15 Math Winter Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in exploring advanced mathematics, winter programs can be a great option. Unlike summer programs, winter opportunities are typically shorter and more affordable, making them accessible options to explore. That said, just like summer programs, winter programs offer you rigorous academic engagement while focusing on offering practical exposure and problem-solving activities. Several of these programs are hosted by well-regarded universities and organizations and offer valuable insights from experts in the field.
In addition to technical skill-building, math programs often offer mentorship, project-based learning, and opportunities to connect with professionals and peers who share similar interests. Participating in such a winter program can also strengthen your academic portfolio without the time commitment of a full summer program. Math programs can also offer you insights into how the subject applies to real-world industries such as finance, computer science, and engineering.
To help you shortlist strong options, we have put together a list of 15 math winter programs for high school students.
1. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small-group and 1:1 mentorship formats
Dates: Multiple 12–15 week cohorts, including a winter session starting in November
Application deadline: Rolling. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants should have either completed AI Scholars or have prior experience with Python/AI concepts.
Veritas AI offers structured learning opportunities to students interested in developing a clearer understanding of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. In the AI Scholars program, you will complete a 10-session boot camp introducing the mathematical and coding foundations of AI while building hands-on projects. For more advanced learners, the AI Fellowship provides 1:1 mentorship with researchers from top universities and an opportunity to design and execute your own AI project. A distinctive feature is the in-house publication team, which supports you in submitting research to high school journals and showcases. Your project can focus on using math and AI to solve or investigate a real-world challenge. You can apply to the program here.
2. Stanford High School Math Circle
Location: Online or in-person at Stanford University, CA
Cost: $500/quarter (online) | $525/quarter (in-person)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Winter sessions run January–March
Application deadline: Registration opens 1–2 months before the quarter begins; spots fill quickly
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
The Stanford Math Circle offers weekly enrichment classes where you get to explore topics that go beyond a standard high school curriculum. Each week, a different mathematician or instructor leads a session, exposing you to creative and challenging math concepts. The program emphasizes problem-solving and mathematical thinking rather than rote memorization, making it an opportunity to build practical skills in the field. Its online structure allows you to participate from anywhere, while in-person classes foster small-group interaction on campus.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Math Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small 1:1 mentorship model
Dates: Multiple cohorts, including in winter
Application deadline: Rolling.
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic achievements (recommended GPA of 3.3+ on a 4.0 scale); no prior research experience required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program allows you to explore advanced topics in mathematics through a structured 1:1 mentorship with a Ph.D. researcher. Over the course of 12 weeks (or longer, depending on the format you choose), you will design and complete an independent research project, culminating in a full-length research paper. You can choose to use or even investigate topics such as number theory, applied math, statistics, and mathematical modeling, depending on your interests. The program can offer you hands-on exposure to research methodology, academic writing, and problem-solving strategies under the guidance of experts. You can find more details about the application here.
4. Alphastar Academy’s Winter Math Camp
Location: Cupertino, CA or online
Cost: $925 (online) | $1,200 (in-person); early registration discounts available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: December 26 – 31
Application deadline: Super early registration: October 30; early registration: November 15
Eligibility: Middle and high school students with prior coursework in Algebra I or above; placement based on diagnostic exam
AlphaStar Academy’s Winter Math Camp is designed to help you sharpen your problem-solving skills and prepare for major competitions like AMC 8, MathCounts, and AIME. At camp, you will take part in intensive booster courses, ranging from AMC 8/MathCounts advanced prep to AIME basic and advanced training. Classes are led by faculty with national and international math competition backgrounds, including IMO and USAMO participants. In addition to structured lectures, you will work through practice exams, review strategies, and participate in interactive problem-solving sessions. The camp is offered both online and in-person, with daily schedules of focused classes.
5. Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,700 + $35 application fee; limited financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Year-round; Fall: August 25–December 12 | Spring: January 26 – May 15; find updates here.
Application deadline: July 28 for the Fall session; TBA for other sessions
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 with strong academic records in mathematics and physics
Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics allows you to enroll in rigorous courses to explore content beyond what is typically offered in high school. You can choose from 13 advanced math and physics options to explore academic concepts at the university level while earning official Stanford Continuing Studies credit. Math courses span various topics, including differential equations, number theory, linear and modern algebra, and multivariable differential calculus. The courses are largely self-paced, offering flexibility, but you will still have access to instructors during optional office hours for guidance. You will get a transcript from Stanford Continuing Studies upon completing the program.
6. Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) Online Winter Math Courses & MathWOOT
Location: Virtual ]
Cost: ~$150 (short seminars) to ~$945 (multi-month WOOT/MathWOOT); most 10–24+ week math courses cost ~$400–$810. Books may cost extra.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited seats
Dates: Multiple start dates across the academic year; winter sessions typically run December–March (in evenings, U.S. ET)
Application deadline: Registration opens ~1–2 months before each start date and remains open until filled
Eligibility: Middle and high school students; course prerequisites (e.g., algebra readiness, competition level, etc) may apply; MathWOOT targets advanced/Olympiad-level students.
AoPS runs structured, instructor-led online classes that dive deep into contest-style and proof-based mathematics. You can choose from core topics (Algebra, Geometry, Counting & Probability, Number Theory, Precalculus, Calculus) and competition tracks (AMC 8/10/12, AIME series, special problem seminars). You can also opt for intensive seven-month options like MathWOOT for practicing writing proofs and preparing for the Olympiad. Classes meet live with interactive chat-enabled and whiteboard-based instruction. Between sessions, you will practice working on curated problem sets. Many courses run during winter cohorts, and short weekend seminars run around exam periods.
7. Northwestern CTD’s Online Advanced Placement (AP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $865 (one credit) | $1,445 (two credits); need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: January 21 – May 20 (one credit) | January 21 – August 14 (two credits)
Application deadline: Rolling admissions until January 28
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12; applicants must meet academic prerequisites or submit qualifying scores, transcripts, or portfolios
The Online AP Program at CTD allows you to earn official AP credit in a flexible, asynchronous format during the school year. The winter session offers a chance to complete a credit-bearing AP math course remotely. You will select from a wide range of AP courses, including options in mathematics such as AP Calculus AB/BC and AP Statistics. Coursework requires a commitment of six to eight hours per week. As a participant, you will focus on building college-level study skills, time management skills, and independent learning abilities. Instructors will provide individualized feedback, and you will have access to a learning management system (Schoology) to track assignments and progress.
8. Northwestern CTD Online Honors
Location: Virtual
Cost: $835 (one credit) | $1,425 (two credits); need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: January 21 – May 20 (one credit) | January 21 – August 14 (two credits)
Application deadline: Rolling admissions until January 28
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12; admission requires qualifying test scores, strong transcripts, or a portfolio
CTD’s Online Honors program is designed for students who are ready for rigorous, high school–level coursework beyond what’s offered in a standard curriculum. You can enroll in courses such as Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Precalculus, and other advanced math options. Coursework is credit-bearing and flexibly paced, with individualized instructor feedback offered to guide your progress. You will typically spend several hours per week on assignments, practicing time management and self-advocacy skills. The program accommodates both acceleration and enrichment based on your needs.
9. Johns Hopkins University’s Algebra: Elementary to Advanced Specialization
Location: Online via Coursera
Cost: Covered with Coursera Plus subscription; free to audit without a certificate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 31,000+ learners already enrolled
Dates: Self-paced; recommended commitment of four weeks/course and ~10 hours/week
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; you can begin the course anytime
Eligibility: Open to all
This three-course specialization from Johns Hopkins University covers the full arc of algebra, from fundamental concepts to advanced applications. You will study linear, quadratic, polynomial, and exponential equations as well as functions, inequalities, and their graphs. The program emphasizes quantitative reasoning and mathematical modeling, helping you connect algebraic theory to real-world problem solving. Instead of a single capstone, you will complete multiple applied projects and practice problems with worked solutions to strengthen your skills. This beginner-friendly program can help you solidify your algebra foundation before advancing to higher-level math.
10. University of California, San Diego’s Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science Specialization Course
Location: Online via Coursera
Cost: Included with Coursera Plus subscription; free audit option without certificate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 88,000+ learners already enrolled
Dates: Self-paced; recommended commitment of three months and ~10 hours/week
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; students may start anytime
Eligibility: Open to all; beginner-friendly with no prerequisites
This UC San Diego five-course specialization introduces the mathematical foundations of computer science, focusing on discrete mathematics and its applications. You will explore combinatorics, probability, graph theory, number theory, and cryptography, gaining both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice through Python-based projects. The centerpiece of the specialization is an applied learning project in which you will use algorithms to tackle the traveling salesman problem—a famous computational challenge tied to the P vs NP question. The program’s puzzle-based approach emphasizes creative problem-solving and proof techniques.
11. Johns Hopkins University’s Foundational Mathematics for AI Course
Location: Online via Coursera
Cost: Included with Coursera Plus subscription or available for individual purchase; free audit option without certificate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 2,000+ learners already enrolled
Dates: Self-paced; recommended commitment of five weeks and ~10 hours/week
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all
This Johns Hopkins course provides a structured foundation in the math behind artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 12 modules, you will explore linear algebra, probability, statistics, and calculus with direct links to data analysis and AI applications. Topics include functions, matrices, eigenvectors, Bayes’ Theorem, regression modeling, and optimization techniques. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, offering assignments that incorporate Python and Excel to analyze real-world datasets. Unlike a traditional math course, this class ties concepts to AI use cases, making it worth exploring if you are interested in both mathematics and computing.
12. University of North Texas’s Math Prep: College & Work Ready Course
Location: Online via Coursera
Cost: Included with Coursera Plus subscription; free audit option without certificate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 50,000+ learners already enrolled
Dates: Self-paced; estimated commitment of four weeks at ~10 hours/week
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; students can begin anytime
Eligibility: Open to all; beginner-friendly with no prerequisites
This four-module course is designed to strengthen your readiness for college-level mathematics and workplace problem-solving. You will explore topics in number sense, elementary and intermediate algebra, geometry, and statistics, with practice exercises reinforcing each area. A focus of the program is preparation for assessments such as the Texas Success Initiative (TSI2), but the content also provides insights relevant to standardized tests and college math. The course includes 14 assignments and provides a shareable certificate from the University of North Texas.
13. Stanford University’s Introduction to Statistics Course
Location: Online via Coursera
Cost: Included with Coursera Plus subscription; free audit option without certificate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 580,000+ learners already enrolled
Dates: Self-paced; estimated commitment of 1–2 weeks at ~10 hours/week
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; students may begin anytime, including in winter
Eligibility: Open to all
Stanford’s Introduction to Statistics is designed to help you build a strong foundation in data analysis and statistical reasoning. Across 12 modules, you will study descriptive statistics, probability, regression, hypothesis testing, and the central limit theorem. The course emphasizes statistical thinking, equipping you with skills to analyze data, interpret patterns, and communicate insights clearly. The course can also help you refine skills in statistics, probability, and data modeling that are directly applicable to advanced STEM study and research. You will also complete 13 applied assignments to reinforce core concepts, making the material practical as well as theoretical. The course allows flexible scheduling and comes with a shareable Stanford certificate.
14. Johns Hopkins University’s Precalculus through Data and Modeling Specialization
Location: Online via Coursera
Cost: Included with Coursera Plus subscription; free audit option without certificate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 11,000+ learners already enrolled
Dates: Self-paced; recommended commitment of four weeks/course and ~10 hours/week
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; start anytime, including in winter
Eligibility: Open to all
This three-course specialization introduces precalculus through the lens of real-world data analysis and modeling. You will learn about concepts like relations, functions, periodic behavior, and mathematical modeling while applying them to datasets from various fields. The course also offers exposure to graphing, trigonometry, regression, correlation, and vector operations. Each module comes with solved examples, practice problems, and graded quizzes, culminating in a final exam to help you track your progress. Designed by Johns Hopkins faculty, this program emphasizes both conceptual understanding and applied problem-solving.
15. University of Colorado System’s Mathematical Foundations for Cryptography Course
Location: Online
Cost: Included with Coursera Plus subscription; free audit option without certificate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 19,000+ learners already enrolled
Dates: Self-paced; estimated commitment of one week at ~10 hours/week (extendable with flexible pacing)
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; start anytime, including in winter
Eligibility: Open to all; algebra and basic probability skills recommended
This four-module course introduces the mathematical principles that underlie modern cryptography. You will explore core topics such as probability, algorithms, arithmetic, and applied mathematics in the context of cryptanalysis and encryption. Designed as part of the Introduction to Applied Cryptography Specialization, the course provides a foundation for understanding both symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic methods. You will complete nine assignments during the course. In the process, you will gain insights into the intersection of mathematics, computer science, and cybersecurity and sharpen your problem-solving and logic skills.
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