Welcome to the 42nd annual Science Olympiad National Tournament, hosted by the University of Southern California (USC) with the support of Science Olympiad. This tournament represents the highest level of science competition for middle and high schools across the nation. We've planned an itinerary filled with fun events for teams from Friday, May 22, 2026, through Saturday, May 23, 2026. We hope you enjoy your time in Los Angeles, California, exploring the many attractions available both on and off campus.
Information sent to coaches of teams qualifying for the National Tournament, except for privileged information that will be sent only directly to the head coach, is included in the public document linked below.
We'll be regularly adding information to this website, especially as we get closer to the tournament date. Keep an eye on the website changelog to make sure you don't miss any updates or changes. All changes to the content of this website will be documented in the changelog.
Self-Scheduling Opens (May 2026) - Sign-ups for self-schedule events will open on ESUS. The link to ESUS and the specific opening and closing dates for sign-ups will be confirmed in May 2026 and shared with coaches via email and on this page.
Required Forms (May 18, 2026) - The deadline for many of the Required Forms required of attendees, including students and coaches.
Important documents, including the congratulations letter, team numbers, and tournament program, will be posted to the 2026 Science Olympiad National Tournament page on the Science Olympiad website.
Medical Release Form (Coming Soon) – One per student, signed by a parent/guardian and kept in the possession of the team coach; the form must accompany the student to any medical intervention. At check-in, coaches must certify that they possess the completed Medical Release Forms for all students.
Consolidated Permission Form – One per student, signed by a parent/guardian, must be submitted electronically by May 18, 2026. This covers parental permission, acknowledgement of medical forms, and media release.
Final Team Roster (Coming Soon) – The final list of students who will compete in the National Tournament, including any alternates. This form must be submitted electronically by May 18, 2026.
Coaches/Chaperone Media Release Form – Read and signed by coaches and chaperones and submitted electronically by May 18, 2026.
USC Policies and Guidelines – Any required USC policies, waivers, or campus conduct guidelines will be listed here once finalized. Coaches should review all USC policies with their teams prior to arrival.
Teams may choose to stay on-campus in USC dormitory housing, which includes a meal package, or arrange their own lodging and meals off-campus. For details about on- and off-campus options, visit the Travel & Accommodations and Places to Eat pages.
Teams will be able to ship materials and equipment to campus in advance of the tournament. The shipping address, labeling instructions, and storage details will be posted here when available.
Location: Verna & Peter Dauterive Hall (VPD) Room 106 — 645 W Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90089
Coaches will complete team check-in and do not need to be accompanied by team members. At check-in, coaches will receive wristbands and other materials for their team, and Science Olympiad staff will verify that the final Team Roster and all required forms have been submitted. Team check-in times are posted on the Schedules & Locations page. Teams participating in Trial Events should check-in on Thursday.
Residential hall check-in for teams staying in on-campus housing will take place at a separate location, which will be shared with teams after housing registration is complete.
Ceremonies will be held at the Galen Center, which has a strict clear bag policy. Teams should take heed of this policy and plan in advance to avoid being turned away.
The registration table/desk/kiosk will be equipped with a first aid kit for minor incidents. For more serious issues, please contact the USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (213) 740-4321 (on-campus emergencies) or (213) 740-6000 (non-urgent). For off-campus emergencies, dial 911.
If you encounter a fire on campus:
If you hear a fire alarm: