If you are interested in refining your logical reasoning and problem-solving skills before college, a structured math program can help. Math programs designed for high school students go far beyond worksheets; they may offer research projects, college-credit courses, mathematical modeling, proof-based theory, competition training, applied problem-solving, and even interdisciplinary work tied to engineering or quantum science. Many are hosted on university campuses, giving you access to faculty, labs, and structured mentorship, while others run virtually with small cohorts and advanced coursework. Some focus on strengthening foundations before the school year begins; others push into Olympiad-level content or real-world analytics.
Why should you spend your summer in Louisiana?
Louisiana can offer you access to established universities, active research institutes, and STEM-focused enrichment programs without the cost of larger national hubs. Institutions like Xavier University of Louisiana, Tulane University, LSU, and Dillard University host structured pre-college and research experiences that combine academic rigor with campus immersion. You can live in residence halls, work in research labs, or study advanced math topics while also gaining exposure to a region known for its cultural depth and academic diversity. For students in the state, it’s a practical way to access high-level STEM programming closer to home. For others, it’s an opportunity to study in a city like New Orleans, where university campuses sit within reach of active research communities and industry connections.
To help you get started, below is a list of 15 math programs for high school students in Louisiana.
If you are also looking for math-focused opportunities beyond Louisiana, check out our list of camps here and university-led programs here.
15 Math Programs for High School Students in Louisiana
1. Xavier University of Louisiana’s SOAR X
Location: Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Cost: Credit Bearing: $2,900 | Non-Credit Bearing: $2,300; need-based financial assistance available
Dates: June 27 – July 25
Application deadline: Priority: March 2; Final: April 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years of age
SOAR X is a four-week residential program designed to strengthen analytical reasoning in STEM and the humanities. You will engage with advanced academic texts, collaborate in small groups, and present your analysis through discussions, research papers, and projects. Rising seniors must complete a college-credit pathway, either by enrolling in a 1000- or 2000-level humanities course (pending eligibility and transcript review) or by preparing for a CLEP exam through Modern States. Exploratory tracks may include site visits to clinical or laboratory settings, depending on placement and interest. Outside class, you will live on campus with a roommate, access university facilities, and participate in organized cultural excursions. You will also have access to the mentorship from current Xavier students and alumni.
2. Xavier University of Louisiana’s Star Programs
Location: Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Cost: $600; need-based financial assistance available
Dates: MATHStar I: June 1 – 18 | MATHStar II: June 22 – July 10
Application deadline: May 1 (rolling admissions)
Eligibility: Students in 7th – 12th grade who are enrolling in a corresponding high school course in the fall
Xavier’s MATHStar I (Algebra) and MATHStar II (Geometry) are three-week summer intensives designed for students who want to explore these math courses before enrolling in them at school. As a participant, you will review and preview core algebraic or geometric concepts in a classroom setting. The curriculum will be aligned with your upcoming high school coursework, reinforcing foundational skills before the academic year begins. You will work through guided exercises and instructor-led lessons designed to strengthen readiness for rigorous math classes. Orientation and a closing awards ceremony frame the program, with families invited to attend both events.
3. University of New Orleans AMRI High School Summer Research Program
Location: University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Stipend: $2,000
Dates: June 1 – July 24
Application deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school students who reside and attend high school within 40 miles of the University of New Orleans
The Advanced Materials Research Institute (AMRI) Summer Research Program places high school students in full-time research labs. You will work directly with faculty and research teams on projects spanning applied mathematics, chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, and psychology. Depending on placement, you may lead an independent project or contribute to a larger laboratory initiative. You will also attend weekly seminars that cover topics like research ethics, lab safety, microscopy, crystallography, and career pathways in materials science.
4. Loyola University New Orleans Upward Bound Program
Location: Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Runs year-round, with a required summer component that often takes place in June – July
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are U.S. Citizens, permanent residents, or nationals of the U.S., its territories, properties, or trusts; applicants must meet income guidelines as set by the U.S. Dept of Education or be a potential first-generation college student, currently attend target schools, and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Loyola’s Upward Bound Program is designed to offer academic and college prep support to high school students from low-income backgrounds or those who would be first-generation college students. You will receive academic instruction and tutoring in English, mathematics, science, and foreign languages during the school year and summer sessions. The program offers advising on study strategies, time management, and ACT/SAT preparation. College readiness workshops will cover admissions procedures, financial aid applications, and scholarship searches. You will also attend campus visits and career awareness events to better understand postsecondary pathways. A summer residential component allows you to experience campus life while taking preparatory classes.
5. Tulane Summer Enrichment Institute
Location: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Cost: $995 (commuter) | $5,495 (residential); financial aid available with priority given to Louisiana residents
Dates: Multiple two-week sessions in June and July
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders; residential participants must be at least 14 years old.
This Tulane University program allows high schoolers to take courses in a variety of subjects, including mathematics. You can choose courses such as Applied Mathematics, which covers encryption/decryption techniques, mathematical modeling methods, and opportunities to apply mathematical concepts to analyze real-world problems and develop solutions. If you are interested in developing critical thinking skills, you can choose the Mathematical Way of Thinking course to solve problems and discover new theories just like mathematicians do. During the program, you will engage with instructors and live and study alongside peers, gaining firsthand exposure to life on a college campus. This is an enrichment program that offers no credits for course completion.
6. Tulane Science Scholars Program
Location: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Cost: $2,595 (commuter) | $6,595 (residential); financial aid available with priority given to Louisiana residents
Dates: Multiple sessions in June and July
Application deadline: Typically rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; residential participants must be at least 14 years old.
Tulane’s Science Scholars Program is a two-week residential experience for high schoolers interested in advanced STEM study. Here, you will enroll in credit-bearing college coursework and attend lectures and labs led by university faculty. Course options span areas such as experimental mathematics, sports analytics, neuroscience, and programming-based subjects. In math courses, the curriculum emphasizes analytical reasoning, data interpretation, and applied mathematical thinking. The academic schedule mirrors undergraduate expectations, with designated study time built into the residential structure. You will live on campus and participate in organized evening and weekend activities.
7. Louisiana State University’s Math Circle
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,200/$1,350 (based on session length) + $300 registration fee
Dates: Summer: Three weeks | Fall/Spring: Six weeks (dates vary by year)
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: 9th – 12th graders
Louisiana State University’s Virtual Math Circle allows high school students to conduct guided mathematical research with faculty and graduate mentors. You will join a team of peers to work through advanced problems, develop conjectures, and refine proofs as part of a structured research process. The program culminates in a completed research project that can be extended into a science fair or independent study submission. You will receive feedback throughout the development of your mathematical arguments. At the end, you and your team will submit a final report and deliver a 30–45-minute colloquium-style presentation discussing the project.
8. Pre-Freshman Engineering Summer Program @ Dillard University
Location: Dillard University, New Orleans, LA
Cost: $450
Dates: June 9 – July 11
Application deadline: June 4
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 – 10
Dillard University’s five-week Pre-Freshman Engineering Summer Program introduces middle and high school students to foundational STEM coursework. You will study mathematics, biology, chemistry, English, and computer science while strengthening analytical and communication skills. The curriculum incorporates scientific demonstrations, laboratory-style experiments, and math problem-solving sessions. You will also receive introductory exposure to engineering concepts and programming. The program additionally offers the chance to participate in science and engineering fairs and present project-based work developed during the program. Also part of the experience are educational trips and applied activities that help you connect classroom topics to real-world STEM fields.
9. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,750; need-based financial aid available
Dates: Session One: June 15 – July 3 | Session Two: July 6 – 24
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
SUMaC is a selective, three- to four-week program offered in residential and online formats, with the online cohort limited to 64 students. You will study advanced topics such as abstract algebra, number theory, or algebraic topology through daily lectures and guided problem-solving sessions. The coursework reflects college-level mathematics but does not award grades or academic credit. You will learn through live discussions, assignments, and mentorship from undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants. You will also collaborate with peers, often working through multi-step proofs and theoretical challenges. A final research presentation will help you share findings with instructors and peers.
10. The Junior Math Club @ University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Location: University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA
Cost: Free!
Dates: Sundays each fortnight throughout the year
Application deadline: None
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Junior Math Club is a series of free math-focused sessions designed for middle and high school students. Every other Sunday, you will visit the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to join peers in discussing and exploring topics in math. The sessions may focus on the details of a unique problem or math application, allowing you to practice what you learn by working through and solving problems. Certain sessions may also focus on preparing you for mathematics competitions like the AMC.
11. University of Maryland’s MathQuantum High School Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Two weeks in the summer
Application deadline: February 13
Eligibility: High school students
The MathQuantum High School Fellowship is a two-week online program designed to introduce students to the mathematical foundations of quantum information science. You will attend lectures and coding labs covering linear algebra, elements of quantum mechanics, and introductory cryptography. The program connects theoretical mathematics to tools like QLab and research concepts like ion traps. Open to approximately 10 high schoolers each year, the program allows you to join a small discussion-based group of peers. You will complete a mini-project at the end of the program, learning how to apply core concepts. Professional development workshops and one-on-one mentoring are integrated into the schedule.
12. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes: Logic and Problem Solving
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,200; financial aid available
Dates: July 6 – 17
Application deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 8 – 11 who have completed an Algebra course
This virtual program, run by Stanford University, offers students access to a wide variety of college-level courses. Its Logic and Problem Solving course is a two-week program that covers topics in logic, number theory, probability, inequalities, combinatorics, geometry, puzzles, and algorithms through live classes. As a participant, you will learn about and use techniques and problem-solving strategies to build creative and logical thinking skills. You will also work on math problems and puzzles, solve problems with peers, and present your solutions. Assignments and projects are also part of the program.
13. Johns Hopkins’ Center for Talented Youth Math Courses
Location: Online tracks available
Cost: Varies by course; need-based financial aid available
Dates: Available year-round; dates vary by session
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students; prerequisites can vary by course
Johns Hopkins CTY offers online mathematics courses that extend beyond standard grade-level curricula. You will enroll in live, instructor-led classes or self-paced formats covering algebra, geometry, logic, statistics, cryptography, or game theory. The curriculum caters to advanced learners seeking accelerated or enrichment-based study. The schedule includes graded assignments and feedback from instructors. Some classes connect mathematics to economics, philosophy, or computer science while maintaining a quantitative focus. Interactive components such as discussion boards or live sessions are designed to support peer engagement.
14. Athemath Virtual Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $90/semester (need-based financial aid available)
Dates: Two academic year sessions in Fall and Spring
Application deadline: Fall: Late August | Spring: Late January
Eligibility: High school students (preference for nonbinary/female secondary math learners as well as groups underrepresented in the contest space)
Athemath, a nonprofit, runs a virtual program, which includes 12-week sessions structured like small, discussion-based math courses delivered over Zoom. Each course consists of six one-hour classes, held every other weekend, with typically 5 to 10 students per section. Between meetings, you can complete optional problem sets and attend weekly office hours for additional support. Bi-weekly individual check-ins with instructors will provide personalized feedback and replace alternating class sessions. You may also participate in interest-based clubs, seminars, and math contest teams. The curriculum ranges from mid-AMC to early Olympiad level, depending on placement and interest.
15. Illinois Tech Elevate College Math in Action: Real-World Problem Solving
Location: Virtual
Cost: $300 + additional fees/scholarship details TBA
Dates: June 15 – 19
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Rising 9th – 12th graders, ages 14 – 17
Illinois Tech’s Elevate College Math in Action is an online summer program that allows you to examine how mathematical reasoning operates in applied settings. Through virtual sessions, faculty will help you connect abstract concepts to scenarios in science, engineering, and technology. You will work through varied problem-solving exercises that require logical analysis and quantitative reasoning. You will also be exposed to demonstrations that illustrate how mathematics informs systems evaluation and technical decision-making.
One more option—Horizon Academic Research Program
If you are looking for a competitive mentored research program in an area of your choice, you can consider applying toHorizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! It is a selective virtual research program that allows you to engage in advanced research and come up with a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1,000+ high school students so far, offering 600+ research specializations to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Xavier University of Louisiana