The MathCounts Competition at ACS Athens
MATHCOUNTS is a U.S. national mathematics program for students in Grades 6–8 that combines individual and team problem solving, mathematical reasoning, collaboration, speed, and accuracy. The Competition Series progresses through School, Chapter, State, and National levels.
At ACS Athens, MATHCOUNTS is also an opportunity for Powerful Learning beyond the classroom. Through challenging and engaging mathematical problems, students strengthen their creative and critical thinking, develop perseverance, collaborate with peers, and explore mathematics in an environment that encourages curiosity, challenge, and discovery.
The Competition Series has 4 levels:
- Level 1: School
- Level 2: Chapter
- Level 3: State
- Level 4: National
Each level of competition is comprised of 4 rounds:
- Sprint Round: Focuses on speed and accuracy. Students have 40 minutes to complete 30 math problems without a calculator.
- Target Round:Focuses on problem-solving and mathematical reasoning. Students receive four pairs of problems and have 6 minutes to complete each pair using a calculator.
- Team Round: Focuses on problem-solving and collaboration. Teams of four students have 20 minutes to complete 10 math problems, with calculator use permitted.
- Countdown Round: Focuses on speed and accuracy. Students have a maximum of 45 seconds per problem without a calculator. This round is optional at the School, Chapter, and State levels.
For more information about the Competition and for sample questions please visit the official MathCounts website.
MathCounts Competition Timeline
Students Supporting Students: The Coach Assistant Initiative
A new dimension of the ACS Athens MATHCOUNTS program this year is the participation of Academy students who are former MATHCOUNTS participants as Coach Assistants. Working alongside the MATHCOUNTS Coach, they mentor and support the Middle School students throughout their training.
By sharing their experience, mathematical strategies, and enthusiasm with younger students, the Coach Assistants model leadership, service, collaboration, and responsibility toward others. In this way, the initiative supports the development of Conscious Global Citizens while creating a mathematical learning community that extends across grade levels.
2026-2027 MATHCOUNTS Team
Following the Qualifying Round held on October 1, 2026, 20 students were selected to join the ACS Athens MATHCOUNTS Team and participate in the training program.
The team meets after school and regular participation is expected of all selected team members.
The 2026–2027 competition dates are:
- December 10, 2026 - School Competition
- February 18, 2027 - Chapter Competition
- March 18, 2027 - State Competition
2026-2027 Training and Competition Schedule
| Month | Date | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| October | Oct 1 Oct 15 Oct 22 Oct 29 |
Qualifying Round - Selection of 20 members Training Session Training Session Training Session |
| November | Nov 5 Nov 12 Nov 19 |
Training Session Training Session Training Session |
| December | Dec 3 Dec 10 Dec 17 |
Training Session School Competition - Selection of 12 team members & 2 alternates Training Session |
| January | Jan 7 Jan 14 |
Training Session Training Session |
| February | Feb 4 Feb 11 Feb 18 |
Training Session Training Session Chapter Competition |
| March | Mar 4 Mar 11 Mar 18 |
Training Session Training Session State Competition |
| April | Apr 1 Apr 8 Apr 15 Apr 22 |
Training Session Training Session Training Session Training Session |
| May | May 6 May 13 |
Training Session Final Training Session |