ACADEMIC CHALLENGE CUP

ACADEMIC CHALLENGE CUP

Gifted Resource Council sponsors Academic Challenge Cup, a series of friendly academic competitions in math and creative problem solving for St. Louis area students.

Note: We’re continuing to update with 2027 information, but most competition and training dates are listed below. Registration will open in September.

ACC Requirements:
Students in grades 2nd – 8th

ACC Dates:
Monday, Feb. 22 – Friday, Feb. 26, 2027
Doors open at 9:00; competition begins at 9:30. We’re usually wrapped up by 12:30.

ACC Location:
University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL), EdCollabitat Building

ACC Cost:
Early Bird pricing will be $90 team; $100 after that. Early Bird pricing ends Nov. 25.

 

More information is available at the GRC office
Call – 314.962.5920
Email – info@giftedresourcecouncil.org.

“Thanks again for doing a great job at the recent ACC event. My boy had a great experience!”
- PARENT

ACC 2027

EQUATIONS

Monday: Grades 6-8
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday: Grades 3-5

A game of creative math that provides players with practice in arithmetic operations and assists in developing an understanding of number concepts, number systems, factors and primes, order of operations, and simple algebraic equations.

Equations players compete against people from other teams in several rounds. The five team members’ scores are calculated collectively to determine team winners.

Download a copy of the 2027 Equations Rules. (Note: there are no changes from the 2026 rules; we simply updated the cover page.)

Official Equations Practice Player Scoresheet Sample
Official Equations Practice Table Scoresheet Sample

CREATIVE CONVENTION

Grades 2 – 4  – Creative Convention teams play on Friday of ACC week.

This competition requires less advanced preparation, but greatly benefit from creativity exercises, team building work and presentation practice.

Creative Convention teams of five work together to develop, design and construct a solution to a lifestyle problem; teams are scored on teamwork and creative problem-solving.

FREE WORKSHOPS

Students learn to compete with the help of teachers and parents who coach interested students by playing the game and providing strategic tips.

Free workshops are available for parents and teachers to learn the challenging games of Academic Challenge Cup. To take a workshop, please call the GRC Office at (314) 962-5920 to register.

Equations Coaches’ Training:
Saturday, Oct. 24, 9:45 a.m. –  Wydown Middle School (6500 Wydown Blvd., 63105)
Thursday, Nov. 11, 4:30 p.m. – GRC Office (10425 Old Olive Street Rd., Lower Level 1, 63141)

Creative Convention Coaches’ Training:
Saturday, Oct. 31, 9:45 a.m. – Wydown Middle School (6500 Wydown Blvd., 63105)

“I love all of the critical thinking I saw happening during this year's rounds. The atmosphere at this year's competition was positive, friendly, and supportive.”
- ACC COACH
“More and more kids are interested in learning the game, and they LOVE playing it. They want to play it all the time! In fourth grade, they have to learn concepts that aren't part of our normal curriculum, so they are challenged even more.”
- ACC EQUATIONS COACH
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Laura Falk, M.Ed.

Executive Director

Laura brings 35 years of experience in the education and nonprofit sectors. She has worked in public and independent schools for almost 20 years, as well as 15 years in nonprofit organizations. She has bachelors degrees in English and Theatre from Vanderbilt University and her masters in education from Southern Oregon University.

“As someone involved in education and organizations serving youth for my entire professional career, I particularly understand the importance of programs that address the needs and challenges of bright and talented children, as well as for their parents and teachers.”

She goes on to say, “Both my sons greatly enjoyed Equations competitions, and my younger son also participated in Creative Convention, Saturday Learning Labs, and Summer Academies. So I have seen—both as a parent and an educator—what a powerful presence GRC provides to bright and gifted students in the community..”

Outside of work, Laura is an award-winning quilter and can also be found hiking, reading and doing word puzzles. She has a goal of visiting all the national parks, and is currently at 28 out of 63.

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Megan Barr

Office Manager

Megan provides the delightful voice on the phone when someone calls GRC. She’s also a whiz with spreadsheets and databases and keeps the logistics side of the office humming. Her previous experience includes work as a technology trainer and administrative assistant at NESI, and the UMSL Computer Education and Training Center. Outside of work, Megan is a writer, crafter, and keeper of two wonderful cats, Loki and Freya.

Megan Barr
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Marla Dell

Bookkeeper

Marla is GRC’s keeper of all things financial since 1995. Marla also provides the institutional knowledge in our tiny office, as she’s been involved with GRC since her son was a participant. Marla won the Gifted Association of Missouri 2001 Parent Award for her contributions to gifted education in Missouri. Marla can also often be found volunteering at her church, gardening, and playing with her new kitten Bubba.

Gifted Resource Council blue star
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Stock Gifts

Contact your financial advisor and provide the information below to ensure a quick and accurate transfer of funds:

  • GRC’s broker: First Clearing Corp., Wells Fargo Advisors
  • D.T.C. #: 0141
  • Account #: 5580-7980
  • Account Name: Gifted Resource Council
  • Contact Name: Ray Palmer
  • Phone: 636-530-3401

Notify GRC of your intent to make a gift of stock, with the following information to Laura Falk, Executive Director, at 314.962-5920 or lfalk@giftedresourcecouncil.org:

  • Donor’s name
  • Name of the stock being transferred
  • Number of shares transferred
  • Transaction date
  • Name of your financial advisor or bank handling the transfer
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