Varsity Spirit, a division of Varsity Brands, is excited to announce the debut of the Division I (DI) and Division II (DII) National School Spirit Championships in 2026, giving high school cheer, dance, and band programs a chance to compete together for the first time ever.
This new event marks a significant milestone in fostering collaboration among cheer, dance, and band programs nationwide. Scheduled to take place over two weekends at Walt Disney World Resort, in February 2026, the championships will feature separate divisions for DI and DII schools, catering to schools of similar enrollment sizes.
Courtesy of Varsity Spirit
The National School Spirit Championships will be the home to the renowned UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship, UDA National Dance Team Championship, and the new National School Band Championship. With a total of $75,000 in prizes and awards, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and celebrate their school pride on the biggest stage for spirit groups nationwide. Recognizing the profound impact of school spirit on student achievement and the community, the National School Spirit Championships will elevate the experience for students, athletes, and spectators alike.
“We know when school spirit is high, student engagement is high,” says Bill Seely, president of Varsity Spirit. “When cheer, dance, and band work together, they elevate the game day experience at their school, increase student engagement and transform their community. The National School Spirit Championships will celebrate and recognize the skills and abilities of cheer teams, dance teams, and bands individually and give them new opportunities to collaborate and compete together. Through the new Spirit Program Game Day Division, cheer, dance, and band can compete in an exciting new format that amplifies school pride and emphasizes a school’s Game Day traditions. Additionally, communities and fans will now be able to support their entire spirit program together on one weekend.”
Courtesy of Varsity Spirit
Schools will compete for the prestigious title of National School Spirit Champions through weekend-long points races, rewarding overall excellence in spirit and performance. The Spirit Program Game Day Division will emphasize collaboration and cohesion among cheer, dance, and band programs, and aim to amplify school spirit and traditions.
The National School Spirit Championships will also be endorsed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), reflecting the values the organizations share: healthy participation, achievement, and sportsmanship.
"I eagerly await the inaugural 2026 National School Spirit Championships,” says Dr. James Weaver, NFHS Director of Performing Arts and Sports. “This event, for the first time, unites cheer, dance, and band programs, symbolizing a monumental step towards elevating the student experience and engaging school communities like never before. By celebrating these disciplines together, we're not just showcasing talent; we're fostering a sense of unity and pride across campuses nationwide. This innovative approach promises to transform school spirit, making it a more inclusive, vibrant force that truly represents the heart of our schools."
For more information about the DI and DII National School Spirit Championships, visit varsity.com.