What is Science Olympiad?

Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division. Division B is middle school; Division C is high school.

Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved. Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation.

Through Science Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders bond together and work toward a shared goal.

Science Olympiad at Oak Valley

Opened in 2005 as part of the prestigious Poway Unified School District, Oak Valley Middle School is located in 4S Ranch and provides excellence in education to nearly 1,800 area 6th, 7th and 8th graders.

The Science Olympiad program was founded at Oak Valley 14 years ago. In just a short time, we have catapulted to become one of the most sought after extra-curricular programs on campus, boasting enrollment of close to 200 students every year. What is more, over the past several years we have risen from 21th in the State to 1st, thanks to our hardworking students and dedicated volunteers. In 2023, we placed 1st at the San Diego Regional Competition (for the 6th year in a row) and 4th at the Southern California State Tournament.

Oak Valley’s support of Science Olympiad has been unwavering. Principal Colin Young and his staff provide free classroom space, use of advanced scientific equipment and study resources so students get real-life, hands on experiences while preparing for competitions. Coaching the 23 different events is done exclusively by parent and high school volunteer coaches.

Science Olympiad is run 100% by volunteers such as parents, teachers, and high school students. Fees for registering for Science Olympiad go toward purchasing materials needed to teach the classes and participate in the competitions: study resources, lab equipment, copies, registration fees, and food for students at the events. We happily accept personal donations and encourage parents to seek matching or volunteer contributions from employers. Companies such as Qualcomm and Siemens often have donation programs in place whether or not you volunteer. Please ask your employer.

Coaching Inquiries

Are you interested in helping out our team by serving as a Coach or Assistant Coach? Doing so will not only help your student with volunteer points that will be calculated into their final scores, but you will be helping the entire OVMS Science Olympiad team reach our goal of returning to Nationals again this year. Email us with questions and to find out what Coach and Assistant Coach positions are still available.

See our Coaching FAQ page for more information on Poway Unified clearance requirements.

Find out more about Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad: http://www.soinc.org/
Southern California Science Olympiad: http://www.socalstatescioly.org/
San Diego Regional Science Olympiad: https://scilympiad.com/sdso
Science Olympiad general information put together by students and coaches: http://scioly.org/