If your child enjoys problem-solving, puzzles, or simply wants an extra challenge in mathematics, there are many wonderful programs, competitions, and summer camps designed to support and inspire young learners. Here is a curated list of mostly local opportunities—ranging from elementary school through high school—that help students build confidence, explore deeper math concepts, and have fun along the way.

1. Math Kangaroo

Math Kangaroo is an international math competition for students of all ages. Registration is usually done individually, and students receive fun and approachable problem sets. This is probably the easiest and most fun competition for students.

  • ROCO has been an MK center for a few years now. Successful stories of our ROCO competitors are available in the ROCO Updates section of our site. 

  • Registration for the Annual Math Kangaroo Competition 2026

  • Sample problems: mathkangaroo.ca/samples/en (Note: In the U.S., there is a fee for accessing past exam materials, so downloading and saving them for long-term use is recommended.)

2. MATHCOUNTS

MATHCOUNTS is a popular middle-school competition series. It’s often organized by the middle schools, but students can sometimes register individually. The problems are varied, creative, and very engaging.

3. AMC (American Mathematics Competitions)

The AMC is a well-known and respected national math competition series. It’s more challenging than typical school contests and helps students experience problem-solving in a fun, meaningful way.

  • AMC 8 – For students up to 8th grade (so even younger students can participate). It is administered at many schools, including Community Colleges.
    More info: maa.org/math-competitions/amc-8

  • AMC 10 & AMC 12 – For high-school-level students. High scorers qualify for the AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Exam), an advanced problem-solving exam.

  • Practice materials – Past exams with solutions are available here.

  • Registration details.

4. Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) - online school 

  • AoPS offers a wide range of high-quality online math courses, contest prep, but also Physics and Computer Programming. These are especially suited for students who are already strong in math or who crave deeper problem-solving challenges. They also host community forums, textbooks, and additional resources.
  • Math Classes for all the levels:
    • Elementary school - Beast Academy kids absolutely love the format.
    • Middle/High School: https://artofproblemsolving.com/store/list/aops-curriculum 
    • CrowdMath with MIT Primes: https://artofproblemsolving.com/polymath
  • Free Sessions/Math Jams
  • Several in-person classes are available on their campuses. An AoPS location recently opened in Northbrook.  

5. Summer Math Programs

1. University of Chicago – Young Scholars Program

Open to students starting in 7th grade. Applications are typically due in the spring. Very selective program. Day-camp.

2. University of Illinois at Chicago – Young Scholars Program (UIC YSP)

Another excellent summer option for motivated middle and high school students located in the heart of Chicago. FREE program! Day-camp.

3. Additional University Math Camps

Many universities across the country offer summer math programs for older students. A helpful directory can be found on the AoPS page.
Some of the most recognized ones are listed below:

Final Thoughts

Whether your child is just beginning to explore math or is already passionate about competition-level problem-solving, these programs provide wonderful opportunities to grow, learn, and connect with other math-loving students. Encouraging your child to try even one of these can spark curiosity and confidence that lasts a lifetime.

You’re welcome to add any other opportunities in the comments so we can keep this list growing.