The Frazer Elementary School teams topped the fourth and fifth grade Math League competition featuring schools from the U.S. and Canada.

The fourth-grade team took first out of 338 schools with a team score of 143, one point over second-place Anderson School out of New York City, while the fifth-grade team edged Upper Canada College from Toronto by three points,145-142, to finish first out of 430 schools.

Math League is billed as the broadest network of local and state math contests and the organization runs hundreds of math competitions throughout the U.S. and Canada. The Math League’s aim is to make the event a learning experience for students rather than using the same recycled problems used in previous competitions.

“Both these teams did well because of the deep bench of talented math students at the FIG,” said Frazer Elementary School Principal Brittany Dudas in a press release. “We don’t rely on one or two gifted students; we’ve cultivated a culture at the school that celebrates excellence and a passion for learning. The consistency of our students underscores the fact that we also have exceptional teachers and coaches who are invested in what they do and possess the expertise to develop our students’ talents.”

Fifth-grade student Tej Bamzai-Wokhlu tied for first place in individual scores with a perfect score of 30.  The other members of the fifth grade team included Ian Bae, Claire Bian, Alice Mejia and Anders White. 

The fourth grade team consisted of Alice Deng, Maxwell Ji, Yiqi Ethan Song, Henry Tang and Austin Yang. 

“We were impressed by how well the new elementary school did nationally in its first year of this competition,” said Frazer Elementary School parent Anita Wokhlu.

Pauline Watson and Britt Ryerson both taught and coached the students in math over the past year. 

“I’m so proud that these math scholars have scored at the top of the nation’s best,” said Watson. “It’s amazing to work with students who are so focused on doing their best.  Their motivation is inspiring.  It’s refreshing to see students who truly love to use their critical thinking skills to solve mathematical problems.”