Math Competitions for Elementary & Middle School
Math competitions help children build problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and confidence beyond the classroom. Students can start in elementary school and gradually explore more advanced competitions as their skills grow.
Explore Math Competition Pathways to compare contests by grade and jump to detailed information about each competition.
Competition Book Recommendations · How to Prepare for Math Competitions
Math Competitions
- Math Kangaroo
- Math Kangaroo Team Competition
- Eye Level Math Olympiad (ELMO)
- Eye Level Critical Thinking Challenge
- International Math Contest (IMC) by RSM
- Math Olympiads for Elementary & Middle Schools (MOEMS)
- Noetic Learning Math Contest (NLMC)
- Math Is Cool (Washington State)
- Math Madness
- AMC 8 (Grade 8 and below)
- MATHCOUNTS (Grades 6–8)
- AMC 10 (Grade 10 and below)
- AMC 12 (Grade 12 and below)
Math Kangaroo is a global individual math competition for students in Grades K–12 that celebrates creativity, logic, and problem solving with fun multiple-choice questions.
Who can participate?
Students in Grades K–12, with age-appropriate levels for each grade.
How does Math Kangaroo Contest work?
Math Kangaroo is an annual individual math competition where
students solve creative and challenging problems on their own.
- 75 minutes
- 24 questions for Grades 1–4
- 30 questions for Grades 5-12
- Questions focus on mathematical reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving.
- Students work individually.
- Calculators and smartphones are not allowed.
- Results are expected to be released in early May.
Individual Competition Date: March 18, 2027
Registration:
Regular Registration: September 15, 2026.($20 fee)
Late Registration: January 1, 2027 – February 1, 2027 ($35 fee)
School Centre Registration deadline: December 15, 2026
Past-Year Practice Books:
Practice with previous Math Kangaroo test papers and solutions before the competition. Books are
available through the official Math Kangaroo practice page and in books on Amazon.
- Grades 1–2: Odd-Year Problems and Solutions
- Grades 1–2: Even-Year Problems and Solutions
- Grades 3–4: Odd-Year Problems and Solutions
- Grades 3–4: Even-Year Problems and Solutions
- Grades 5–6: Odd-Year Problems and Solutions
- Grades 5–6: Even-Year Problems and Solutions
- Grades 7–8: Odd-Year Problems and Solutions
- Grades 7–8: Even-Year Problems and Solutions
Why it’s great for elementary students:
Offers an inspiring, creative math experience where students solve intriguing problems and compete internationally.
The Math Kangaroo Team Competition is a collaborative math challenge where students work together to solve problems, discuss strategies, and build teamwork and mathematical communication skills.
Who can participate?
Students in Grades K–12 can participate. Each team includes
2–4 students and must have a coach or adult coordinator.
2026 Key Dates & Deadlines:
Regular Registration: September 30, 2026 (fee: $15 per student)
Late Registration: October 1, 2026 – October 15, 2026 (fee: $25 per student)
Competition Window: November 13, 2026 – November 20, 2026
Each local center selects its exact date and time within this window.
Results Released: January 15, 2027
Awards:
National Top 3 Teams: Team Trophy, individual medals/pins, and digital certificate
Excellence Teams: Custom Ribbons
All Participants: Digital certificate and a small gift
Contest format:
- 60 minutes
- 24 questions for Grades 1-4
- 30 questions for Grades 5-12
- One answer sheet is submitted per team
- Teams compete at the level of the oldest student
Why participate?
Students practice communication, cooperation, strategic thinking, and problem solving while working
toward a shared team goal. It is a fun complement to the individual Math Kangaroo Competition.
The Eye Level Math Olympiad (ELMO) is a national competition designed to build problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and confidence in young learners. It provides a structured and fun challenge for elementary students across the U.S.
Eligibility:
All students in Grades 2–9
Participants must be U.S. citizens or long-term residents.
Test language: English
Test Dates:
November 7, 2026 or November 14, 2026
Test venue and time are provided during registration.
Registration Period:
September 12, 2026 – October 11, 2026
Registration Fee:
Members: USD 25
Non-members: USD 50
Payment must be made online during registration.
Result Announcement:
January 18, 2027
Why it’s great for students:
Encourages logical thinking, problem-solving confidence, and enjoyment of mathematics challenges
in a friendly, competitive setting.
The Eye Level Critical Thinking Challenge is a friendly local competition designed to strengthen logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and analytical thinking in elementary students. It provides a structured yet encouraging environment for students to challenge themselves.
Participation Criteria:
• Online registration through the official Eye Level website
• Previously offered for 3rd–6th graders at participating local centers
• Eligibility, registration period, and participating locations are announced by Eye Level
2027 Competition Information:
The official Eye Level website has not yet published the 2027 Critical Thinking Challenge date,
registration deadline, fee, or participating-center list. Please check the official page for the
latest announcement before planning to participate.
Test Format:
The format, advancement rules, and local schedule should be confirmed with the participating Eye
Level center when 2027 registration opens.
Test Location:
Local Eye Level Learning Centers
The International Math Contest (IMC), organized by the Russian School of Mathematics (RSM), offers an online challenge that encourages deep thinking and problem-solving in an international format. It gives students an opportunity to compare their skills with peers around the world.
Who can participate?
Students in Grades 1–8
Competition Date:
In person: February 2, 2027 for Grades 1–8
Online: February 7, 2027 for Grades 3–8
- 75-minute contest
- Registration: $15 Early Bird / $25 General
- Awards: In-person participants are eligible for awards.
- Online participants receive scores and rankings, but not awards.
Why it’s great for elementary students:
Encourages curiosity, confidence, and math thinking in a globally recognized online contest.
MOEMS is a school- and institute-based problem-solving program that develops mathematical flexibility, creativity, and confidence through five monthly Olympiad contests during the school year. Each contest has five questions and a 30-minute time limit.
Who can participate?
Division E (Elementary): Grades 4–6
Division M (Middle School): Grades 6–8
Schools and institutes may enroll teams of up to 35 students. Grade 6 students may
participate in the division selected by their school or institute.
2026–2027 Contest Administration Dates:
Contest 1: November 9, 2026 – November 30, 2026
Contest 2: December 7, 2026 – December 28, 2026
Contest 3: January 4, 2027 – January 25, 2027
Contest 4: February 1, 2027 – February 22, 2027
Contest 5: March 1, 2027 – March 29, 2027
Scores must be entered by March 31, 2027 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
Registration and Fee:
Registration is open for the 2026–2027 season. MOEMS enrollment is completed by a participating
school or institute, either through new enrollment or member re-enrollment. The current fee is
provided in the official enrollment form; schools and institutes should confirm the fee before
submitting registration.
How do MOEMS contests work?
MOEMS consists of five separate contests spread throughout the school year.
For each contest, the participating school or institute chooses a date within the official administration window.
On the contest day:
- 5 MOEMS Problems.
- 30 minutes to solve the problems.
- Individual Contest.
- The problems focus on mathematical reasoning and non-routine problem solving, rather than simply applying standard formulas.
Why participate?
MOEMS teaches students to use multiple strategies, strengthens problem-solving intuition, encourages
mathematical creativity, and gives students sustained practice with challenging problems throughout the school year.
How can students get involved?
Many middle school math clubs and schools participate in MOEMS. If your school does not participate
yet, ask a math teacher, club advisor, or school administrator about bringing MOEMS to your school.
Parents and community members may also be able to volunteer to help enroll and coordinate a school
team. You can also ask nearby math centers, such as the Russian School of Mathematics (RSM), AoPS
Academy, or other local math programs, whether they host MOEMS contests so more students can take part.
The Noetic Learning Math Contest (NLMC) is a semiannual problem-solving competition for elementary and middle school students. It helps students develop creative reasoning, mathematical confidence, and persistence through grade-specific problem sets.
Who can participate?
Students in Grades 2–8. Each grade has its own problem set, so students compete
with age- and grade-appropriate questions.
2026–2027 Contest Dates:
School and organization teams may administer the contest during these official windows:
Fall Contest: November 12, 2026 – November 25, 2026
Spring Contest: April 1, 2027 – April 15, 2027
Contest Format:
Students solve 20 problems independently in 45 minutes, or 50 minutes for the
online version. The contest may be administered on paper or online through a participating school
or organization.
Registration and Fee:
Students may register through a participating school, school math club, teacher, or approved
organization. A school team leader, teacher, or administrator completes the team registration, and
the fee is charged per team of up to 30 students. The current school-team fee is
shown on the official registration page. If a school team is not available, students may register
individually for Noetic's At-Home Edition; its schedule, requirements, and fee are
provided on the At-Home Edition page.
How can kids get involved?
Ask your child’s teacher, school math club, gifted program, or school administrator whether the
school already participates. If it does not, a parent, teacher, or community volunteer can contact
Noetic, create a school team, and serve as the team leader. Families can also ask nearby tutoring
centers, homeschool groups, and local math programs whether they host NLMC teams. Once a team is
registered, the team leader provides the contest details and materials to participating students.
If participation through a school team is not possible, students may participate through Noetic's official At-Home Edition. Parents can review the participation requirements and registration steps on Noetic's parent information page.
Why participate?
NLMC encourages students to try multiple strategies, work through unfamiliar problems, and build
confidence without focusing only on speed. Students can receive certificates, medals, and recognition
through the contest’s awards program.
Math Is Cool is a state-level math competition featuring both individual and team problem solving in an exciting, energetic environment. It’s designed to make math engaging and social.
Who can participate?
Students in grades 4–8. Middle school divisions include grades 6–8; elementary divisions commonly
include grades 4–5.
2026–2027 Middle School Competition Dates and Places:
Championships: February 6, 2027 at Skyview Middle School
Masters: April 24, 2027 at Moses Lake High School
These dates are for grades 6–8 on the official Math Is Cool calendar.
Skyview Middle School Registration:
Registration deadline: January 9, 2027
Maximum teams per school: 5
Maximum registration: 300 students
Confirm the assigned division, arrival time, and contest instructions during registration.
2026–2027 Elementary Championships:
Grade 5: February 26, 2027 at Skyview High School
Grade 4: March 18, 2027 at Skyview High School
Confirm the assigned division, arrival time, and contest instructions during registration.
Registration Fees for 2026–2027:
USD 60 per team of four students, or USD 15 per individual student. A school registering at least
one team of four for a Championships contest may also register two alternate students at no additional fee.
Why it’s great for elementary students:
Encourages teamwork, confidence, and excitement about math with a real competition atmosphere.
Math Madness is a prominent, team-based online mathematics competition held annually in the United States. It mirrors the excitement of bracket-style sports tournaments, allowing students to compete head-to-head in fast-paced math matchups.
General Structure and Rules:
Eligibility: Grades 3–12
Elementary School: Grades 3–5
Middle School: Grades 6–8
High School: Grades 9–12
Team Size: There is no maximum team size. Check the official rules for minimum requirements.
Match Format: Weekly matches feature 7–8 challenging questions in 30 minutes.
Scoring: Students submit answers individually. The team score for each match is the sum of the top five individual scores.
Competition Timeline:
Practice and collaboration: Weeks 1–2
Qualifying round: Weeks 3–4
Bracket tournament: Weeks 5–10 (a single-elimination tournament)
The American Mathematics Competition 8 (AMC 8) is a 25-question, 40-minute mathematics competition designed for students in Grade 8 and below (age 15.5 or younger). It introduces students to mathematical problem-solving beyond the standard school curriculum and emphasizes creativity, logical thinking, and mathematical reasoning.
What does AMC 8 cover?
Problems focus on middle school mathematics, including:
- Counting and probability
- Estimation and proportional reasoning
- Elementary geometry and the Pythagorean Theorem
- Spatial visualization
- Interpreting graphs and tables
- Beginning algebra, including linear and quadratic functions
- Coordinate geometry
Who can participate?
Students in Grade 8 or below.
Advanced Grade 4-5 students can also
participate and use AMC 8 as an early introduction to middle-school competition mathematics.
How does AMC 8 work?
- Individual Competition
- 25 multiple-choice questions
- 40 minutes
- Calculators are not allowed
How do I register for AMC 8?
AMC 8 registration is handled by an approved host institution, not directly by students through MAA.
First, ask your middle school, math club, or math teacher whether the school will organize an AMC 8
session. Many math clubs at middle schools serve as local hosts.
If your school is not hosting the contest, look for a nearby approved math center or class. Local RSM locations, AoPS Academy campuses, and other participating learning centers may offer AMC 8 registration, but availability varies by location and year. Contact the center directly and confirm that it is administering the current AMC 8 before registering.
The host will provide the registration deadline, fee, test date, and location. Use the official AMC page below to review current information and find the latest options. Do not wait until the competition week, because host registration may close earlier.
2027 Competition Dates:
January 21, 2027 – January 27, 2027
Why AMC 8 is valuable:
AMC 8 encourages students to think creatively, approach unfamiliar problems, and develop
problem-solving skills beyond routine classroom mathematics. It can be a great first step toward
deeper involvement in competitive mathematics.
Special recognition for girls:
Through the generous support of Awesome Math Girls, MAA provides prizes recognizing
the highest-scoring girls in AMC 8. This initiative helps encourage more girls to
participate in mathematics and problem-solving at the middle and high school levels.
Practice Problems & Solutions:
Explore previous AMC 8 problems and solutions to become familiar with the competition format and
problem-solving style.
MATHCOUNTS is a middle school program that helps students strengthen problem-solving skills through individual and team math challenges. The Competition Series progresses from local chapter contests to state and national levels.
Who can participate?
Students in Grades 6–8. Participation is commonly organized through a school team or
math club, so ask your child’s math teacher or school whether a coach is available.
What is the competition like?
Students solve challenging problems individually and as a team. The competition series includes
multiple rounds, and the exact schedule and advancement process are set by the local organizers.
The American Mathematics Competition 10 (AMC 10) is an individual multiple-choice contest for students interested in challenging high-school-level problem solving. It focuses on topics typically covered through Grade 10, with no calculus, trigonometry, or advanced algebra.
Who can participate?
Eligible students in Grade 10 or below. AMC eligibility also includes age limits,
so families should check the current official rules before registering.
Contest format:
25 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes. Calculators are not allowed. Students who score highly
may qualify for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), based on the current
qualification rules.
How do families register?
AMC contests are administered by approved schools and other host institutions. Ask your child’s
school, math club, or a local participating math center whether it will host the AMC 10 and confirm
its registration deadlines and fees.
The American Mathematics Competition 12 (AMC 12) is an individual multiple-choice contest for students ready to explore a broad range of high-school mathematics. It covers high-school topics through precalculus, but does not include calculus.
Who can participate?
Eligible students in Grade 12 or below. AMC eligibility also includes age limits,
so families should check the current official rules before registering.
Contest format:
25 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes. Calculators are not allowed. Students who score highly
may qualify for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), based on the current
qualification rules.
How do families register?
AMC contests are administered by approved schools and other host institutions. Ask your child’s
school, math club, or a local participating math center whether it will host the AMC 12 and confirm
its registration deadlines and fees.