2026 Theme: The Roaring Twenties

The Academic Decathlon is a unique opportunity for high school students in Ventura County to compete in teams in five different types of events. The top Ventura County team participates in the statewide Academic Decathlon competition. A California team then participates in the United States Academic Decathlon, which is the premier scholastic competition for students in America from both public and private high schools. Below is a ist of the academic events which comprise the Academic Decathlon: 

Speech

The speech event includes both a prepared and impromptu speech component (students will be asked to perform both). In the prepared speech, students will speak for up to four minutes on any topic they select in advance.. The impromptu speech will follow, and students will be asked to speak off the cuff for up to two minutes on a topic they will be provided on the spot.

Interview

In the interview, students will have seven minutes to answer questions about themselves. Students should prepare to answer questions about their background, interests, and goals.

Essay

In the essay, students will have fifty minutes to write the strongest paper possible. Students are recommended to prepare by outlining and writing compelling arguments related to six of the seven Academic Decathlon subjects (excluding math). Students are also recommended to study the annual Academic Decathlon theme to gain evidence and information on whatever topic they may face on competition day.

Tests of Knowledge (Objective Exams)

To round out the events above, students will take seven multiple choice exams, one in each of the Academic Decathlon subjects: Art, Music, Social Science, Science, Economics, Literature, and Mathematics. 

Super Quiz

In the Super Quiz, teammates take turns solving tough multiple choice challenges in a trivia-like format in front of a live audience. This component of the Academic Decathlon will not impact team scores, as it is designed in the spirit of sportsmanship and fun!