History
The Aca Dec program started in California by Orange County Academic Decathlon Association in cooperation with the Orange County Superintendent of Schools in 1968. Region contests were held until 1979 when California held the first statewide competition. In 1982, the competition became a national event and the USAD(United States Academic Decathlon) was formed. In 1984, Texas became a USAD member and won the national championship in LA with a team from J.J. Pearce High School, Richardson Independent School District. Pearce repeated as champions for the next two years. In the 16 years, Texas has participated in the competition, its teams have won 10 national championships, placed second four times and third twice.

The System
Region and state contests are held for schools categorized as large, medium and small. Based on a point system, the highest scoring team represents the state at the national USAD competition. All members of the winning team receive scholarships.

Categories
The Academic Decathlon is designed to include students of three academic levels. Each nine-member team consists of three "A" students, three "B" students, and three "C" students who, perhaps never before motivated, perform very well. The Academic Decathlon is the only competition to award "C" students scholarships!