We moved DS to a charter school in 6th grade that was doing the AMCs. We did not know about them before that as our fairly large school district does not offer them, even in the high schools. If you want to take the AMCs it is possible to call around and find a school that will let you come but it is a hassle.
DS can solve the AMC10 questions usually but time has been an issue for him in the past. He qualified for AIME in 6th but did not come close last year scoring in the 80s. He really wants to qualify again and has worked hard this year and I think he has a good chance.
From taking old tests he actually has an easier time qualifying on the AMC12s given the actual cutoff which was used. He typically cannot do the last 4 questions or so on the 12 but does well enough on the earlier ones. Historically the cutoff for the 10 and 12 was around 120 and 100, respectively.
