Do you have a WIAD testimonial to share? Click here!
Meet Sconnie Scholar...
Sconnie is WIAD's AI Chatbot. Sconnie offers smart help with a Midwest smile and can answer almost any question you may have about Wisconsin's Academic Decathlon Program!
For the first time, WIAD will allow individual students to compete independently—even if their school doesn’t have a full team or they weren't selected for the official team. These “Independent Competitors” will participate alongside other registered individuals in their GPA category (Honor, Scholastic, or Varsity).
Student must attend a Wisconsin high school and be in grades 9–12.
Student must have a faculty/staff sponsor at their school to serve as their WIAD liaison.
Student must complete all required forms (Code of Conduct, GPA verification, etc.) by stated deadlines.
Must register by October 13, 2025 to avoid late fees.
Individual Competitors MUST compete at all levels as INDIVIDUALS.
No one high school can sponsor more than 9 individual competitors.
Official Transcript + GPA Verification (not same as team)
Individual Code of Conduct Form (signed by student, school admin, and sponsor) (not same as team)
Separate Google Form Registration (not same as team)
Students must acquire their own curriculum materials or use those purchased by their school district, including:
USAD Study Guides & Resource Guides
The Great Gatsby (USAD edition preferred)
This covers participation at all levels: Local, Regional, and State.
Students are responsible for their own:
Transportation (for Regional & State)
Food and beverages
Lodging (for State, Feb. 26–27 in Green Bay)
Each Independent Competitor must be supported by:
A staff member at their school who:
Ensures testing is proctored appropriately
Submits forms and coordinates deadlines
Helps guide the student throughout the season
ONE sponsor from a school can sponsor up to 9 individual competitors
This sponsor does not need to provide weekly coaching or preparation sessions, though encouragement and support are appreciated!
Independent students compete only against other registered individuals. They are eligible for individual subject medals, individual overall score awards, and individual participation certificates at all levels.
Have a student who wants to participate but no team this year?
Register: Individual Registration form
Fee: $150 for 3–5 students; $100 for 1–2 students
Purpose: To give extra students competition experience and to be available if a rostered team member becomes unable to compete
Do not compete against other alternates
Not eligible for awards as an alternate
Do not give speeches or interviews unless called to replace a rostered team member
May attend in-person competitions as spectators only
Fee: $125 per student
Compete against other individuals in their GPA category (Honor, Scholastic, Varsity)
Eligible for individual awards
Must give speeches and interviews at Regionals and State
Cannot replace a rostered team member
Guaranteed advancement to Regionals and State, regardless of whether their school’s team advances
This varies by district. Some schools cover the full cost, while in other cases, the student and/or their family are responsible for part or all of the registration fee. Coaches should check with their school or district.