Arlington High School joins 15 of the top academic teams in eastern Massachusetts in a battle of intellect, instinct and poise on Saturday for WGBH’s High School Quiz Show. Now in its second season, the fast-paced academic game show tests students’ knowledge in core curriculum subjects and current events before a live audience at WBGH Studios in Brighton. 

The Spy Ponder team rose through the ranks at “Super Sunday” this past October, finishing in the top 16 out of more than 70 public schools in the qualifier to earn a spot in the televised tournament. After qualifying rounds and six playoff matches, the single-elimination tournament culminates with the eastern Massachusetts championship, which will air on WGBH in May. The winners from eastern and western Mass will face off in a statewide championship airing in June.

“With all the press and attention given to successful athletes, there are very few opportunities to showcase this kind of achievement,” said Executive Producer Hillary Wells. “What’s really special about this event is that it spotlights academic accomplishments.”

Ninety percent of the show's questions test students’ skills in math, science, literature, history and other core academic subjects. The remaining 10 percent challenge their knowledge about current events, sports and trivia.  All questions are subject to an extensive reviewing process and must be vetted by the Massachusetts Department of Secondary Education.

Each match consists of four rounds of competition. Teams warm up with a lightning round, comprised of short answer and multiple-choice questions from a random mix of topics. Next is the individual round, as members from each team go head-to-head on short answer questions. The popular category round follows, as teams choose from six themed categories, such as “Lost in Space” (astronomy) or “Chicken and Egg” (putting historical events in chronological order). The match wraps up with a final lightning round, in which teams must answer questions from all categories in rapid succession.

According to Wells, the challenge of the show lies in the format itself.

“We don’t reveal the categories beforehand so that teams are not able to prepare for them,” she explained. “They have to strategize and make decisions on the fly as a team.”

Academic teams have been preparing since September for the event, not only hitting the books hard, but honing their buzzer skills, playing Trivial Pursuit, hosting team Jeopardy nights and entering non-televised competitions.

“They have to develop the instinct to respond immediately,” Wells said. “They have to get past the jitters for the television experience.” 

Starting this weekend, WGBH will tape the show’s qualifying rounds at its studios in Brighton before a live audience of family, friends and supporters. Kiss 108 radio personality Billy Costa will host the event.

“The look and feel of the set and the energy of the live audience really add to the excitement of the event and entertainment value of the show,” said Wells.   

At last year’s event, Wells recalled audience members bringing posters and sporting team colors to show school pride. This year the station bent its rules to accommodate one special addition: cheerleaders. 

“Such a broad, diverse group of people come out to celebrate what the teams have accomplished. It really brings communities together,” Wells said. “And how often do you see an academic team cheered on by cheerleaders?”

Saturday’s results are confidential and will be embargoed until after broadcast. Arlington’s first round match against Dartmouth High School airs Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. on WGBH 2.

Major sponsorship for High School Quiz Show is provided by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. Additional funding is provided by Safety Insurance, Comcast and Massachusetts Teachers Association.