The 29th Scripps National Spelling Bee was held at the Department of Commerce auditorium in Washington, District of Columbia on May 17, 1956, sponsored by the E.W. Scripps Company.^[1]

The winner was 13-year-old Melody Sachko of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,^[2] correctly spelling the word "condominium". Second place went to Sandra Owen, a 13-year-old from Justus, Ohio, who failed to spell "afflatus".^[3] Third-place was taken by Ann Malone Warren, 13, from Monticello, Georgia, and fourth went to Karin Carter, 12, of San Francisco, California.^[4]

There were 63 spellers this year, and boys (34) outnumbered girls (29) for the first time. Three spellers were return contestants, including Sachko, who had placed 6th in 1954.^[1] 632 words were used, and Bee took eight hours to complete.^[4]

The first place award was $1,000, doubled from the previous year, with $500 for second place and $250 for third. The next five each received $100, the next ten $50, and the remaining 45 spellers $25 each.^[1]