The math pathway for BC students, Grade 1 to Grade 12
Math contests build on each other. A child who enjoys Math Kangaroo in Grade 2 can grow into Gauss, Math Challengers and the Waterloo contests in high school. Some contests take registrations from parents, but many only through the school, so it helps to know which is which before the deadline.
- Grades 1–4
First contests, just for fun
Math Kangaroo is the main option this young, and parents register directly. Strong Grade 3–4 students can also try the Canada Jay competition, which has a Grade 4 and under division. Note: the Caribou contests closed in 2025.
- Grades 5–6
More choice, and a first real competition day
Add the Canada Jay competition and the Beaver Computing Challenge through school, and ELMACON at UBC, which parents register for directly. This is also a good time to talk to the school about enrichment, or gifted assessment if your child is far ahead.
Math KangarooCanada JayBeaver Computing ChallengeELMACONUBC Math CirclesProblem of the WeekMACC gifted classes (Vancouver)
- Grade 7
Gauss, and the mini school decision
Gauss is the classic Grade 7–8 contest, written at school in May. In Vancouver, Grade 7 is also when students apply to mini schools, with the district registry open November to December.
- Grades 8–10
Teams and harder contests
Math Challengers adds team rounds and a live Face-Off. Pascal (Grade 9) and Cayley (Grade 10) follow Gauss. Ambitious students can try the COMC. Most of these are entered through school, so ask the math department early in the year.
Math ChallengersGaussAMC 8Pascal, Cayley, FermatAMC 10/12COMC
- Grades 11–12
Senior contests and the Olympiad path
Fermat (Grade 11) and Euclid (Grade 12) are the senior Waterloo contests. Top COMC scorers are invited to the Canadian Mathematical Olympiad, which can lead to Math Team Canada.
Pick what your child enjoys. Nobody needs every step.