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Mission and Strategic Vision

November 2015 Awards

We choose to...do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too. President John F. Kennedy (September 12, 1962)

What's our mission? To transform the lives of those who participate in Academic Decathlon.


We want students to not only be exposed to a broad range of knowledge, but also become members of a lifelong community of leaders. At its core, Massachusetts Academic Decathlon seeks to reinforce the knowledge and tools learned in the high school classroom by promoting academic excellence and rigor, stimulating intellectual growth and exploration, and empowering students to reach their full potential. But more importantly, MassDecathlon expands beyond this pre-existing skill set through an emphasis on multidisciplinary learning, teamwork and peer mentoring, and research and communications skills, all of which prepares students with the skills needed to succeed in both college and future careers.


We believe that every student can be a hero, not just those on the court or field.


We believe that every student deserves a chance to push themselves and to contribute to something greater than themselves, not just those who relish the thrill of history textbooks and math homework.


We believe that every student should have the opportunity to achieve greatness - through inter-school academic competition, students can do what they have never dared to do before, and teams can accomplish what none of its members would have ever thought possible before.


Developed and maintained by Massachusetts Academic Decathlon. Academic Decathlon, United States Academic Decathlon, U.S. Academic Decathlon, USAD, Super Quiz, and the USAD logo are trademarks and service marks of The United States Academic Decathlon Association and are used under license.