Overview
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is a school-based spelling competition in the United States. Winners progress from school bees through regional events to the national competition. The Bee states that more than 10 million students begin the journey each fall, and 247 students reached the national level in 2026.
Who can take it
Entry is through schools. A school enrols, runs a bee, and sends its champion on. Check the Bee's official rules for the current age and grade requirements, which this page does not restate.
Levels or stages
School level: each enrolled school has a champion.
Regional: school champions compete in regional qualifiers and regional competitions, in February and March.
National: held in May in Washington, D.C.
Fees
Schools enrol for $199 per school. The enrolment page lists 30 November as a deadline.
What enrolment includes
Study lists and competition guides, access to a resource centre for parents, and the Word Club app with 450 words from the study list plus 4,000 additional words.
Important dates
Enrolment and local bees start in the fall, regionals run in February and March, and the national finals are in May.
Preparation tips
Work through the official study list.
Practise with a pronouncer and learn word origins and roots.
Can I enter without my school?
Entry is through a school bee. Check the official rules for any other route.