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The Napa County Office of Education is starting a new program to help kids learn math in an enjoyable and competitive manner.

The math challenge, part of a national effort called LearnStorm, is for students from elementary to high school who will compete for points while learning to improve their mathematical skills.

LearnStorm’s kickoff begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Students as well as parents are invited to attend and sign up at this initial meeting in the Napa Valley Unified School District Board Room at 2425 Jefferson St. in Napa.

“This is a creative and innovative way for kids to improve their math skills and have fun and compete with each other at the same time,” said Napa County Superintendent of Schools Barbara Nemko.

Developed by the nonprofit organization Khan Academy, LearnStorm will allow students to show progress in math and persevere “equally, so students at all levels can be winners,” according to Seana Wagner, NCOE’s public information officer and project development manager.

“Students can work independently and as members of their whole school team while earning rewards and recognition for themselves and their school,” said Wagner.

Parents and students who attend the kickoff can meet representatives from Khan Academy who will explain the program. The event will include local educators familiar with the math challenge who will share their experiences with it. Other officials will be available to help parents register their children for LearnStorm.