As a high school student, a math program provides structured exposure to advanced topics beyond the standard curriculum. You might explore areas such as number theory, combinatorics, calculus, statistics, or mathematical modeling through lectures, problem-solving sessions, and guided projects. These programs emphasize analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and proof-based approaches while helping you experience how mathematics is studied in a university-style setting. Along the way, you engage with instructors and peers who share your interest in quantitative problem-solving and academic exploration.
Why should you spend your summer in Chicago?
Chicago offers a strong academic environment supported by major universities, research institutions, and education-focused organizations that host math-focused opportunities each year. The city’s academic ecosystem exposes you to experienced faculty, collaborative learning environments, and diverse mathematical perspectives across pure and applied fields. For students living in or near Chicago, participating locally can reduce travel and accommodation costs while still providing access to rigorous academic experiences.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 math programs in Chicago. If you’re looking for more, you can check more pre-college programs in Chicago here.
15 Math Programs for High School Students in Chicago
1. The Summer Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Location: The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: Varies based on household income. Check details here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Significantly selective; divided into cohorts by grade
Dates: June 30 – July 25 (based on the previous year’s program)
Application Deadline: April 11 (based on the previous year’s program)
Eligibility: Students in Grades 7–12
The Summer Young Scholars Program (YSP) at the University of Chicago is a four-week program for mathematically motivated students in grades 7–12 from the Chicago area and nearby regions. You explore mathematics beyond standard school curricula through focused study in a single domain, geometry in odd years or number theory in even years. Each day includes faculty-led lectures, small-group problem sessions guided by undergraduate math majors, and structured time for discussion and analysis. The program focuses on thorough problem solving, conceptual understanding, and collaborative learning rather than speeding through regular coursework. Participation is selective, targeting students who appreciate challenging mathematical concepts and are willing to engage in sustained intellectual effort.
2. UChicago Neubauer Phoenix STEM Summer Scholars
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $2,500; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: One-week residential: July 26 – 31
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade students who are at least 15 years old and enrolled in a U.S. high school
The Neubauer Phoenix STEM Summer Program is a hybrid experience that begins with a virtual mathematics course and concludes with a one-week residential session at the University of Chicago. After completing the online preparatory coursework, you live on campus and participate in model classes while engaging with faculty and alumni across mathematics, computer science, and engineering. The program includes visits to major research and innovation sites such as Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Through these experiences, you gain exposure to interdisciplinary STEM research, university-level learning, and campus life at a leading research institution. For high school students exploring advanced STEM pathways, it offers structured academic preparation alongside direct interaction with research environments.
3. PRIMES-USA
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-long
Application Deadline: Typically November/December
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores residing in the United States outside the Greater Boston area
PRIMES-USA is a free, year-long online mathematics research program offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for high school sophomores and juniors in the United States (outside the Greater Boston area). You work on advanced topics and unsolved problems in pure or applied mathematics, including areas connected to theoretical computer science and computational biology. The program is structured in four phases: advanced reading with a formal report, mentored research with an interim progress submission, a more flexible period of independent study, and the preparation of a final research paper. Throughout the year, you receive guidance from MIT faculty, graduate students, or approved local mentors through online collaboration tools. By the end of the program, your completed research paper is published on the PRIMES website and may be submitted to national-level high school research competitions.
4. MathCON Summer Camp
Location: Loyola Water Tower Campus, Chicago, IL
Cost: $2,450 (with housing); $2,150 (without housing)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – 27 (based on the previous year’s program)
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 through 12
MathCON Summer Camp is a one-week intensive program for mathematically talented students who have participated in the MathCON Online Round. You study advanced topics such as number theory, algebraic expressions, geometry, and combinatorics through focused, high-level instruction. The curriculum highlights problem-solving methods and mathematical reasoning, while presenting elegant strategies for complex concepts. You also prepare for competitions like the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC), applying what you learn to structured practice.
5. MathQuantum High School Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 students
Dates: 2 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: High school student interested in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, and/or Quantum (Information) Science
The MathQuantum High School Fellowship is a two-week online summer program supported by the National Science Foundation that introduces you to the mathematical foundations of quantum information science. You learn through a structured combination of lectures, coding labs, group discussions, and a final mini-project that connects theory with application. The curriculum covers core topics such as linear algebra, elements of quantum mechanics, and cryptography, with a focus on how these areas support current research in quantum technologies. You also explore practical tools like QLab and study concepts such as ion traps that are used in modern quantum systems.
6. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC Online Enrichment
Location: Online
Cost: $3,750 financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 64 students
Dates: June 15 – July 3 | July 6 – 24
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–11
Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is a selective program for rising high school juniors and seniors that focuses on intensive study in advanced mathematics. You engage in a fast-paced three-week online curriculum that combines live lectures, guided research, and collaborative problem-solving sessions. The program explores significant mathematical ideas, their historical development, and their applications across scientific fields. You complete daily problem sets, interact with instructional assistants, and attend guest lectures from mathematicians and professionals who apply mathematics in their work. The experience concludes with a research-based project presentation that reflects your learning and analytical development.
7. Illinois Tech’s Summer College Programs for High School Students
Location: Illinois Tech University campus, Chicago, IL or Virtual
Cost: $300 – $4,500 varies based on the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Specific rates or cohort sizes are not publicly detailed
Dates: Varies based on the program
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students are eligible, subject to specific criteria based on the program type. Check details here
Illinois Tech’s Elevate College Prep Summer Programs expose you to STEM-focused subjects at a technology-driven university in Chicago. The program offers a mix of skill development and a glimpse into college-level studies and campus life. For students keen on mathematics, options include Exploring the Mathematics of the Musical Scale through Quantum Mechanics and Geometry, where they analyze harmonic systems with geometric modeling and tools such as AutoCAD or Rhino, complemented by measurement labs involving stringed instruments. Another choice, Math in Action: Real-World Problem Solving, emphasizes applying math concepts to practical issues through guided virtual problem-solving and demonstrations. Across formats, you engage with interdisciplinary applications of math while developing analytical and technical skills in a structured academic setting.
8. AoPS Online
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on the coursework
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not mentioned
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Programs are available for various educational qualifications
Art of Problem Solving offers AoPS Online as a structured virtual learning platform where you can study introductory, intermediate, advanced, and competition-focused mathematics. You attend live, interactive classes, supported by weekly homework, instructor guidance, and a message board where you can ask questions and engage in discussions outside scheduled sessions. Each course provides a full transcript of class meetings, enabling you to review material or catch up if you miss a session. Instruction is reinforced through AoPS textbooks, supplementary videos, instructional handouts, and practice contests that emphasize depth in problem-solving and mathematical reasoning. You also receive consistent academic support through online homework help from instructors and assistants, along with optional access to the classroom space for student-led study sessions.
9. City of Chicago Math League (CCML)
Location: Events occur at various Chicago public schools and venues citywide
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open league format
Dates: Contests run during the school year, with citywide finals in late spring. Check the complete schedule here
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
The City of Chicago Math League is an annual competition sponsored by the Chicago Board of Education that challenges high school students in grades 9–12 to apply core mathematical concepts in a timed, exam-based format. You take part in five contests: four regular meets and a citywide final, aimed at testing subject mastery and preparing you for the state competition. Each contest consists of a 20-question exam completed in 50 minutes, with competition organized by grade and topic area: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus. Schools compete at assigned regional sites, where top-performing students receive recognition based on their division and subject ranking. After cumulative scoring across the regular meets, the highest-ranked students advance to the city finals, where final placements are determined through another competitive exam. The structure emphasizes accuracy, speed, and conceptual understanding across the standard high school mathematics sequence.
10. Math Circles of Chicago Summer Camps
Location: Various locations in Chicago. Check details here
Cost/Stipend: Not specified on the site
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Dates: 2 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Registration opens in the Spring
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12
Math Circles of Chicago Summer Camps are two-week, half-day programs for rising 6th–12th graders who want to explore mathematics through problem-solving and collaborative activities. You engage with puzzles, mathematical games, and creative challenges designed to develop analytical thinking beyond standard school curricula. The camps emphasize hands-on exploration and often include outdoor sessions that encourage discussion and teamwork. You collaborate with peers in a supportive, community-oriented setting that emphasizes curiosity and persistence in solving complex problems. The experience centers on developing problem-solving strategies and viewing mathematics as a flexible, exploratory field.
11. CPS Summer of Algebra
Location: Multiple CPS high schools across Chicago
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not mentioned
Dates: TBA
Application Deadline: Typically in the spring
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen who have taken Algebra for Middle Grades, or an equivalent course in 8th grade
The CPS Summer of Algebra program gives you additional instructional time to strengthen your understanding of Algebra before high school. Designed for rising freshmen, the program uses an inquiry-based approach that emphasizes reasoning, problem solving, and conceptual clarity. You participate in structured lessons and activities that support mastery of key Algebra concepts and help you prepare for advanced math pathways. If you have taken Algebra for Middle Grades (or an equivalent 8th-grade course) and need to demonstrate competency, the program provides a pathway to qualify for Geometry. Offered at select high schools through an application process, the program also connects you with peers and school communities through academically focused summer learning.
12. UIC Young Scholars Program
Location: University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates:1-week sessions from July to August
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Young Scholars Program is a daily summer program for students in grades 8–12, offered in four separate one-week sessions. Each day runs roughly from 9 AM to 3 PM and includes lectures, guided problem-solving sessions, and guest speaker talks. You explore mathematical topics not typically covered in high school while examining how mathematics connects to science, technology, and society. Instruction is delivered by UIC faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students, giving you exposure to different perspectives within academic mathematics. Throughout the program, you also learn what it is like to study math in college and how mathematical thinking applies to careers in research, industry, and education.
13. Math Circles of Chicago College Pathways
Location: Multiple locations in Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students with financial need can earn annual stipends of $900+
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specifiedspecified
Dates: Throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies for different pathways
Eligibility: Students in Grades 9-12
Math Circles of Chicago College Pathways is a free advanced mathematics program where you study university-level topics and apply them through research and teaching. You choose from multiple pathways that combine mathematical exploration with leadership development and STEM career exposure. With guidance from mentors, you work on math research projects, participate in math camps, and gain experience supporting instruction in middle school math circles. The program emphasizes both deep conceptual learning and practical engagement with math education. As a high-achieving senior, you may also qualify for a $2,000 scholarship.
14. Mathnasium Math Program
Location: Mathnasium of Chicago, Chicago, IL or Remote
Cost/Stipend: Costs vary by package
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Flexible summer sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Available for various educational levels
Mathnasium’s summer math program is designed to help you retain, strengthen, and apply core math skills before the next academic year. You follow a personalized learning plan built on the Mathnasium Method, which focuses on conceptual understanding and step-by-step skill development. Sessions use guided practice and interactive problem solving to address gaps or extend your current level, depending on your needs. The program is available in-center and online, allowing you to maintain consistent practice over the summer. Overall, it provides structured support to keep your math progress steady and measurable.
15. CPS High School Connection
Location: CPS high schools across Chicago
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders
The CPS High School Connection program helps you transition into 9th grade by introducing you to your new school environment, expectations, and academic routines. You receive instruction in math and ELA while also developing study strategies and practical skills to manage your workload and stress. The program familiarizes you with graduation requirements and what daily high school academics look like. Through structured activities, field trips, and peer interaction, you get to know classmates and school staff before the year begins. By combining academic preparation with socio-emotional learning, the program supports a smoother and more informed start to high school.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like maths, trigonometry, calculus, 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 subject 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: The University of Chicago