WISCONSIN ACADEMIC DECATHLON (WIAD)

Description

The Wisconsin Academic Decathlon (WIAD) program provides a statewide scholastic opportunity for public and private high school students.  Participants experience the challenges of rigorous team and individual competition each season.  A new curricular theme is reflected in the study materials each year.

WIAD is designed to develop a greater respect for knowledge, to promote wholesome inter-school academic competition, to stimulate intellectual growth and achievement, and to promote development of team efforts.  The program engages, enlightens, and enriches the students as their learning is enhanced.

Wisconsin Academic Decathlon is a non-profit program, offering a ten-event scholastic competition for high school students from ninth through twelfth grades.  Participation is voluntary.  A Local, Regional, and State level of competition are held each season.  The State Champion represents Wisconsin at the United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) National Competition each April.  

A unique aspect of Academic Decathlon is the inclusion of students from all academic backgrounds.  

Each nine-member team consists of nine high school students (as updated for the 2020-2021 season):

• 3 Honor Students (3.80 – 4.00 GPA)

• 3 Scholastic Students (3.20 – 3.799 GPA)

• 3 Varsity Students (0.00 – 3.199 GPA)

Volunteerism is a major factor in the continued success of WIAD.  Community members in the business sector and retired educators are called to service to judge essays, speeches and interviews at the annual competitions throughout the state.