November: what BC parents need to know
Contests and programs where families usually register, apply or take part in November. Exact dates are on each page and marked when confirmed.
Canada Jay Mathematical Competition
A national 90-minute contest for students in Grade 8 and below, with a division for Grade 4 and under. Written in school on November 19, 2026.
Grades 4–8$12 per studentCodingBeaver Computing Challenge
Computational-thinking puzzles, no coding needed. Written online at school, November 9–20, 2026. Schools must order by October 26.
Grades 5–10$3 per studentMathELMACON Elementary Mathematics Competition
BC's own math competition for Grades 5–7, held in person at UBC on a Saturday in late April or early May. Parents register online.
Grades 5–7$40 last yearCodingFIRST LEGO League (Explore and Challenge) in BC
Team LEGO robotics for ages 6–14. Teams must register with FIRST by October 31, 2026 to compete at BC qualifiers in January.
Grades 1–8Paid per teamScienceUBC Physics Olympics
A hands-on team physics competition for BC high schools at UBC. The 2027 event is Saturday, February 27. Schools register teams in the fall.
Grades 8–12$80 per team last yearScienceShad 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 & chessRoyal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program Exams
Graded music and theory exams used across Canada. For the January 2027 practical exams, register by November 3, 2026.
K–Grade 12Fees depend on the subject and…Arts, 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 classLanguage & readingBC Debate and Public Speaking Tournaments (DSABC)
School-based debate and public speaking tournaments that lead to BC and national championships. Junior public speaking starts in Grade 6.
Grades 6–12School membership is $200 a yearSchool 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 registerMathAMC 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 centreMathUBC and PIMS Math Circles for Grades 5–7
Monday after-school math workshops at UBC for Grades 5–7, run by math faculty. $5 a session, with registration for each session.
Grades 5–7$5 per session per child