Competitions provide elementary students with an excellent platform to nurture their skills, kindle curiosity, and impart essential life lessons. From critical thinking to teamwork, these events offer valuable growth opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore top competitions and events tailored for young learners, encouraging them to learn, develop, and, of course, have fun along the way. These competitions will be categorized into Academics (including mathematics, science, social studies, and writing), Arts, and Sports.

Academic Competitions

Math

AMC 8 (Under/In G8)

The AMC, short for American Mathematics Competitions, is a prestigious series of math contests created to stimulate and test students’ mathematical skills. These competitions encompass a range of progressively more challenging exams for middle and high school students, such as the AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12.

AMC 8, short for American Mathematics Competitions 8, is open to students in the 8th grade and below who are under the age of 14.5 on the day of the competition. With Think Academy’s extensive experience in hosting AMC 8 courses and serving as an AMC 8 test center over the years, we offer a wide range of AMC 8 related resources, including blogs, past exam questions, mock exams, and more. If you’d like to learn more about the AMC 8, please see this blog article. 

• Competition Time: January 18, 2024 – January 24, 2024
• Rewards: High-performing students who score exceptionally well on the AMC 8 may be recognized on the Honor Roll or Distinguished Honor Roll. These distinctions are based on specific score thresholds.
• Website: https://maa.org/math-competitions/amc-8

Although AMC 8 is designed for students up to the eighth grade, many students in sixth grade, and even younger ones in fourth and fifth grades, have achieved very excellent results. Therefore, we encourage those who are interested in math and want to pursue the path of competition to start actively preparing for AMC 8 from fourth grade.  Students are encouraged to aim at different scores and awards in stages and fully utilize every opportunity to take the exam! To discover learning resources for the AMC 8, please navigate to this page.

Math Kangaroo (MK) (G1-G12)

Math Kangaroo is an international math competition that challenges students with fun and thought-provoking math problems. It’s open to students from grades 1 to 12.

• Competition Time: Typically held on the third Thursday in March.
• Rewards: Awards, certificates, and the opportunity to qualify for the national and international rounds.
• Website: https://www.mathkangaroo.org/

K-12 Game-a-thon (PreK-G12)

The national K-12 Game-a-thon encourages students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 to think critically and creatively to design a game that in turn solves a mathematical problem. One or more students, along with a teacher or parent as a coordinator, can invent card games, board games, apps, outdoor games, or anything else. Entries are evaluated based on the use of math themes, creativity, originality, and video presentation.

• Competition Time: The applications had to be sent between February 15 and June 30
• Rewards: Entries are evaluated based on the use of math themes, creativity, originality and video presentation; eligible submissions are shared publicly, and each participant receives a certificate of participation. 
• Website: https://www.mindresearch.org/gameathon

Noetic Learning Math Contest（K-G8）

NLMC is a semiannual problem-solving contest for elementary and middle school students. The contest is designed to promote students’ problem-solving skills and math interest. Students are asked to solve 20 problems independently within 45 minutes (50 minutes for online version).

• Competition Time: Twice a year, specific competition dates for the 2023-2024 fiscal year have not been announced yet.
• Rewards：
  • Team Winner Medal: The highest scorer of each team will receive a ‘Team Winner’ medal. 
  • National Honor Roll Medal:  The top 10% of all participants in the nation will receive ‘National Honor Roll’ medals.
  • National Honorable Mention Ribbon:  The top 50% of all participants in the nation will receive ‘National Honorable Mention’ ribbons. 
  • Team Achievement Plaque: The top 10% of teams (excluding after-school institution teams) will receive Team Achievement Plaques.
• Website: https://www.noetic-learning.com/mathcontest/

Math League（K-G12)

Math League is an organization dedicated to promoting mathematics education and nurturing mathematical interest among students. The mathematical concepts and skills, covering areas such as algebra, geometry, number theory, probability, and statistics. The core of the mathleague.org elementary program consists of a series of contests held throughout the school year, culminating in a National and International Championship.

• Competition Time: The competition schedule for the 2023-2024 academic year has been released, and there are competitions scheduled from October 2023 to July 2024.
• Rewards: Not listed
• Website: https://www.noetic-learning.com/mathcontest/

Science & Engineering Competitions

Wonder League Robotics Competition (G1-G6)

In Wonder League Robotics Competition, students are immersed in a creative and enjoyable blend of computer science and engineering challenges. They showcase their technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and innovative thinking as they handle tasks ranging from ride management to attraction refinement. The competition is divided into two age categories: the Innovator Cup for ages 6-8 and the Pioneer Cup for ages 9-12.

• Competition Time: Student Team Registration has become available on October 9. Round one commenced on October 16, 2023, and the Final Mission is scheduled for release on March 11, 2024.
• Rewards: Earn recognition as champion and winning teams.
• Website: https://www.makewonder.com/robotics-competition/

National Science League (G2-G9)

The National Science League provides General Science competitions tailored to students in grades 2-9, with distinct contests for each grade level. Additionally, they host separate competitions in various scientific disciplines, such as Earth Science, Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

• Competition Time: Any date from April 22 through May 3, 2024.
• Rewards: Each team will receive 11 awards-1 medal and 10 certificates. There are also individual and team awards on the national level. 
• Website: https://www.cmleague.com/product-category/nsl/

Young Scientist Challenge (K-G8)

The Young Scientist Challenge is a national science competition for students in grades K-8. It encourages students to submit innovative science projects that address real-world issues.

• Competition Time: The competition typically opens in the fall, with project submissions due in the spring.
• Rewards: Finalists have the chance to win various prizes, including the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist,” as well as trips, scholarships, and more.
• Website: https://youngscientistlab.com/science-starters/lesson-plans

American Computer Science League (K-G12)

ACSL hosts computer science contests with four contests per season. Topics span Number Systems, Boolean Algebra, and Digital Electronics, and upper divisions include programming challenges in Python, C++, or Java. Students must join a team in order to compete. 

• Competition Time: Contest #1 will be available on November 1, 2023, and closes on January 14, 2024, at 11:59pm ES. More information can be found here. 
• Rewards: The top-scoring students and teams in each division receive certificates after the regular season, including international participants. ACSL Finals winners receive certificates and prizes, distributed via team advisors and sent directly to students. These acknowledgments celebrate participants’ dedication and talent.
• Website: https://www.acsl.org/

Hour of Code (PreK-G8)

The Hour of Code is a global initiative offering coding activities suitable for young children. It is not a competition but an introduction to coding.

• Competition Time: Hour of Code events can happen at any time, but the annual “Hour of Code” week is typically in early December.
• Rewards: As an educational event, it focuses on introducing coding concepts in an engaging manner, so rewards are typically not part of the program.
• Website: https://hourofcode.com/us

Social Studies Competitions

National History Bee & Bowl (For Different Age Groups, G1-G12)

The National History Bee and Bowl is a stimulating quiz competition that invites elementary, middle, and high school-aged students from across the US to put their historical knowledge to the test. The Bee challenges individual students, while the Bowl is a dynamic team event that welcomes both groups and individual competitors. 

• Competition Time: Regional competitions are from November to February, and the National Championships usually take place in June.
• Rewards: Trophies, medals, and the chance to compete at the national and even international levels, including events like the International History Olympiad.
• Website: https://nationalhistorybee.com/

National History Day (NHD)

National History Day is a well-known competition for older students, but some local events or school programs may offer variations suitable for younger children. These programs often involve history-themed projects or exhibitions.

• Competition Time: The timing may vary depending on the local adaptation of NHD for younger students. Check with your school or local historical organizations.
• Rewards: Rewards and recognition may vary at the local level. Young participants often receive certificates and the opportunity to showcase their projects.
• Website: https://www.nhd.org/

United States Geography Championships (G1-G8)

The United States Geography Championships is geography quiz competition that places a strong emphasis on applied geographic knowledge. To qualify for the national finals, participants must first successfully complete the Online Regional Qualifying Exam.

• Competition Time: The Online Regional Qualifying Exam typically concludes in April, with the national championship held in June.
• Rewards: Monetary prizes for the top four varsity students and the opportunity to represent Team USA at the International Geography Olympiad.
• Website: https://geographychampionships.com/

Scripps National Spelling Bee (Various Age Groups)

The National Spelling Bee is a spelling competition that tests students’ vocabulary and language skills. Participants progress through regional, national, and international rounds.

• Competition Time: The national finals are usually held in late May or early June.
• Rewards: Scholarships, trophies, and the chance to be crowned the nation’s top speller.
• Website: https://spellingbee.com/

Writing

EngnieerGIrl Writing Contest (G3-G12)

Every year, EngineerGirl hosts a contest dealing with engineering and its impact on our world. For the 2024 EngineerGirl Writing Contest, students are invited to craft a written piece that delves into the lifecycle of an object they use in their daily lives.

• Competition Time: The deadline for 2024 Writing contest is February 1, 2024, at 11:59pm EST
• Rewards: Monetary prizes for the top three winners ($1000, $750, $500).
• Website: https://www.engineergirl.org/128750/EngineerGirl-Writing-Contest

National Youth Foundation

The National Youth Foundation has four core programs, which are “I Matter” Poetry & Art Competition (K-12), Amazing Women’s Edition Contest (K-8), Student Book Scholars Contest (K-8), and Youth Writing Workshop. 

• Competition Time: The deadline for “I Matter” and Student Book Scholars is in July 2024, while the book entry deadline for the Amazing Women’s Edition is in January 2025.
• Rewards: Participants have the opportunity to win the top prize of $500.
• Website: https://www.nationalyouthfoundation.org/

Arts Competitions

Doodle for Google (K-G12)

Doodle for Google is an annual art contest held by Google for students in the United States. The contest encourages young artists to create their own interpretations of the Google logo, known as the “Google Doodle.” Each year, a specific theme or topic is provided, and students are invited to submit their doodles based on that theme.

• Competition Time: The contest typically commencing in January and concluding in March of the same year.
• Rewards: Five National finalists will receive a $5,000 college scholarship, and 1 natinal winnter will reveive A $30,000 college scholarship plus a $50,000 technology package for their school/non-profit organization.
• Website: https://doodles.google.com/d4g/how-it-works/

Nasa Commercial Crew Artwork Contest (PreK-G6)

NASA’s Commercial Crew Program (CCP) is hosting its annual art contest to ignite the passion for space exploration in budding stargazers. The winning artwork will be chosen from three age groups within each of the following themes, and the first, second, and third-place entries will be featured in an out-of-this-world calendar for 2024.

• Competition Time: The entry form and artwork upload system closed on October 25, 2023. But get ready for next year’s contest!
• Rewards: All first, second, and third place winners per theme per age group will receive one printed copy of the calendar and NASA prize package.
• Website: https://www.nasa.gov/commercial-crew-artwork-contest/

Sony World Photography Awards-Youth Competition (K-G12)

The Sony World Photography Awards are a transformative platform, propelling photographers to new heights with unparalleled global exposure. The brief for this year’s Youth competition is ‘Through Your Eyes’. Participants can enter up to three images for free.

• Competition dates: June 1, 2023, to January 5, 2024.
• Rewards: Overall winner will receive “Youth Photographer of the Year” title and Sony digital imaging kit.
• Website: https://www.worldphoto.org/sony-world-photography-awards/youth

Kaufman Music Center International Youth Piano Competition (K-G12)

The Kaufman Music Center’s Youth Piano Competition is a nurturing ground for young pianists, dedicated to celebrating their fervor for the piano. This esteemed competition sets the stage for budding talents to showcase their artistry, providing an exhilarating opportunity to shine. The competition comprises two divisions: Junior Division 1, for participants up to age 10, and Junior Division 2, for those ages 11-14.

• Competition Time: For the 2024 competition, the registration deadline, including the preliminary round recording, is set for February 13.
• Awards: Prizes vary based on the respective divisions.
• Website: https://www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/kc/about/youth-piano-competition/

Sports Leagues and Competitions

Sports leagues serve as the beating heart of athletic competition, uniting individuals in the pursuit of victory, where skill, strategy, and the exhilaration of winning converge. These organized competitions provide a stage for athletes of all ages and skill levels to display their talents within a structured and competitive environment. In the following sections, we’ll delve into two exceptional programs tailored for tweens, designed to foster both their love for sports and personal growth.

Little League Baseball (PreK-G10)

The Little League Baseball program focuses not only on building their on-field skills and competitiveness but also on boosting self-esteem and confidence. This introduction delves into how the program blends the excitement of the game with character development, emphasizing sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication.

• Age range: Ages 4 -16
• Divisions:
• Tee Ball: Ages 4-7
• Minor League: Ages 5-12
• Little League (Majors): Ages 9-12
• Website: https://www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/baseball/

Junior NBA (K-G9)

The Junior NBA program is a youth basketball initiative that typically offers age-appropriate leagues, clinics, and tournaments for elementary-level children. It’s professionally curated under the guidance of the NBA and WNBA, providing young athletes with an exceptional foundation to enhance their skills, understand the value of sportsmanship, and engage in structured team play.

• Currently, Jr. NBA Leagues competitions are local.
• The competition season lengths and start dates will vary by city. 
• Website: https://www.jrnbaleagues.com/

In conclusion, the world of competitions for elementary students is brimming with opportunities for growth, learning, and fun. These events not only celebrate young talents but also instill valuable life skills that will serve them well in the future. From the academic challenges posed by events like the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC 8) to the creative expression encouraged by Google (Doodle for Google), there is a competition to suit every young learner’s interest and strength. As they participate in these engaging contests, elementary students not only sharpen their skills but also nurture their self-confidence, teamwork, and resilience.