BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Seven Alabama elementary school students have been selected as 2026 National Math Stars, earning access to a long-term enrichment program that could provide academic support through high school.
The students attend schools in Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Cullman, Auburn, Thomasville and Hoover, according to the Alabama State Department of Education. Two of the seven attend Hoover City Schools.
The students attend:
- University Charter School Elementary in Sumter County
- Huntington Place Elementary School in Tuscaloosa County Schools
- West Elementary School in Cullman City Schools
- Richland Elementary School in Auburn City Schools
- Thomasville Elementary School in Thomasville City Schools
- Green Valley Elementary School in Hoover City Schools
- Trace Crossings Elementary School in Hoover City Schools
The seven were selected from 30 Alabama finalists in the state’s first year participating in National Math Stars, a nonprofit that identifies highly talented young math students and connects them with enrichment opportunities through high school. Nearly 8,700 students applied nationally for the 2026 program.
Students selected as Math Stars can receive weekly math mentoring, advanced coursework, technology, summer STEM programs, academic and career guidance and a family adviser who helps connect them with additional opportunities.
That support can continue for as long as 10 years, with National Math Stars estimating that its investment can exceed $100,000 for an individual student.
Alabama’s participation began with second-grade scores on the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program, or ACAP. School systems identified students whose math scores ranked among the top 2% within their districts and received nomination materials for those students.
The approach was designed to find talented students across Alabama rather than simply selecting the highest-scoring students statewide.
During a July State Board of Education work session, state officials said Alabama had an advantage in identifying potential Math Stars because the state tests all second-graders in math, something many states do not do.
State Superintendent Eric Mackey noted that participation in the national program does not improve a school’s state report card or otherwise benefit the educators who coordinate it.
“It doesn’t help that school’s report card at all,” Mackey told State Board of Education members in July. “It’s just good for kids, and people just want to do it because it’s good. It’s the right thing to do for young people.”
Mackey said the program was created in part to find highly talented math students who might otherwise go unnoticed.
A total of 861 Alabama students received nomination packets, and 307 families submitted applications. Thirty students became finalists after additional screening that included a problem-solving assessment and family interviews.
That response made Alabama the most successful new participating state in the program this year, according to the ALSDE.
National Math Stars looks for students performing at roughly the 99.9th percentile in math, or about one student in 1,000. Selection also considers students’ interest in math, problem-solving skills and readiness for more advanced work.