Math competition preparation programs help students excel in challenging contests like AMC, MathCounts, USAMO or USAJMO Olympiads, which can secure qualification for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) participation. These programs provide structured learning, expert guidance and exposure to problem-solving techniques not typically covered within school curricula.
They also help students build critical thinking skills, mathematical confidence and resilience. These programs’ experienced, proficient educators can improve your child’s math skills, opening doors to academic achievement and scholarship opportunities.
Considerations When Seeking the Best Competition Prep Programs
To identify the best math competition preparatory programs, consider the leading education providers in the field. Each has a substantial reputation for preparing students for national and international math contests. Take the following criteria into account:
- The educator’s focus on math competition preparation
- The instructors’ expertise, experience and qualifications
- Any documented signs of past student achievements
- The program’s structure and curriculum depth
- The program’s adaptability and accessibility
- Company alignment with academic values
- Parent or student testimonials and reviews
Best Options for Math Competition Preparation in North America
Considering the listed criteria can help determine whether a course will suit your child and benefit their ongoing education, future studies and career. These are the best math competition preparation programs:
1. Russian School of Mathematics (RSM)
Founded in 1997, the RSM curriculum promotes logical reasoning, deep conceptual understanding and enhanced problem-solving. The celebrated after-school math enrichment program strongly emphasizes competition preparation, providing a mathematical foundation early on and developing analytical skills in elementary and high school students to prepare them for contest pressure.
You can access RSM’s competition programs online or let your child attend in person. Many RSM instructors have advanced degrees and competitive experience. They are equipped to prepare your child for MathCounts, AMC, Math Kangaroo, AIME, USAMO and USAJMO competitions.
The school values discipline, academic rigor and perseverance, and its students consistently achieve top results in national and international competitions. 80% of RSM’s program students ranked in the AMC 8 competition for eighth graders and below, and two high school students qualified for the elite USAMO through the AIME competition. RSM’s unique combination of Russian math methodology, accredited instructors and proven competition results makes it one of the best options for math competition preparation courses.
Key Features
- Russian math methodology and curriculum
- Competition-focused courses
- Online and in-person options
- Experienced and highly qualified teachers
- Emphasis on logical reasoning and problem-solving
- Small class sizes and personalized feedback
- Proven record of student competition success
2. Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)
AoPS is a pioneer in advanced math education. Its curriculum for adept students is designed by math competition veterans. Since 2003, the school has encouraged problem solvers and critical thinkers through strict, interactive remote and physical courses, which include access to a comprehensive textbook suite. The AoPS competition course has a blossoming online peer community for support and guidance and covers AMC, AIME, USAMO and other competition prep.
AoPS encourages intellectual curiosity, perseverance and community presence. Its alumni include several Olympiad medalists and top university students. All six members of the victorious United States International Math Olympiad team in 2024 were AoPS alums. With expert and certified instructors, AoPS will educate your child using an in-depth and challenging curriculum incorporating its culture of mathematical excellence.
With the help of the extensive, supportive peer network, your child can excel in prestigious competitions, achieve high-end university acceptance and prepare for a successful career. AoPS’s comprehensive resources, competition-experienced instructors and vibrant online community provide unmatched educational support for aspiring math competition participants.
Key Features
- Strict, competition-targeted curriculum
- Online and physical classes
- Recognized textbooks and resources
- Active online forums and community
- Experienced and passionate instructors
- Track record of Olympiad success
- Adjustable scheduling
3. AlphaStar Academy
AlphaStar Academy specializes in advanced STEM education and competition training. Its instructors include Olympiad medalists and experienced math, computer science and physics coaches. They mentor students to realize their full potential through growth and success mindsets. Since its establishment in 2010, AlphaStar has offered remote and in-person courses, summer and winter camps, practice tests, and master courses.
AlphaStar’s math competition program prepares students for MathCounts, AMC, AIME and international contests. It also hosts a range of Canadian math competitions. Its students have achieved notable success in national and international competitions. Co-founded by IMO silver medalist Ali Gural, AlphaStar boasts 595 USAMO and USAJMO qualifiers, 36 MathCounts National qualifiers, and 19 IMO medal winners among its current students and alumni.
By encouraging teamwork, honesty, passion and quality, AlphaStar provides a positive foundation for your child to pursue math competition excellence. AlphaStar’s elite instructors, results-driven programs and history of competitive math success make the school a viable option for students motivated by competition and hungry for success.
Key Features
- Olympiad medalist instructors
- Intensive competition prep courses
- Online and physical options
- Summer and winter camps
- Focus on highly renowned competitions
- Small group learning
- Individualized feedback
4. Areteem Institute
Offering advanced STEM education and competition training, Areteem Institute has inspired and prepared students for prosperous academic futures since 2004. Areteem offers live and real-time courses, summer camps, and MathCounts, AMC, AIME, USAMO, ZIML and IMO preparation. Experienced coaches and Olympiad alumni provide training and mentorship using the Areteem curriculum, which is based on innovation and academic discipline.
Program students have been successful in AMC 10 and AMC 12 competitions, and some alumni have won MathCounts and USAJMO national competitions. Areteem also counts ZIML and IMO international contest winners among its former students. Many Areteem alumni have attended top colleges like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton and Cal Tech.
If your child is looking for additional challenges and enrichment opportunities beyond traditional schooling, Areteem may be the solution. Areteem’s blend of academic discipline, experienced mentorship and successful competition history supports diverse student goals, with a methodology that promotes future higher-level education.
Key Features
- Advanced competition prep courses
- Olympiad alumni instructors
- Live and real-time classes
- Summer camps and workshops
- Focus on high-level competition prep
- Proven student achievements
- Individualized support
5. MathPath
Founded in 2002, MathPath is an exclusive summer camp competition preparatory program. It targets passionate middle school math students keen to explore advanced topics and competition-level problem solving in preparation for contests like the AMC 8.
MathPath challenges mathematically gifted students through a four-week summer camp experience, including AMC 10-level problem solving and teaching of math topics like number theory and combinatorics. Experienced mathematicians and competition coaches lead the sessions, encouraging intellectual curiosity, creativity and community support.
Key Features
- Four-week residential summer camp
- Focus on middle school students
- AMC 8 and AMC 10 competition problem-solving
- Classes by experienced mathematicians
- Advanced topics beyond school curricula
6. Math Kangaroo
Math Kangaroo is the official organizer of the international Math Kangaroo competition in the U.S. It runs math preparation programs designed explicitly for the contest. Its online fall classes are for students in grades 1-8, and it provides 10 classes encouraging math thinking and creativity.
The school also offers webinars and lesson plans for grades 1-10, AI classes for grades 7-12, private coaching, and a wealth of resource material. Math Kangaroo uses inclusive methods to provide a preparatory foundation for your child’s successful participation in the competition and others.
Key Features
- Official Math Kangaroo competition organizer
- Prep courses, webinars and lesson plans
- Practice materials for all grades
- Inclusive and welcoming environment
- National and international reach
7. MathGauss
Since 2018, MathGauss has offered free and premium AI-powered math competition preparation. The online platform provides prep training for AMC, AIME, USAMO and USAJMO competitions through AI-powered structured lessons, tutors and a guidance chat system. MathGauss makes high-quality math contest training accessible to students from all locations and backgrounds.
Experienced competition coaches and former participants designed the MathGauss curriculum. It ensures students receive relevant preparation material, so if you are looking for a cost-effective solution, MathGauss offers an affordable way for your child to access valuable preparatory competition training and resources.
Key Features
- Free competition prep lessons and problem trainers
- Grading and analytics for contest performance
- Practice with actual past competition problems
- Curriculum designed by experienced contest coaches and alumni
- Globally accessible online
Comparative Math Competition Prep Program Table
Comparing the best math competition preparation programs and courses can help you determine which option is best for your child. Consider each one’s depth of experience, available formats and competition focus.
| Program | Founded | Format | Focus |
| RSM | 1997 | Online and in-person | MathCounts, AMC, Math Kangaroo, AIME, USAMO and USAJMO |
| AoPS | 2003 | Online and in-person | AMC, AIME, USAMO and others |
| AlphaStar Academy | 2010 | Online, in-person and camps | MathCounts, AMC, AIME and Canadian |
| Areteem Institute | 2004 | Online and summer camp | MathCounts, AMC, AIME and ZIML |
| MathPath | 2002 | Summer camp | AMC 8 and AMC 10 |
| Math Kangaroo USA | 1998 | Online and third-party in-person | Math Kangaroo |
| MathGauss | 2018 | Online AI-powered | AMC, AIME, USAMO and USAJMO |
Nurturing Math Proficiency for Lifelong Success
Enrolling your mathematically talented child in one of the best competition preparation programs is a way of nurturing and encouraging their skills to set them on a path toward future success. The best programs offer expert guidance and formidable preparatory course material that help students excel in math competitions.
High-quality math competition training can empower your child to build confidence and achieve academic excellence. Ensure your child fully realizes their mathematical talent so they can unlock top college enrollment and scholarship opportunities, resulting in rewarding professional life paths.