Academic Competition Teams are by invitation and application only.
Available year-round.

Science Olympiad is a national program in which students learn science through active, hands-on participation with an emphasis on problem solving and team building skills. Students from different schools compete in events designed to be fun, exciting and challenging. Some events require knowledge of science facts and concepts while others rely on scientific processes, skills and applications so students with varying skills can participate. Science Olympiad also brings team spirit and practice in good sportsmanship.

15 students compete on a team responsible for 23 events. New students usually start with two events, while veteran competitors cover four or five. RCSA competes at the regional and state level and has taken home numerous gold, silver and bronze medals at all levels. RCSA competed at the national level after winning the state championship in 2018.

Elementary Science Olympiad | Grades 3–5

Students compete in STEM-based events that challenge their knowledge of science concepts, engineering design, and problem-solving skills.

Contact: Mrs. Peterson — rpeterson@rivercityscience.org

Middle School Science Olympiad | Grades 6–8

A competitive STEM team that prepares students for regional and state-level science competitions through rigorous study and hands-on engineering challenges.

Contact: Ms. Shaffer — ashaffer@rivercityscience.org

SeaPerch Robotics | Grades 6–8

SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students with the resources they need to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). The SeaPerch Program provides students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics (STEM) while building an underwater ROV as part of a science and engineering technology curriculum. Throughout the project, students will learn engineering concepts, problem solving, teamwork, and technical applications. Building a SeaPerch ROV teaches basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages students to explore naval architecture and marine and ocean engineering principles. Students learn important engineering and design skills and are exposed to all the exciting careers that are possible in naval architecture and naval, ocean, and marine engineering.

SeaPerch includes a series of competitions held at the local, regional, and international levels. The annual International SeaPerch Challenge is an invitation-only event that includes teams who excel at regional competitions and earn a slot to compete at this event. Our Mandarin campus made history in 2019 when they won the state competition and went on to compete at the international level.

Contact: Mr. Sirri — nsirri@rivercityscience.org

Literary Games / Battle of the Books | Grades 3–5

Students read a variety of selected books and compete in academic reading competitions across RCSA campuses that promote comprehension, teamwork, and a love of reading.

Contact: Mrs. Kovacs — bkovacs@rivercityscience.org

FIRST LEGO League Challenge (Jr. FLL) | Grades 2–3

Students work collaboratively to solve real-world problems through coding, robotics, research, and innovation using LEGO-based engineering challenges.

Contact: Ms. Ferringer — sferringer@rivercityscience.org

Elementary Mathletics | Grades 3–5

Students strengthen mathematical thinking through problem-solving activities, competitions, and collaborative challenges.

Contact: Mrs. Ayfer — austaomer@rivercityscience.org

Middle School Mathletics | Grades 6–8

Students develop advanced mathematical reasoning and competition skills through challenging mathematical investigations and contests.

Contact: Mrs. Ayfer — austaomer@rivercityscience.org

Model United Nations | Grades 6–8

Students explore global issues while developing public speaking, debate, leadership, and diplomacy skills through simulated United Nations conferences.

Contact: Mrs. Simpson — csimpson@rivercityscience.org

Speech & Debate | Grades 6–8

Students build confidence in public speaking, argumentation, research, and communication while participating in structured debates and presentations.

Contact: Ms. Aliano — raliano@rivercityscience.org