FAQ

What is the National Geography Bee?

We’re an organization dedicated to promoting geographical knowledge and education nationwide. Our primary focus is organizing the National Geography Bee, a nationwide competition for high schoolers that aims to inspire and build curiosity about the people and places around them—including their home state, the United States as a whole, and the world at large. We are officially registered as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the state of Massachusetts.

Are you at all tied to any of the other national geography competitions?

We are completely independent of and totally unaffiliated with National Geographic, which used to run a geography bee for fourth through eighth graders until 2020, as well as any other organization that runs geography competitions at any level. While we both did compete in the National Geographic competition when we were younger, we are not associated with nor do we receive any help or guidance from National Geographic.

When is it?

Schools will have between February 1 and March 15, 2026, to hold school bees to determine a school champion (see below for more details). Local county bees (or equivalent) will be on March 27, 2026. County champions will move on to the national championship in May 2026, in Cambridge, MA.

I’m a middle school teacher. Can my school participate?

While we hope to roll out a middle school competition at the same scale in the next few years, at this point in time the competition is for high schools only.

Is there an entry fee?

We do ask for a $50 entry fee per school, but are happy to waive or reduce this fee if it is an obstacle to your participation! Additionally, if you successfully refer another school to the competition, we will reduce your entry fee by $5.

How hard is it going to be?

As students progress in the competition, the questions will get harder, but the point of our competition is that—at least at the start—it is accessible to students generally, even ones who may not already be geography geeks.

How does it work at the school level?

We will be sending a detailed packet of instructions after you register, but the short version is that there will be a 30-minute written test administered at the class level, and the top performers on that test will move on to a school-wide oral bee to determine the school champion. We want to make your school's hosting experience as seamless as possible, so you won't need to take very much time out of your classes. Please reach out at info@nationalgeobee.org for more!

When do I have to register by?

Our registration deadline for schools is December 15, 2025. Once you register, we'll be in touch with more information on school bee procedures!

I’m a high schooler who wants to participate, but my school doesn’t want to get involved. What can I do?

Reach out at info@nationalgeobee.org!

I’m homeschooled/my child is homeschooled. How can they participate?

We are working on developing a homeschool infrastructure. Reach out at info@nationalgeobee.org!

This sounds cool! Is there any way I can help out?

Email us at info@nationalgeobee.org! We’re always looking for volunteers who can help us write questions, plan events, raise money, and create good vibes.

If you’re interested in making a donation, please make checks payable to National Geography Bee, Inc. and mail them to PO Box 106, 15 South Main Street, Sharon, MA, 02067, or Zelle us at info@nationalgeobee.org!

If you represent a business and want to partner with us, we’d love to chat! Email our sponsorships lead, Sam Rao, at sam@nationalgeobee.org.