American Computer Science League (ACSL)
Difficulty varies by division from Intermediate to Advanced, A team-based computer science league with four online contests, five divisions and an invitational online Finals. Students in grades 3-12 enter through a registered school, organization or local group, with an advisor selecting the division. Upper divisions combine computer science questions with programming; Classroom and Elementary are non-programming. Consistent performance across the season is the main challenge.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗LEVEL BY DIVISION
Intermediate–Advanced
Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
8–18
School level
Grades 3-12 through schools, organizations or local groups
Registration method
School Only
Competition stages
Four online contests followed by an invitational online Finals
Fee
Most divisions: $175 first team, $150 additional; Elementary: $125 first team, $100 additional
Online / in-person
Online
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
1 Sept 2026
Registration closes
Not yet announced by the organiser
Competition starts
29 May 2027
Competition ends
29 May 2027
Editorial perspective
Our Take
The American Computer Science League organizes computer science contests for K-12 students through schools, organizations and local groups. Its strongest feature is breadth: students can meet computer science as a body of ideas, not only as a coding activity, while programming divisions still require them to turn those ideas into working solutions. ACSL runs a recurring academic-year season of four contests. That makes it more useful as a sustained school programme than as a one-day experiment. The trade-off is coordination: students depend on an advisor, team administration and regular participation. Families should choose it when a school or group can support the season and when the student is willing to build consistency rather than prepare for a single peak performance.
Read full guide →