On March 28, elementary students from Harmony Public Schools’ North Texas District will gather with sharpened pencils, sharpened minds and a shared determination to compete at the third annual Regional Elementary UIL Academic Competition.

Hosted at Harmony Science Academy-Grand Prairie, the regional event will bring together students from campuses across North Texas for a full day of academic contests spanning mathematics, literacy, music and critical thinking.

Scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the competition reflects Harmony’s continued commitment to academic excellence and college and career readiness, beginning in the earliest grades. For many students, the event represents months of preparation, after-school practices and coaching sessions led by dedicated educators.

Students in grades 2 through 6 will compete in a wide range of UIL academic events, including:

• Chess Puzzle for grades 3 through 6
• Creative Writing for grade 2
• Dictionary Skills for grades 5 and 6
• Mathematics for grades 6 through 8
• Music Memory for grades 2 through 6
• Number Sense for grades 4 through 6
• Oral Reading for grades 4 through 6
• Ready Writing for grades 3 through 6
• Spelling for grades 3 through 6
• Storytelling for grades 2 and 3

The regional competition offers students an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a structured, high-level academic setting. Events such as Number Sense and Mathematics challenge computational fluency and problem-solving speed, while Ready Writing and Creative Writing emphasize clarity, organization and voice. Music Memory and Chess Puzzle encourage strategic thinking and pattern recognition, reinforcing skills that support STEM achievement.

Now in its third year, the North Texas Elementary UIL Academic Competition continues to grow as more campuses invest in academic teams and early enrichment opportunities. The event not only celebrates student achievement but also builds confidence, resilience and sportsmanship among young scholars.

For many participants, March 28 will mark their first experience competing at a regional academic level. For returning students, it is an opportunity to refine their skills and represent their campuses with pride.

The competition will be held at Harmony Science Academy-Grand Prairie, 1102 NW 7th Street in Grand Prairie.

For additional information about the North Texas Elementary UIL Academic Competition, contact the district at mpettijohn@harmonytx.org.

As Harmony students prepare to take the stage in classrooms rather than auditoriums, the message remains clear: academic excellence is worth celebrating, and leadership begins with learning.