Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS) 2026–27

MOEMS was established in 1979. MOEMS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation. MOEMS states that its mission is to give elementary and middle school children, teachers, and parents opportunities for creative problem solving throughout the school year, further the study and enjoyment of mathematics, and raise student mathematics performance. MOEMS also says it has spent more than four decades nurturing mathematical talent, problem-solving skills, and confidence in young learners around the world. That history matters less as a badge of longevity than as evidence of a programme built around regular mathematical activity rather than a single result. MOEMS provides five monthly problem-solving contests, each with five questions and detailed solutions. MOEMS defines the PICO as the team coach and contact person; the PICO scores each contest and submits the scores to MOEMS. Together, that structure makes this a season of repeated practice, feedback, and reflection rather than a one-day test. The detailed solutions can turn an unsuccessful attempt into useful learning, but only when the PICO has time to organise each sitting and help students revisit the methods afterwards. CompeteMap's view is that MOEMS suits younger mathematicians who enjoy non-routine problems and can stay curious when an answer is not immediate. Its strongest educational value comes from comparing approaches across several months. Families should therefore judge fit by a student's willingness to discuss mistakes and return to difficult ideas, while also checking that a school, homeschool, or institute has a dependable PICO for the full programme.