Inaugural National School Spirit Championships Debuts at Walt Disney World® Resort

Celebrating School Spirit: A New Era Begins at Walt Disney World

The inaugural National School Spirit Championships (NSSC) is set to kick off at the iconic Walt Disney World® Resort on January 30, 2026. This groundbreaking event promises to unite high school cheer, dance, and band programs in an unprecedented celebration of school spirit and community. Over two weekends, students will come together to showcase their talents and represent their schools on a national platform.

A Unified Championship Experience

What makes the NSSC unique is its fully integrated approach to celebrating school spirit. Unlike previous events, this championship is not just focused on singular aspects like cheer or dance but embraces the entire spectrum of school spirit activities. The NSSC will officially host the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship, the UDA National Dance Team Championship, and, for the very first time, the National School Band Championship. This inclusion reflects a significant commitment to acknowledging and promoting all facets of student participation in school spirit events.

The introduction of the pep band division marks a milestone, offering high school bands a dedicated national championship within the school spirit realm. This addition echoes Varsity Spirit's overarching goal: to comprehensively honor student performances across cheer, dance, and band segments.

Event Details and Schedule

The championships will unfold over two weekends organized according to school size. Division II schools, with enrollments between 1 to 1,399 students, will compete from January 30 to February 1, 2026, while Division I schools, with 1,400 or more students, will follow suit from February 6 to 8, 2026. Each weekend, schools will vie for separate awards in cheer, dance, and band categories, ensuring that programs of varying sizes each get their moment to shine.

What’s more, schools that send teams representing cheer, dance, and band will participate in a points race for the prestigious title of National School Spirit Champion. Schools can score a minimum of 500 points by entering combined divisions, with the potential to reach a maximum of 1,000 points. This friendly competition will culminate in the crowning of the champion during the event, with prizes and awards valued up to $75,000 available for the winners.

Empowering Student Voice through Storytelling

In addition to showcasing athletic skills, Varsity Yearbook introduces the Press Pass Academy during the NSSC. This program provides hands-on learning opportunities in journalism for participating students. They will engage in activities such as reporting, photography, and storytelling, offering them a unique chance to narrate their school’s spirit program journey throughout the event. This initiative promotes essential skills and allows learners to connect with their peers while immersing themselves in the world of student journalism.

Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit, emphasizes the significance of school spirit, stating that it transcends mere performances on the sidelines. It encapsulates the support students offer one another, their schools, and their wider communities. The NSSC aims to celebrate this profound sense of belonging by gathering cheerleaders, dancers, and musicians on a single stage for the first time at the high school level.

Broadcast and Online Viewing

The National School Spirit Championships will be live-streamed via Varsity TV, allowing fans and supporters unable to attend in person to experience the excitement in real time. Video highlights of the routines and full event results will also be available online. Additionally, ESPN2 and ESPNU will air championship results beginning in Spring 2026, so viewers can tune in and witness the remarkable displays of talent and school pride.

In conclusion, the first-ever NSSC represents a renaissance for school spirit programs across the nation, exemplifying the importance of community and the celebration of student achievements. As the date approaches, anticipation continues to grow for what promises to be a historic event at one of the world’s most beloved venues.

For more information about the championships and Varsity Spirit's offerings, visit varsity.com.