15 Math Programs for High School Students in Boston

Key Takeaways

• These 15 programs cover a wide range of mathematical training, from proof-based Olympiad prep at PROMYS and Mathroots to applied and computational math at the Wolfram Program and Northeastern’s YSP, alongside Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a virtual trimester-long research track for students who want a fully remote option in quantitative or qualitative research.
• Program formats vary considerably, from free residential programs like MIT PRIMES and G2 Math to paid intensives like CyberMath Academy and IDEA Math, so cost and format are worth weighing together as you compare options.
• Several programs, including MIT PRIMES, Mathroots, G2 Math, and Northeastern’s Bridge to Calculus, are completely free, while others charge several thousand dollars, often with financial aid or scholarships available.
• Many of these programs pair you one-on-one with an MIT or university mentor on an independent research project, and Horizon follows a similar model remotely, pairing you with a professor or PhD scholar to produce a full 20-page research paper rather than a summer’s worth of coursework.
• Eligibility also varies widely: some programs are limited to Massachusetts residents or Greater Boston students, while others, including Horizon, are open to students regardless of location since the program runs entirely online.

15 Math Programs for High School Students in Boston

If mathematics is one of your favorite subjects, a math program can help you explore it well beyond what a typical high school classroom offers! 

Math programs introduce you to advanced concepts, sharpen mathematical reasoning, and give you real problems to work through alongside other students who take the subject just as seriously as you do. You’ll work through proofs, train for competitions, explore topics like statistics or mathematical modeling, and often learn directly from university faculty who do this kind of math professionally.

Why should you choose a math program in Boston?

Boston has one of the highest concentrations of universities in the United States, so it’s no surprise that the city offers a wide range of math programs. Depending on the program, you could study advanced algebra and calculus, prepare for national math competitions, or explore areas like data science and mathematical modeling. You’ll also have opportunities to learn from professors and researchers.

This kind of experience also carries real weight for college applications. A strong showing in a rigorous math program shows initiative and ability in a way that a good grade alone can’t. Along the way, you also build skills like abstract reasoning, precise problem solving, and comfort with ambiguity, all of which matter well beyond high school, no matter which STEM path you eventually choose.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 math programs for high school students in Boston! If you want to challenge yourself in the subject before going for a program, check out this blog on online math competitions for high school students!

1. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)

PROMYS (Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists) is a six-week residential summer mathematics program for high school students with a strong interest in advanced mathematical problem solving. The program centers on number theory while also exploring topics such as mathematical proofs, combinatorics, and abstract reasoning through daily lectures and challenging problem sets. You will spend significant time developing original solutions, formulating conjectures, and justifying them using rigorous proof-writing techniques. The curriculum also includes seminars, guest lectures by mathematicians, collaborative discussions, and opportunities to engage with undergraduate counselors and faculty mentors. 

2. Harvard University: Secondary School Program

The Harvard Secondary School Program is a credit-bearing summer program that allows high school students to enroll in college-level mathematics courses through 4- or 7-week sessions. The program offers courses in math, applied math, and statistics, and you can study subjects such as calculus, linear algebra, probability, statistics, discrete mathematics, or mathematical modeling alongside college students and adult learners. Courses are taught by Harvard faculty and visiting instructors and include lectures, problem sets, class discussions, written assignments, and examinations that reflect the expectations of undergraduate coursework. You will complete graded, for-credit courses while developing quantitative reasoning, proof-based thinking, and advanced problem-solving skills. Upon successful completion, you earn college credit and receive a Harvard Summer School transcript documenting your coursework.

3. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subjects such as data science, machine learning, 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 particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page 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 you can use to improve future projects. Apply here!

4. MIT PRIMES

The MIT PRIMES (Program for Research in Mathematics, Engineering, and Science) is a research program where high school students get to explore math under the guidance of mentors from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After completing preparatory reading and problem-solving assignments, you will undertake an independent research project in areas such as number theory, combinatorics, algebra, geometry, probability, or other specialized mathematical fields. You will meet regularly with your mentor, study research literature, develop original mathematical results, and refine your proof-writing and analytical reasoning skills. You can also attend seminars and engage with a community of students pursuing advanced research across STEM disciplines. The program concludes with a research paper and presentation. Selected students may also have opportunities to present their work at conferences or submit it for publication.

5. Wolfram High School Summer Research Program

The Wolfram High School Summer Research Program is a project-based summer program for high school students interested in mathematics, computation, and artificial intelligence. Before the program begins, you will complete preparatory coursework in the Wolfram Language, then work with mentors to develop an independent research project tailored to your interests. Projects often involve mathematical modeling, algorithm design, computational mathematics, data analysis, optimization, or other quantitative topics, culminating in a computational essay and an interactive research paper. You will also participate in workshops, lectures, and discussions that strengthen your programming, problem-solving, and research skills. 

6. Northeastern Young Scholars Program (YSP)

The Northeastern University Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a six-week summer research program that places high school students in university laboratories to investigate STEM topics alongside faculty members and graduate student mentors. If you are interested in mathematics, you can work on research involving mathematical modeling, algorithms, computational methods, data analysis, optimization, or other quantitative approaches used across engineering and the sciences. In addition to laboratory research, the program features seminars led by faculty from multiple engineering disciplines, presentations on scientific careers, and visits to technology companies and research organizations in the Boston area. 

7. Boston Leadership Institute STEM Entrepreneurship

The Boston Leadership Institute STEM Entrepreneurship Program is a three-week summer program that explores the process of developing STEM-based ideas into viable businesses. Through workshops and team-based projects, you can apply math-related concepts such as financial modeling, market sizing, pricing strategies, break-even analysis, and business valuation while evaluating the commercial potential of scientific and technological innovations. You can also examine industries using analytical frameworks such as SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces, develop financial projections, and assess new ventures using quantitative data. Working in teams, you will then create an original product, prepare a business plan, and build an investor pitch supported by evidence and market analysis. The program also includes visits to innovation hubs and discussions with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals about bringing STEM innovations to market.

8. Mathroots @ MIT

The MIT MathROOTS program is a two-week residential summer program designed for high school students interested in creative mathematical thinking and advanced problem solving. Through interactive classes, collaborative activities, and lectures led by MIT instructors and mentors, you can explore topics that extend beyond the standard high school curriculum while strengthening proof-writing techniques and mathematical reasoning. The program focuses on developing strategies for tackling unfamiliar problems and communicating rigorous mathematical arguments. You can also participate in group problem-solving sessions, discussions with mathematicians, and community-building activities alongside peers who share an interest in mathematics.

9. G2 Math Program

The G2 Math Program is a free residential summer program for high school students interested in olympiad mathematics and proof-based problem solving. Each day, you will attend two intensive classes covering major areas of competition mathematics, with students placed into groups based on their prior experience. Afternoons are dedicated to collaborative problem-solving sessions, where you will work through olympiad-style questions with instructors, teaching assistants, and peers while refining proof-writing techniques and mathematical reasoning. The program also features optional evening seminars on advanced mathematics and research topics led by guest speakers and staff, along with practice USA(J)MO-style examinations that help you apply the concepts you’ve learned.

10. Research Science Institute (RSI)

The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a six-week residential research program that brings together high school students to pursue original STEM research under the guidance of scientists and researchers. If you’re interested in mathematics, you may be matched with a research mentor from MIT’s Mathematics Department to investigate advanced topics such as number theory, combinatorics, algebra, geometry, probability, or other areas of pure and applied mathematics. The program begins with intensive university-level lectures and seminars before transitioning to an individual research project, where you will review mathematical literature, develop proofs or computational methods, and refine your work through regular meetings with your mentor.

11. Northeastern Bridge to Calculus

The Northeastern University Bridge to Calculus program is a seven-week summer program that prepares Boston Public Schools students for AP Calculus and other advanced mathematics courses. The coursework builds a foundation in precalculus and calculus through topics such as functions, graphing, logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometry, limits, derivatives, and integrals. You will also apply mathematical concepts to financial literacy by exploring budgeting, investing, credit, and banking through project-based activities. Alongside the core mathematics curriculum, you can select an enrichment track in areas such as statistics, artificial intelligence, physics, biology, or chemistry and attend weekly lectures on subjects including linear algebra, graph theory, game theory, and mathematical proofs.

12. CyberMath Academy: Summer Math Camp

CyberMath Academy’s Summer Math Camp is an intensive two-week program held at the historic Harvard Faculty Club that challenges advanced high school students with college-level mathematics. The high school curriculum covers key competition topics in algebra, geometry, combinatorics, and number theory while integrating hands-on projects in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Guided by international Olympiad medalists and elite STEM researchers, you will engage in Socratic-style lectures and collaborative problem-solving labs designed to build deep quantitative reasoning. In addition to daily academic coursework, the program features guest lectures by Harvard and MIT scientists, campus tours, and dedicated workshops on the college application process.

13. IDEA Math: Greater Boston Summer Program

The IDEA Math Summer Program offers mathematically gifted high school students a highly structured and rigorous environment to explore advanced mathematical concepts. Founded by former U.S. Olympiad coach Dr. Zuming Feng, the program features coursework modeled after elite training curricula used by top-tier national math teams. You will study deep problem-solving methodologies in algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics through interactive, seminar-style sessions. Working alongside outstanding mathematical instructors, you will tackle multi-layered problems that emphasize core logical reasoning over memorization. The fast-paced, collaborative curriculum is specifically designed to help you prepare for competitive examinations like the AMC 10/12, AIME, and USAMO.  

14. MIT: Menezes Challenge PRIMES Circle

The Menezes Challenge PRIMES Circle is a free semester-long math enrichment program designed to build mathematical confidence and foster analytical thinking. Hosted on the MIT campus, the program matches small groups of high schoolers with dedicated MIT undergraduate and graduate mentors to explore advanced mathematical topics outside the standard school curriculum. You will focus on deep, conceptual problem-solving in pure and applied mathematics, studying elegant topics like graph theory, combinatorics, and abstract algebra. The program culminates in a co-authored expository paper and a presentation delivered at the annual Spring-Term PRIMES conference.  

15. Phillips Academy Andover: (MS² (Mathematics and Science for Minority Students)

The Mathematics and Science for Minority Students (MS² program is a rigorous, three-summer residential STEM initiative that bolsters the mathematical and scientific abilities of talented public high school students. Held on the campus of Phillips Academy, this scholarship program challenges scholars with a demanding curriculum covering math, science, and English. The mathematics sequence accelerates your quantitative reasoning, guiding you through advanced algebra, precalculus, and AP Calculus. Each summer, you will engage in intensive daily classes, laboratory experiments, and personalized college counseling led by expert teachers. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What kinds of math programs are available to high school students in Boston?
You’ll find a mix of formats, including proof-based research programs like MIT PRIMES and RSI, Olympiad-focused training like Mathroots, G2 Math, and IDEA Math, and credit-bearing coursework like Harvard’s Secondary School Program. Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a different kind of option, letting you conduct independent, mentored research remotely across subjects like data science and machine learning rather than joining a fixed in-person math program.

Do you need prior competition math experience to apply?
It depends on the program. Some, like G2 Math and IDEA Math, are specifically geared toward students with an interest in or background in Olympiad-style problem solving, with IDEA Math requiring a placement exam. Others, like Harvard’s Secondary School Program and Northeastern’s Bridge to Calculus, are structured more like traditional coursework and don’t require prior competition experience.

Are there free options available?
Yes, several programs on this list don’t charge a fee. MIT PRIMES, Mathroots, G2 Math, Northeastern’s Bridge to Calculus, Northeastern’s YSP, and the Menezes Challenge PRIMES Circle are all free to participate in, and G2 Math even covers housing, meals, and partial airfare. Horizon’s cost varies depending on the program type you select, but financial aid is available there as well.

Which programs are restricted to Massachusetts or Boston residents?
A few of these programs have residency requirements. Northeastern’s Young Scholars Program requires Massachusetts residency and commuting distance to the university, and Northeastern’s Bridge to Calculus is limited to Boston Public Schools students. Others, like PROMYS, MIT PRIMES, and Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, are open more broadly to students from outside Massachusetts, with Horizon having no geographic restriction at all since it runs entirely online.

Which programs focus specifically on Olympiad or competition math preparation?
If you’re preparing for competitions like the AMC, AIME, or USAMO, G2 Math, Mathroots, and IDEA Math are the most directly relevant options, all centering on proof-based problem solving and Olympiad-style training. CyberMath Academy also integrates competition math topics alongside AI and machine learning projects, if you want to combine competition prep with a broader technical focus.

Is there a way to pursue independent research beyond a structured math program?
Yes. If you want to move from coursework or competition prep into an original research project, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar to develop a 20-page research paper you can submit for academic publication. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback, and covers over 600 research specializations. You can find the application here.

When should you apply?
Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the year, so it helps to plan ahead. The Menezes Challenge PRIMES Circle has one of the earliest deadlines at early January, while several others cluster in February and March, including PROMYS (February 27), Harvard’s Secondary School Program (February 11), and Mathroots and G2 Math (both March 3). Later deadlines include the Wolfram Program (March 22) and Northeastern’s YSP (December 15 to March 2). Horizon, by contrast, has multiple deadlines throughout the year across its Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts, giving you more flexibility if you miss an earlier cutoff.

Image source: Boston University