Academic Competitions
Battle of the Books
MSAD participates annually in the Battle of the Books competition sponsored by Gallaudet University. The competition is divided into three divisions, with students grouped by reading levels: 3rd–4th grade, 5th–6th grade, and 7th grade and above.
Students prepare for matches with other schools and programs for the deaf across the nation by independently reading an assigned list of books. They are tested on their comprehension and recall through multiple-choice and short-answer questions, and the final playoff round features presentation-style questions that encourage teamwork and deeper literary understanding.
Math Competition
MSAD sponsors a Math Team, an academic extracurricular activity for middle school students. The team participates in the annual RIT/NTID Math Competition for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, where participants are challenged with a wide range of mathematical concepts and problem-solving tasks.
Students compete both individually and as a team, demonstrating their math skills, critical thinking, and collaboration while representing MSAD at the national level.
Academic Bowl
MSAD sponsors an Academic Bowl, an extracurricular academic competition for high school students affiliated with Gallaudet University’s annual Academic Bowl.
The MSAD Academic Bowl team prepares for head-to-head quiz bowl–style competitions at conference (GPSD), regionals, and national tournaments against other schools and programs for the Deaf across the nation. Students are tested on their knowledge of core high school subjects—math, science, geography, history, and literature, as well as additional topics such as art, current events, Deaf history, mythology, sports, and general trivia.
Through participation, students develop teamwork, critical thinking, and quick-recall skills while proudly representing MSAD on a national stage.
ASL Bowl
The ASL Bowl is an exciting competition for 7th–12th grade students to showcase their American Sign Language skills in three creative categories: Storytelling, Handshapes, and Poetry.
Students are divided into two divisions based on grade level: Division 1 (7th–9th graders) and Division 2 (10th–12th graders). Each year, participants compete against other schools in the Great Plains Schools for the Deaf (GPSD) Conference Triathlon.
The host school selects a new theme each year, inspiring students to demonstrate their language fluency, creativity, and expressive storytelling through ASL. The ASL Bowl encourages pride in Deaf culture, artistic expression, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of sign language.
Oratorical
The Oratorical is a public speaking competition presented in American Sign Language and based on the Optimist Club’s annual theme. Like the ASL Bowl, students compete in two divisions: Division 1 (7th–9th graders) and Division 2 (10th–12th graders).
Participants prepare a typed essay in advance, then deliver their speech in ASL, demonstrating both their expressive language and presentation skills. The Oratorical is held as part of the Great Plains Schools for the Deaf (GPSD) Triathlon, alongside the ASL Bowl and other academic and cultural competitions.
This event provides students with a platform to express their ideas, strengthen their confidence, and celebrate the power of storytelling and advocacy through ASL.
