Students collaborating during an academic lesson
Structured competition preparation

Build Competition Math Confidence for Elementary Students Without Guesswork

Live small-group lessons combine Pre-Algebra foundations, advanced problem solving, and guided practice to help students prepare for AMC 8, MathCounts, Math Kangaroo, and higher-level school mathematics.

6–12
Students in formal classes
90 min
Weekly live lesson
4.5/5
TrustScore shown on site
G5–G8
Primary use case

A clear first step

Choose the Right Starting Point

Begin with a trial or placement evaluation, then use the result to select a pathway that matches the student’s current knowledge, goals, and competition experience.

Start here

What Is Competition Math for Elementary Students? (Quick Definition)

Competition math is structured mathematics instruction that goes beyond routine school exercises to develop flexible reasoning, efficient strategies, and multi-step problem solving. For elementary and middle-grade students, it can connect arithmetic, number theory, algebra, geometry, counting, probability, and statistics with problems modeled on competitions such as AMC 8, MathCounts, and Math Kangaroo. The program is designed for students who want deeper mathematical understanding, stronger preparation for advanced school tracks, or a systematic route into competition problem solving.

Families comparing online math competition classes can use placement results, course sequence, teacher background, class size, and feedback structure to judge fit rather than choosing by difficulty alone.

A pathway, not a single class

Three Mathematics Pathways for Different Starting Points

The strongest fit depends on whether a student is building foundations, accelerating through school mathematics, or preparing for challenging contest problems.

Students studying in an ACE Academy Pre-Algebra graphic
Pathway 01

Advanced Math

Designed for G1–G5 students, this Singapore Math–influenced pathway uses the concrete–pictorial–abstract method to build concepts, models, and logical reasoning for later Honors and competition work.

Explore advanced elementary math
ACE Academy Algebra I course graphic
Pathway 02

Honors Math

The Honors line uses AoPS-based materials across Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Geometry, combining school mathematics with competition content for students seeking acceleration and depth.

See the Honors math pathway
ACE Academy Geometry competition mathematics graphic
Pathway 03

Competition Math

This line emphasizes high-difficulty contest knowledge, classic problem types, innovative strategies, modeling, and preparation for AMC, MathCounts, AIME-related progression, and other competition goals.

Compare competition math preparation

A representative lesson

What Students Actually Practice

A competition lesson may begin with a familiar arithmetic structure and then ask students to recognize a more efficient route. In one provided example, the repeated factor is the key:

Use case example: factoring before multiplying
67 × 13 + 67 × 55 + 32 × 67
= 67(13 + 55 + 32) = 67 × 100 = 6,700

The goal is not only to obtain 6,700. Students practice spotting structure, explaining why factoring is valid, and transferring the same idea to unfamiliar problems.

ACE Academy Pre-Algebra worked example showing distributive property

Worked Pre-Algebra example supplied in the course materials.

Outcomes that matter

What You Get

Build a sequenced foundation across arithmetic, number theory, algebra, geometry, counting, probability, statistics, and analysis.

Develop flexible reasoning through modeling, pattern recognition, problem decomposition, and independent thinking.

Prepare for named competitions including AMC 8, MathCounts, and Math Kangaroo with relevant concepts and strategies.

Support advanced school placement by connecting competition learning with Honors and AP-oriented mathematical progression.

Practice mathematical communication by explaining methods, defending choices, and reviewing mistakes.

Track progress over time through homework, testing, recorded explanations, teacher feedback, and live question support.

A guided start

How It Works

1
Step 1

Take a placement evaluation

The assessment identifies knowledge, level, and areas that need reinforcement or extension.

You see a recommended starting level.
2
Step 2

Learn, practice, and explain

Students move through explanation, worked examples, independent practice, homework, and question support.

You see active problem solving in class.
3
Step 3

Review progress and adjust

Stage tests, mock competitions, and mistake reviews inform the next learning recommendation.

You see what to reinforce next.

Designed for continuity

Features (Grouped)

Core workflow features

  • Placement evaluation before course matching.
  • Pre-class materials for preparation.
  • Live instruction with immediate practice.
  • Online homework and recorded explanations.
  • Stage tests and mock competition testing.

Reliability & control

  • 90-minute weekly lesson structure.
  • Small-group formal classes of 6–12 students.
  • North American teachers teaching in English.
  • Teachers with mathematics or related STEM backgrounds.
  • Live teacher question sessions at stages of learning.

Integrations & export

  • School mathematics and competition content in one pathway.
  • Pre-Algebra progression toward Algebra I and Geometry.
  • AoPS-based learning materials for Honors progression.
  • AMC 8, MathCounts, and Math Kangaroo relevance.
  • Stage-test feedback that informs the next course choice.

Evidence families can review

Proof (Results / Social Proof)

  • 93% of the reported survey respondents said they experienced stronger logic after eight lessons.
  • 91% of the reported survey respondents observed better learning habits.
  • 95% of the reported survey respondents said their child’s confidence increased.
  • 87%+ of instructors were reported to hold master’s or doctoral degrees in a site guide.
  • 2.6% teacher selection rate is cited in the supplied course information, with some materials citing 1% or 2%.

“I love teaching at Ace Academy because I get to work with students of all personalities, and my experience helps me connect with each of them in meaningful ways. The curriculum is also thoughtfully designed, using engaging characters that make lessons more enjoyable and easier to understand for both students and teachers.”

— Basel Am, Teacher

“I love teaching at Ace Academy because I get to work with students of all personalities, and my experience helps me connect with each of them in meaningful ways. The curriculum is also thoughtfully designed, using engaging characters that make lessons more enjoyable and easier to understand for both students and teachers.”

— Kathleena M.S.R, Teacher
4.5 out of 5 stars TrustScore 4.5/5

A Trustpilot TrustScore shown in the supplied company information and described as highly rated by hundreds of families.

95% five-star family rating claim

The site figures supplied for this page state that 95% of families gave the program five-star ratings.

Make the trade-offs visible

Comparison (Why This Program vs Alternatives)

Decision factor Structured competition program Generic school support Unstructured practice
Starting pointPlacement evaluationUsually grade-basedSelf-selected
Content depthPre-Algebra through competition topicsPrimarily school curriculumDepends on resources chosen
Problem-solving practiceGuided examples, independent work, homework, and testsVaries by classLimited feedback loop
Competition relevanceAMC 8, MathCounts, and Math Kangaroo supportNot always centralNot systematically mapped
Progress reviewStage tests and mistake explanationsSchool reporting cycleStudent or parent judgment

At a glance

Credentials & Key Stats

6–12
Students in Honors and Competition formal classes
5+
Years of teaching and competition experience cited for teachers
100%
Teachers reported with mathematics or related STEM backgrounds
40+
Years of combined mathematics education experience cited for the research team

Research and teaching leadership

The supplied faculty information includes researchers and educators with backgrounds connected to Caltech, Columbia University, Rutgers University–Newark, Tulane University, North Carolina State University, and Chinese Mathematical Olympiad achievement.

Questions parents ask first

FAQs

Is this program suitable for an elementary student?+

The primary use case is students in approximately G5–G8, while the Honors pathway is described as generally suitable for ages 10–14. A capable fourth-grade student may also be considered when the family’s goals and the student’s level are a match. Students should typically have completed fifth- or sixth-grade mathematics or already be studying Pre-Algebra for the Pre-Algebra competition pathway. A placement evaluation is used to identify whether Advanced Math, Pre-Algebra, Honors, or Competition Math is the most appropriate starting point.

Which competitions does the curriculum support?+

The supplied curriculum specifically references AMC 8, MathCounts, and Math Kangaroo. It also describes broader Competition Math preparation connected with AIME-related progression and international competition content. Lessons combine knowledge instruction with classic problem types, strategy practice, modeling, and problem decomposition. Mock competition tests and mistake explanations are included in the described service flow, but outcomes depend on a student’s starting level, participation, and continued practice.

What does a typical 90-minute class look like?+

The stated weekly format is one 90-minute class. The supplied structure includes a five-minute mathematics game or warm-up, a 45-minute core explanation, a five-minute energy break, a 30-minute second core segment, and a five-minute summary. The teaching cycle is explanation, example, and independent practice. The course information also states that 39% of classroom time is used for student active output, including thinking and mathematical expression.

How does placement work for AMC 8 preparation?+

New students complete a placement evaluation so the teaching team can review knowledge structure, level, and gaps. The supplied AMC 8 Basics A assessment lists 16 questions, a 40-minute limit, and a 60% passing standard, described as approximately 10–11 correct answers. Students already progressing from Pre-Algebra A, Pre-Algebra B, Algebra I A, Algebra I B, or AMC 8 Basics may not need to repeat the assessment. When a score is near the boundary, family goals and prior learning may also be considered in the recommendation.

How much do the classes cost?+

The supplied company information includes sample math package pricing of $999 for 36 lessons and $1,819 for 72 lessons. These are presented as math pricing examples rather than a confirmed price for every Competition Math or Pre-Algebra class. The final package, schedule, and availability may depend on the student’s pathway and placement recommendation. Families can contact the service team at service@lingoace.zohodesk.com or use the trial and placement links to confirm current options.

What support is available outside the live lesson?+

The described learning loop includes pre-class materials, live teaching, online homework, recorded teacher explanations, stage tests, and live teacher question sessions. This gives students more than a single weekly meeting to revisit difficult ideas. Midterm, final, and mock competition assessments are followed by mistake explanations and learning suggestions. The exact timing and availability of question support should be confirmed with the service team before enrollment.

Give Your Student a Clearer Route Into Competition Mathematics

Start with a free trial or placement evaluation and find the level that fits the student’s current knowledge and goals.

Find a competition math starting point through a free trial or placement evaluation.