Have you ever wanted to tackle math problems that go beyond your classroom assignments? Math camps offer high school students exactly that opportunity, a chance to dive deep into complex concepts, develop advanced problem-solving skills. These programs expose you to challenging topics such as mathematical modeling, logic, abstract reasoning, and competition-level problem solving. Through collaborative projects, mentorship from experienced instructors, and intensive coursework, you’ll gain confidence, creativity, and the analytical skills needed to excel in math contests, college applications, and STEM careers.
Why choose a math camp over a regular program?
Math camps are designed to be short, immersive, and highly focused, usually lasting one to three weeks. Unlike year-long programs or traditional classes, they provide a concentrated environment where you can quickly absorb advanced material. The camp setting also emphasizes collaboration, teamwork, and creative thinking, giving you the chance to learn from peers who are just as passionate about math as you are.
Below are 13 math camp options that may interest you. If you are looking for a math program, check out some options here.
13 Math Camps for High School Students
1. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) – Stanford University
Location: Stanford, California, and Online
Cost: Online: $3,580; Residential: $8,575; financial aid is available
Dates: Session One (Online): June 16 – July 4; Session One (Residential): June 22 – July 18; Session Two (Online): July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (grades 10–11 at the time of application)
SUMaC offers an intensive, proof-based study of higher mathematics for high school students ready to explore abstract reasoning. You’ll work on advanced topics such as algebraic structures, number theory, and logic through lectures, collaborative problem-solving, and guided research. The curriculum builds mathematical rigor and emphasizes connections between pure mathematics and its applications in science. The workload is equivalent to a college-level mathematics course, providing rigorous exposure to mathematical reasoning, proofs, and applications.
2. MathILy: Intensive Summer Mathematics Program – Bryn Mawr College
Location: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Cost: $5,300; need-based financial aid is available
Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a strong interest in mathematics
MathILy (short for “Mathematics: Intensive Learning for Youth”) is an intensive residential summer mathematics program held at Bryn Mawr College for mathematically talented high school students. It emphasizes discovery-based learning and proof construction, where you’ll explore discrete mathematics, combinatorics, and related fields through collaborative problem-solving and guided conjecture-making. The curriculum focuses on developing logical precision, proof-writing, and mathematical creativity, with mentorship from professional mathematicians. It also has a “Week of Chaos” with many short, student- and instructor-driven topics, and ends with advanced Branch classes on topics such as polytopes, chip-firing games, and voting theory.
3. Canada/USA Mathcamp
Location: Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Oregon
Cost/Stipend: $6,000; No cost for families earning under $100,000; financial aid is available
Dates: June 29 – August 3
Application Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 with strong mathematical ability and interest
Canada/USA Mathcamp is an intensive, five-week summer program for mathematically talented high school students aged 13 to 18. The camp is designed to introduce students to the beauty and diversity of advanced mathematical ideas and new ways of thinking beyond the standard curriculum. You’ll study areas such as abstract algebra, combinatorics, topology, and theoretical computer science through a mix of lectures, seminars, and independent projects. Admission is based on a Qualifying Quiz that tests creative problem-solving and conceptual reasoning.
4. Mathroots – MIT PRIMES
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost: None
Dates: July 1 – 15
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 14–18 who have not yet started their final year are eligible | Review all eligibility criteria before submitting your application
Mathroots, hosted by MIT PRIMES, is a two-week mathematics program designed for high-potential students interested in advanced problem-solving and abstract reasoning. You’ll explore number theory, combinatorics, and algebraic concepts through workshops, lectures, and team challenges. Faculty mentors guide you in developing evidence-based reasoning, creative approaches to problem formulation, and persistence in tackling open-ended problems. The program emphasizes depth of understanding over speed, encouraging mathematical curiosity and collaboration.
5. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS) – University of California
Location: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz
Cost/Stipend: $5,518 + $46 application fee; financial aid is available
Dates: UC Irvine & UC San Diego: July 5 – July 31 | UC Davis, UCLA & UC Santa Cruz: July 5 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: California high school students entering grades 9 – 12)
COSMOS is a four-week residential program hosted across multiple UC campuses, offering intensive study in mathematics, engineering, and the sciences. Each campus features specialized clusters that align with faculty research areas such as computational modeling, applied mathematics, and data analysis. You’ll participate in lab experiments, team projects, and seminars that emphasize the mathematical foundations of modern scientific inquiry.
6. Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) – Texas State University
Location: San Marcos, Texas
Cost: $6,600 (includes housing, meals, books, and field trips); need-based financial aid and external scholarships are available
Dates: June 15 – July 26
Application Deadline: Round 1: February 15; Round 2: March 15; Round 3 (Final): April 16
Eligibility: All high school students, including international ones
The Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) at Texas State University is a rigorous six-week residential summer program designed for talented high school students that aims to develop students’ abilities as problem solvers and mathematical researchers. You’ll study number theory, combinatorics, and abstract algebra while developing problem-solving and proof-writing skills through daily assignments and group research projects.
7. AlphaStar Academy Summer Math Camps
Location: Cupertino, California, and Online
Cost: Online: $875 – $2,300; In-person: $1,425 – $3,250; discounts are available
Dates: Camp 1: June 9 – 27; Camp 2: July 14 – August 1; AMC 10 Booster: July 21 – 25 or July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: All high school students
AlphaStar’s Summer Math Camp prepares mathematically advanced students for competitions such as MathCounts, AMC, AIME, and USA(J)MO through level-based instruction and intensive problem-solving practice. You’ll study algebra, geometry, counting, and number theory in structured lectures followed by guided practice and timed tests. The curriculum emphasizes mathematical reasoning, strategic thinking, and exam techniques. In-person and online options include flexible pacing, review materials, and interactive math enrichment activities.
8. AwesomeMath Summer Program
Location: Online
Cost: $1,275 – $1,575 per course depending on payment deadlines; multi-course discounts are available
Dates: Session 1: June 9 – 27; Session 2: June 30 – July 18; Session 3: July 21 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 27
Eligibility: Students aged 12 – 18
AwesomeMath is a three-week intensive designed for mathematically advanced students aiming to deepen their contest and theoretical problem-solving skills. You’ll take daily instructor-led courses combining lectures with structured problem-solving sessions and homework reviews. Topics include algebraic inequalities, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory. Each course runs from Monday through Friday, which includes a 90-minute lecture followed by a 60-minute problem-solving session. You’ll complete two Saturday assessments and receive daily graded homework to track your progress.
9. Math Modeling Camp – IMA-MathCEP, University of Minnesota
Location: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota (with limited remote options)
Cost: None
Dates: June 23–27
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students who have completed single-variable calculus, along with graduating seniors
Hosted by the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) and MathCEP, the Math Modeling Camp focuses on applying mathematics to real-world problems through modeling and computation. You’ll work in teams to translate scenarios such as traffic patterns or environmental change into mathematical frameworks, using calculus, algebra, and statistics. Projects incorporate computational tools such as MATLAB or Python for simulation and analysis. The program develops your ability to construct, test, and communicate quantitative models effectively. While the program is on-site, remote participation might be available depending on demand and program resources.
10. Go Get Math – Colorado State University
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Cost: None
Dates: First or second week of June (tentative)
Application Deadline: Typically early April
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12
GirlsGetMath@CSU introduces students to mathematical ideas that extend beyond the traditional high school curriculum through applied problem-solving and computational modules. You’ll engage in group activities involving mathematical modeling, data visualization, and coding applications in science and engineering. The program emphasizes quantitative reasoning, teamwork, and confidence in analytical thinking, guided by mentors from academia and industry. You also get to connect with mentors, including undergraduate and graduate students and professionals, and gain exposure to diverse STEM career opportunities where mathematics plays a strategic role.
11. Mechanical Engineering (ME) STEM Summer Programs – Colorado State University
Location: Fort Collins and Denver, Colorado (CSU Fort Collins & CSU Spur)
Cost: $500
Dates: Engineering Your World (Grades 7–9): June 23–27; Creating Your World (Advanced, Grades 7–9): July 7–11; Designing Your World (Grades 10–12): July 14–18
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: All high school students
The Mechanical Engineering (ME) STEM Summer Programs at Colorado State University are focused camps designed to introduce high school students to core concepts and applications within mechanical engineering. You’ll work on mechanical systems, test material properties, and apply physics-based models to engineering challenges. The curriculum integrates design thinking, measurement analysis, and computational modeling. You gain experience using engineering software and university lab tools while developing quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills relevant to both math and applied science.
12. Stanford Introduction to Logic – Stanford University
Location: Online and In-Person (Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania; San Francisco Bay Area for select sessions)
Cost/Stipend: In-person camp: $2,000
Dates: In-Person Camp: June 15 – 26; Online Camp: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: May 31 (rolling until full)
Eligibility: All high school students
The Stanford Introduction to Logic camp is an intensive two-week summer program that focuses on developing students’ abilities in logical reasoning, proof-writing, and problem-solving through rigorous, interactive coursework. Through lectures, exercises, and problem-solving sessions, you’ll explore topics like propositional logic, quantifiers, and logical inference systems. The program highlights logic’s applications in mathematics, philosophy, and computer science, using software-based proof tools to reinforce abstract reasoning. The program is designed to challenge and engage students who have a passion for math and logic, providing expert instruction and opportunities for collaboration and discussion.
13. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Math Summer Workshop
Location: On-campus, RIT, NY
Cost: None
Dates: July 1 – 5
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students who will not be graduating in the spring of the year they attend
The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) summer workshop offers a collaborative environment for high school students eager to explore diverse mathematical concepts. Guided by RIT mathematics faculty, the program delves into topics such as probability, functions, mathematical biology, and intriguing problems like the Sisyphus function and the “insane grocery shopper” scenario. You are encouraged to think creatively and approach problems with innovative strategies when conventional methods fail.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in topics like mathematical modeling, number theory, combinatorics, algebra, or applied mathematics, 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. 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 – Colorado State University