Princeton STEM Initiative

Princeton Math Program

Online mathematics program for serious and talented middle and high school students, providing structured exposure to undergraduate-level mathematics.

Overview

Our Philosophy

The Structure

Outcome

Courses

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Application

Schedule

Admission Process

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

FAQ

Our Philosophy 

Many academically advanced students move through standard school mathematics with little genuine challenge. When instruction consistently falls below their capacity, the students may miss a critical window for developing mathematical confidence and identity. This is especially costly in the middle and high school years, when students are meant to unlock their emerging intellectual potential and begin building the foundations for their future path.

Princeton Math Program places students in an intellectually demanding environment. The program introduces students to mathematics that is deep, rigorous, and conceptually rich—often at the level of early university study. Rather than relying on long chains of technical prerequisites, we focus on areas of mathematics that are naturally accessible yet intellectually substantial. 

These topics allow students to engage seriously with abstraction, proof, and structure using reasoning they already possess, while gradually expanding their mathematical maturity. In this way, students encounter genuine mathematical difficulty without being constrained by what they have or have not formally covered in school.

Our approach enables serious learners in middle and high school to experience mathematics as mathematicians do: as a discipline that values depth and understanding over memorization, and the ambition to grapple with challenging ideas and take intellectual risks. Through this process, students build not only technical skill, but also the confidence and intellectual resilience required for advanced mathematical study.

Many academically advanced students move through standard school mathematics with little genuine challenge. When instruction consistently falls below their capacity, the students may miss a critical window for developing mathematical confidence and identity. This is especially costly in the middle and high school years, when students are meant to unlock their emerging intellectual potential and begin building the foundations for their future path.

Princeton Math Program places students in an intellectually demanding environment. The program introduces students to mathematics that is deep, rigorous, and conceptually rich—often at the level of early university study. Rather than relying on long chains of technical prerequisites, we focus on areas of mathematics that are naturally accessible yet intellectually substantial. 

These topics allow students to engage seriously with abstraction, proof, and structure using reasoning they already possess, while gradually expanding their mathematical maturity. In this way, students encounter genuine mathematical difficulty without being constrained by what they have or have not formally covered in school.

Our approach enables serious learners in middle and high school to experience mathematics as mathematicians do: as a discipline that values depth and understanding over memorization, and the ambition to grapple with challenging ideas and take intellectual risks. Through this process, students build not only technical skill, but also the confidence and intellectual resilience required for advanced mathematical study.


The Structure

Princeton Math Program is a selective, intensive 10-session online mathematics program for serious and talented middle and high school students, providing structured exposure to undergraduate-level mathematics. Each week, the students will participate in:

  • Live Lectures — with an Ivy League or Oxbridge Teaching Fellow (with Recordings)


    Each lecture is taught by a Teaching Fellow currently affiliated with or graduated from leading US/UK universities, including the University of Cambridge and Harvard University. The sessions are conducted live and are also recorded, allowing students to revisit and review the material at any time. 

  • Live Individual Tutorials — 1:1 with an Ivy League or Oxbridge Teaching Fellow (Scheduled on Demand)


    Alongside weekly group instruction, students also have access to dedicated 1:1 tutorial session each week, which can be scheduled on demand, with one of the Teaching Fellows. These 1:1 tutorials are designed to give each student individual time to ask questions related to the course material, including (but not limited to) targeted problem-solving support, final project, and personalized feedback.

Princeton Math Program is a selective, intensive 10-session online mathematics program for serious and talented middle and high school students, providing structured exposure to undergraduate-level mathematics. Each week, the students will participate in:

Princeton Math Program is a selective, intensive 10-session online mathematics program for serious and talented middle and high school students, providing structured exposure to undergraduate-level mathematics. Each week, the students will participate in:

  • Live Lectures — Taught by Ivy League and Oxbridge Alumni (with Recordings)


    Each lecture is taught by a Teaching Fellow currently affiliated with or graduated from leading US/UK universities, including the University of Cambridge and Harvard University. The sessions are conducted live and are also recorded, allowing students to revisit and review the material at any time. 

  • Live Individual Tutorials — 1:1 with an Ivy League and Oxbridge Alumni (Scheduled on Demand)


    Alongside weekly group instruction, students also have access to dedicated 1:1 tutorial session each week, which can be scheduled on demand, with one of the Teaching Fellows. These 1:1 tutorials are designed to give each student individual time to ask questions related to the course material, including (but not limited to) targeted problem-solving support, final project, and personalized feedback.

  • Live Lectures — Taught by Ivy League and Oxbridge Alumni (with Recordings)


    Each lecture is taught by a Teaching Fellow currently affiliated with or graduated from leading US/UK universities, including the University of Cambridge and Harvard University. The sessions are conducted live and are also recorded, allowing students to revisit and review the material at any time. 

  • Live Individual Tutorials — 1:1 with an Ivy League and Oxbridge Alumni (Scheduled on Demand)


    Alongside weekly group instruction, students also have access to dedicated 1:1 tutorial session each week, which can be scheduled on demand, with one of the Teaching Fellows. These 1:1 tutorials are designed to give each student individual time to ask questions related to the course material, including (but not limited to) targeted problem-solving support, final project, and personalized feedback.


Course Levels

The Princeton Math Program is offered across three levels to match students’ mathematical maturity and readiness. Each level concludes with a project that allows students to synthesize ideas and demonstrate their learning.

We encourage students to select their level based primarily on their intellectual interests and the areas of mathematics they are most eager to explore.

Level 1 – Transition / Mathematics in Real World

Level 1 immerses students in eight foundational mathematical concepts, including cryptography, discrete dynamical systems and chaos, optimization, game theory, machine learning, and beyond. The curriculum is designed to bridge the transition from school mathematics to more complex forms of mathematical thinking, emphasizing how abstract ideas emerge from real-world questions and how mathematics can be used to model, analyze, and solve meaningful problems.

  • Recommended Grade: Grades 9–10 (including strong Grade 8); students in Grades 10–12 with limited or no prior competition experience who are interested in mathematics and real-world applications.

  • Competition Benchmark: Limited mathematics competition experience; AMC 8 or early AMC 10; or participation in school / regional STEM competitions with good results.

Level 2 – Deepening  / Core Mathematical Structures

Level 2 deepens students’ engagement with higher mathematics, beginning with number theory, set theory and logic, and advanced probability and statistics, alongside more advanced topics in machine learning. Beyond that, students are introduced to unproven problems in mathematics and explore how mathematicians currently approach these questions, including the development of partial results, conjectures, and modern research strategies. This level emphasizes mathematical maturity, abstraction, and an early understanding of how new mathematics is created.

  • Recommended Grade: Grades 10–11 (including Grade 12 or advanced Grade 9).

  • Competition Benchmark: Strong AMC 10 or mid-level AMC 12 performance; early AIME qualification or near qualification; or strong results in regional / national mathematics or STEM competitions.

Level 3 – Advanced  / Advanced Mathematical Topics

Level 3 provides a full, in-depth exploration of central topics in higher mathematics, with deep engagement in real analysis, linear algebra, and dynamical systems—areas that equip students with the conceptual tools and mathematical maturity needed for advanced study. This level emphasizes independent thinking, sophisticated proof-based reasoning, and advanced problem-solving. Students integrate ideas across multiple mathematical domains and tackle open-ended, research-style problems that demand creativity, rigor, and sustained intellectual effort.

  • Recommended Grade: Grades 11–12 (including exceptional Grade 10)

  • Competition Benchmark: AMC 12 high scores; consistent AIME qualification (e.g. AIME 5+); high rankings or qualification in national-level mathematics competitions (e.g. Olympiad track, national team selection rounds, or equivalent); or preparation for advanced university admissions tests (such as STEP, MAT, or TMUA in UK).

Level 3 provides a full, in-depth exploration of central topics in higher mathematics, with deep engagement in real analysis, linear algebra, and dynamical systems—areas that equip students with the conceptual tools and mathematical maturity needed for advanced study. This level emphasizes independent thinking, sophisticated proof-based reasoning, and advanced problem-solving. Students integrate ideas across multiple mathematical domains and tackle open-ended, research-style problems that demand creativity, rigor, and sustained intellectual effort.

  • Recommended Grade: Grades 11–12 (including exceptional Grade 10)

  • Competition Benchmark: AMC 12 high scores; consistent AIME qualification (e.g. AIME 5+); high rankings or qualification in national-level mathematics competitions (e.g. Olympiad track, national team selection rounds, or equivalent); or preparation for advanced university admissions tests (such as STEP, MAT, or TMUA in UK).


Program Outcome

  • Early Exposure of University-Level Mathematics
    Gain meaningful exposure to undergraduate-level mathematics and develop the ability to engage with complex ideas at a higher academic standard.

  • Independent Mathematical Thinking Through a Final Project


    Learn to explore open-ended problems, synthesize ideas, and think creatively through a culminating mathematical project.

  • Learning from the Best Minds in the Field


    Learn from Teaching Fellows from leading institutions such as Oxford, MIT, and Harvard, gaining insight into how advanced mathematics is studied and practiced at the highest level.



  • A Network of Like-Minded, Serious Peers


    Become part of a selective intellectual community of students who share curiosity, seriousness, and a deep interest in mathematics.



  • Stronger Mathematical Thinking for Any Future Path


    Develop rigorous mathematical reasoning, abstraction, and problem-solving skills that remain valuable across competitions, academic research, and future careers alike.



  • PSI Certificate of Completion
    Upon successful completion of the program, students receive an official certificate issued by the Princeton STEM Initiative, recognizing their academic engagement and achievement.

  • PSI Institutional Recommendations
    Students upon completing Level 3 will receive formal recommendations by Princeton STEM Initiative sent directly to university admissions offices and institutions for advanced academic and other opportunities.

  • PSI Institutional Recommendations
    Students upon completing Level 3 will receive formal recommendations by Princeton STEM Initiative sent directly to university admissions offices and institutions for advanced academic and other opportunities.


The Schedule (Summer 2026)

All instruction—including both the Lectures and the Individual Tutorial —is delivered entirely online. 

The program includes two integrated components:

  • Live Lecture: Students attend live lecture sessions held on a set schedule. Each session is conducted live and recorded, allowing students to revisit the material at any time.

  • Live Individual Tutorial: Students are encouraged to book one 30-minute 1:1 session per week on demand. These sessions provide personalized time for questions, clarification, targeted problem-solving, and feedback, supporting consistent progress throughout the course.

    This structure is designed to ensure that students worldwide can fully access Princeton Math Program, while accommodating the demanding academic schedules common among high-achieving learners. For example, if a student is unable to attend a live lecture due to time zone constraints or other academic commitments, they can review the recording and then use their 1:1 Tutorial Sessions to clarify questions, reinforce understanding, and maintain steady progress.

Level 1

Starting Date

June 6, 2026 (every Saturday and Sunday) 

End Date

July 5, 2026 

Cohort #1

Sat & Sun 8:30–10:00 am ET

Cohort #2

Sat & Sun 11:30 am–1:00 pm ET

Level 2

Starting Date

June 6, 2026 (every Saturday and Sunday) 

End Date

July 5, 2026 

Cohort #1

Sat & Sun 8:30–10:00 am ET

Cohort #2

Sat & Sun 11:30 am–1:00 pm ET

Level 3

Starting Date

July 11, 2026 (every Saturday and Sunday) 

End Date

August 9, 2026

Cohort #1

Sat & Sun 8:30–10:00 am ET

Cohort #2

Sat & Sun 11:30 am–1:00 pm ET

Admissions

All applications are reviewed holistically by the Admissions Committee, with careful consideration given not only to academic preparation but also to each student’s commitment to mathematics, intellectual engagement, and readiness for rigorous study.

Summer 2026 Early Admissions Deadline: April 30, 2026 (Thursday)

Summer 2026 Regular Admissions Deadline: May 24, 2026 (Sunday)

All deadlines are at the end of the day in each applicant’s local time zone. Applications submitted in the Early Admissions pool will be prioritized.

Submit Your Application

Step 1: Submit Your Application

  • Complete the online application form. The applicant will be asked to select the level for which they are applying and to respond to several questions designed to help us assess their mathematical background, readiness, and intellectual curiosity, enabling a holistic review.

  • We generally encourage students to begin with Level 1 unless there is clear prior preparation. Students who are already familiar with Level 1 topics and have completed substantial formal coursework in related areas may consider applying directly to Level 2. 

  • For Level 3, students must either have successfully completed Level 1 / Level 2 (or their equivalents) or demonstrate exceptional achievement in recognized mathematics competitions.

Step 2: Admissions Committee Review (rolling basis)

  • The Admissions Committee convenes weekly to review each application submitted during the preceding week to determine each applicant's appropriate placement and overall fit for the program.

Step 3: Decision Day (around 10 business days after submission)

  • All applicants will receive the official admission decision around 10 business days after submission.

  • In cases where the application volume is high or if the Admissions Committee decides some applications require additional review, the decisions may be delayed (the applicants will be notified). Otherwise, the applicant will receive one of the following decisions:

  • Deferral or Rejection: Applicants whom the Admissions Committee determines require further academic preparation will be offered a deferral to a lower level or a rejection decision. Those not offered admission are encouraged to continue developing their preparation and are welcome to reapply in a future cycle.

  • Waitlist: Some applicants will receive a waitlist decision and be placed on an internal waitlist. Should a seat free up, we will extend an offer letter to the next waitlist applicant in line.

  • Official Offer Letter: Successful applicants will receive an official offer letter with detailed instructions to complete enrollment. Due to the competitive nature of the program, we ask applicants to complete enrollment within five business days upon receiving the decision. Otherwise, we will proceed to release the seat to the next waitlisted student.

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

The program tuition is $1,450 USD for Summer 2026 cohorts.

At present, the Princeton STEM Initiative does not offer financial aid or scholarships for 2026 cohorts. We will be extending financial aid to low income families starting 2027.

Meanwhile, we are actively working with partner schools and institutions to broaden access and expand support pathways in the future. Our goal is to foster mathematical talent and support intellectually curious students through meaningful enrichment opportunities. 

School Funding

We strongly encourage students to speak with their school counselor or mathematics teacher about pursuing advanced mathematical opportunities such as the Princeton Math Program. Many schools maintain discretionary or academic support funds that may be applied toward programs of this nature. Early engagement with your school can help identify potential avenues of support. If your school requires verification of your application to the Princeton Math Program, they are welcome to contact us directly.

If you are an educator, teacher, or school leader interested in bringing the Princeton Math Program to your students, we warmly welcome you to contact us to explore potential school-based partnerships.

For students and families facing financial constraints, we encourage consideration of the following external funding opportunities.

External Funding

Fastweb

Fastweb

A widely used scholarship search platform for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking educational funding opportunities.

Scholarship America

Scholarship America

A national nonprofit organization that administers a range of scholarship and educational support programs.

A national nonprofit organization that administers a range of scholarship and educational support programs.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation — Young Scholars Program

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation — Young Scholars Program

Supports exceptionally promising students with demonstrated financial need.

Lathisms

Lathisms

Promotes mathematical enrichment and opportunities within the broader mathematics community.

Davidson Institute

Davidson Institute

Provides resources and scholarship information for profoundly gifted students.

Mu Alpha Theta — Summer Grants

Mu Alpha Theta — Summer Grants

Offers grants to support student participation in approved summer mathematics programs.

Offers grants to support student participation in approved summer mathematics programs.


FAQ

Admissions

Is the Princeton Math Program selective?

Yes. In essence, the program functions as a talent-search environment: we aim to bring together students with notable mathematical promise and the intellectual drive to engage seriously with challenging ideas.

What does the admissions committee look for in applicants? Is prior competition experience (e.g., AMC/AIME) required?

Our admissions review focuses on a student’s readiness for rigorous problem-solving, intellectual curiosity, and genuine enthusiasm for mathematics. We seek students who are motivated to engage deeply with unfamiliar problems and who demonstrate persistence in mathematical thinking. Prior competition experience (such as AMC or AIME) can be helpful but is not required, except for Level 3. If you are applying for Level 3, you must either demonstrate prior participation in Level 1 and Level 2 or provide evidence of outstanding performance on the AMC or AIME. However, even in the case of AMC or AIME results, admission to the program is still holistic.

Is there an age requirement for each level?

There is no strict age requirement. The Princeton Math Program is designed to support mathematically talented students wherever they may be in their development. That said, because the style of mathematical thinking in the program differs meaningfully from standard school mathematics, we generally encourage students to begin with Level 1 unless they clearly demonstrate readiness for a more advanced level.

What mathematical prerequisites are required?

The Princeton Math Program engages students with carefully selected areas of university-level mathematics in order to cultivate rigorous reasoning, mathematical exploration, and disciplined problem-solving habits. However, the program is carefully designed so that most topics do not require extensive formal prerequisites. Instead, the emphasis is on developing logical reasoning, problem-solving habits, and comfort with rigorous mathematical ideas. Students are not expected to have prior exposure to advanced university coursework. Rather, they should be comfortable with core middle school or early high school mathematics and be ready to engage thoughtfully with unfamiliar problems.

How do I know which level I should choose?

In most cases, students are encouraged to begin with Level 1. The Level 1 curriculum is designed to establish the style of mathematical thinking and problem-solving approach that the Princeton Math Program emphasizes. Students who are already extremely familiar with the Level 1 topics and who have completed substantial formal coursework in similar areas may consider applying directly to Level 2. If there is any uncertainty, starting with Level 1 is typically the most appropriate path, and our admissions team is happy to provide guidance if needed.

Is the Princeton Math Circle selective?

Yes. In essence, the program functions as a talent-search environment: we aim to bring together students with notable mathematical promise and the intellectual drive to engage seriously with challenging ideas.

What does the admissions committee look for in applicants? Is prior competition experience (e.g., AMC/AIME) required?

Our admissions review focuses on a student’s readiness for rigorous problem-solving, intellectual curiosity, and genuine enthusiasm for mathematics. We seek students who are motivated to engage deeply with unfamiliar problems and who demonstrate persistence in mathematical thinking. Prior competition experience (such as AMC or AIME) can be helpful but is not required, except for Level 3. If you are applying for Level 3, you must either demonstrate prior participation in Level 1 and Level 2 or provide evidence of outstanding performance on the AMC or AIME. However, even in the case of AMC or AIME results, admission to the program is still holistic.

Is there an age requirement for each level?

There is no strict age requirement. The Princeton Math Program is designed to support mathematically talented students wherever they may be in their development. That said, because the style of mathematical thinking in the program differs meaningfully from standard school mathematics, we generally encourage students to begin with Level 1 unless they clearly demonstrate readiness for a more advanced level.

What mathematical prerequisites are required?

The Princeton Math Program engages students with carefully selected areas of university-level mathematics in order to cultivate rigorous reasoning, mathematical exploration, and disciplined problem-solving habits. However, the program is carefully designed so that most topics do not require extensive formal prerequisites. Instead, the emphasis is on developing logical reasoning, problem-solving habits, and comfort with rigorous mathematical ideas. Students are not expected to have prior exposure to advanced university coursework. Rather, they should be comfortable with core middle school or early high school mathematics and be ready to engage thoughtfully with unfamiliar problems.

How do I know which level I should choose?

In most cases, students are encouraged to begin with Level 1. The Level 1 curriculum is designed to establish the style of mathematical thinking and problem-solving approach that the Princeton Math Program emphasizes. Students who are already extremely familiar with the Level 1 topics and who have completed substantial formal coursework in similar areas may consider applying directly to Level 2. If there is any uncertainty, starting with Level 1 is typically the most appropriate path, and our admissions team is happy to provide guidance if needed.

Teaching & Learning

What are the learning outcomes of the program?

The Princeton Math Program is designed to introduce students to carefully selected advanced mathematical concepts in a way that emphasizes rigor and conceptual clarity. The goal is not acceleration through curriculum, but the cultivation of mathematical maturity and disciplined problem-solving habits. In addition to guided problem work, students undertake a hands-on mathematical project during the final two sessions. Students conclude the program by formally presenting their work in a structured showcase.

Is the program held online or in person?

The program is conducted online. Both the core sessions and the 1:1 Tutorial Sessions are delivered in a live virtual format to allow participation from students regardless of location.

Are lectures recorded?

Yes. All lectures are recorded and made available to enrolled students for review.

What if I must miss part of a lecture? Can I still join the 1:1 Tutorial Sessions?

Yes. Because lectures are recorded, students may review any missed material at their convenience. The 1:1 Tutorial Sessions are scheduled flexibly, allowing the Teaching Fellows to support students and address questions even if a live session was missed.

Is the Princeton Math Circle selective?

The Princeton Math Program is designed to introduce students to carefully selected advanced mathematical concepts in a way that emphasizes rigor and conceptual clarity. The goal is not acceleration through curriculum, but the cultivation of mathematical maturity and disciplined problem-solving habits. In addition to guided problem work, students undertake a hands-on mathematical project during the final two sessions. Students conclude the program by formally presenting their work in a structured showcase.

Is the program held online or in person?

The program is conducted online. Both the core sessions and the 1:1 Tutorial Sessions are delivered in a live virtual format to allow participation from students regardless of location.

Are lectures recorded?

Yes. All lectures are recorded and made available to enrolled students for review.

What if I must miss part of a lecture? Can I still join the 1:1 Tutorial Sessions?

Yes. Because lectures are recorded, students may review any missed material at their convenience. The 1:1 Tutorial Sessions are scheduled flexibly, allowing the Teaching Fellows to support students and address questions even if a live session was missed.

Princeton Math Program Accepting Applications for Spring and Summer 2026

Start Your Application

Princeton Math Program Accepting Applications for Spring and Summer 2026

Start Your Application

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