December: what BC parents need to know
Contests and programs where families usually register, apply or take part in December. Exact dates are on each page and marked when confirmed.
Math Challengers BC
BC's team and individual math competition for Grades 8–10. Schools register by January 15, 2027. Lower Mainland regionals are expected February 20.
Grades 8–10Paid by the school: from $50…ScienceShad Canada
A month-long summer STEAM and entrepreneurship program for Grade 10 and 11 students. Apply by November 8, 2026 for early decision, or by January 6, 2027.
Grades 10–11Free to applyScienceUBC Geering Up Saturday Clubs
Saturday morning science and engineering clubs at UBC for Grades 1–12, run in fall and winter sessions. Bursaries of up to 90% are available.
Grades 1–12$350 per session for elementary…Language & readingSpelling Bee of Canada
A national spelling bee for ages 6 to 14 with a British Columbia & Vancouver chapter. Registration for the 2027 program opens October 16, 2026.
Grades 1–9Fee for 2027 not posted yetArts, music & chessVancouver Kiwanis Music Festival
Metro Vancouver's large music competition festival, with feedback from adjudicators. Solo registration runs November 2, 2026 to January 18, 2027.
K–Grade 12Entry fees vary by classSchool programsIndependent (private) school admissions in Metro Vancouver
Most Metro Vancouver independent schools take applications in the fall for the next September. For 2027 entry, many deadlines fall between October 29 and December 3, 2026.
K–Grade 11Application fees were $50–$350…School programsVancouver mini schools (Grade 8 entry)
Enriched Grade 8 programs at Vancouver secondary schools. Grade 7 students register with the district in November–December, then apply to each program separately.
Grade 7Free to applySchool programsVancouver kindergarten registration
Register at your catchment school between November 1 and January 31 for priority. Children must turn 5 by December 31 of the year they start.
KindergartenFreeSchool programsRichmond kindergarten registration and French Immersion
Kindergarten registration and the French Immersion and Montessori application open November 1. Last year both closed in mid-January, with results in early February.
K–Grade 5Free to register and applySchool programsNorth Vancouver kindergarten registration and French Immersion
Priority kindergarten registration for September 2027 runs October 15 to December 15, 2026. You choose English or French Immersion in the same online form.
K–Grade 5Free to registerSchool programsCoquitlam IB program at Port Moody Secondary (Grade 9 entry)
SD43's district IB program takes about 150 students a year into Grade 9. Grade 8 students apply by December 18, 2026 and write an intake assessment on January 16, 2027.
Grade 8Free to applyMathAMC 8 (American Mathematics Competitions)
A 25-question, 40-minute US math contest for Grade 8 and below, open to Canadian students through a host school or centre. Written January 21–27, 2027.
Grades 5–8Set by the host school or centre