Academic Decathlon
2025-26 AcaDeca Team
The following students will represent Pius X as our official team at Regionals and State this year:
Honors: Gabriel Callahan, An Vu, Josi Montgomery, and Therese Murray
Scholastic: Henry Bettey, Inara McArthur, and Marie Nguyen
Varsity: Leo Werner, Regina Jordan, Charlotte Langdon, and Caleb Jordan
Coach: Ann Kotopka
Classroom teachers: Classroom teachers: Ann Kotopka (Head teacher, Art History, Social Science, Music, Economics) Lori Morin (Literature), Judy Fulton (Science)
The trip to NYC
The 2026 Aca Deca class trip to New York City was an unforgettable adventure filled with learning, exploration, and laughter. Over several busy days, the students experienced the energy and beauty of the city—from breathtaking views at The Edge to peaceful moments along The High Line, Little Island, and Central Park. Students admired iconic sites such as The Chrysler Building, Bryant Park, and Grand Central Station, and marveled at the architecture of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and other historic churches, including attending a beautiful Mass at St. Vincent Ferrer.
The trip was rich with art and culture—visits to the Whitney Museum, Mercer Labs, MoMA, the Guggenheim, The Frick, The Met, and The Cloisters offered endless inspiration. We also explored Chelsea Market, Korea Town, and enjoyed shopping along 5th Avenue, in addition to walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and visiting the 9/11 Memorial Pools. A special highlight was seeing The Great Gatsby on Broadway and ending the trip in Times Square at night, watching snow fall over the glowing city lights. It was a wonderful week of discovery, bonding, and lifelong memories for our amazing Aca Deca students.
About AcaDeca
Academic Decathlon is an accelerated and intensive year-long course of study in science, social studies, math, English (literature, critical reading, and writing), art, music, speech and economics. A new theme focuses the study each year, so a student may take this course more than once. Students are encouraged to participate in at least one scrimmage the first semester. A select group of twelve students will compete in Regional, and if successful, State, and possibly National Competitions. Because students in Academic Decathlon must come from three academic levels (A, B, and C or below) as determined by selected portions of their GPA, students of varying ability and grade will be in class together. Grading standards for this course are adjusted for grade and ability. Summer reading is encouraged.
2025-26 Schedule
Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 – Scrimmage
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 – Scrimmage
Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 – Regionals
Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20-21, 2026 – State Finals