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? Register for the INHSA Homeschool Bee (opens in a new tab).
How to register
Spellers don't sign up for the Regional Bee directly: every speller earns a spot at a school, local or homeschool Bee. Pick the path that fits you. There are no forms or logins on this site.
Teachers & administrators
Enroll your school with the Scripps National Spelling Bee, hold your school Bee, then submit your qualifying speller(s) by January 31.
First-time registration fees are reimbursed in full on December 1 by the Idaho Character Foundation.
Parents & guardians
Your speller qualifies at their school Bee. Create a free parent account at the Scripps Spelling Bee Resource Center to get the study lists.
Your school must be enrolled first. Not enrolled yet? Share our steps for schools with your school.
Homeschool parents
Homeschool 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.
Set up a family account on inhsa.org, then register your speller(s) for the Homeschool Bee.
Not sure which fits? Read the FAQ or contact us.
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/enrollment (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.
Email or call Dr. Mike Nelson, Deputy Superintendent of the Coeur d'Alene School District, with questions about school enrollment, eligibility or the event.
