Runner-Up Finish at National Science Bee
Bailey Zhao ranked among Texas’ top science competitors
The John Cooper School student Bailey Zhao recently earned national recognition with a runner-up finish at the 2026 National Science Bee, competing among nearly 200 regional champions and finalists from more than 30 states.
After qualifying for the national competition, Bailey advanced to the final stage in Orlando, Florida, where she finished as the National Science Bee Runner-Up. Her national achievement builds on an impressive record in science competition. Bailey is the Greater Houston Area Champion and has been the No. 1-ranked Texas player in her grade level for two consecutive years, 2025 and 2026.
The National Science Bee is a buzzer-based academic competition that challenges students across a broad range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and earth science. Students must demonstrate both a strong understanding of scientific concepts and the ability to quickly connect and apply their knowledge in a competitive setting.
At Cooper, Bailey served as a Science Bowl team co-captain earlier this year. She credits Middle School science teachers Bridget Guisinger and Christy Shick for their support and guidance as the team prepared for and participated in competition.
For Bailey, Science Bowl is about more than answering questions correctly. One of her favorite parts of the experience has been encouraging her teammates to speak up, trust what they know, and attempt answers, particularly during high-pressure moments in competition.
As a new competition season begins at Cooper, Bailey is looking forward to bringing that same enthusiasm back to her team and encouraging more students to explore science.
Her accomplishment reflects not only an exceptional command of scientific knowledge but also the curiosity, confidence, and leadership that grow when students are encouraged to challenge themselves and share their interests with others.
The John Cooper School
From Curiosity to Wisdom TM
The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. Our mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
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