The National History Bee and Bowl are buzzer-based history quiz competitions for primary and secondary students throughout the United States. This website features information on our Middle School & Elementary School Divisions. Please click here for the website for our Varsity and Junior Varsity Divisions. These divisions are open to high school students; the Junior Varsity Division is also open to younger students who want to play against a higher level of competition.
The History Bee is a competition for individual students. The History Bowl is a team event (though single-player teams are allowed). There is no younger age limit to compete, though Elementary School students (grade 5 and younger) all play in the same age division in the National History Bee; thus participation from students in 3rd grade and younger should be limited to students whose history skills are superior for their age. A 3rd grader has won our Elementary School National Championships before, however, so we certainly encourage students up for the challenge to give it a shot!
NHBB operates as a division of International Academic Competitions, which organizes events in over 30 countries around the world, including the biennial International History Olympiad, for which students can qualify through participation in NHBB events.
Please explore the pages on this website to learn more about the way the National History Bee and Bowl work for Middle and Elementary School students. For further questions, please contact info@iacompetitions.com.
Good luck to all students competing this year!