2026–27 Season · October Contest
Write the October Contest in person
North Star Math Challenge · Grades 1 to 8 · October 3–4, 2026
- ·The season has six rounds. The first is the October Contest, October 6–7.
- ·For the October Contest only, students in three cities can write it in person at an offline centre on October 3–4, instead of online.
- ·Same paper, same season standings, same everything — just written in person.
- ·Rounds 2 through 6 are online.
- ·Solutions unlock for everyone after October 8, once the global window closes. Students must log in to view their results and solutions.
Can't make it, or not in one of these cities? Write the October Contest online on October 6–7 — free for everyone.
"Isn't the October Contest free?"
Yes — every student can write it online on October 6–7 at no cost. The $5 covers the in-person sitting: a proctored room, a printed paper, and a seat at one of only three offline centres this season. You also get $5 back in North Star credit.
What's included
- ✓Entry to the October Contest, Round 1 of the 2026–27 season
- ✓Your child's score counts toward season standings
- ✓$5 in North Star credit toward the practice module or annual season pass
- ✓Pencils, erasers and sharpeners provided — students may bring their own if they prefer
- ✓Certificate issued online to every participant
How the afternoon works
Step 1
Check-in & account setup
Step 2
Contest
Step 3
Home
Parents remain on site. The paper itself takes 30 minutes for grades 1 and 2, 45 minutes for grades 3 and 4, and 60 minutes for grades 5 to 8.
North Star Contests Society is a registered Canadian not-for-profit.
Results and worked solutions unlock October 8 for everyone — offline and online alike. Students log in to their North Star account to see them.
Good to know
- Phones are collected at the door and returned at the end.
- Question papers stay at the centre.
- A parent or guardian must remain on site.
- Registration closes October 2, 2026 or when a session fills.
Six rounds, October through May. Medals are awarded at season end to top performers by grade — not on the day.
Register
Choose a city above before registering.
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Can't make it, or not in one of these cities? Write the October Contest online on October 6–7 — free for everyone.