Elementary school
Use the school’s actual grade span, including kindergarten where offered. Younger learners need age-appropriate tasks, supervision and performance expectations.
Built around your school community.
A planning guide for US elementary, middle and high schools, including public, public charter and private schools.
Middle school
Record the student’s current grade. Grade spans differ between schools and districts; the school’s own designation guides participation planning.
High school
Use the current grade, such as Grade 9–12, rather than Nigerian class labels. Academic evidence should identify the student’s course and contribution.
School identification and school codes
The US school profile records the school’s official name, school type, level, city, state or territory, ZIP code, district or network where applicable, and grades served.
You may add an NCES School ID or a state/district school code to help identify the school. This field is optional: schools without a known code can still create a profile and contact the team for verification. Enter a school identifier, never an individual student ID or Social Security number.
US school participationDownload the public entry form and contact NISMCAA for current participation arrangements.
School approvals and codes of conduct
- An authorized school representative coordinates participation with the principal or school administration.
- Confirm any district approvals for an external program, travel, media sharing and use of school facilities.
- Follow the school’s conduct, supervision, attendance and safeguarding policies alongside the published event terms.
- Keep participation permission separate from permission to publish student photographs, recordings or academic profiles.
- Check the school’s applicable privacy rules before sharing evidence; provide only the information needed for review.
For home education or another learning arrangement, contact the US team before submitting an entry; pilot eligibility is not yet finalized.
Every learner. Every ability.
Children with special needs are included in our plans for both music and academic awards. Schools and families can discuss access, communication, sensory, learning and performance support before participation.
Describe practical support needs privately with an authorized adult. Please do not send diagnoses, medical records, IEPs or other confidential student records by email. Arrangements and any adapted assessments must be agreed before the event.
Discuss participation supportOfficial resources for schools
Use these resources alongside your school or district’s own policies. A school identifier does not establish NISMCAA eligibility or imply government endorsement.
NCES public school searchNCES private school searchUS Department of Education: student photographs and videos