Naaba Ani Elementary School in Bloomfield, New Mexico, has clinched consecutive victories in the statewide Prodigy Math competition, topping over 100 schools in both March and April 2025.
The Prodigy State Challenge is a monthly contest where students answer math questions through a game-based platform. In March, Naaba Ani students correctly answered more than 33,000 questions, earning the state title and a $500 award. The top-performing fourth and sixth-grade classes celebrated with a pizza party, with another planned for their April win.
Fourth-grade teacher Mindy Sanchez played a pivotal role in the school’s success. She encouraged fellow teachers to incorporate Prodigy into their classrooms, leading to increased student participation. “The more they were playing, the more kids were playing, and then we were able to top the other schools,” Sanchez said.
Prodigy transforms math practice into a game where students create avatars, earn pets, and engage in battles by solving math problems. This approach has not only made learning fun but also improved academic performance. Sanchez noted significant growth in students’ math skills, particularly in multiplication and division. “Every kid in my class has made significant gains,” she said.
Student enthusiasm reflects this success. Fourth-grader Jose Gasaleoarri described Prodigy as “just a fun game battling your friends.” Classmate Jadynce Grey observed that more students are achieving higher scores since they started using the program.
Naaba Ani Elementary’s achievements come at a crucial time, as New Mexico’s fourth-grade math scores have lagged behind national averages. The school’s innovative approach demonstrates how engaging educational tools can enhance learning outcomes.
Looking ahead, Naaba Ani Elementary is set to compete in the Prodigy National Cup from May 1–14, with a chance to win a $100,000 technology grant. Their recent victories position them as strong contenders in this national competition.
