Scripps National Spelling Bee
The nation’s most famous spelling competition, where students progress from classroom bees to a nationally televised championship in Washington, D.C.
Website: https://spellingbee.com
Math Kangaroo (International)
An engaging international math contest held every March, with puzzles and logic questions designed by grade level. All participants receive small gifts, and top scorers earn national recognition.
Website: https://mathkangaroo.org
Noetic Learning Math Contest (NLMC)
A biannual national math contest for grades 2–8 that emphasizes problem-solving skills. Runs in fall and spring with grade-specific problem sets.
Website: https://www.noetic-learning.com/mathcontest
Mathleague.org Elementary Contests
Monthly math contests for grades 3–6. Top students advance to state and national championships in the spring.
Website: https://mathleague.org
Math Olympiads (MOEMS)
A team-based program offering five monthly contests during the school year. Division E is designed for grades 4–6.
Website: https://moems.org
FIRST LEGO League Challenge
Teams of students build and program LEGO robots to complete challenges and present innovation projects. Open internationally for ages 9–14.
Website: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/fll
Wonder League Robotics Competition
A global virtual coding competition for ages 6–12. Students program Dash robots to complete themed missions and submit solutions online.
Website: https://makewonder.com/robotics-competition
Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision
The world’s largest K–12 science and invention competition. Teams imagine technologies 20 years in the future and present their research.
Website: https://www.exploravision.org
National PTA Reflections
An arts program inviting students to express this year’s theme through categories such as visual arts, music, dance, literature, film, and photography.
Website: https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections
Doodle for Google
Students create Google’s homepage logo based on an annual theme. One national winner’s doodle is featured worldwide.
Website: https://doodles.google.com/d4g
Constituting America “We the Future” Contest
A civics-focused contest where elementary students can submit patriotic poetry or artwork.
Website: https://constitutingamerica.org/contest-categories-new
Invention Convention U.S. Nationals
Students design inventions to solve real-world problems, advancing from local and regional fairs to a national competition at The Henry Ford Museum.
Website: https://inhub.thehenryford.org/icw/home
National History Bee
A quiz competition where students test their knowledge of U.S. and world history. Elementary division open to 4th graders.
Website: http://historybee.com
Future Scholar Foundation Monthly Writing Contest
A free, monthly short story contest with fun prompts, open to K–8 students. Winners receive Amazon gift cards and publication.
Website: https://www.futurescholarfoundation.org