Solano County Office of Education

Since 1981, the Solano County Office of Education has sponsored the Academic Decathlon for local public and private high school students to compete as individuals and as a team in a series of academic test and demonstrations. In 2006, Solano County expanded its services to include 11 surrounding counties: Alameda, Colusa, Contra Costa, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Sonoma, and Yolo.

The Academic Decathlon was officially established in 1968 by Robert Peterson, Ed.D., former County Superintendent of Schools in Orange County and has served as the model for all prestigious Academic Decathlon events that now exist at the state and national levels.

The 2024 - 25 theme is "OUR CHANGING CLIMATE"

Become a volunteer! SCOE is looking for volunteers who can assist in bringing this incredible experience to students.

ABOUT THE DECATHLON

School teams study the theme using curriculum that is provided by the United States Academic Decathlon. Events include multiple-choice tests in different subjects: Art, Economics, Literature, Math, Science and Social Science. Events also include prepared and impromptu speeches, written essays, interviews with judges, and the Super Quiz (which is a quiz-bowl-type competition that takes place in front of a live audience when in-person).

What makes the Academic Decathlon a Winning Program fro Students?

Academic Decathlon...

Increases academic achievement
Improes student habits
Fosters teamwork in a learning environment
Levels the playing field for students with varying Grade Point Averages
Incorporates the Arts
Develops leaders of the future
Cultivates confiendence
Promotes lifelong learning

In addition, the program...

Teaches real world skills, including:

Public speaking
Interviewing
Analtical writing

Builds 21st century skills, including:

Critical thinking and creativity
Character, grit, work eithic, and perseverance
Communication and collaboration
Intitiative and self direction

Academic Decathlon teams consist of students know as Decathletes. Each team consists of three academic levels: Honor (GPA 3.80 - 4.0), Scholastic (GPA 3.2 - 3.799), and Varsity (GPA 0.0 - 3.199).

After scores for all tests, interviews, speeches, and essays are accumulated, individual and team awards medals are presented at an awards ceremony.

The overall winning team from each participating county is invited to participate in the statewide California Academic Decathlon. Based on overall state scores, additional teams may be invited to represent their county as "wild card" teams.

Academic Decathlon teams spend months preparing for this demanding competition. In addition to mastering the extensive content, students learn about teamwork, goal setting, planning, and leadership.

TEAM RESOURCES

How to Start a Team

Jan. 9, '25 Online Essay Schedule

Jan. 25, '25 Objective Schedule
Feb. 1, '24 SpIn & SQ Schedule
Feb. 1, '25 Awards Schedule

TEAM DOCUMENTS

Calculator Forum

Map of Solano College

Special Needs Request Form

Team Agreement

VOLUNTEER RESOURCES

VOLUNTEER FLYER
Speech Orientation Packet
Interview Orientation Packet
Feb. 1, '24 SpIn Schedule
Feb. 1, '24 SQ Schedule

LOCAL LODGING