Daniel Elementary third-grader earns spot in elite National Math Star program

Written by Chloe Danicki, Northwest High School senior and NISD Communications Department intern

Daniel Elementary School third-grader Kabir Gupta has been selected for the prestigious National Math Star program, a highly competitive initiative that supports students with exceptional mathematical talent. 

Designed for second- and third-grade students who demonstrate a 1-in-1,000 ability, the program selects only 100 to 400 students nationwide. Kabir will now take part in a 10-year, fully funded experience valued at $100,000, which includes weekly mentoring, STEM summer programs and dedicated family support.

Kabir’s journey began after he scored highly on a MAP assessment, prompting an invitation to take the program’s entry exam. 

While the test differed from typical classroom work, focusing more on complex problem-solving than traditional math, Kabir approached it with confidence. 

“It was very challenging. It wasn’t math that I do at school, it was more puzzles than math,” he said. 

After preparing with a few practice puzzles, he successfully passed the exam. When he learned he had been accepted, Kabir’s excitement quickly showed. 

“When my dad told me in his office, I just jumped around the room like a bunny,” he said.

Through the program, Kabir will have access to advanced learning opportunities to further develop his skills. He plans to begin with Beast Academy before moving on to Khan Academy as part of his self-paced learning path.

Mansi Singhal, Kabir’s mother, attributes his success to his internal drive rather than outside pressure. She describes him as a student who takes full ownership of his goals and his success is rooted in his own discipline and motivation.

“I’m really proud of him," she said. "What got him here is definitely himself because of all the discipline that he inherits in his life, on his own. Nothing that we’ve pushed him for.”

With a decade of specialized support and a natural talent for solving puzzles, Kabir is well on his way to making his mark on the world of STEM.