Spelling Bees

Association of Christian Schools International / ACSI / Academic Support Programs / Student Leadership & Learning Events / Spelling Bees

ACSI Spelling Bees encourage proper and confident communication by developing good spelling habits and the awareness of accurate usage of words and vocabulary. Participating in a Spelling Bee offers numerous valuable benefits that extend beyond honoring one's spelling abilities. It fosters the enhancement of vocabulary, promoting a deep understanding of language and word origins. Spelling Bees also nurture improved cognitive skills, such as memory, concentration, and attention to detail. Creative thinking is utilized as students decode unfamiliar words by analyzing phonetics and etymology.

Beyond academic growth, participants gain increased self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment as they master complex words, demonstrate poise under pressure, and compete successfully. Effective communication and public speaking are demonstrated as contestants articulate words clearly and confidently in front of an audience. These competitions instill a strong work ethic, as consistent practice and preparation are essential for success.

The ACSI Spelling Bee will be offered as both in-person event or kit options in 2023-24.

NEW for 2023-24: There will be three levels of in-person Spelling Bee competitions - Local, Divisional and National. Winners of the Grades 5-8 Spell-Off at each Local Spelling Bee competition will be invited to advance to a Divisional Spelling Bee. The top winners of the Divisional Bees will be invited to compete in the National Spelling Bee (date TBD).

Spelling Bee Kits are also available for schools to purchase. If a school purchases a Kit, they are not allowed to participate in any in-person Spelling Bee, and vice versa.

Levels of Competition

Local Spelling Bees (In-Person)

Students in grades 1-8 are eligible for the ACSI Spelling Bee. Each school may send up to 4 students per grade level.

Awards

Ribbons are awarded to the top four places in each grade level. Rosette ribbons are awarded to the top five places in the Grades 5-8 Spell-Off (Grades 5-8 only). The Spelling Bee student participation certificate template will be available for download.

Registration & Fees

School Registration Fee: $85 per event by October 13, 2023 ($105 after deadline)
Student Participation Fee: $15 per entry due 30 days before the event ($5/student late fee after deadline)

Divisional Spelling Bees (In-Person)

Students who place in the top 5 of the Grades 5-8 Spell-Off at their Local Spelling Bee are eligible to compete at an ACSI Divisional Spelling Bee.

Awards

Awards will be given to the top 5 places at the Divisional Spelling Bee. A Divisional Spelling Bee student participation certificate may also be provided.

Registration & Fees

Student Participation Fee: $75/per student due 30 days before the event ($5/student late fee after deadline)

Check the Event Calendar for dates and locations of Divisional Spelling Bees.

National Spelling Bee (In-Person)*

Returning for 2023-24: Students who place in the top 5 at a Divisional Spelling Bee are eligible to compete at the ACSI National Spelling Bee.

*Contingent upon enough students participating.

Registration & Fees

Date/Location TBD
Student Participation Fee: TBD per student

Spelling Bee Kits (On-Demand)

ACSI Spelling Bee Kits provide schools with the resources needed to conduct a Spelling Bee event on their own campus during the 2023-24 school year. Spelling Bee Kit prices vary based on the grade levels participating in the school Spelling Bee (Grades 1-4, Grades 5-8, or Grades 1-8). If schools purchase a Spelling Bee Kit, they cannot participate in an in-person Local, Divisional, or National Spelling Bee.

Spelling Bee Kits are not dependent on deadlines established by ACSI. Once your school has registered for a Spelling Bee Kit, you will have access to the event resources and have the ability to schedule participation on your own campus at any time during the school year in which it was purchased. You may purchase a Spelling Bee Kit after September 1st by submitting the Event Registration Form, which can be accessed through our Registration page.

Spelling Bee Kit Materials

By purchasing an ACSI Spelling Bee Kit, schools receive:

2023-24 Spelling Bee Handbook
2023-24 Student Practice List (sample words for students, no sentences)
2023-24 Official ACSI Spelling Bee Lists (for official bee only, per grade level, with sentences)
2023-24 Official Grades 5-8 Spell-Off Lists (for official bee only, per grade level, with sentences)
Awards & Certificate Template

Awards

Ribbons are awarded to the top four places in each grade level. Rosette ribbons are awarded to the top five places in the Grades 5-8 Spell-Off. All ribbons will be shipped directly to the school from ACSI's award provider after October 14. The Spelling Bee student participation certificate template will be available for download.

Registration & Fees