# Noetic Learning Math Contest The Noetic Learning Math Contest (NLMC) is a national problem-solving contest for elementary and middle school students in grades 2-8, held twice each school year. Teachers, math coaches, and homeschool team leaders register a team, receive practice materials, and administer the contest at school during a flexible two-week window - November 12-25, 2026 for the fall round and April 1-15, 2027 for the spring round. ## What You'll Do - Join your school's contest team, or ask a teacher or parent group to register one - Work through the included practice tests to sharpen creative problem-solving skills - Take the timed contest at school during the national testing window - Compete for national recognition as team winners, honorable mentions, and medal-level scorers ## Who Should Apply Students in grades 2-8 - including middle schoolers in grades 6-8 - who want regular, age-appropriate competition experience before tackling MATHCOUNTS or AMC 8. Because teams are registered by adults and administered locally, whole classes and math clubs can participate together. ## Outcomes Participants get a national benchmark of their problem-solving ability, awards and certificates for top performers, and a low-stakes on-ramp into the competition math pipeline. Registration is per team: $129 per contest for up to 30 students, including three practice tests, awards, and shipping, so schools typically cover the cost.