11 Online Math Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 23, 2024
- 8 min read
If you’re a high schooler, participating in an online STEM program is a great way to build a strong foundation for future academic and career pursuits. These programs offer opportunities to explore your interests, gain practical skills, and access experiences that may not be available in traditional classroom settings. If you're interested in mathematics, an online program can enhance your college application by demonstrating intellectual curiosity and preparedness for rigorous coursework.
Early exposure to advanced mathematical concepts through programs, competitions, or independent study reflects dedication and a proactive approach to learning — qualities that will help you stand out in the competitive college admissions process. Below, we’ve curated a list of 11 online math programs designed to help high school students excel in mathematics and beyond.
Quick Look
11 programs total, all fully online and accessible to students anywhere in the world — no in-person attendance required for any of them
Costs range from completely free (Khan Academy, DeltaMath, CueThink, PhET) to $9.95/month (IXL) to $50/week (AoPS) to $984 and above for structured courses (CTY at Johns Hopkins)
Programs divide into three types: free self-paced tools for practice and reinforcement (Khan Academy, DeltaMath, IXL, PhET, CTCMath, CueThink), paid structured courses with live instruction (AoPS, CTY, Thinkster, American Academy), and a research mentorship program producing an independent paper (Lumiere)
Most programs have no application deadline and can be started at any time; Lumiere has rolling cohort deadlines throughout the year
This list is suitable for students at all levels, from those looking to strengthen core skills to advanced students preparing for math competitions or university-level research
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program—Mathematics track
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 that you can explore as a high schooler. 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.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring.
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
IXL’s High School and Beyond program offers students the flexibility to enhance their math skills outside of the traditional classroom. With a comprehensive curriculum covering subjects like Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Calculus, Integrated Math 1, 2, & 3, IXL provides an interactive learning experience that allows you to strengthen your understanding of advanced concepts or reinforce what you've already learned. IXL’s platform features daily challenges, personalized learning paths, and real-time analytics to help you track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Application Deadline: None; IXL can be started at any time.
Program Dates: Self-paced; On-your-own learning
Eligibility: All ages
Cost: For one subject, there is a monthly cost of $9.95 or a yearly cost of $79
3. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a widely recognized online educational platform that offers resources for high school students looking to excel in mathematics. From foundational subjects like algebra and geometry to advanced topics such as calculus and statistics, Khan Academy provides instructional videos, practice exercises, and interactive quizzes that cater to various learning styles. One of Khan Academy’s standout features is its adaptive technology, which adjusts the difficulty of content based on your performance. This personalized approach ensures that you’re constantly challenged at the right level, helping you build proficiency in math.
Application Deadline: None; available year-round
Program Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: High school students
Cost: Free
AoPS is a prestigious online platform for high school students interested in mathematics. The AoPS curriculum covers topics beyond the standard high school math syllabus, including number theory, combinatorics, and advanced algebra. One of the key features of AoPS is its active online community, which encourages student collaboration. Students can share solutions, participate in math contests, and engage in intellectual discussions. This collaborative environment enhances your mathematical understanding and helps you develop creative thinking and resilience in tackling complex problems.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions.
Program Dates: Typically meets once a week at a set time of your choosing.
Eligibility: High school students
Cost: $50 a week
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) offers advanced online courses in mathematics. Covering a wide range of topics, these courses begin with algebra and geometry but continue on to more specialized areas such as number theory and advanced calculus. CTY's online programs are designed to challenge students with interactive coursework and personalized instruction. As a participant, you will have access to expert educators to guide you through complex mathematical concepts. Beyond academics, CTY connects you with like-minded peers, creating opportunities for collaboration.
Application Deadline: Open year-round
Program Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: Highly motivated high school students
Cost: Individually Paced courses: $984 - $1,499; Session-Based courses: $716 - $2,127
Thinkster Math stands out as a leading online education platform that combines artificial intelligence and human expertise to offer personalized math tutoring. Designed to cater to each student's strengths, weaknesses, and learning pace, Thinkster Math provides customized learning paths that help you build a solid foundation in core math concepts while advancing through more challenging topics. With coaches providing real-time feedback, Thinkster Math can help you excel academically in high school while preparing you for standardized tests.
Application Deadline: Year-round
Program Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: High School Students
Cost: $141 – $295 monthly for plans offering one-on-one live math tutoring
7. DeltaMath
Delta Math is an online platform that provides a wide range of math tools, practice resources, and assessment tools for high school students. Covering topics from basic algebraic equations to advanced calculus concepts, DeltaMath offers exercises to practice specific skills and receive instant feedback, making it easier to identify areas where you need additional practice. Delta Math is widely used both in classrooms and by individual students looking to supplement their learning. It is a useful tool for improving math proficiency and preparing for exams like the SAT and ACT.
Application Deadline: Year-round resources
Program Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: High school students
Cost: Free
8. CTC Math
CTCMath is a comprehensive online math program designed to help you develop strong mathematical skills through interactive lessons and practice activities. With over 1,400 tutorials covering topics from arithmetic and algebra to geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, CTCMath provides step-by-step explanations that make complex concepts easier to understand. Each tutorial lasts about 4-9 minutes, presenting the concepts of the math lesson step-by-step. CTCMath provides assessments and progress-tracking tools that will help you monitor your improvement over time. Whether preparing for exams, catching up on missed concepts, or exploring advanced topics independently, CTCMath is a reliable resource.
Application Deadline: Year-round accessibility
Program Dates: Year-round accessibility
Eligibility: High school students
Cost: Free for students
PhET Interactive Simulations, developed by the University of Colorado Boulder, offers an innovative way to learn math and science through interactive simulations. These simulations are especially beneficial for high school students studying physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, allowing you to visualize and experiment with abstract concepts right on your screen. PHET's simulations allow you to manipulate variables, conduct virtual experiments, and observe the results in real time. This approach enhances your understanding of complex topics such as circuits, forces and motion, chemical reactions, and mathematical principles.
Application Deadline: None; available year-round
Program Dates: Online, year-round program without formal courses
Eligibility: All ages
Cost: Free
10. CueThink
CueThink is an online platform designed to strengthen high school students' problem-solving and critical-thinking skills through collaborative math challenges. It uses a structured framework where you can solve complex math problems, map out your thought processes, and engage with peers to solve their challenges. CueThink’s digital whiteboards allow you to visually organize and explain your problem-solving steps, fostering clear communication and deeper understanding. One of CueThink's standout features is its emphasis on collaboration—you can engage with classmates and mentors, provide and receive constructive feedback, and learn from each other's approaches.
Application Deadline: There is no application deadline
Program Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: High school students
Cost: Free
The American Academy offers a flexible online math program tailored to high school students’ individual needs. These classes cover a wide range of math subjects, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and beyond. Through interactive lessons, assignments, and assessments, you will strengthen your mathematical proficiency while receiving personalized support from qualified instructors. The courses incorporate multimedia resources, virtual labs, and real-world applications.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on program. See here for more details.
Program Dates: Dates vary depending on which program you choose
Eligibility: High school students
Cost: One semester (0.5 credit) is $238; two semesters (1 credit) is $476
Frequently Asked Questions
Which programs on this list are best for students preparing for math competitions like AMC or MATHCOUNTS?
Art of Problem Solving is by far the strongest option for competition preparation. Its curriculum is built specifically around the kind of non-routine problem solving tested in AMC 8, AMC 10, AMC 12, AIME, and MATHCOUNTS. CTY at Johns Hopkins also offers advanced courses including number theory and discrete mathematics that complement competition prep. Khan Academy and DeltaMath are better suited for building foundational fluency than for competition-level problem solving.
Are any of these programs recognized on college applications?
Lumiere's Research Scholar Program produces an independent research paper that can be cited directly in college applications and submitted to research journals. Art of Problem Solving is well known to admissions officers at math and science-focused universities, particularly if you have also competed in AMC or similar events. CTY at Johns Hopkins carries institutional name recognition and can be listed as a completed course. The self-paced free tools — Khan Academy, DeltaMath, PhET — are valuable for learning but are not typically listed as credentials on applications.
What is the right starting point for a student who is behind in math and wants to catch up over the summer?
Khan Academy is the best free starting point — it covers every level from basic arithmetic through AP Calculus, with adaptive exercises that adjust to your level in real time. IXL is a strong paid alternative with more granular skill tracking. For students who want a human tutor involved in the process, Thinkster Math combines AI diagnostics with live coaching at a monthly fee. Once foundational gaps are addressed, DeltaMath and CueThink are useful for building problem-solving fluency before returning to school in the autumn.
Key Takeaways
If your goal is college application strength, Lumiere (independent research paper with a PhD mentor) and Art of Problem Solving (recognized by math competition communities and selective admissions officers) are the two programs on this list that carry the most direct admissions value.
If your goal is structured learning with expert feedback, Johns Hopkins CTY and Thinkster Math offer the most personalized instruction — CTY through self-paced and session-based courses, Thinkster through AI-assisted coaching with live tutor sessions.
If cost is a constraint, Khan Academy, DeltaMath, CueThink, PhET, and CTCMath are all entirely free and collectively cover everything from algebra to calculus to problem-solving skills.
Most programs on this list are open to students globally with no geographic restriction, making this one of the more internationally accessible lists across the Lumiere blog series.
Next steps: identify whether you need practice and reinforcement, structured courses, or a research challenge — then start with the free options to confirm your interest before committing to a paid program.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.