The Scripps National Spelling Bee is a prestigious academic competition sponsored by The E.W. Scripps Company, a media organization committed to advancing education and journalism. By inspiring the exploration of words, the Bee encourages students to develop strong spelling, vocabulary, and public speaking skills.

The competition is open to students in public, private, parochial, charter, and home schools. To participate at the regional and state levels, registration is required through www.spellingbee.com. An enrollment fee applies and includes access to study materials, official rules and guidelines, pronouncer guides, certificates, and other helpful resources.

Each of the 31 member districts in CESA 3 is encouraged to hold a school-level spelling bee. The winner from each registered school advances to the CESA 3 Regional Spelling Bee, typically held in late January or early February at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore. Parochial and home-schooled students in the region are also eligible to compete at the regional level.

The top three spellers from the CESA 3 Regional Spelling Bee qualify for the Wisconsin State Spelling Bee, held in March. A fourth-place alternate is also selected in case a finalist is unable to attend. The top two spellers from the state competition advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, held near Washington, D.C.