Academic Pentathlon

Academic Pentathlon

The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools promotes student achievement by providing a forum in which teams in grades 6-8 may engage in rigorous academic preparation through cooperative interaction. The Academic Pentathlon was founded in 1984 to encourage and reward academic excellence through competitive challenge. Public and private school students in grades 6, 7, & 8 compete as individuals and as team members in a series of five academic tests. These include: Mathematics, Essay, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. This event may serve as preparation for the rigorous high school Academic Decathlon competition.

Emphasizes Cooperation to Maximize Learning:
Teamwork is at the heart of the Academic Pentathlon. Students in their middle school years feel a strong need for peer approval and support; they are often willing to work harder for their peer group than for themselves. By helping each other to prepare for the competition, Pentathletes help bring out the potential in each other. This event teaches students to appreciate different styles of learning, interests and talents, and it enhances their ability to work as a team.

Long-Term Benefits:
Pentathletes also gain valuable long-term benefits from this program. They develop traits that the business community is seeking from leaders of tomorrow: self-confidence, assertiveness, the ability to work as a team, and a high level of self-motivation and direction.

Basin Area Competition Location:
Pioneer Jr. High School, Upland USD
Date: May 12, 2012
Award Ceremony: TBA
Contact: Robert Perkins, Maylene Woods
Pioneer Jr. High School, 909/949-7770 x204

High Desert Area Competition Location:
Sitting Bull Academy, Apple Valley USD
Date:TBA
Contact: Johanna Sheffield, Johanna.Sheffield@hesperia.org
Award Ceremony: TBA
Cheryl Clark, Sitting Bull Academy, 760/961-8479, Cheryl_clarke@avusd.org

For additional information, please contact: Ms. Dottie Bryant by e-mail or by calling (909) 386-2630