Looking for an English competition for your child? Here you'll find spelling, vocabulary, reading, writing, and language competitions for elementary and middle school students.

These competitions encourage confidence, critical thinking, and a love for language — skills that support success across all subjects.

• Scripps National Spelling Bee for eligible students in Grade 8 and below

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is a nationally recognized academic competition for eligible students in Grade 8 and below. Students prepare by learning word meanings, spelling patterns, pronunciation, vocabulary, and public speaking skills.

Grades: Grade 8 and below
How to participate: Through an enrolled school or approved organization
Typical school bee: Fall
Focus: Spelling, vocabulary, and word knowledge

Who Can Participate
Elementary: Grades 1–5
Middle school: Grades 6–8
Important: Your school or an approved organization generally needs to participate
Students must meet the official Scripps eligibility requirements.

Spelling Bee Pathway:
• School Bee: Classroom and school-level bees (typically held in the fall)
• Regional Bee: School champions compete with other schools
• National Bee: Regional champions advance to Washington, D.C.

How to Get Started
1.Ask Your School
Check with your school teacher, principal, or spelling bee coordinator/Volunteer to see if your school participates.

2.Check Enrollment
If your school particiaptes, ask how students qualify for the school bee.
3.If your school doesn't participate
Check the official Scripps site for approved organizations or other particiaption options.
4.Start preparing
Use Scripps study resources to practice spelling, vocabulary, pronounciation, and word meanings.

Enroll your school or organization →

Find regional partners and participation options →

Prizes & Recognition:
Students may receive recognition at different stages of the competitions. Awards and recognition vary by level and year.

Is the Spelling Bee a Good Fit?
It can be a great opportunity for children who enjoy:

• learning new words
• Reading and Vocabulary
• Memorization and pattern recognition
• Academic Challenges
• Public Speaking

Your child doesn't need to be an expert speller to start. School-level participation can be a good way to explore the competition and see if they enjoy it.

Spelling Bee practice resources for kids:
Students can practice vocabulary, pronunciation, definitions, and spelling with the official Scripps resources below. The Resource Center provides study materials through a free account; access to some school-specific materials may require the student’s school to be enrolled.

Scripps Spelling Bee Resource Center and study materials →

Scripps Word Club app: practice words and vocabulary games →

Scripps parent resources and preparation information →

Official Scripps National Spelling Bee information →
Enroll a school or organization →