Math Competitions Open to FCPS Students
Why Participate in Math Competitions?
Math competitions challenge students in ways that classroom assessments don't. Encountering unfamiliar problem types, exploring multiple solution paths, and taking risks in a low-stakes environment all build genuine mathematical confidence.
The preparation process matters more than the results. Many schools also accept MOEMS scores as part of AAP portfolio evidence.
MOEMS, the Most Accessible Competition for Elementary Students
MOEMS (Math Olympiad for Elementary and Middle Schools) is run by a nonprofit founded in 1977, with over 170,000 participants worldwide. It has two divisions: Division E (grades 4–6) and Division M (grades 4–8).
Students take five contests from November through March, each 30 minutes with 5 questions. Teams of up to 35 students register together through a school or outside group. Problems require creative thinking but are accessible to prepared elementary students. Past contests are available free at moems.org.
AMC 8, the Official National Math Competition
The AMC 8 (American Mathematics Competition 8), run by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), is open to all students in 8th grade or below. Held each January, it consists of 25 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes.
Difficulty is higher than MOEMS, especially in the last 10 questions, which demand substantial mathematical creativity. High scorers can advance through the AMC 10/12 → AIME → USAMO pathway, making AMC 8 a meaningful long-term goal for mathematically passionate students.
Math Kangaroo as an International Competition Experience
Math Kangaroo began in France in 1991 and now runs in over 90 countries. Held annually on the third Thursday of March, it covers all grades K–12 with difficulty scaled by grade level.
Students solve 30 questions in 75 minutes. Individual registration is available at kangaroo.org with a small participation fee. It's a unique opportunity to compare performance against students internationally.
When Should You Start Preparing?
MOEMS is open from 4th grade, so light exposure to past problems starting in late 3rd grade is a natural introduction. AMC 8 preparation typically begins seriously in 6th grade or later.
For any competition, consistent mathematical reasoning training is the real foundation. Students who have built conceptual thinking through Singapore Math and Beast Academy carry a clear advantage into competition preparation.