The Iowa Department of Education has announced that 44 Iowa elementary students have been selected for the 2026 cohort of National Math Stars, a 10-year enrichment program designed to support students with exceptional ability in mathematics.
The students were selected as part of Iowa’s Math Counts initiative, which is designed to accelerate mathematics achievement across the state. Iowa became the first state to establish a statewide partnership with National Math Stars in 2025.
The 2026 cohort was selected from 785 Iowa third graders nominated after scoring among the top 2% in mathematics on the 2025-26 statewide assessment. The nominees represented 210 school districts and accredited nonpublic schools.
“We are proud to congratulate each of Iowa’s 2026 National Math Stars and our 785 nominees, alongside their families and teachers, for their hard work and exceptional achievements in mathematics,” Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow said.
The program provides students with long-term support beginning in elementary school and continuing through high school. Services include family advisors, weekly math mentoring, advanced technology and educational resources, STEM experiences, pathway exploration, counseling, and family and community events.
Two National Math Stars Programs
The 44 Iowa students were placed into one of two programs based on family need.
Ten Iowa students were selected as Voyager Stars, while 34 were selected as Pathfinder Stars.
Voyager students receive intensive support that includes funding for summer camps, travel to competitions, advanced courses, STEM supplies and other educational opportunities. The value of that support can exceed $100,000 per student over the 10-year program.
Pathfinder provides rigorous coursework, personalized guidance, mentoring, financial assistance when needed and opportunities for students and families to connect with other National Math Stars.
National Math Stars says students participate in the program for 10 years, or through the end of high school.
Students Represent Communities Across Iowa
The 2026 Iowa National Math Stars come from 19 public school districts and two accredited nonpublic schools.
The schools and districts represented include:
- Ames Community School District, Ames — 6 students
- Ankeny Community School District, Ankeny — 2 students
- Apiary Leadership Academy, Des Moines
- Audubon Community School District, Audubon
- Baxter Community School District, Baxter
- Bondurant-Farrar Community School District, Bondurant
- Boone Community School District, Boone
- Cedar Rapids Community School District, Cedar Rapids
- East Mills Community School District, Malvern
- IKM-Manning Community School District, Manning
- Iowa City Community School District, Iowa City — 7 students
- Iowa Falls Community School District, Iowa Falls
- Johnston Community School District, Johnston
- Linn-Mar Community School District, Marion — 3 students
- Marion Independent School District, Marion
- Perry Community School District, Perry
- Sioux City Community School District, Sioux City
- St. Francis of Assisi School, West Des Moines
- Twin Rivers Community School District, Bode
- Waukee Community School District, Waukee — 10 students
- West Des Moines Community School District, West Des Moines
Several districts had multiple students selected, with Waukee, Iowa City, Ames and Linn-Mar among those with the largest numbers of students.
