math competition 

Build a Strong Foundation — Step-by-Step Math Competition Progression from Elementary to High School

At Ascend Advance Academy, we guide students through a carefully designed, age-appropriate progression that lays a solid groundwork for success in math competitions from elementary through high school.

Recommended Pathway:

• Grades 1–3: Math Kangaroo — spark interest in math, build strong problem-solving skills, and develop logical thinking.

• Grades 4–6: Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS) — experience the excitement of competition, gain confidence, and aim to join the school math team.

• Grades 5–7: AMC 8 — prepare for the premier middle school math competition in the U.S.

• Grades 7–9: AMC 10 — the entry-level high school math contest for students up to grade 10.

• Grades 8–11: AMC 12 — the advanced high school competition for students up to grade 12.

The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) attract over 300,000 students from more than 6,000 schools worldwide every year. Recognized as one of the most influential contests for young mathematicians, outstanding AMC scores are a powerful credential for top U.S. high school and university applications. Leading institutions like Stanford and MIT regularly request AMC score reports and consider them a valuable factor in admissions.

Sadly, many students miss the critical window in early elementary school to cultivate a love for challenging math and to build the confidence they need later on. As a result, they may struggle — or give up altogether — when they encounter more difficult math in middle or high school. To avoid this, we strongly recommend that students begin exploring math competitions as early as grades 1–3.

Our Teaching Philosophy

Backed by years of experience, we believe that before AMC 8, competitions should be about opening students’ minds, not just collecting medals. Early contests broaden horizons, build a robust learning foundation, and nurture curiosity and resilience. Our courses emphasize understanding key concepts, exploring problem-solving strategies, and developing logical thinking skills. Through guided challenges, students discover the joy of math and the satisfaction of solving complex problems, preparing them to excel in high-level contests like AMC 10 and AMC 12.

 Course Structure

✅ Small Group Classes: 6–8 students per class, taught via Zoom or in-person, ensuring high engagement and strong interaction.

✅ Convenient Schedule: Once a week, 1–1.5 hours per session, total of 20 hours per term. Flexible times between 3:30–7:30 PM to fit busy family schedules.

✅ Focused Curriculum: Each class includes concept explanations, problem analysis, and discussion of solution techniques.

Proven Success & Student Achievements

We take pride in our students’ consistent top performance:

• Multiple Math Kangaroo students achieving perfect scores and ranking #1 nationwide.

• Students qualifying for Long Island’s top math teams and earning top 1% rankings in MOEMS.

• Many achieving Honor Roll and Distinguished Honor Roll in AMC 8.

Our students’ steady growth from elementary contests to high school competitions has cultivated resilience, academic discipline, and a competitive spirit, paving the way to their dream schools.

Expert Instructors

Math Kangaroo and MOEMS teachers: 10+ years of experience in math education, with deep understanding of child psychology and pedagogy.

AMC 8 and AMC 10 instructors: accomplished competition experts, many with PhDs in mathematics and experience competing internationally and serving as competition coaches and problem setters.

Your Gateway to Top Universities

Outstanding AMC 10 and AMC 12 results are a shining badge of honor for top university applications, showcasing a student’s academic potential and problem-solving skills. Our math competition program helps students stand out and lays a solid foundation for future success at prestigious institutions.

Join Us — Start the Journey to Excellence

We invite your child to join our math competition courses and build a strong stepping stone toward their dream schools. Let the light of mathematics brighten their future — complete the registration form today and begin the path to excellence with us.

With our years of experience, we understand that well-rounded students are often busy students. We are now collecting interest for our fall courses starting in September. Based on your preferred time slots, we will coordinate with our teachers to accommodate as many students as possible.