March: what BC parents need to know
Contests and programs where families usually register, apply or take part in March. Exact dates are on each page and marked when confirmed.
Canadian Math Kangaroo Contest
A fun, international multiple-choice math contest from Grade 1. Parents register directly, and the contest is written on a Sunday in March.
Grades 1–12$20 last year if registered by…MathELMACON 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 yearMathEuclid Mathematics Contest
The University of Waterloo's senior contest for Grade 12, written at school on April 6, 2027.
Grade 12$18 per studentScienceGreater Vancouver Regional Science Fair
The regional science fair for Grades 7–12 in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, the North Shore and nearby districts. The 2027 fair is April 8–10 at UBC.
Grades 7–12$65 per student last yearScienceSouth Fraser Regional Science Fair
The regional science fair for Grades 7–12 in Surrey and Delta, held at KPU Surrey. The 2027 fair is April 7–8.
Grades 7–12$60 per student last yearScienceScience World Future Science Leaders
A school-year STEM program at Science World for students entering Grade 10 or 11. Students apply in the spring before the program starts.
Grades 9–11About $1Language & readingVancouver Writers Fest Youth Writing Contest
A free-to-enter short story and personal essay contest for BC students in Grades 5–12. The next contest opens in spring 2027.
Grades 5–12No entry fee is listedArts, 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 & chessBC Youth Chess Championship and Canadian Youth Chess Championship
Rated chess tournaments for players under 18. Score 50% at a qualifier, such as the BC Youth Chess Championship, to play at the national CYCC each July.
K–Grade 12Varies by tournamentCamps & enrichmentVancouver community centre summer day camps
Recreation day camps at Vancouver community centres. Since 2026, summer camps open on one city-wide registration day in April.
K–Grade 7Varies by community centre and…Camps & enrichmentCity of Burnaby summer camps
City-run summer camps in Burnaby. Residents get early registration in March, a few days before everyone else.
K–Grade 7Varies by campSchool programsBurnaby French Immersion (Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 6)
Early French Immersion starts in Kindergarten or Grade 1; Late French Immersion starts in Grade 6. Applications are in February, with a lottery in early March.
K–Grade 5Free to 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 programsNorth Vancouver IB programs and academies
The full IB continuum from Kindergarten to Grade 12, with the Middle Years Programme for every Grade 8–10 student at Carson Graham. Grade 8–12 academies charge fees and apply in winter.
Grades 7–10IB through Carson Graham is…School programsSurrey kindergarten registration and French Immersion lottery
Kindergarten registration opens in January. Early French Immersion and other choice programs use an online lottery in February, with results before Spring Break.
K–Grade 5Free to register and apply