Academic Octathlon
Freshman and sophomore high school students interested in the decathlon program can compete in the Academic Octathlon.This program is patterned after the Decathlon program, except with fewer events. Octathletes compete at the District and Regional levels in eight categories including:
- Essay writing
- Math
- Science
- Social studies
- Economics
- Language and literature
- Fine arts
As with the other "academic __athlon" programs, the final event is a “Super Quiz” with the students competing in front of cheering fans.
In 2006, Garland ISD hosted the Octathlon Regional competition at North Garland High School that included participants from 10 districts in the DFW metroplex.