September: what BC parents need to know
Contests and programs where families usually register, apply or take part in September. Exact dates are on each page and marked when confirmed.
Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC)
Canada's national high school math challenge and the path to the Canadian Math Olympiad. Written October 29, 2026.
Grades 9–12$30–$35 per student through a…CodingFIRST 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 teamCodingFIRST Tech Challenge in BC
Team robotics for Grades 7–12. Teams design, build and code a robot. The Lower Mainland qualifier is December 5, 2026 in Surrey.
Grades 7–12Paid per teamScienceShad 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 applyLanguage & 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…MathAMC 10 and AMC 12 (American Mathematics Competitions)
75-minute US high school math contests, open to Canadian students through a host. Written November 5 (A) or November 13 (B), 2026.
Grades 8–12Set by the host school or centre