About the Tournament

This year’s competition will take place at Algood City Hall, with 16 teams representing 14 Tennessee high schools. Moderators Molly Risley, Dr. Brian O’Connor, and Caleb Bates will guide teams through three days of competition.

The tournament’s double-elimination format gives each team an opportunity to continue competing after one loss, creating more chances to learn, advance, and succeed.

16 teams. 14 high schools. Three days of academic competition.

Join WCTE PBS November 5–7, 2026, as high school students from across Tennessee put their knowledge, teamwork, and quick thinking to the test at the annual High School Academic Bowl.

Watch Live

Catch all 31 tournament games on WCTE’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, with livestream coverage from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.

A Tradition of Educational Excellence

For nearly 40 years, the WCTE Academic Bowl has celebrated student achievement and encouraged a love of learning. The tournament reflects WCTE PBS’s commitment to promoting educational excellence throughout the Upper Cumberland and beyond.

Teams tackle challenging questions in mathematics, science, geography, literature, and more. Each match gives students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, think under pressure, and work together toward a shared goal.

Supporting Student Success

The 2026 WCTE High School Academic Bowl is made possible through support from the First Horizon Foundation, Tennessee Tech University, Twin Lakes, and the Pace Outreach Fund. Their support helps WCTE bring this educational tradition to students, families, and viewers across the region.

Thank you for supporting local students and academic excellence!

WCTE PBS was proud to present the third-annual Middle School Academic Bowl in May 2026, showcasing the brightest young minds from across the Upper Cumberland! 

Congratulations to our winner, Upperman Middle School! 

📍 Location: Tennessee Tech’s brand-new Ashraf Islam Engineering Building
🎥 Watch the Recording

Competing Schools:

Algood Middle School

Prescott South Middle School

F.C. Boyd Christian School

Upperman Middle School

White County

This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of Tennessee Tech University.