This summer, Jackson Hole will once again become a global gathering place for joyful, creative mathematical thinking. Math in the Mountains (MitM), the immersive summer program that pairs advanced mathematics with outdoor adventure in the Tetons, returns to Teton Science Schools in Summer 2026, bringing together exceptional students, world-class faculty, teachers, and families from around the world.
Founded by legendary math educator Paul Zeitz and respected investor and education innovator Andrew Chung, Math in the Mountains invites students ages 10–14 to experience mathematics not as a set of rules to memorize, but as a deeply human, collaborative, and exploratory practice.
“Math in the Mountains is about helping students experience mathematics the way mathematicians do,” said Zeitz. “It’s exploratory, creative, and communal—and when you place that experience in an environment as powerful as the Tetons, the learning becomes unforgettable.”
Applications for Summer 2026 open on Wednesday, January 28.
Learn more and apply at mathmountains.org.
Want a deeper look? Watch the 7-minute video “Math in the Mountains: A Deeper Look” for an inside view of the program experience.
Learning from World-Class Mathematicians
One of the defining features of Math in the Mountains is its extraordinary faculty. The Summer 2026 program will include mathematicians and educators from leading institutions, such as:
- Po-Shen Loh (Carnegie Mellon University) — four-time winning U.S. Math Olympiad coach and an international leader in reimagining how mathematics is taught and communicated
- Ken Ono (Axiom Math) — renowned number theorist, film producer, former U.S. decathlete, and contributor to Olympic swimming performance through data-driven analysis
- Denis Auroux (Harvard University) — geometric topologist known for making abstract mathematics intuitive and accessible
- Lauren Williams (Harvard University) — MacArthur Fellow recognized for groundbreaking work in algebraic combinatorics
- Melanie Wood (Harvard University) — MacArthur Fellow whose leadership in number theory and math education has had national impact
Students work closely with faculty in small groups, emphasizing conjecture, collaboration, and “joyful struggle”, the productive discomfort that leads to real discovery, rather than rote instruction.
A Global Program with Deep Local Roots
In Summer 2026, Math in the Mountains will bring together:
- ~80 students from around the world
- ~40 mathematics teachers participating in immersive professional learning
- 100+ family members engaging in lectures, discussions, and shared experiences
Beyond the core program, Math in the Mountains will host plenary lectures, mathematical talks, and select events open to the Teton County community, inviting local students, educators, families, and lifelong learners to engage with leading mathematicians in an accessible and inspiring setting.
New this year, the program will also pilot an entrepreneurial “Beta Camp”, where students design ideas to reinvent math learning, building programs that make fun, engaging mathematics more accessible locally in Teton County and across Wyoming.
“Our vision is to make Jackson Hole a temporary global hub for joyful mathematical thinking,” said Chung. “By opening parts of the program, and empowering students themselves to design new ways of sharing math, we hope to spark curiosity and connection well beyond the camp itself.”
Math Meets Mountains: Learning in the Tetons
What truly sets Math in the Mountains apart is its integration of rigorous intellectual inquiry with immersive outdoor experiences rooted in the Tetons. In partnership with Teton Science Schools, students alternate between deep mathematical exploration and guided adventures such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, wildlife observation, and alpine exploration.
Outdoor learning takes place across iconic locations, including Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Grand Teton National Park, using the natural world as a living classroom to build resilience, teamwork, and perspective.
“Math in the Mountains exemplifies the best of place-based education,” said Wayne Turner, Executive Director of Teton Science Schools. “By pairing world-class intellectual inquiry with on-the-ground educational experiences in extraordinary natural settings, the program aligns perfectly with our mission and creates powerful, lasting learning for students and our community.”
A Transformative Experience
For many students, Math in the Mountains is a defining moment in how they see themselves as thinkers.
“At Math in the Mountains, you’re surrounded by friends who love thinking deeply, and you’re encouraged to try hard problems without being afraid of getting stuck,” said Aria Chung, a founding student of the program and Teton Science Schools alumna. “Exploring the Tetons together develops grit and perseverance, and makes the math learning feel real, shared, and incredibly motivating.”
Applications Open January 28
Enrollment is limited for Summer 2026 programs:
- Alpha Program (ages 10–13): June 20–28
- Omega Program (ages 12–14, experienced campers): June 20–July 4
- Beta Camp Pilot (ages 12–14): June 14–20
- Teacher Immersion Program: June 22–27
Additional details, program dates, and application information are available at mathmountains.org.