Gould’s Quiz Team Advances to Quarterfinals — Qualifies for Nationals

On a brisk October morning inside McLaughlin Science Center, the energy in the room felt electric as Gould’s WorldQuest Team, some seasoned veterans and others new to the thrill of competition, stood shoulder to shoulder as the first questions rang out. Gould Academy was hosting the Academic Quiz Tournament, bringing together twelve schools from across Maine and New Hampshire for a full day of fast-paced knowledge battles.

By day’s end, Gould had secured a 4th-place overall finish, 2nd among independent schools, and an invitation to the Small School National Championship Tournament in Chicago this April — where more than 55 schools from across the country will compete. And as if that weren’t enough, Gould’s team also ranked first in Maine in the qualifying rounds for PBS’s High School Quiz Show: Maine, moving on to the quarterfinals to be taped November 5. The televised competition will air statewide this spring.

Behind the success is Gould’s Chair of the World Languages Department & Director of Civic Engagement, Adam Leff, who has guided the team since its founding in 2015. Over the last decade, he’s built more than a competitive program — he’s built a community.

“The team is important for a lot of different reasons,” Leff says. “It makes academic success visible. It sends a message that intellectual growth matters — that effort, preparation, and curiosity all pay off. And just as importantly, the kids have a lot of fun. They build friendships across grades and interests. It’s so much more than answering questions.”

A Community of Learners

Every Sunday evening, the team gathers to practice — not just to memorize facts, but to grow together as learners. Questions cover everything from literature and science to pop culture, art, and sports history. Each match lasts about thirty minutes, and every session brings its own mix of laughter, competition, and learning.

“We study differently,” Leff explains. “We’re not cramming with flashcards. We’re reading, talking, exploring topics deeply, and connecting what we know. In order to do really well, you want a team of specialists, but you also need generalists. It’s about collaboration and trust.”

The team’s practices often begin with quick “head-to-head” rounds, where players “buzz” in as fast as possible. The challenge isn’t just knowing the answer, it’s timing it right. Buzz too early, and you’ll face a one-second penalty; wait too long, and the other team might beat you to it. Leff compares it to sports.

“It’s sort of like golf,” he says with a smile. “You’re not going to get every question right. You have to learn how to move on, how to stay composed. That’s what I love most — it teaches students resilience. They become more confident speaking up, performing under pressure, and supporting each other.”

That confidence has been key to Gould’s growth. The program welcomes students from across the community:  artists, athletes, mathematicians, poets, pop-culture enthusiasts, and budding scientists — all finding common ground in curiosity.

“Sometimes you don’t know how you measure up until you put yourself out there,” Leff says. “The Quiz Team gives students that chance. It’s an encouraging, ambitious, and supportive space. Everyone belongs, and everyone learns from each other.”

On the Road to Chicago

Gould’s recent success didn’t happen overnight. Two years ago, the team faced the fifth-ranked school in the nation and held a fifteen-point lead until the final round — a narrow loss that became a defining moment.

“That match was a turning point,” Leff recalls. “It was a moral victory. The students realized they could compete with the best. It set a new standard for what was possible.”

Since then, Gould has continued to build momentum, finishing just shy of the top three in the most recent tournament, punching their ticket to the National Competition.  This spring, they’ll join dozens of other small schools from around the country in Chicago for a weekend of intense head-to-head action and excitement.

Each event — whether at Gould, on PBS, or on the national stage — follows a familiar format: twenty rapid-fire questions, covering everything from ancient civilizations to modern cinema. Matches are equal parts strategy, speed, and teamwork.

“It’s really a balance,” Leff says. “You want your specialists — someone who loves literature, someone who knows science, someone who tracks current events — but you also need people who can think broadly, who can connect dots under pressure. That’s what makes a great team.”

A Team That Reflects Gould’s Values

For Leff, the value of the WorldQuest Team goes far beyond scores or standings.

“What makes this program special is what it says about Gould,” he reflects. “Our students are taking on new challenges, excelling through teamwork, perseverance, and curiosity. They’re learning that there’s not just one path to success. For some, this team becomes the place where they find their voice.”

He describes the program as “validation in motion,” a space where intellectual effort is celebrated with the same enthusiasm as athletic performance.

“It shows that hard work, preparation, and courage matter — whether you’re on the soccer field, in the science lab, or on the quiz stage. For me, seeing students from all backgrounds come together around something so positive… that’s the real victory.”

The program’s inclusive nature ensures everyone has a role.  Rotations are designed so each student can contribute in an area they love, and every match is a learning opportunity.

More Than a Game

While the thrill of competition is undeniable, Leff emphasizes the broader impact: 

“These students are learning how to speak up, how to lift each other up, and how to keep going even when they miss one,” he says. “It’s about supporting one another, finding joy in learning, and having the courage to put yourself out there.”

And that, perhaps, is what defines Gould’s WorldQuest Team most — a shared belief that curiosity is contagious, that learning is an adventure, and that success is sweeter when it’s earned together.

When asked what winning a state championship would mean for the school, Leff doesn’t hesitate.

“If we win, we’ll receive a prize donation to a charity of our choice,” he says. “That’s fitting, because this has never been about individual glory. It’s about giving back — to the community, to each other, and to the idea that knowledge should make the world a better place.”

As the team prepares for its quarterfinal matchup on November 5, in pursuit of a Maine State Championship, and looks ahead to Nationals this spring, one thing is certain: Gould has already achieved something remarkable. They’ve made learning visible, made passion tangible, and reminded us all that knowledge, when shared, is the greatest victory of all.