The 2027 K12 Writing Competition is open!
Submit early. Get more time to earn votes.
Got a story to tell? A poem to share? Put your words out there and see where they can take you. The K12 Writing Competition invites U.S.-based students in grades K–12 to share original poetry and narrative writing for the chance to earn recognition, win prizes, and have their work celebrated alongside student writers from across the country.
The earlier you enter, the more time you’ll have to collect votes for the People’s Choice Award during public voting.
Share your writing. Get feedback. Grow as a writer.
Writing is better when you have people to share it with.
Join the K12 Writing Competition Writers Padlet, a supportive online space where student writers can share works-in-progress, swap ideas, offer positive feedback, and cheer one another on. Post text, images, emojis, GIFs, and more as you connect with other young writers.
Choose your category
Poetry
Turn your thoughts, feelings, and ideas into words that make people pause. Play with rhythm, imagery, language, and form — and take your poem wherever your imagination leads.
Narrative
Have a story to tell? Bring it to life with characters, settings, ideas, and perspectives that pull readers in. Your narrative can be inspired by real experiences or come entirely from your imagination.
Submit early. Let the votes roll in.
Once your entry is approved, it will appear in the K12 Writing Competition gallery, where friends, family, classmates, teachers, and other supporters can read your work and vote for their favorites.
Want to compete for a People’s Choice Award? Enter early to give your supporters more time to vote. Public voting is open throughout the competition, and anyone can vote once per day during the voting period.
Your words could win.
A panel of judges will select a 1st and 2nd Place winner in each category and grade band — K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12 — for a total of 16 winners.
And that’s not all. Public voting will determine one People’s Choice winner in each grade band, for four additional winners.
Here’s what’s up for grabs:
Winners will have the choice to select a cash prize or a Tango e-gift card, as applicable.
Mark your calendar
Competition Dates:
October 15, 2026–January 8, 2027
Public Voting:
October 15, 2026–January 8, 2027
Judging:
January–March 2027
Winners Announced:
March 2027
Get Inspired by Student Writers Who Made Their Words Count
Need a little inspiration before you put pen to paper — or fingers to keyboard?
Take a look at the winning entries from the 2025–2026 K12 Writing Competition. From powerful poems to unforgettable stories, see how student writers turned their ideas and imagination into work worth sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The competition is open to all students in grades K–12 who are based in the United States.
Yes! You can submit entries in both poetry and narrative, and there’s no limit on the number of entries you can submit.
Absolutely. Public voting is open throughout the competition dates, so entering early gives you more time to rally your supporters. Anyone can vote once per day.
A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on:
- Creativity & Originality — 30%
Demonstrates imagination, unique ideas, and original expression. - Communication & Impact — 25%
Effectively conveys a message, story, emotion, or theme. - Craft & Quality of Writing — 25%
Uses language, word choice, structure, and literary techniques effectively. - Organization & Flow — 10%
Presents ideas in a clear and purposeful way. - Adherence to Competition Requirements — 10%
Meets the required word count and follows the guidelines for the selected category.
Please review the rules and regulations related to the K12 Writing Competition. When registering, you must agree to these terms and conditions.
