Join Us

Resource books are selected each year for each subject area. The Resource List is posted in October on the Academic Junior High Decathlon National Public Coach Basecamp site. In addition, study guides are available for purchase from the test writers, with information also available on the Basecamp.

Junior High Students (6th, 7th and 8th graders) are eligible to join the Team.

• love to learn!
• be dedicated.
• be a team player.
• be able to work collaboratively with a study partner and the team.
• be organized and able to manage time effectively.
• perform well under pressure.
• have excellent study skills and be attentive during practice.

If a student participates in the AJHD, keep in mind that:

• 10 students compete on the day of the Academic Junior High Decathlon.
• The remaining students are alternates/study partners.

• It is an honor to represent your school in an academic competition and to be a part of group of outstanding students!
• It helps students develop excellent study skills.
• It prepares students for the academic transition into high school.
• It improves test-taking skills, reasoning skills and teamwork.
• Decathletes develop lasting friendships with their teammates!
• Decathletes have tons of fun!!!

According to a 2015 survey of Decathlon coaches, the majority of teams practice for an average of three to five hours per week. Typically, teams meet twice a week, and often increase their practice sessions as the day of the competition nears. In addition, decathletes spend about the same amount of time (three to five hours per week) studying materials on their own outside of practice.

As soon as possible. Many AJHD teams begin the school year studying logic. Once the Resource List is released, usually in October, practices are split between Super Quiz, individual subject tests, and logic. There is a lot of material to study, so do not put off practices!

There are two AJHD competitions held each year.
The first competition is open to any Catholic school. Teams will compete against each other in groups of 20-30 schools, assigned to a hub made up of other schools in their arch/diocese or a group of similar sized schools. This event is typically held on the 1st Saturday of March. Check the website for current details.

The overall winning team from the Diocesan level Academic Decathlon competition and the winners of the individual subject tests continue on to compete at the National Catholic Schools Academic Decathlon. The National competition is typically held soon after the first competition. Check the website for details.

The National Academic Decathlon competition follows the same format as the Diocesan competitions.

To compete at the Academic Junior High Decathlon, a student must be in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. Some teams include 5th graders in their Academic Decathlon program as study partners to help develop teams for the future. The competition team consists of ten students. Typically, academic decathlon teams have between twelve and twenty students participating in their programs.

Students must be capable of processing large amounts of information and balancing the time commitment of an extracurricular activity with their normal classroom work. Ask the junior high teachers for recommendations of potential team members. Another way to determine potential team members is to look at student standardized test scores. It is also a good idea to specifically recruit 8th grade students for the Math and English individual subject tests.

Team members must also be self-motivated and have an interest in being a part of an academic team. This means that they should be able to work in a collaborative environment, be respectful of their teammates, and dedicated to making a positive contribution to their team.

To register a team, a school must complete an online registration form. Any Catholic school in the US can register a team (or two teams, or more). Once the online form is completed, payment can be made by check or online (there is a fee to pay online). Coaches should also join the National Coach Basecamp to receive communications on details of the event.

• Participate in proctoring at the Diocesan competition for Logic, Super Quiz and individual subject tests as needed.
• Support your decathlete by assuring that enough time is spent studying for their subjects and that they complete their homework packets.
• When possible, assist your decathlete in learning their specific subject materials.
• Some schools hold fundraisers and/or charge a participation fee to cover the costs of the program.
• Provide snacks for team practices.

Two ways for schools to participate: Option 1 is registering a team of up to 10 students and participate in the Logic Test, Individual Subject Tests and Super Quiz.  Option 2 is to register 1-5 students to each take an Individual Subject Test only. Option 2 allows micro-schools or schools that want to see what the Academic Decathlon is about and participate without committing to a full team and all events.

At this point in time, we plan to have in-person Regional events for those arch/dioceses that have had in-person events in the past. For those schools that are new or have less than 5 schools participating in their arch/diocese, we will offer a virtual Regional event. We will also work with new arch/dioceses that want to have an in-person event. Please email AJHDCentral@gmail.com to start that conversation.

The National event will once again be a virtual event this year in order to minimize travel.

Please note that this plan will be re-evaluated and updated as needed to protect our students, families, coaches and everyone involved in the Academic Decathlon.