Prerequisites: Previous test results, prior achievement in high school, teacher and counselor recommendations, and personal interviews with course instructors. Academic Decathlon provides an intensive, exciting, demanding, and rewarding educational experience, which culminates with competition in area, state and national competitions. Through discipline and determination, the students learn by a variety of methods. Study skills are perfected, and maturity is enhanced. Higher level and critical thinking skills, creative and productive thinking, the use of different learning styles with instructional strategies varying from lecture to independent study, guided research to competitive game formats and independent and guided research are all used in the many aspects in preparation for the competition experienced through the Decathlon program. In researching and writing a speech, students will compose an original paper for oral delivery, which encompasses an evaluative and critical process. Additional time beyond regular school hours is often required.

Grades: 9-12