Chicago Students Compete in Citywide Spelling Bee

Winner to advance to Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:05pm

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Chicago Public Schools students in grades 1-8 will compete in the Citywide Spelling Bee Championship on Thursday at Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School. The winner will move on to the 101st Scripps National Spelling Bee in May, where they will compete against over 200 students from across the country.

Why it matters

The Citywide Spelling Bee is a long-standing tradition in Chicago, with CPS sending a regional winner to the prestigious National Spelling Bee for over 60 years. This competition provides an opportunity for students to showcase their academic skills and potentially earn a spot at the national event.

The details

The Citywide Spelling Bee Championship will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School in the North Center neighborhood. Students from grades 1-8 across the Chicago Public Schools system will participate in the competition.

  • The Citywide Spelling Bee Championship will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
  • The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The players

Chicago Public Schools

The school district serving the city of Chicago, Illinois.

Scripps National Spelling Bee

An annual spelling competition for students in the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School

A public elementary school located in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.

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What’s next

The winner of the Citywide Spelling Bee Championship will advance to the 101st Scripps National Spelling Bee in May 2026, where they will compete against over 200 students from across the country.

The takeaway

The Citywide Spelling Bee is a long-standing tradition in Chicago that provides an opportunity for students to showcase their academic skills and potentially earn a spot at the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee.