In 6th grade, something unexpected happened that changed the way I thought about math. My teacher handed out competition-style problems to the entire class, and I was amazed. These problems were so different from what I’d seen before—challenging, exciting, and nothing like the routine math exercises from textbooks.
I was hooked from the start. Every time I heard about a new math competition, I wanted to join. The thrill of figuring out tough problems fueled my curiosity, and soon, I was invited to join my school’s math team.
What I loved most wasn’t just solving the problems; it was discovering new ways of thinking and learning alongside others who shared my passion for math. But here’s the best part: Today’s students don’t need to wait for a school math team to experience the joy of competition. They can dive in on their own, with or without a team.
So, if you’re looking for challenging math problems for your student, you’re in the right spot! These days, it’s easier than ever to join, thanks to a mix of virtual and in-person events. Here are some competitions we highly recommend:
Top Math Competitions to Explore
Math Kangaroo
- Grades: 1-12
- Registration: Opens in September
- Competition: Held in March
- Format: Virtual or in-person
Math Kangaroo offers engaging, puzzle-like problems that encourage students to explore math creatively. It’s open to individual students, making it a great entry point into the world of competitive math, especially for younger learners. This competition spans countries across the globe, giving students the chance to compete on an international stage.
MathCounts
- Grades: 6-8 (middle school)
- Levels: School, local, state, and national
- Extras: Math club and video challenge
MathCounts provides a tough yet exciting experience for middle schoolers. Students can participate individually or as part of a group, and the organization offers fun activities like a video challenge and math clubs to keep students engaged year-round.
Math Olympiad
- Grades: Elementary and middle school
- Reach: Over 35 countries
The Math Olympiad is all about creative problem-solving and teamwork on a global scale. Students can join with homeschool groups or school friends to form teams. It’s a great way to develop innovative thinking skills while learning to collaborate with others.
AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12
- Format: School-based competitions, with open testing locations for individual sign-ups
The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) series offers a range of increasingly advanced exams. Each level is designed to challenge students with progressively difficult material: - AMC 8: Covers Algebra and Geometry topics for middle schoolers.
- AMC 10: Geared toward 10th grade and below.
- AMC 12: For 12th grade and below, with topics like Trigonometry, advanced Algebra, and Geometry.
If your school isn’t registered to offer the AMC exams, you can check the AMC website to find nearby locations where students can take the tests.
Get Ready to Shine
Competitions like Math Kangaroo and AMC 8 are a great way for students to build confidence through practice. Even younger kids can benefit from these challenges—they sharpen math skills and encourage creative thinking.
We offer specialized classes designed to get students ready for competitions like Math Kangaroo and AMC 8. These courses give them the tools and strategies they need to feel confident and do their best. Check out our classes to help your child get started!
Why Join Math Competitions?
Math competitions aren’t just about solving problems—they help kids build important skills like staying resilient, thinking outside the box, and managing their time. Even if they don’t win, they’ll develop a mindset that helps them keep growing and learning.
If your child enjoys puzzles, loves a good challenge, or just wants to explore math in new ways, these competitions are a perfect fit. With both virtual and in-person options, there’s never been a better time to give them a try!
Encourage your child to explore one of these competitions and see where it takes them. Whether they compete alone or with a team, they’ll discover new ways to think about math—and maybe even ignite a lifelong passion for learning.
