The Academic Decathlon, which began in 1987, focuses on the importance of developing well-rounded individuals and provides an antidote to intellectual apathy and underachievement. This program provides incentive for average students, underachieving students, above-average students as well as academically talented students, to become interested in intellectual activities. Academic Decathlon opens the door to academic achievement for all students.
The Academic Decathlon requires participants to prepare for ten academic events. Like the decathlon athletic contest, the Academic Decathlon does not permit participants to specialize but rather the Academic Decathlon encourages academic versatility by requiring students to prepare for all ten events. The Academic Decathlon stresses educational opportunity and academic excellence.