15 Math Programs for High School Students in Houston, Texas
If you are a high school student with a strong interest in mathematics, math programs can be a solid option to deepen your knowledge beyond the classroom. These opportunities give you exposure to practical skills such as problem-solving, data analysis, and advanced modeling that translate directly to practical applications. You gain industry experience through projects and interactions with professionals and faculty. Many programs also help you build valuable connections that support college applications and future careers.
Why should you attend a program in Houston, Texas?
Houston is home to various universities and organizations that run targeted programs in math and related fields. You can engage in activities like intensive precalculus or calculus preparation, earning college credit, conducting independent research, or collaborating on STEM projects with a math focus. Whether you live in the area or are visiting the city, these programs let you test your interests in a supportive environment.
We've narrowed down our list to the 15 Math Programs for High School Students in Houston, Texas.
If you’re looking for free programs in Houston, check out our blog here.
1. Rice University Young Summer Math Days
Location: Rice University campus, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 20–30 students
Dates: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–11
The Young Summer Math Days introduces you to university-level mathematics through daily interactive lectures and hands-on workshops held on the Rice campus. You will explore topics such as mathematical modeling in biology, mathematical analysis, parallel computing, mathematics in art, mathematics in car racing, and mathematics in toys. Faculty and graduate students from Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research lead the sessions and give direct feedback on your problem-solving. The one-week format emphasizes how mathematicians approach complex questions and builds conceptual depth beyond regular high school classes. You also participate in group activities that highlight research-level thinking while gaining insight into advanced math pathways.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Vary by cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school student should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. University of Houston TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy
Location: University of Houston campus, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate (up to $1,000 in scholarships possible).
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited slots
Dates: June 8 - August 7
Application Deadline: April 9
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors planning to attend UH with a first-choice major in Natural Sciences and Mathematics or Engineering; must have pre-calculus credit or be currently taking it.
You will participate in an intensive 9-week program designed to prepare you for a STEM major through a rigorous and fast-paced academic experience. A central component is completing Calculus 1, in which daily classes and homework help you strengthen your mathematical foundations while building critical-thinking and self-management skills. Alongside your coursework, you may engage in STEM-focused activities and connect with faculty, staff, and fellow first-year students, gaining early exposure to the academic and social environment of university life. The program also provides support for your transition to college, helping you adapt to expectations and prepare for more advanced coursework in your chosen field.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Math Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Eligibility: High school students with a strong academic record
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Rice University School Mathematics Project (RUSMP) Preparing for Success in Precalculus
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: $600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 spaces available
Dates: June 15 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: High school students who have completed Geometry and Algebra II
The Preparing for Success in Precalculus program strengthens your mathematical foundations through active learning and exploration of topics often not emphasized in regular school classes. You will engage with concepts at a deeper level by working on real-world problems, practicing mathematical communication, and developing skills in proof and justification, while also learning how to use AI tools responsibly to support your learning. Through guided morning sessions, you can build the knowledge and confidence needed for upcoming Precalculus coursework, alongside broader college readiness skills. Working in small groups with faculty and master teachers, you may refine your problem-solving approach and learn to explain your reasoning clearly. The two-week format provides a focused yet supportive environment that helps you reinforce key concepts and transition more smoothly into advanced high school mathematics.
6. Techniques of a Pro Mathematician at Rice Tapia Center
Location: Rice University campus, Houston, TX
Cost: $2,200 (early bird) or $2,500 (regular); all-inclusive (housing, meals, materials, field trip)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple weekly sessions: July 5 – 10, July 12 – 17, or July 19 – 24
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed geometry and are familiar with SOHCAHTOA (able to sketch sin(x) and cos(x) by hand)
The Techniques of a Pro Mathematician camp challenges you with professional-level mathematical thinking and communication in a residential college setting. You can learn and practice fundamental techniques that working mathematicians use, with a focus on intentional, organized problem-solving. Daily activities include solving challenging problem sets, implementing feedback, helping classmates, and delivering a technical mathematics presentation. The program is led by Rice faculty, and you live on campus with like-minded peers while building skills that make future college math feel more manageable. The week-long format emphasizes mastery of core thinking habits using only high school-level mathematics.
7. Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) at Texas State University
Location: Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
Cost: $6,600; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~60 students
Dates: June 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
The Honors Summer Math Camp immerses you in a six-week residential program centered on original mathematical research and advanced problem solving. You will work in teams to explore topics beyond standard curricula under the guidance of mentors, engaging in deep investigation and collaborative learning throughout the experience. Daily activities emphasize research techniques, critical thinking, and clear communication of mathematical ideas, helping you build both technical ability and confidence. With opportunities to return for multiple summers, you can continue developing your skills over time while preparing for future studies and careers in mathematics, science, and related fields.
8. Program for Research in Mathematics (PReMa) at Texas A&M University
Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (hybrid options)
Cost: $300 per semester (waivers available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 10–15 students
Dates: Academic year program. It runs for the entire school year, typically starting in September (Fall semester) and concluding in May (Spring semester)
Application Deadline: Early October
Eligibility: High school students with a passion for research in mathematics
PReMa lets you pursue individual or group research projects in advanced mathematics under the guidance of faculty mentors, offering a sustained experience that extends through the academic year with additional summer modeling components. You will explore topics such as algebra or number theory by developing original ideas through guided problem sets, discussions, and collaborative inquiry, gaining hands-on exposure to the full process of mathematical research. Throughout, you can develop confidence in presenting your work and connecting with peers passionate about mathematics, making it a strong option for students eager to deepen their research involvement.
9. University of Houston PREP Mathematics Enrichment
Location: University of Houston–Downtown or main campus, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free or low cost (varies by year; often no tuition)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 400+ students accepted in past years
Dates: June 9 – July 9
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 with a strong interest in math
Houston PREP delivers an intensive, math-based enrichment curriculum designed for high-ability students interested in STEM careers, with a strong focus on math. You will participate in daily classes and activities that strengthen your understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving while building pre-college academic skills. The program features practical projects and real-world applications that demonstrate how math is applied across various careers. Through teamwork and regular practice, you'll build confidence and discipline in solving complex problems. In some instances, you might earn credit toward high school electives.
10. Rice University Summer Credit Courses (Math Courses)
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX (in-person on campus or online)
Cost: $1,300 per credit hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple Summer blocks (e.g., May 11 – May 29, May 11 – June 26, June 1 – August 7, June 15 – July 31, July 6 – August 14)
Application Deadline: Block-specific (e.g., May 4 for early blocks; applications open in December)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors
You can enroll in Rice University undergraduate courses and earn transferable college credit while still in high school, gaining early exposure to university-level academics. Mathematics options include Single Variable Calculus I and II, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Ordinary Differential Equations, and Elements of Analysis, allowing you to explore topics well beyond the standard high school curriculum. You will attend lectures and complete assignments alongside Rice faculty and peers, either on campus in Houston or through a fully online format. With six flexible summer blocks, you can choose sessions that fit your schedule and even combine multiple courses. This structure allows you to experience the rigor and expectations of college-level mathematics in a flexible format, making it especially suitable if you are looking to earn authentic college credit without committing to a full residential program.
11. RSM-Houston Summer Program
Location: RSM centers in Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based (varies by level)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: 6-week session with 2 classes per week
Application Deadline: Open registration
Eligibility: High school students
RSM Houston’s summer session reinforces and extends your high school mathematics education through targeted enrichment classes focused on problem-solving and conceptual mastery. You will engage with topics aligned to your level, including more advanced and competition-style material, while strengthening your understanding of core concepts. Small group instruction allows for focused learning and personalized support, helping you build a solid foundation for upcoming coursework. The program balances review with more challenging material, offering a structured yet flexible schedule that supports consistent progress and long-term development in math for high school students.
12. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies (online session; application fee $65)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective.
Dates: Session 1: June 15 – July 3 | Session 2: July 6 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
During SUMaC, you will dive into advanced mathematics in a fast-paced online program, exploring topics such as number theory, linear algebra, or abstract algebra that go beyond the standard high school curriculum. Through live classes that combine lectures, guided problem solving, and discussions, you can engage deeply with mathematical ideas while developing strong proof and reasoning skills. The program emphasizes rigorous exploration and independent thinking, with a workload similar to college-level courses that challenges you to extend your learning beyond class sessions. Along the way, you also gain exposure to current research directions and the broader applications of mathematics, preparing you for more advanced study in the field.
13. PRIMES USA (MIT)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective (~5-10% in similar cycles, about 50 students)
Dates: Year-long (January–December cycle)
Application Deadline: Typically December 1 for the following cycle
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (U.S. residents outside Greater Boston) must have a personal computer with administrator privileges, a webcam, and high-speed Internet access
You will conduct original mathematics research in a year-long virtual program, working on unsolved or advanced problems under the guidance of mentors from leading universities. The experience is structured in phases that guide you from initial reading and problem selection to active investigation and final paper writing, helping you understand the full research process. Throughout the program, you can develop skills in proof, computation, and mathematical communication while collaborating with mentors through regular meetings and independent study. The flexible format allows you to balance the program with school while maintaining a rigorous commitment. You will conclude by presenting your work at a conference and producing a formal research paper, with ongoing support and connections to academic resources that deepen your exposure to high-level mathematics.
14. University of Minnesota IMA–MathCEP Math Modeling Camp
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited slots
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school students who have completed a year of single-variable calculus
This virtual camp introduces mathematical modeling through practical projects that use calculus and analytical tools to address real-world problems. Participants will learn to ask questions, create models, and analyse outcomes collaboratively, exploring topics such as population changes, disease transmission, and environmental effects. With instructor guidance, you'll see how mathematics helps solve complex problems while improving your problem-solving and teamwork skills.
15. Illinois Tech Elevate College Math in Action: Real-World Problem Solving
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $300 + $100 application fee (financial aid available; $500 scholarship on completion)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open with requirements
Dates: June 16 – 20
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders (ages 14–17)
This short online program utilizes mathematical modeling and analytical techniques to address practical issues, enabling you to link theoretical ideas with real-world challenges. Through engaging sessions and problem-solving exercises, you'll work with calculus and data-driven approaches to solve specific problems and observe the application of mathematics in daily life. Financial aid and completion-based scholarships are available, making this program ideal for students seeking to enhance their applied math skills in a focused, accessible setting.
Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI.