250 Days Before 250 Years Challenge & Essay Contest

Official Terms and Conditions

  1. Eligibility
    Open to U.S. residents (K–12 students) who are not employees, contractors, or immediate family members of The Old Schoolhouse® (TOS) staff.
    Staff families may participate in a separate staff-family competition and are not eligible for the main essay contest grand prize.

  2. Challenge Completion
    Parents must confirm completion of all 250 stories and questions in the interactive iST course by submitting the official Google Form no later than 11:59 p.m. ET July 11, 2026.
    Only verified submissions qualify for the reward package and the essay invitation.

  3. Reward Package
    All verified completers will receive a reward package of 13 digital or physical prizes, as determined by TOS. 
    Physical prizes ship only within the contiguous United States (lower 48) to valid street addresses. Shipments cannot be sent to P.O. boxes, APO/FPO/DPO addresses, Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, or international destinations.
    International participants and those outside the shipping area will receive digital substitutions of comparable value.

  4. Essay Contest
    Eligible K–12 students who complete the challenge may submit one original 250–500-word essay between July 11 and July 18, 2026.
    Entries will be judged by SchoolhouseTeachers.com staff on originality (40 %), clarity (30 %), and faith and historical insight (30 %).
    This is a skill-based contest; chance plays no part.

  5. Prizes

    • Grand Prize: BBQ Grill (approx. retail value over $250), shipped only to the lower 48 states.

    • Alternate Prize: If the selected winner resides outside the lower 48 states, TOS will award a one-year SchoolhouseTeachers.com membership extension (approx. value $389) in place of the grill.

    • Staff-Family Prize: If a staff-family entry is selected as the top essay in its category, the prize will be a $50 retail gift card (such as Walmart or equivalent).
      No cash alternative; prizes are not transferable; substitutions of equal or greater value may be made at TOS’s discretion.

    • Winners are responsible for any applicable taxes. No Form 1099 is expected for prizes valued under $600.

  6. Publication
    The winning essay may be published on the official 250 Days Before 250 Years webpage. No honorable mentions will be issued. SchoolhouseTeachers.com reserves the right to evaluate the winning essay for its suitability for publication and to make minor adjustments if necessary.

  7. Notification
    The winner will be notified by email. If no reply is received within 10 days, TOS may select an alternate winner. All decisions of TOS are final.

  8. Liability & Shipping
    TOS is not responsible for lost, damaged, or undeliverable items, or for fulfillment delays outside its control. Physical prizes may differ slightly from images shown.

  9. Marketing and Privacy
    By submitting the completion form, you authorize TOS to use your information for reward and contest communication.
    You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time using the link provided in those messages; however, doing so will stop all future bulk communications from TOS, including account or renewal reminders. If you wish to continue receiving important account-related messages, please do not unsubscribe.
    For questions or prize inquiries, contact customerservice@theoldschoolhouse.com

  • General
    Void where prohibited. All decisions of TOS are final. This contest and reward program are governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee, USA.