A Tuscaloosa County fourth grader is earning national recognition for a talent that puts him among the country’s most promising young mathematicians.

Oliver Hua, a fourth grader at Huntington Place Elementary School, has been named a 2026 National Math Star, one of just seven Alabama students selected for the national enrichment program. Tuscaloosa County Schools recently congratulated Hua on the achievement.

The seven students were selected from 30 Alabama finalists who advanced from a national applicant pool of approximately 8,700 students. This is Alabama’s first year participating in the National Math Stars initiative.

The selection process in Alabama began with school systems identifying second-grade students whose math scores on the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program placed them among the top 2% in their districts.

A total of 861 Alabama students received nomination packets, and 307 students and their families applied for the 2026 cohort. After a process that included a problem-solving assessment, additional screening and family interviews, 30 Alabama students advanced to the finalist round.

National Math Stars is a nonprofit organization that identifies students with exceptional mathematical talent early and provides enrichment and guidance through high school.

The organization looks for students with mathematical ability around the 99.9th percentile — about one student in every 1,000. Selection also considers a student’s interest in math, passion for problem-solving and readiness for advanced learning.

Depending on a student’s individual needs, support can include weekly math mentoring, advanced coursework, technology and educational resources, STEM summer experiences, a dedicated family adviser, academic and career guidance and help finding additional enrichment opportunities.

That support can continue for as long as 10 years, through high school, with the organization’s investment potentially exceeding $100,000 per student.

“Alabama’s young people continue to show that they can compete and excel at the highest levels,” State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey said. “We are very proud of the students selected as National Math Stars and all 30 Alabama finalists who reached this stage of a highly competitive national process. Their success reflects their curiosity, determination and love of learning, as well as the encouragement they receive from their families, teachers, schools and communities.”

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].