Math Competition Prep: Math Kangaroo and MOEMS
Online Math Competition Prep, Grades 1 to 8:
Math Kangaroo and MOEMS
Avatar Learning Center's Math Competition Prep is one course with two tracks: Math Kangaroo prep for grades 1 to 8, and prep for the Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS) for grades 4 to 8. Classes are live online, interactive and engaging, once a week, with 5 to 6 students and never more than 8.
The course is for students who already have a good math foundation and enjoy competing and solving logical reasoning problems. It is not remedial math: competition problems are short and unfamiliar, students solve them by thinking, and the classes move fast. If your child likes puzzles and finishes the school worksheet early, this is the class for them.
The Two Contests
We Prepare Students For
MOEMS is a series of five contests between November and March. Math Kangaroo is a single 75-minute exam in March. The next two sections describe each contest, and the table below them compares both with the other major U.S. math contests.
What Is MOEMS?
The Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS) runs five math contests a year, one a month from November to March, for students in grades 4 to 8. Schools host the contests in the classroom, in after-school math programs or at one-day local or regional tournaments.
The contests are team-based.
What Is the Math Kangaroo Competition?
Math Kangaroo is a global math contest with problems for grades 1 to 12. Students compete by grade level every March in a 75-minute exam that tests problem-solving skills and math creativity.
Competition guide
The Major Math Competitions in the United States
The table compares the major U.S. math contests by grade, date and format. The two marked rows are the ones Avatar prepares students for. Contests build on each other: a child who starts with Math Kangaroo in grade 2 can be sitting the AMC 10 in grade 9.
| Competition | Who | When | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math Kangaroo We prepare for this | Grades 1 to 12 | March, once a year | 75 minutes, 24 to 30 multiple-choice questions. The friendliest first contest; a strong grade 1 to 4 entry point. |
| MOEMS (Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools) We prepare for this | Grades 4 to 8 | Five contests, November to March | Five problems in 30 minutes, written answers. Division E for grades 4 to 6, Division M for 6 to 8. |
| Noetic Learning Math Contest | Grades 1 to 8 | Fall and spring | 20 problems in 45 minutes, taken online at school or at home. |
| AMC 8 | Grade 8 and below | January | 25 multiple-choice problems in 40 minutes, run by the Mathematical Association of America. |
| MATHCOUNTS | Grades 6 to 8 | School and chapter rounds in winter, state in March, national in May | Sprint, target, team and countdown rounds; schools field teams of four. |
| AMC 10 and AMC 12 | Grade 10 and below; Grade 12 and below | November | 25 problems in 75 minutes. High scores qualify for the AIME, the next step toward the USA Math Olympiad. |
Why Students Take Part in Math Competitions
Stronger
Math Skills
Competition problems deepen math understanding and build problem-solving skills.
Scholarship
Opportunities
Math Kangaroo offers scholarships, and strong results in either contest can lead to places in educational programs.
More
Confidence
Hard problems build persistence and a positive attitude toward academic challenges.
Real-World
Problem Solving
Contest problems practice the kind of problem solving students need in school and in daily life.
One Course, Two Tracks
Choose a Track:
Math Kangaroo or MOEMS
Both tracks are live online, interactive and engaging, once a week, with 5 to 6 students and never more than 8. Each class teaches one strategy and works through contest-style problems, so the format is familiar on test day.
Math Kangaroo Prep Track
Grades 1 to 8
Twelve weeks, from December to the March contest. Classes are grouped by grade:
- Grades 1-2
- Grades 3-4
- Grades 5-6
- Grades 7-8
When the registration page asks for an invitation code, enter
AvatarCompetitions@2027MC
MOEMS (Math Olympiad) Prep Track
Grades 4 to 8
Twenty weeks of the kinds of challenging problems the Olympiad uses. Classes are grouped by grade:
- Grades 4-6
- Grades 6-8
Included in Math Competition Prep
How We Prepare Students for Contest Day
Instructors with Advanced Degrees
Most Avatar instructors hold a PhD or a master's degree.
Practice Tests
Simulated tests let students rehearse the day of the real exam, which reduces nerves.
Strategy Guides
Guides teach the shortcuts and methods that work on competition problems.
Time Management
Students practice finishing each exam within the time limit.
Parent Portal
Parents follow attendance, scores and progress in real time.
Small Groups
Small-group lessons encourage teamwork and learning from classmates. Classes have 5 to 6 students, never more than 8.
Online Practice Resources
Practice problems, past exams and tutorials are available online at any time.
Exam Proctoring
Avatar proctors the Math Kangaroo exam online, so families have one less thing to arrange.
Did you know?
Students who win
math competitions
are three times as likely
to win math and science scholarships.
Taking part in either contest also adds to a college application.
Testimonials
What Parents Say About Our Math Competition Prep
Epic class, Mom, epic class!
“My son can't stop raving—'Epic class, Mom, epic class!' He not only had a blast but also strengthened his grasp on core math principles. We're definitely signing up again.”
Sean McClureParentA game-changer for my kids
“Avatar's math competition program is a game-changer for my kids. They're not just focused and entertained—they're eager for the next challenge! I've tried other options, but nothing stuck until Avatar. Thanks to a friend's recommendation, my kids' academic performance soared. I can't recommend Avatar enough!”
Stella KocharyanParentMath Competition Prep FAQs
Questions About Math Kangaroo and MOEMS Prep
Who is Math Competition Prep for?
Students in grades 1 to 8 who already have a good math foundation and enjoy competing and solving logical reasoning problems. Math Kangaroo prep is open to grades 1 to 8 and MOEMS prep to grades 4 to 8.
When are the competitions held?
Math Kangaroo is held once a year, in March. MOEMS holds five contests, one a month from November to March, and schools can run each one on any day in its month.
How are these competitions beneficial for my child?
They build logical reasoning, problem-solving and teamwork as well as math skills. Math Kangaroo also offers scholarships, and either contest adds to a college application.
How does Avatar help my child prepare?
With a live class once a week built around contest problems. Students take practice tests, learn strategies and use online practice resources. Math Kangaroo prep runs 12 weeks and MOEMS prep 20 weeks.
How do I register my child?
You can register directly on our website, or book a free assessment first to learn about Math Competition Prep and check your child's current math skills.
How will I know my child's progress?
In the parent portal, which shows attendance, each week's homework and quiz scores, time spent and progress in real time.
Find the Right Level for Your Child
Take the free placement assessment. We recommend a course and one of three levels, and a child can move up during the year.