University High School’s Academic Decathlon team took part in the state competition over the weekend and, based on eligibility requirements, moves on to the United States Academic Decathlon National Competition in Garden Grove.
Quick look: Woodbridge, University and Valencia high schools placed among the top teams at the 2026 California Academic Decathlon. Based on eligibility requirements, University High School will advance to the United States Academic Decathlon National Competition in Garden Grove.
Orange County students delivered another strong showing at the 2026 California Academic Decathlon, with multiple teams placing among the state’s top competitors and one advancing to the national stage.
Woodbridge High School students review materials together during the California Academic Decathlon, preparing between events. After capturing its ninth Orange County Academic Decathlon title in 10 years, Woodbridge placed seventh at the California Academic Decathlon.
You might recall that in February, Woodbridge High School in Irvine took first place overall at the 2026 Orange County Academic Decathlon, earning its ninth county championship in 10 years. At the statewide competition, held March 20–22 in Santa Clara, Woodbridge finished seventh overall in Division 1, while fellow Irvine campus University High School placed ninth. (More on University in a moment.)
In Division 2, Valencia High School earned second place — bringing home one of the competition’s top trophies and finishing just behind champion Folsom High School.
Longtime powerhouses Granada Hills Charter High School and El Camino Real Charter High School once again battled for the state title, with Granada Hills capturing the championship with 53,811.8 points out of a possible 60,000.
University advances
Meanwhile, this year introduced a unique wrinkle for teams advancing beyond the county level. Schools were initially required to choose whether to compete under California Academic Decathlon (CAD) eligibility rules or United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) eligibility rules, which differed due to GPA requirements.
University High School students compete in the Super Quiz event during the California Academic Decathlon. The team is now headed to the United States Academic Decathlon National Competition, scheduled for April 23–26 in Garden Grove.
Woodbridge and Valencia competed as CAD-eligible teams at the state level, while University High opted for USAD eligibility — a decision that ultimately positioned that team to advance.
As a result, University is among seven California schools set to compete in the United States Academic Decathlon National Competition, scheduled for April 23–26 in Garden Grove.
The appearance marks a rare opportunity for Orange County. The last time a local team competed at the national level was in 1991, when Laguna Hills High School placed second — matching its runner-up finish in 1990.
OC showcases depth
With roots in Orange County, the Academic Decathlon is a rigorous academic competition that challenges teams of nine students across 10 subject areas, including mathematics, literature, economics and science.
In addition to written exams, students participate in interviews, deliver prepared and impromptu speeches, and compete in the fast-paced Super Quiz Relay — a team event that brings an energetic, crowd-driven atmosphere to the competition. This year’s theme was “Roaring Twenties.”
Valencia High School students pose with medals and a trophy after earning second place in their division at the California Academic Decathlon.
Across divisions, Orange County teams remained competitive, continuing a strong showing at the state level and reinforcing the depth of the region’s academic decathlon programs, said Kristin Rigby, coordinator of Academic Events and Recognition Programs at the Orange County Department of Education.
“Academic Decathlon is about so much more than the final scores,” Rigby said.
“Students spend months preparing, supporting one another and building skills they’ll carry with them long after the competition ends. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our Orange County teams perform so well at the state level and continue on to the national stage.”