ECS Students Shine in the ACSI International Math Competition

At Eastside Christian School, we are committed to helping students discover and develop their God-given gifts—and for many of our students, that includes a love for mathematics. This year, that passion was on full display through participation in the ACSI International Math Competition (IMC), a global event designed to challenge, inspire, and celebrate young mathematicians in grades 3–8.

Hosted by the Association of Christian Schools International, the IMC brings together thousands of students from around the world to test their skills, stretch their thinking, and grow in confidence as problem-solvers. In the 2025–26 competition alone, nearly 7,000 students across five countries participated—making it a highly competitive field and a meaningful achievement for those who advance.

How the Competition Works at ECS

At ECS, students in grades 3–8 are invited to take part in this rigorous academic opportunity. This year, more than 40 ECS students stepped forward to participate, committing to three testing days over the course of two months while competing against peers both within our school and across the globe.

The IMC is structured in three levels:

  • Level 1 (Early February): Students demonstrate foundational math skills and problem-solving ability.
  • Level 2 (Late February): Invitations are extended to students who meet a high standard of excellence in Level 1.
  • Level 3 (Mid-March): The final round, reserved for top-performing students worldwide, where the most demanding problems require creativity, precision, and deep understanding.

Students may compete in one or both of two categories:

  • Computation: Focused on accuracy and mastery of mathematical procedures.
  • Reasoning: Centered on critical thinking—determining what math to use and how to apply it.

ECS Students Rise to the Challenge

What stands out most from this year’s competition is not just participation—but performance. A strong majority of ECS students who entered the competition advanced beyond the initial round, with many continuing on to higher levels of competition.

By the final round, 15 ECS students reached Level 3, placing them among the top math students in an international field of thousands. Even more exciting, two of our students earned top honors:

  • Grade 3 – Reasoning Champion
  • Grade 6 – Computation Champion

To reach Level 3—and especially to earn a top placement—means ranking among the highest-performing students in their grade level and category worldwide. These students demonstrated not only academic excellence, but also perseverance, focus, and a willingness to take on significant intellectual challenges.

More Than a Competition

While the IMC is certainly rigorous, it is also deeply aligned with our mission as a Christian school. Opportunities like this allow students to steward their abilities with purpose—recognizing that their talents are gifts from God to be developed and used well. Through this experience, students grow not only in skill, but in confidence, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and order of mathematics.

We are proud of every ECS student who participated this year. Whether stepping into the competition for the first time or advancing to the final round, each student demonstrated courage and dedication in pursuing excellence.

Congratulations to our 2025–26 IMC participants and champions—we look forward to seeing how God continues to grow and use your gifts in the years ahead!