Math Competitions
Math competitions are engaging opportunities that help young learners build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and explore mathematics beyond the classroom.
For elementary students, math contests encourage creativity, logical thinking, teamwork, and a sense of achievement.
These experiences make math exciting and rewarding while supporting long-term academic growth.
Math Competitions
- AMC 8 (advanced Grade 4–5 students)
- Eye Level Math Olympiad (ELMO)
- Eye Level Critical Thinking Challenge
- International Math Contest (IMC) by RSM
- Math Kangaroo
- Math Olympiads for Elementary & Middle Schools (MOEMS)
- Noetic Learning Math Contest (NLMC)
- Math Is Cool (Washington State)
The American Mathematics Contest 8 (AMC 8) is a national problem-solving competition designed to challenge young learners with engaging math questions. Students have 40 minutes to answer 25 multiple-choice problems that emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and mathematical reasoning.
Who can participate?
Students in Grade 8 or below. Advanced Grade 4–5 students often use AMC 8
as meaningful early exposure to competition math challenges.
Competition Date:
Typically held in January each year (exact dates announced by MAA annually).
Registration:
Typically through schools or math programs such as AoPS, RSM,
or other learning centers.
Why it’s great for elementary students:
AMC 8 builds confidence, encourages deeper conceptual thinking, and introduces students
to creative problem formats in a supportive, non-intimidating environment.
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 & Locations:
November 8, 2025: Bellevue, WA; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco-East Bay, CA; DFW, TX; Houston, TX
November 15, 2025: Lawrenceville, GA; Chicago, IL; Concord, NC; Edison, NJ; Fairfax, VA
Test time: 10:00 AM local time at all locations
Registration Period:
September 22 – October 19, 2025
Registration Fee:
Members: USD 20
Non-members: USD 30
Payment must be made online during registration. Refunds will not be granted after October 18, 2025.
Result Announcement:
January 14, 2026
Why it’s great for elementary 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 only (via official Eye Level website)
• Registration period: April 14 – May 7, 2025
• Open to 3rd–6th graders (Spring 2025 semester)
• $10 non-member registration fee (FREE for Eye Level students)
• Local event hosted at participating centers
Competition Date:
May 10 or May 17, 2025
(Date determined by each local learning center)
Test Format:
• 25-question competition
• All participants answer the same set of questions
• Based on results, each center selects one 2-member team
• One team per center advances to the National Final Round
Test Location:
Local Eye Level Learning Centers
The IMC from Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) offers an online challenge that encourages deep thinking and problem solving in an international format. It’s a friendly way for students to compare skills globally.
Who can participate?
from grade 1 to grade 8
Competition Date:
Usually held in January.
Registration typically open in October.
Why it’s great for elementary students:
Encourages curiosity, confidence, and math thinking in a globally recognized online contest.
Math Kangaroo is a global math competition for 1–12 students that celebrates creativity, logic, and problem solving with fun multiple-choice questions.
Who can participate?
Students in grades 1–12, with levels designed for elementary ages.
Competition Date:
Usually held on the third Thursday of March each year
(mid-March nationwide).
Why it’s great for elementary students:
Offers an inspiring, creative math experience where students solve intriguing problems and compete internationally. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
MOEMS is a long-standing problem-solving math contest with monthly tests that encourage perseverance, logical reasoning, and collaborative problem solving over a school season.
Who can participate?
Elementary division (grades 4–6), with options to extend into middle school.
Competition Schedule:
Monthly contests held from November through March
(5 contest dates during the school year).
Why it’s great for elementary students:
Builds structured reasoning, teamwork, and confident problem-solving through sustained practice.
The NLMC is a widely participated semi-annual problem-solving contest for grades 2–8, designed to build deep thinking, creative reasoning, and confidence in mathematics.
Who can participate?
Students in grades 2–8.
Competition Dates:
Held twice per year:
• Fall Contest – typically in November
• Spring Contest – typically in April
Why it’s great for elementary students:
Promotes creative problem solving, confidence growth, and national recognition through a semester-style contest.
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 (elementary participation common in grades 4–5)
Competition Season:
Champ competitions typically held in February–March,
with Masters usually in April -May.
Why it’s great for elementary students:
Encourages teamwork, confidence, and excitement about math with a real competition atmosphere.