Academic Pentathlon
In recent years, Beyond the Bell decided to expand Decathlon and coordinate the LAUSD middle school version of the competition, Academic Pentathlon. The LAUSD teams are representative of their schools and communities. According to the competition guidelines, teams are comprised on students with varying grade point averages. Additionally, the students represent the gender, socioeconomic, and ethnic makeup of their individual schools.
Each year about 20-30 teams, composed of 9 Official Team Pentathletes and multiple Junior Varsity students from schools across the district, commit to studying and preparing for the regional competition that take place in March and April. Students compete in the LAUSD Regional competition and participate in the Pentathlon Awards Ceremony in April. Winning teams from Regional competition are invited to participate in the National competition.
Dr. Neena Agnihotri has been an Educator for 20+ years. Her work in LAUSD includes science teacher, counselor, teacher adviser, and administrator. She has completed graduate programs and credentials in Biological Sciences, Education, and Counseling and Psychology. Her doctoral degree is in Educational Leadership and Policy studies. She has been recognized and published for her work with College Access for first generation students of color in LAUSD. She is committed to her work with students and staff in LAUSD and is passionate about providing equity and access to all students. Through Beyond the Bell, she continues to provide opportunities for students to excel at learning and engaging in Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon competitions, so they are READY for the world.
- Pillar 1: Academic Excellence
- Priority 1A: High Quality Instruction: The teaching and learning leading up to the Academic Pentathlon competition provides a platform for in-depth and comprehensive learning across multiple subjects. The Pentathlon competition challenges students with rigorous content and diverse formats—including written tests, essays, and presentations—that promote high standards of instruction and academic rigor.
- Priority 1B: Enriching Experiences: The Academic Pentathlon offers students a diverse and stimulating academic competition that goes beyond the standard curriculum. It provides opportunities for intellectual exploration and personal growth through a wide range of subjects, collaborative team activities, and public speaking challenges.
- Priority 1D: College and Career Readiness: The Academic Pentathlon fosters interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and soft skills like teamwork and communication. It prepares students for the rigors of college and careers by challenging them academically, enhancing their college applications, and encouraging career exploration.
- Pillar 2: Joy and Wellness
- Priority 2A: Welcoming Learning Environments: The Academic Pentathlon fosters inclusivity and collaboration among students of diverse backgrounds and abilities. The team-based nature of the competition encourages mutual support, respect, and a sense of belonging, as students work together toward a common goal.
- Priority 2C: Strong Social-Emotional Skills: The Academic Pentathlon helps students develop resilience, self-discipline, and teamwork. Through the rigorous preparation and competition, students learn to manage stress, set and achieve goals, and support one another, enhancing their emotional intelligence. The experience also fosters a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace challenges and persist through difficulties, which are essential social-emotional skills for lifelong success.
If you are interested in joining the 2024-2025 Academic Pentathlon program, the Interest to Participate form is now available for schools to join the competition. This year’s topic was announced as Our Changing Climate. Signing up early allows schools to plan ahead their budgeting for instructional materials and staffing, recruit students and coaches, as well as determine meeting times.
For students and parents who would like to sign up for the Academic Decathlon team at your school, please fill out the Student Sign-up Form.
- Scrimmage - March 1, 2025
- Regional Competition - April 5, 2025
- Super Quiz - April 5, 2025
- Regional Awards Ceremony - April 26, 2025
- Neena Agnihotri, Academic Decathlon/Pentathlon Coordinator
- Heidi Ramirez, Area Program Supervisor
- Cristina Gonzalez, Area Program Supervisor
- Steven Wong, IT Support Technician
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (213) 241-7900