Find a Coach

First, and most important, you need a coach. This will most likely be a teacher who has shown enthusiasm for the program. It is helpful to recruit several teachers to help, especially in economics, math, fine arts, and maybe speech. But the primary coach will be the team motivator and must be willing to spend the most time with the students.

Many schools use the study materials as curriculum for a class that is held during the school day. The teacher who teaches Academic Decathlon will normally be the coach in this case. While this is a good option it isn’t the only way to form a team. A team can also be formed as an after school activity. This of course takes a greater commitment of time from the coach.

The coach should make sure the teachers of classes that cover the Decathlon topics for the year know what you are working on so they can arrange to cover those topics at a time that is most helpful to you. Order your curriculum materials from USAD. Keep the preparation process simple and focused.

Recruiting Students

Putting together a team is usually a challenge since many students may not show enthusiasm for studying as a leisure activity. While a team can compete with as few as 6 students, to be a competitive team at the state finals, you will need to find 3 "A" students, 3 "B" students, and 3 "C" students. (See Eligibility Guidelines for a complete explanation of the GPA requirements and calculations.)

Academic Decathlon is the most difficult academic competition in America today. As such, it has immediate appeal for many A or B students. The "Varsity" students, those with a GPA below 3.0, are usually the most difficult to recruit for your team, but they often turn out to be the most spirited and the most successful. While each high school will need to devise its own strategies for team recruitment, the following procedures may bring you success:

When to Start Your Decathlon Program

While most coaches start their program in the fall after classes begin, some dedicated teams will work throughout the summer by having their students read the novel, listen to the Music CD’s and collect research materials. Students need to be involved in deciding upon a Decathlon preparation schedule. Realistic goals for study session and meetings should be established.