New Year Rings in Season of Student Academic Events

RIVERSIDE – Riverside County students are starting the new year by flexing their academic muscles, reviewing trial cases, piecing together their history and science projects, and studying their spelling words for the upcoming academic event season.

Dedicated students and coaches have invested months of meticulous preparation to showcase their skills at county-level competitions with the hopes of securing invitations to state, national, and international competitions.

Each of the events adheres to the guidelines set forth by both state and national contests, ensuring alignment with rules and expectations at the next level of competition. Every event will be marked by in-person award ceremonies, adding a personal touch to the recognition of participants' achievements. More details on each event will be available on individual event pages.

“These academic events provide students with a chance to challenge their limits by thinking critically, sparking creativity, and collaborating with others,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “By combining their strengths and adapting to challenges, each student is growing leadership skills which give them a competitive edge as they pursue their college and career dreams.”  

This year, the Riverside County Office of Education is inviting community members to join in the fun and serve as volunteers. Specifically, volunteer positions are available for Academic Decathlon, Science and Engineering Fair, and History Day.

In addition, sponsorship opportunities are available for all events.

Here is a preview of the 2026 Riverside County student academic events:

ACADEMIC DECATHLON 

• What: Academic competition with the 2026 theme “The Roaring Twenties”
• When: January 14, 2026 – Essay (Remote)January 24, 2026 – Objective Tests (Remote)
  January 31, 2026– Speech/Interview, Super Quiz, and Awards Ceremony 
• Where: RCOE Conference Center (4280 Brockton Avenue, Riverside)
• Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer for Academic Decathlon
• 2025 Competition Highlights: Western Center Academy Wins 42nd Annual Riverside County Academic Decathlon 

MOCK TRIAL 

• What: Fictional legal trial competition with students trying the case as members of the defense and prosecution teams. This year’s trial is People v. Fromholz.
• When: Seven rounds of competition starting January 22, 2026, and ending with the finals on February 19, 2026.
• Where: Multiple locations, with final round at Riverside Historic Courthouse (4050 Main Street, Riverside)
• 2025 Competition Highlights: The Verdict Is In: Poly High School Wins 43rd Annual Riverside Mock Trial

SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR 

• What: Competition featuring science and engineering projects designed, developed, and displayed by students. 
• When: February 27, 2026 – Project Set Up and Judging; February 28, 2026 – Public Viewing and Awards Ceremony 
• Where: Riverside Convention Center (3637 Fifth Street, Riverside)
• Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer for Science and Engineering Fair
• 2025 Competition Highlights: Top Scientists Named at Riverside County Science and Engineering Fair

HISTORY DAY 

• What: Year-long educational program in which students become historians. Theme for 2026 is "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History”. 
• When: March 14, 2026 – Judging and Interviews and Awards Ceremony 
• Where: Canyon Springs High School (23100 Cougar Canyon Rd., Moreno Valley, CA) 
• Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer for History Day 
• 2025 Competition Highlights: Results from 2025 Riverside County National History Day: 73 Projects by 135 Riverside County Students Advance to National History Day-California Competition

SPELLING BEE 

• What: The traditional spelling bee will be held in person at the RCOE Conference Center. The winner from Riverside County will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
• When: March 26, 2026, 9:00 a.m. 
• Where: Riverside County Office of Education Conference Center (4280 Brockton Avenue, Riverside)
• 2025 Competition Highlights: Victoria Li Wins 47th Annual Riverside County Spelling Bee After 23 Rounds of Competition

About the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)

RCOE is a service agency supporting the county’s 23 school districts and 500+ schools that serve nearly 430,000 students—more than the student population of 17 states. RCOE services include administrative support to districts and charter schools, programs for preschool, special education, pregnant minor, correctional, migrant, and vocational students. In addition, the organization provides professional training, support, and resources for more than 18,000 teachers, administrators, and staff, throughout the 7,000 square miles of Riverside County. Learn more at www.rcoe.us.