What Is AGLOA?
The Academic Games Leagues of America, Inc. (AGLOA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 1992 and incorporated in 1997 to conduct academic competitions at the local and national levels. Players receive recognition and awards for their academic achievements in the same way that sports champions are honored.
The first Academic Games National Tournament took place in the spring of 1966. Organized local leagues began the following school year. Since this founding year, players and coaches from various geographical locations have come together to compete. AGLOA has hosted a national tournament each year since its conception. Over 30,000 players have competed nationally since 1966. Over 100,000 players have participated in local Academic Games tournaments.
The alumni list of former Academic Games players and champions includes major business leaders, nationally recognized educators, and professionals of all types. Our alumni have grown to become leaders in their communities and their work environments.
Who Plays?
AGLOA welcomes all students in Grades 4 through 12 to join and play the academic games. A student may play as an individual but most compete in teams of five through their school or district.
Players compete in one of four divisions, according to their grade level:
- Elementary (Grade 6 and below)
- Middle (Grade 8 and below)
- Junior (Grade 10 and below)
- Senior (Grade 12 and below)
Participants compete in one or more of eight different game competitions. Players first learn to play at their schools and compete against students from other schools in their local area. Winners move up to state or regional events and then the national tournament.
What Do Competitors Learn?
Mathematics, language arts, and social studies are the core subjects for the various games. Players often learn and apply important concepts in these subject areas before they are taught at their grade level in school. Strategy, in addition to knowledge, is a key component in each of the competitions. It is not enough to know the subject matter (though the more a player knows, the better the player will be). Players must also develop courage and poise in applying their knowledge while competing against opponents.
Promotional Video