Local students from Folsom Vista del Lago and Oak Ridge High Schools are all headed to compete among California’s brightest students at the 2025 California Academic Decathlon State Championship this week.
All three local schools, earned their place in the highly competitive state event after outstanding performances at the Sacramento County and El Dorado County Decathlons earlier this year. Now, they will face off against top teams from across the state at the championship, that takes place this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Santa Clara Marriott Hotel.
The journey to the state finals has been a testament to months of rigorous preparation and dedication by the teams of all three school Folsom High School successfully defended its county title for the fourth consecutive year in the Sacramento County competition, earning 41 individual medals and excelling in the Super Quiz event.
Meanwhile, Vista del Lago, which placed second overall, captured 44 medals across ten subjects, proving the depth of talent within the district. Due to their exceptional scores, both teams secured coveted spots at the state competition, which is being celebrated by the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD).
“We are so proud of our high schools heading to the State Academic Decathlon competition,” Erik Swanson, Superintendent of Folsom Cordova Unified School District told Folsom Times. “This monumental achievement reflects the countless hours of practice and preparation by our students and teachers, showcasing the dedication that drives excellence in learning across all our schools.”
Up the highway, Oak Ridge High School’s team, claimed victory in the overall school standings and the Super Quiz Relay to earn their trip to this week’s state competition. Much like Folsom, this isn’t the first time Oak Ridge has advance to the state level, something that has the the El Dorado County Office of Education celebrating.
“We are privileged to be part of a community dedicated to the well-being and success of our students. Countless individuals have volunteered their time and effort to make this possible,” said Ed Manansala, El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools. “I sincerely appreciate the El Dorado County Office of Education and El Dorado Union High School District team members, coaches, and many volunteers. These students recognize the power of education, and hard work and dedication drive them toward their hopes and dreams.”
The Academic Decathlon, founded in 1968, is modeled after the Olympics, but for scholars. The competition is divided into three student categories—Honors, Scholastic, and Varsity—ensuring that students of varying academic levels contribute equally to their team’s success. Each participant competes in ten events covering a diverse range of subjects, including art, music, literature, mathematics, economics, science, and social science. In addition to traditional academic tests, students are judged on prepared and impromptu speeches, essay writing, and interviews.
This year’s theme, “Our Changing Climate,” challenges students to examine environmental shifts through a multidisciplinary lens. In preparation, participants have spent months studying climate science, historical shifts, economic policies, and the cultural effects of environmental change. Their depth of knowledge will be put to the test as they compete against over 450 students from across California, all vying for the state title and a chance to advance to the U.S. Academic Decathlon Nationals in Des Moines, Iowa, in May.
“The work these students put in is extraordinary,” said Ken Scarberry, Executive Director of the California Academic Decathlon Association. “They dedicate themselves to mastering a vast range of material, developing strong public speaking skills, and working as a team. Their efforts go beyond academics—they build confidence, discipline, and friendships that will last well beyond this competition.”
Beyond its academic rigor, the Decathlon fosters an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect among competitors. Students not only compete but also support and learn from one another, creating lasting connections with peers from across the state. While the event culminates in a contest of knowledge and skill, it is also a celebration of intellectual curiosity and hard work.
