The AMC (American Mathematics Contest) is just a test, with the results published in a book (unless you get them all right, in which case you get a large personalized plaque). I like it because the questions are very good ones, which is probably because it is sponsored by prestigious societies of real mathematicians, that progress from easy to hard. The AMC 10 will be offered at SB Family School only by special request.

The Math Olympiads are a nice low-key ongoing learning experience. The monthly tests are short and then right afterwards we discuss the problems, which help develop creative thinking skills. There are lots of small awards, which are presented at an end-of-year family celebration ceremony.

The CA Math League is similar in format - short, good, creative probkems - but with fewer prizes. Although the high school version, which is the one we are trying this year, is monthly, there are annual versions for younger kids available.

The RCML (Rocket City Math League) is similarly structured, but the levels are based on subject matter (Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II) instead of grade, the awards are bigger – and it's run by students! We do not participate in it every year.

The ARML (American Regional Mathematics League) Competition takes place over two days on a college campus, with the contestants staying in dorms. The competition includes fun "mathletic" events like relay races. Teams consist of 15 students and can come from any size geographical area, including states. We join together with groups from the Los Angeles area to form multiple Southern California teams. Practices are held once a month on weekend afternoons. The level of this competition is very challenging. It is the only one where students from different schools and homeschoolers all work together.

The Westmont Mathematics Competition has similar fun events but is less intense.

MathCounts is the premier national math competition, involving a partnership of industry and academia (with the national winners going to the White House!). The organization provides lots of materials for coaching.

The MathCounts Club Challenge contests are similar to the Olympiad ones described above.

The Math SuperBowl is an exciting local meet that gets bigger every year. It is sponsored by the Montecito schools. Teams practice throughout the year from previous years' tests.

Math Day at the Beach is a long drive - but I love the name and it's fun as well as very challenging.

The MC⁴ (Math Council California Central Coast) competition was unfortunately terminated seven years ago.