club is an online program for high school students interested in exploring advanced mathematics. You’ll receive weekly problem sets and attend live weekend sessions focused on algebra, number theory, probability, and graph theory, topics that go beyond standard school material. Each Saturday, you’ll take part in interactive tutorials and work with peers in an online learning community. Instructors provide feedback on your solutions, helping you strengthen your mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills. If you’re ready to commit, you can register here.
11. Mathematics Achievement Program (MAP)
Location: UCLA Samueli campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: No tuition fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 40 students
Dates: 3 Saturdays per month from October to May
Application Deadline: April 19
Eligibility: 9th and 10th-grade students from underserved high schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District
The MAP program provides a Saturday-based curriculum aimed at building deep mathematical proficiency and STEM confidence in you. You’ll engage in advanced math enrichment, aligned with your grade level. Also, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in workshops, visit labs, and receive mentorship from UCLA students and alumni. The format allows you to balance your school year while steadily developing your problem-solving and analytical skills. As part of a diverse cohort drawn from underrepresented and underserved communities, you’ll collaborate with peers who share your ambition.
12. UW Math Circle
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Tuesday evenings from late September to mid-December
Application Deadline: Registration opens ahead of term start
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-9
Joining the UW Math Circle offers you a weekly forum to dive into topics like cryptography, combinatorics, and experimental geometry beyond the classroom. You’ll meet peers who share your interest in math, engage with PhD-level instructors, and tackle worksheets designed for deeper reasoning. So, it’s not just routine problems. The fall-term schedule means you can participate during the school year without shifting your summer focus. If you’re looking to boost your math analytical strengths and join a like-minded community this fall, UW Math Circle is an accessible choice. To keep updated, you may subscribe here.
13. University of Florida Weekly Math Circle
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not listed
Dates: September to mid-November (Weekly session)
Application Deadline: Registration begins ahead of each term
Eligibility: 6-12 grade students
The UF Math Circle offers a forum where you’ll explore rich topics like logic puzzles, combinatorial games, and number-theoretic ideas in a collaborative setting. Each session invites you to work with peers on discovery-based problems, guided by mathematicians and graduate mentors. The schedule is designed to integrate seamlessly with your regular school year, allowing you to deepen your reasoning without sacrificing other commitments. Because the environment emphasizes creative exploration rather than curriculum beyond standard coursework, you’ll develop your analytical and communicative skills in a relaxed, intellectually vibrant space. You’ll connect with motivated peers and enjoy group problem-solving.
14. Mobile Math Circle – University of South Alabama
Location: University of South Alabama, AL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies; 40 participants
Dates: Monday evenings during the fall season, starting September 8
Application Deadline: Registration starts ahead of each term
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
The Mobile Math Circle at the University of South Alabama offers a weekly evening forum where you’ll explore intriguing problems in logic, combinatorics, and proof-style thinking under the guidance of faculty and graduate student mentors. The Monday-evening format allows you to stay engaged with your school schedule while advancing your problem-solving skills in a collaborative environment. You’ll join a diverse group of peers in a university setting, exploring topics seldom found in standard classes and preparing you for more advanced math encounters. By participating year-round, you’ll build a strong foundation for math competitions, university programs, or research pathways. If you’re willing, you may register.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like number theory, combinatorics, algebra, statistics, and mathematical modeling, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a topic of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – University of South Alabama