State Competitions
The California Academic Decathlon (CAD) provides a platform for high school students to excel academically, offering diverse opportunities to challenge themselves and showcase their talents. Whether they are part of a winning team, eager to collaborate with peers, or striving for individual recognition, CAD caters to various aspirations with its distinct competitions. All three paths – the Decathlon, Octathlon, and Heptathlon – offer students the chance to delve deeply into a chosen annual theme, fostering in-depth learning and a comprehensive understanding of a specific topic.
Students should carefully consider several key factors when choosing the competition that best suits their needs. Team dynamics play a crucial role, as the Decathlon and Octathlon emphasize teamwork and collaboration, while the Heptathlon focuses on individual achievement. Learning style is another important consideration, as students should assess their preferred learning environment and their comfort level with online platforms. Finally, individual goals should be carefully evaluated; students must determine whether they prioritize individual recognition or the collective success of a team.
No matter which competition they choose, the California Academic Decathlon offers an unparalleled opportunity for academic growth, personal development, and a rewarding competitive experience.
For more information about the California Academic Decathlon State Competitions, you can email info@academicdecathlon.org.
Scroll down to learn more about the three competitions.
Academic Decathlon (In-person Team Competition)
The Decathlon is an in-person team competition. This rigorous competition features seven multiple-choice exams, two performance events (speech and interview), an essay, and the thrilling Super Quiz – a fast-paced team competition. By participating in the Decathlon, students experience the excitement of in-person competition, enhance their teamwork and communication skills, and represent their school at the highest level. Teams that win at the California state level advance to the national finals, with California having consecutively held the national title since 2003.
Academic Octathlon (Online Team Competition)
The Octathlon is an online team competition designed for teams that are not the region's champions or invited to the Decathlon. In this competition, teams collaborate online, focusing on seven core academic subjects: Art, Economics, Language & Literature, Mathematics, Music, Social Science, and Science. The Octathlon allows students to develop strong teamwork and communication skills and gain valuable experience with online learning platforms.
Academic Heptathlon
The Heptathlon is an online individual competition eligible for individual decathletes who participated in their regional competition. This competition allows students to demonstrate their individual academic excellence by competing in seven rigorous multiple-choice exams across various disciplines. By participating in the Heptathlon, students cultivate critical thinking, in-depth knowledge, and independent learning skills. They also gain valuable experience with online learning platforms and prepare for the challenges of higher education.