Academic Decathlon is a rigorous high school class and club at South High that challenges students to excel across multiple subjects, combining teamwork, discipline and academic skill.
Academic Decathlon is a club or competitive event where students compete in different subjects to include art, music, literature, economics, science, social science and math. Each year there are different themes, on which the subjects are based. Past themes have included humanity and technology, the Roaring ’20s and, next year, transportation and transformation.
South High teacher Abigail Kutlas-Prickett is the coach for Academic Decathlon. Kutlas-Prickett not only teaches Academic Decathlon but also teaches U.S. History.
Kutlas-Prickett explained that the variety of material the class covers is what makes Academic Decathlon different from other academic classes. Kutlas-Prickett added that the different subjects covered are usually siloed into their own pathway or department. Kutlas-Prickett further explained that being able to approach different topics from different perspectives is what makes it unique.
“I like that about Academic Decathlon because I think it allows students to see the connection between different subjects in a creative way.”
Academic Decathlon is not only about competition; it also has other missions for students. Kutlas-Prickett explained that the class provides students with opportunities to learn about specific subjects in more depth than one would in a traditional class setting. It also gives students a college-preparatory experience.
Through Academic Decathlon, students also have the ability to see their own strengths and weaknesses.
“If you are someone who struggles with time management or if you struggle with finding motivation, this can show the gaps in your skills and allow you to address them and work on them.”
As for the competition portion of the class, students take part in three guaranteed competitions a year, with the first two in November and December, followed by regionals in January. The competitions consist of a 30-minute multiple-choice test with 50 questions. At these events, students also can win individual or overall medals depending on where they place.
As for how quickly the class moves through material, Kutlas-Prickett explained that the class moves very quickly, with only three or four months of preparation for the first competition that covers three of seven subjects. Other than studying the subjects, that includes reading an entire novel, 12 short stories or poems and 12 to 15 pieces of music of various genres, including art.
“It’s up to students to get out what they put in.”
What makes Academic Decathlon students step outside of their comfort zones is the variety of subjects.
“The fact that some of the information is pretty random and is a faster-paced class, there is a level of stepping outside of your comfort zone in challenging yourself to learn brand-new information that might not be a subject you have always enjoyed.”
As for who can join Academic Decathlon, anyone can join. Academic Decathlon is also an honors-credit course, giving a boost toward your GPA. Kutlas-Prickett explained that students of all academic backgrounds are welcome and that they should try it because it might be something interesting for them.
“Even if you’re a person who’s like, art’s not my best or I’m not a great writer, that’s okay, you still might be great at Academic Decathlon if you’re just the kind of person who finds yourself scrolling through videos or looking up videos on YouTube because you’re curious and want to learn more.”
