The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC) are hosting the fifth annual Academic Showdown with the first regional competition having been held last Saturday, February 14 at Marshall University.
This year’s program features newcomers and returning teams representing 53 schools across 31 counties.
The 2025 Grand Champion, Morgantown High School, returns to defend its title, as well as last year’s runner-up, Bluefield High School.
Using National Academic Quiz Tournament questions, the Academic Showdown is one of the nation’s largest high school academic competitions, testing students’ knowledge of math, history, sports, fine arts, pop culture and more.
Students will compete in head-to-head rounds in six regions across the state, hosted by a partnering college or university.
photo courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Education
The top two winners in each region will advance to the finale at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston.
Teams consist of five students from grades 9 – 12. Each school may enter one team to compete.
The schedule below is contingent upon each team’s ability to travel safely for the competitions. Follow WVDE social media for the latest details and schedule changes.
Region 2 teams competing at Marshall University were: Tug Valley High School, Huntington High School,
Buffalo High School, Mingo Central High School, Winfield High School, Wayne High School, Poca High School, Hurricane High School, Spring Valley High School
Region 4 will compete at Fairmont State University on Thursday, February 19 at 8:30 a.m.
Round 1
Robert C. Byrd High School vs. North Marion High School
Fairmont Senior High Schoolvs. Lincoln High School
Grafton High School vs. Bridgeport High School
Region 1 will compete at West Virginia University on Friday, February 20, at 8:30 a.m.
Round 1
Wheeling Park High School vs. Doddridge County High School
Morgantown High School vs. University High School
John Marshall High School vs. Magnolia High School
Weir High School vs. BYE
Region 6 will compete at Shepherd University on Saturday, February 21 at 8:30 a.m.
Round 1
Washington High School vs. Martinsburg High School
Hampshire High School vs. Frankfort High School
Spring Mills High School vs. Jefferson High School
Berkeley Springs High School vs. Petersburg High School
Region 5 will compete at Concord University on Saturday, March 7 at 8:30 a.m.
Round 1
PikeView High School vs. Westside High School
James Monroe High School vs. Bluefield High School
Princeton Senior High School vs. Liberty High School
Oak Hill High School vs. Wyoming East High School
Shady Spring High School vs. Greenbrier East High School
Summers County High School vs. Woodrow Wilson High School
Region 3 will compete at West Virginia State University on Friday, March 27 at 8:30 a.m.
Round 1
Williamstown High School vs. Ripley High School
Braxton County High School vs. St. Albans High School
Capital High School vs. Nitro High School
Scott High School vs. Charleston Catholic High School
George Washington High School vs. South Charleston High School
Sherman High School vs. BYE
The finale of the Academic Showdown season will be held on Friday, May 1 at the West Virginia Culture Center, Charleston.