MOEMS
One of the world's most popular elementary math competition programs with 120,000+ students from 40 countries. Five monthly contests from November through March.
Grade Levels
Grades 4-8
Format
Short Answer
Scoring
5 problems per contest, 5 contests Nov-Mar. Each problem scored correct/incorrect. Maximum 25 points over the season.
Participants
120,000+
Established
1979
November
Contest 1 (November)
December
Contest 2 (December)
January
Contest 3 (January)
February
Contest 4 (February)
March
Contest 5 (March)
Registration
Teams of up to 35 students register through schools
Prizes & Recognition
Individual and team trophies, patches, certificates. Top scorers receive special recognition.
| Level | Grade Levels | questions | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division E (Elementary) | 4-6 | 5 | 30 minutes | Short Answer |
| Division M (Middle School) | 6-8 | 5 | 30 minutes | Short Answer |
About This Competition
MOEMS (Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools) is one of the most influential and fun-filled math competition programs worldwide. Over 120,000 students from every US state and 39 additional countries participate each year. Despite 'Olympiad' in its name, MOEMS is accessible and designed to encourage problem-solving skills in all students, not just top performers.
Teams of up to 35 students participate in five monthly contests from November through March, with each contest consisting of 5 non-routine problems to be solved individually in 30 minutes without calculators. The program has two divisions: Division E for grades 4-6 and Division M for grades 6-8.
Founded in 1979, MOEMS has grown into one of the largest and most respected math enrichment programs in the world. The problems are carefully crafted to develop mathematical creativity, strengthen problem-solving strategies, and foster a love of mathematics. Schools, homeschool groups, and math clubs can all register teams.
How to Prepare
Practice Creative Problem-Solving
MOEMS emphasizes creative thinking over advanced topics. Practice with non-routine problems that require looking at mathematics from different angles.
Five Monthly Meets, Five Problems Each
MOEMS spreads across five monthly sessions. Use the time between meets to practice and improve on areas where you struggled in previous rounds.
Use Official MOEMS Practice Books
MOEMS publishes 'Creative Problem Solving in School Mathematics' and contest problem collections. These capture the exact style and difficulty of competition problems.
Team-Based Learning Is the Goal
MOEMS encourages team participation and discussion after each meet. Learning from peers and explaining your reasoning strengthens understanding more than solo practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MOEMS?
MOEMS (Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools) is one of the most popular and influential math competition programs in the world. Over 120,000 students from every US state and 39 additional countries participate each year in five monthly contests from November through March.
How is MOEMS structured?
MOEMS has two divisions: Division E for grades 4-6 and Division M for grades 6-8. Each division holds 5 monthly contests (November through March). Each contest has 5 non-routine problems to be solved individually in 30 minutes without calculators.
How do students register for MOEMS?
Students participate as part of a team registered through their school, homeschool group, or math club. Each team can have up to 35 students. Schools register directly through the MOEMS website.
Is MOEMS only for gifted students?
No. Despite 'Olympiad' in its name, MOEMS is designed to encourage problem-solving skills in all students, not just top performers. The problems range in difficulty to challenge students at various levels, and the emphasis is on learning and enjoyment.
What awards are given?
MOEMS gives individual awards (patches, pins, trophies) based on cumulative scores across all five contests. Team awards recognize the highest-scoring teams. There are also special awards for perfect scores and top performers in each division.
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