Many 9th grade students have experience with the National History Bee’s Middle School Division. Unlike the National Spelling Bee, National Geographic Bee or other competitions, though, the National History Bee also extends through 12th grade, and we hope that if you have prior experience, you will still compete now that you are in 9th grade (or the homeschool equivalent). If you have no prior experience with the National History Bee, then don’t worry – it’s never too late to start competing! Note that at the high school level, more time at each tournament is spent on the History Bowl (the team competition, though “teams” of one are welcome to compete) though the History Bee is important and contested at each event too.

At the high school level, there are no intramural or qualifying competitions in order to compete. There are just two stages: League play and the National Championships. Schools and homeschool groups may sign up as many teams and students as they wish for each event aside from the National Championships for which students and teams must qualify at any League event, usually by finishing in the top half of the draw in the Bowl or in the top 60% of the Bee participants. All League events consist of a Varsity Division and a Junior Varsity Division for 10th graders and younger. The JV Division is also open to middle school-aged students as well who are looking for additional competition opportunities and a chance to qualify for JV Nationals. Students in 10th grade and younger may play together with older students from their school or homeschool group in the Varsity Division, but must play in the JV Division in the Bee.

For further questions, please email Mr. David Madden at director@historybowl.com