Small School

Some tournaments have a separate recognition for the top teams that have been predetermined as a small school. NAQT defines small school as a "public high school with an average daily membership of 500 or fewer students in grades 10–12 and a non-selective admission policy"

The small school designation in quizbowl mirrors the practice of organizing schools into classes and divisions based on enrollment in athletics. As such, several state based organization separate competition and championship distinction into different classes, although they may not be affiliated with a body that organizes sports.

Criticism

There is some criticism of NAQT's recognizing a small school champion. Creating a separate distinction for the best team among the small school in a tournament theoretically allows for less advantaged schools to be recognized for their achievements independently of the well-to-do quizbowl powerhouses. However, the logistical fallacy here is that schools with small enrollment are not necessarily less successful, academically or otherwise, than larger schools. Furthermore, many of the past small school champions at HSNCT have been situated in regions with higher standards of living (Beachwood) or university towns (Macomb).

While NAQT sets comprehensive admissions as a criterion for small school status, some small schools have rigorous academic curricula comparable to more selective collegiate preparatory schools. Additionally, private schools may not necessarily have greater resources than public schools, contrary to the implication in NAQT policy.

Notable events with top small school distinction

• National Academic Championship
• NAQT HSNCT (no longer recognizes small school champion)
• numerous tournaments and leagues