California Academic Decathlon

08/27/2026

Calling all student artists! 🎨

Help bring this year’s Academic Decathlon theme to life! ✈️🚆🚢

Enter the CAD Design Contest for a chance to have your artwork featured on our 2027 State Championship merch.

bit.ly/acadesign-2027

06/16/2026

The California Academic Decathlon joins the Academic Decathlon community in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Les Martisko.

Dr. Martisko served the United States Academic Decathlon with extraordinary dedication, vision, and care for students. His leadership helped strengthen the program nationally, and his commitment to educational opportunity reflected the very best of what Academic Decathlon represents.

We are grateful for his years of service, his belief in the potential of every student, and the lasting impact he made on our AcaDec community.

Our heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were blessed by his leadership and example.

https://obituaries.startribune.com/obituary/les-martisko-1093841682

05/21/2026

Congratulations to The Science Academy STEM Magnet for their Online Medium School Title - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!

05/21/2026

AGBU students turn national academic title into a community victory!

https://www.foxla.com/news/agbu-students-turn-national-academic-title-community-victory

Students from AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School in Canoga Park secured a historic victory, winning the 2025–26 United States Academic Decathlon Small Schools Virtual National Competition.

05/14/2026

FINAL COUNTDOWN: CAD VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION CLOSES TOMORROW!
http://biddingforgood.com/2026/CAD

05/12/2026

CAD's Virtual Silent Auction is a BIG HIT! We are getting New Items Daily! Bidding ends Sunday, May 17th! There's something for Everyone!

http://biddingforgood.com/2026/CAD

05/08/2026

🎉 LET THE BIDDING BEGIN! 🎉

California Academic Decathlon’s first online silent auction is officially open!

From May 8 through May 17, 2026, you can browse, bid, and support an incredible program that helps students across California grow as scholars, teammates, leaders, and confident competitors.

Every bid helps strengthen California Academic Decathlon and expand opportunities for our dedicated decathletes, coaches, schools, and communities.

✨ Auction items include exciting finds, unique experiences, gift cards, activities, and more.
✨ New favorites may be waiting for you.
✨ Invite your friends, family, colleagues, and fellow Academic Decathlon supporters to join the fun!

Items may be available for pickup or shipping, so supporters near and far can participate.

👉 Start bidding today:
www.biddingforgood.com/2026/CAD

Thank you for supporting California Academic Decathlon. We hope you enjoy our first silent auction, keep coming back, and help us make this fundraiser a success!

05/03/2026

CALIFORNIA SHOWED UP, SHOWED OUT, AND MADE HISTORY AGAIN!

At the 2026 USAD National Finals, California brought home its 23rd consecutive national title and earned first place in every division where a California team was represented. This is an incredible moment of pride for California Academic Decathlon and for our public, charter, and private schools across the state.

Congratulations to our outstanding California teams:

USAD Nationals
Division 1 National Champions: Granada Hills Charter
Division 1, 2nd Place: El Camino Real Charter
Division 1, 7th Place and Rookie of the Year: University of Orange
Division 2, 1st Place: Hallmark Academy
Division 2, 4th Place: John Marshall Sr.

USAD Virtual Nationals
Small School Division, 1st Place: AGBU Mangoorian-Demirdjian
Medium School Division, 1st Place: The Science Academy STEM Magnet

California did not enter a team in the Virtual Large School Division this year, but in every division where California was represented, our schools rose to the top.

This achievement reflects the dedication of our decathletes, coaches, families, schools, and regional programs. It also shows the strength and excellence of Academic Decathlon across California. From public schools to charter schools to private schools, California continues to set a national standard.

Congratulations to all of our California teams. You represented our state with excellence, heart, and pride.

California Academic Decathlon is proud of you!

05/03/2026

Congratulations to AGBU for taking FIRST PLACE in the 2026 USAD Online Small School National Finals!!!

05/03/2026

Alhambra Academic Decathlon Honored @ City Council!!

The City Council recognized the Alhambra High School Academic Decathlon Team this week, celebrating an impressive season marked by hard work, resilience, and st