Academics/Competition Preparation

Competition Preparation

WMSA prepares students for academic competitions that challenge their thinking and reward sustained effort. Competition success builds confidence and opens doors.

Prior Program Track Record

Multiple

AMC 10 students qualified for AIME each year

Regional & National

Science Bee qualifiers

1st & 2nd Place

finishes at Los Angeles Science Fair

ISEF

qualification pathway achieved

* Outcomes from prior programs connected to WMSA leadership, including Boston Education and NYCC.

Competitions We Prepare For

AMC (American Mathematics Competitions)

The premier mathematics competition in the United States. Students participate in AMC 8 and AMC 10, with top scorers qualifying for AIME.

Training Approach

Weekly problem sessions, competition math courses, timed practice tests

Goal

AIME qualification for prepared students

Science Bowl

Fast-paced team competition covering all science disciplines. Students compete regionally with opportunities to advance to nationals.

Training Approach

After-school practice sessions, buzzer drills, content review

Goal

Regional competition, nationals qualification

Robotics

Students design, build, and program robots to complete challenges. Develops engineering thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Training Approach

Weekly robotics club, design challenges, competition preparation

Goal

Regional robotics competitions

Coding & CS Competitions

Programming competitions that test algorithmic thinking and coding skills. Includes USACO and other programming contests.

Training Approach

Coding club, algorithm practice, competitive programming exercises

Goal

USACO advancement, hackathons

Debate & Academic Speaking

Students develop argumentation, public speaking, and critical thinking skills through structured debate formats.

Training Approach

Debate club, practice rounds, tournament preparation

Goal

Local and regional debate tournaments

Our Approach to Competition

We view competitions as opportunities for growth, not just accolades. The preparation process teaches persistence, time management, and how to handle challenge and setback.

Students are encouraged to compete at levels appropriate to their development. Success is measured by effort and improvement, not only by awards.