Official Scripps regional qualifier
Each February, top 4th–8th grade spellers from North Idaho and northeastern Washington compete at North Idaho College, and up to two advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Homeschool family? Spellers qualify through INHSA (opens in a new tab).
Regional spellers earn their spot at a school, local or homeschool bee. Here's how a season works.
Each school enrolls with the Scripps National Spelling Bee at spellingbee.com/enroll (opens in a new tab).
Each school holds its own bee, then submits its qualifying speller(s). Homeschool spellers qualify at the INHSA homeschool bee (opens in a new tab) on Jan. 9.
Nearly 200 spellers from across North Idaho and northeastern Washington compete at North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene.
Up to two spellers advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Scripps confirms each January whether the region sends one or two.
About the Bee
spellers compete at the Regional Bee, one of the largest regional bees. The first National Spelling Bee, in 1925, had just nine.
Grades 4–8 · North Idaho & northeastern Washington
Spellers, schools and homeschool families each have a way in.
Saturday, February 13, 2027, at North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene. Who can compete, the prize and how to attend.
Regional Bee detailsEnroll with Scripps, hold your school bee and submit your qualifying speller(s) by January 31. The Idaho Character Foundation reimburses first-time registration fees in full.
School enrollment stepsHomeschool spellers qualify at the INHSA homeschool bee on Saturday, January 9, 2027. One winner from Idaho and one from Washington advance to the Regional Bee.
Visit inhsa.org (opens in a new tab)Join INHSA (opens in a new tab)
Email or call Dr. Mike Nelson, Deputy Superintendent of the Coeur d'Alene School District, with questions about school enrollment, eligibility or the event.
